I’m pleased to share a complete suite of twelve homebrew backgrounds designed to fit seamlessly into the 2024 edition of Dungeons & Dragons. Each background follows the official PHB format and is ready to add to your Homebrew collection on DnDBeyond.
These backgrounds expand the traditional Noble archetype into distinct “houses”, each with its own thematic focus—politics, warfare, logistics, subterfuge, and knowledge. The concept draws inspiration from the richly detailed noble families of George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire and the Cormyrean Houses in the Forgotten Realms, translating their narrative depth into mechanically balanced options for any campaign.
The 12 Houses (with links)
House of Arcana: A lineage of arcane scholars who preserve magical lore and wield limited spellcraft as a family trait.
House of Craftsmanship: Guild‑master families renowned for masterful craftsmanship, trade guild leadership, and prized creations.
House of Healing: Renowned physicians and herbalists who provide medical aid on and off the battlefield.
House of Lands: Vast landed gentry who manage farms, estates, and resource production, ensuring the realm’s sustenance.
House of Riders: Elite mounted warriors skilled in cavalry tactics, rapid response, and battlefield leadership.
House of Sanctum: Clerical dynasty that wields religious authority to shape politics and guide the kingdom’s spiritual direction.
House of Shadows: Operatives of darkness who conduct assassinations, theft, and espionage to protect the house’s secret interests.
House of the Crown: Royal house whose members hold the throne, govern the realm, and oversee high‑court affairs.
House of the Navy: Naval aristocracy that commands fleets, secures maritime trade routes, and dominates sea‑borne warfare.
House of Wardens: Forest guardians who patrol borders, protect rural roads, and safeguard settlements from wild threats.
House of Warfare: Masters of infantry combat and strategy, training soldiers and directing large‑scale engagements.
House of Whispers: Specialists in rumor‑mongering, covert influence, and manipulating information behind the scenes.
I welcome any feedback on balance, flavor, or additional backgrounds concepts you’d like to see in future releases. Feel free to comment below. If you encounter any issues importing the backgrounds, let me know and I’ll provide a quick fix.
Happy adventuring!
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I’m pleased to share a complete suite of twelve homebrew backgrounds designed to fit seamlessly into the 2024 edition of Dungeons & Dragons. Each background follows the official PHB format and is ready to add to your Homebrew collection on DnDBeyond.
These backgrounds expand the traditional Noble archetype into distinct “houses”, each with its own thematic focus—politics, warfare, logistics, subterfuge, and knowledge. The concept draws inspiration from the richly detailed noble families of George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire and the Cormyrean Houses in the Forgotten Realms, translating their narrative depth into mechanically balanced options for any campaign.
The 12 Houses (with links)
I welcome any feedback on balance, flavor, or additional backgrounds concepts you’d like to see in future releases. Feel free to comment below. If you encounter any issues importing the backgrounds, let me know and I’ll provide a quick fix.
Happy adventuring!