Noble, 2nd Variant (5e Background)

Noble (Variant)

Perhaps you married into a family of position, or perhaps you were one of the lucky few that were born into prestige and wealth. Regardless of how you ended up here, you are a part of the upper class of most traditional societies. Nobles are as varied as any other type of individual - some look down upon those with lesser birth or material possessions, viewing them as inferior; while others strive to provide a source of hope for such people and a figure they can turn to when they feel their plight is too insignificant to be brought to the attention of the greater lords and ladies of their lands. For the former, they may believe their position and wealth gives them a natural right to assert their will upon others as they see fit. For the latter, they believe in the concept of noblisse olige - the inferred responsibility of privileged people to act with generosity and nobility toward those less privileged. Adventurers choosing this background for their characters can expect to find the aid of lesser individuals through to use of a retainer or a squire, if their experiences lend towards a more knightly structure. Ultimately, nobles are usually bound to the greater lords and ladies that preside above their specific rank, so to speak, and for those born into such families, the concept of succession and inheritance are commonplace.

Skill Proficiencies: You may choose any two from the following: Athletics, History, Persuasion, or Religion. These skills represent the varied types of upbringings of noble families.

Tool Proficiencies: One gaming set of your choice

Languages: Any two non-exotic languages of your choice OR one exotic language of your choice. These languages are a credit to the higher education your status provided you.

Equipment: a crest denoting your noble family (a ring, amulet, or sigil branded upon your armor/shield), a scroll documenting your pedigree, a set of fine clothes, one gaming set of your choice, and a pouch with 25gp.

Rank of Nobility

Nobles are classified into various ranks that determine the pecking order between one another. While it is clear the difference between the commoners and the nobles, these ranks are designed to clear the blurred lines between noble families. Below is a table of the most common noble titles which serve as an indication of rank among the nobility circles. Select or roll a d6 to determine what rank your character may possess within their family and society. If you character is in line for succession, this title is held by the sovereign of your family's estate until you ascend into the position. These ranks are listed in order of highest recognition to the lowest. A Lesser Noble might include someone who is ineligible for a title due to marrying into nobility rather than being born, or being the child of a noble family with an extensive list of successors in line before them.

It is important to note that while your title may be impressive, outside of the circles of nobility most commoners view and treat all nobility as being of one general class. It is primarily other nobles or knowledgeable individuals that make the distinction of rank.

d6	Nobility Rank
1	Duke
2	Marquess
3	Earl/Count
4	Viscount
5	Baron
6	Lesser Noble

Feature: Hearth and Hire

As a member of nobility, you either possess or are in line for succession of ownership over a keep, fortress, or sizable manor of prestige. You can work with your DM where this plot of land may reside, but in most cases this plot of land is the family castle of your predecessor (for born nobility) or your spouse's predecessor (for those who married into nobility). You are afforded a position of prestige in your homelands and can acquire services for you and your companions at little or no charge due to your position. Additionally, you may call upon the services of a retainer when you are within a friendly territory that recognizes your family's influence. This retainer can assist you in buying/selling of goods, locating lodging and services for you and your companions, or tending to any personal tasks you might require them for. They are loyal to you and will obey you commands so long as they do not endanger their lives.

Optionally, if your idea of noble lineage involves a more martial or knightly sort of structure, you may have the assistance of a personal squire instead of a hired retainer. This squire can travel with you from city to city (either with your party or separately through arranged travel) and assists you in tasks in exchange for learning under your tutelage as they prepare for their own knighthood. Your squire does not follow you into dangerous situations (such as combat or crawling through a dungeon), but is otherwise fiercely loyal to you.

Suggested Characteristics

Nobles are born and raised to a very different lifestyle than most people ever experience, and their personalities reflect that upbringing. A noble title comes with a plethora of bonds –responsibilities to family, to other nobles (including the sovereign), to the people entrusted to the family's care, or even to the title itself. But this responsibility is often a good way to undermine a noble.

d8	Personality Trait
1	My eloquent flattery makes everyone I talk to feel like the most wonderful and important person in the world.
2	The common folk love me for my kindness and generosity.
3	No one could doubt by looking at my regal bearing that I am a cut above the unwashed masses.
4	I take great pains to always look my best and follow the latest fashions.
5	I don't like to get my hands dirty, and I won't be caught dead in unsuitable accommodations.
6	Despite my noble birth, I do not place myself above other folk. We all have the same blood.
7	My favor, once lost, is lost forever.
8	If you do me an injury, I will crush you, ruin your name, and salt your fields.

d6	Ideal
1	Respect. Respect is due to me because of my position, but all people regardless of station deserve to be treated with dignity. (Good)
2	Responsibility. It is my duty to respect the authority of those above me, just as those below me must respect mine. (Lawful)
3	Independence. I must prove that I can handle myself without the coddling of my family. (Chaotic)
4	Power. If I can attain more power, no one will tell me what to do. (Evil)
5	Family. Blood runs thicker than water. (Any)
6	Noble Obligation. It is my duty to protect and care for the people beneath me. (Good) or Aiding the people beneath me secures their faith and loyalty, which only adds to my prestige. (Evil)

d6	Bond
1	I will face any challenge to win the approval of my family.
2	My house's alliance with another noble family must be sustained at all costs.
3	Nothing is more important than the other members of my family.
4	I am in love with the heir of a family that my family despises.
5	My loyalty to my sovereign is unwavering.
6	The common folk must see me as a hero of the people.

d6	Flaw
1	I secretly believe that everyone is beneath me.
2	I hide a truly scandalous secret that could ruin my family forever
3	I too often hear veiled insults and threats in every word addressed to me, and I'm quick to anger.
4	I have an insatiable desire for carnal pleasures.
5	In fact, the world does revolve around me.
6	By my words and actions, I often bring shame to my family.

0.00

(0 votes)

---

Back to Main Page → 5e Homebrew → Backgrounds