Waterdhavian Noble

Source: Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide (SCAR Version)

You are a scion of one of the great noble families of Waterdeep. Human families who jealously guard their privilege and place in the City of Splendors, Waterdhavian nobles have a reputation across Faerûn for being eccentric, spoiled, venal, and, above all else, rich.


Whether you are a shining example of the reason for this reputation or one who proves the rule by being an exception, people expect things of you when they know your surname and what it means. Your reasons for taking up adventuring likely involve your family in some way: Are you the family rebel, who prefers delving in filthy dungeons to sipping zzar at a ball? Or have you taken up sword or spell on your family's behalf, ensuring that they have someone of renown to see to their legacy?


Work with your DM to come up with the family you are part of – there are around seventy-five lineages in Waterdeep, each with its own financial interests, specialties, and schemes. You might be part of the main line of your family, possibly in line to become its leader one day. Or you might be one of any number of cousins, with less prestige but also less responsibility.


NOTE: Some backgrounds have options to choose from. Please read carefully. You may not get every proficiency listed below, as some may be a choice between one or the other.

  • Stat Options (choose either +2 in one stat and +1 in another, OR +1 in all three): Charisma, Dexterity, Intelligence
  • Skill Proficiencies (your choice of TWO): Acrobatics, History, or Persuasion
  • Tool Proficiencies: One Gaming Set and Musical Instrument of choice.
  • Languages: Two Standard and one Exotic language of choice.

  • Background Keepsake: A signet ring and scroll of pedigree
  • Background Gold: 20gp.

Origin Feat

Origin Leader

You can spend an action inspiring your allies to grant a renown dice to an ally who has used theirs during that adventure. This can be done a number of times per quest equal to half your Proficiency Bonus.


Suggested Characteristics

Like other nobles, you were born and raised in a different world from the one that most folk know – one that grants you privilege but also calls you to fulfill a duty befitting your station. Your bond might be associated with your family a lone, or it could be concerned with another noble house that sides with or opposes your own. Your ideal depends to some extent on how you view your role in the family, and how you intend to conduct yourself in the world at large as a representative of your house.


Personality

Please select TWO from the list below.

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.

Ideal

Please select one from the list below.

d6 Ideal Trait
1 Respect. Respect is due to me because of my position- but all people regardless of station deserve to be treated with dignity.
2 Responsibility. It is my duty to respect the authority of those above me- just as those below me must respect mine.
3 Independence. I must prove that I can handle myself without the coddling of my family.
4 Power. If I can attain more power- no one will tell me what to do.
5 Family. Blood runs thicker than water.
6 Noble Obligation. It is my duty to protect and care for the people beneath me.

Bond

Please select one from the list below.

d6 Bond Trait
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.

Flaw

Please select one from the list below.

d6 Flaw Trait
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.