Quick viewing(Text Mode)

Nobles & Nobility

Nobles & Nobility

Nobles &

A guide to introducing nobility and noble to your campaign!

by @artofkarthik

Sample file Nobles & Nobility

“Tell me the prophecy again,” said Dagult Neverember, Open “The former of Neverwinter did wear a ,” said of the Alliance of Nobles, pacing around the Dagult Neverember with a frown. “But as far as I’m aware it carpeted chamber maniacally. "And go line by line." was just an ordinary jewel-encrusted gold crown.” Appleby, his minister of administrative affairs, sighed and “Right Open Lord, very ordinary,” Sir Appleby agreed. “Then unfurled a parchment, “Very well Open Lord. ‘The prophecy of it reads, 'Bearing no but the curse of flesh. Madness the Lost Crown of Neverwinter.’ It begins thusly, ’Four terrible descends, a new king ascends.'” enemies they shall conquer.’” Dagult Neverember creased his forehead. “Does it refer to Dagult Neverember stroked his beard, “Why four old age? Can only a senile old king rule the city?” specifically? What does it mean?” "What is your interest in this prophecy, Open Lord?" asked “Well, a Kingdom is usually held together by four Sir Appleby. individuals: a General, an Archbishop, a Vizier, and lastly the "Hmm? What do you mean?" King.” "I thought the Lords Alliance stood for the abolishing of Dagult Neverember glared at him, “These are not enemies by supporting the rise of the new merchant class. of a Kingdom, Sir Appleby.” Giving free folk the chance to dream and work towards their “Well, they are to good governance," said Sir Appleby with a own success." shrug. "The Lords Alliance is about seizing opportunities. And I'm "Oh? Then who is supposed to govern?" asked Dagult not going to let some young upstart take this opportunity Neverember with a frown. from me. If anyone's going to collect a King's , it's going to "Why, ministers like me of course!" said Sir Appleby be me." confidently. "It is WE who carry out the administration of your "Yes Open Lord," said Sir Appleby, with a shake of his head. policies, so that you can paint the broad strokes while we fill in the remaining details." Dagult Neverember narrowed his eyes, "Yes, well, do continue then." "Certainly, ‘Three motes they shall control.’ This I presume refers to the three floating pieces of rock above the city?” “I want a group of Griffon-riders to investigate those locations at once.” “Yes Open Lord, it shall be done in due course of time,” said Sir Appleby. "Not in due course of time, I want it investigated now!" thundered Dagult Neverember. "Well unfortunately, the Griffon-riders are on strike at the moment. They are demanding an additional hazard pay, since they also have to deal with the danger of falling out of the sky, as well as the volatile moods of their own mounts." Dagult Neverember sighed and held his cheek, "Right, in due course of time then." “The next line reads, ’Two families they shall unite.' It could refer to the ending of a fued. Do you have any open fueds Open Lord?” "Only with every noble in the Lords Alliance," grunted Dagult Neverember. "They're all after my wealth." "Would the Open Lord be referring to the funds that you embezzled during your time in Waterdeep?" asked Sir Appleby innocently. "I thought those funds were very secure in an underground vault guarded by dragons or beholders or something?" "YeSamples, a little too secure. I have lost contact with the vault's file caretaker. As a result, I have lost access to the vault." Sir Appleby rolled his eyes, “And that's why you fled...I mean, relocated to Neverwinter, Open Lord. Then it reads, ‘One lost crown they shall wear.’” NOBLES & NOBILITY 2 Introduction hat a privilege to be born into a position of privilege! To hold the of and Who can become Nobles? Baronesses, and Countesses, If an individual acquired the position of a noble, they could and Duchesses, and Queens, have fulfilled any of the following roles before rising to and Empresses! prominance:

d8 Profession WWe see outward show of , opulence, , wars, scheming and politics. Little boys want to grow up and 1 Professional , military officers or war leaders become and little girls see themselves as . 2 Law enforcers or peacekeepers Nobility formed the fundamental basis of governance and established a hierarchy of power. 3 Law makers, administrators or This is a guide for D&D Dungeon Masters to populate their 4 Emissaries, envoys, diplomats or ambassadors world with an interconnected network of noble houses, and 5 Tax collectors to offer their players a chance to take up pivotal positions within this structure of nobility! 6 Financial advisors 7 Patrons of art, craft or research 8 Scholars, inventors or tinkerers How do Nobles get money? Nobles are legally permitted to earn an income through one or more of the following sources:

d20 Income Source 1 Ancestral land from which the holder collects rent/ 2 Land granted by () from which the holder collects rent/taxes 3 Mills for grinding grain into flour 4 Taxes on market stalls within their domain 5 Marriage into wealthy families 6 Taxes levied on specific businesses, such as wine presses, sugar refineries or bath houses 7 Rents for storefront properties in towns that were not owned by the storekeeper 8 Judicial court fees collected from people found guilty of crimes and misdemeanors Who are born Nobles? 9 Herds of lifestock such as cows, sheep, goats etc. If an individual is born into the position of a noble, they would 10 Fleet of ships used for trade, transport or battle usually be from one of the following backgrounds: 11 Mines for precious metals and gems d8 Position 12 Orchards and plantations 1 Relatives of Kings/Queens 13 Fields growing crops 2 Descendants of former Kings/Queens 14 Pastures for grazing lifestock 3 The specialised members of a class 15 Timberland for lumber 4 Members of a group ruling over a conquered people 16 grounds for meat and furs 5 Individuals who have received grants or titles from a 17 Ponds, lakes and streams for fishing King/Queen in return for loyalty and service 18 Holding the right to tax trade, right to trade, 6 Those who have rendered extraordinary services to monopoly over a resource, rights of salvage, etc. royalty and are granted titles of nobility as a reward Sample19 Stipend paid by the ofiler ruling lord 7 Landowners 20 Pay or pension from military service rendered 8 Officials who take up political, administrative or military powers in service of their community

PART 1 | INTRODUCTION 3 Special Rights of Nobles Being a part of nobility usually brings with it a variety of special and somewhat unusual privileges. Nobles may possess or have acquired one or more of the following rights:

d20 Special Right 1 Right to carry certain kinds of weapons or armor that regular citizens are forbidden to hold 2 Right to hunt certain types of exclusive prey in protected areas 3 Right to membership in a royal council 4 Right to challenge someone to an honorable and fight them to the death 5 Right to avail of special services reserved exclusively for nobility 6 Right to own land or other property 7 Right of way when using the streets, and the right of free travel 8 Right of first purchase of a product or service, with only getting whatever is left over 9 Right to be judged only by their peers of other nobles in a court of law 10 Right to pass judgement on commoners and impose fines 11 Right to possess bonded laborers 12 Right to openly use magic or special powers 13 Right to education at exclusive institutes and be literate 14 Right to openly question someone and demand answers Nobility Structure 15 Right to lie to or withold the truth to someone below For the efficient functioning of society, it is vital that positions their station of power in all spheres of influence are filled with aptly 16 Right to look upon a superior noble or lord without qualified individuals. The number of individuals in each tier having to avert their eyes would vary based on the size of the domain, the number of resources available, and the nature of problems generally 17 Right to demand shelter in any faced within that domain. 18 Right to collect tax within their jurisdiction of the realm Tier Title Domain 19 Right to raise, train and maintain a military force I /Baroness Barony 20 Right to demand someone's hand in marriage I Mayor Village/Town/City II /Warden/Sheriff County II /Countess County Did you know? III Marquis/Marshall/ Duchy's Borders The term noble is derived from 'nobilis', which means "well-known, famous or notable". In III Minister Duchy ancient Roman society, '' was a designation III Bishop Duchy for the political governing class. Only nobility were permitted to own property. III /Duchess Duchy These were usually granted by a monarch in IV General Kingdom exchange for economic or military services. The nobility got their wealth from these estates, IV Archbishop Kingdom known as fiefs, which could include fields, IV Vizier Kingdom paSamplestures, orchards, timberland, hunting grounds, or file streams. It could also include structures such as a IV King/Queen Kingdom , a well or a mill. V /Empress Empire

PART 2 | RIGHTS 4 Tier 1 Alternatively, an existing business holder (who also owns 1.1 Baron/Baroness the land they run their business on) could apply for the title if they meet all the requirements.

Requirements Reserve of 25,000gp Ownership of a piece of land An active estate/business that generates at least 1,000gp/year revenue Successful background check on the source of income Vote of confidence from at least one other Noble A unique heraldic sigil Hands caked in chunks of mud, Ziang Li held up a clump of Barony Primary Industry potatoes, “See, you have to hold them at the base of the stalk A village typically grows and evolves around a primary and yank them out so they stay together.” industry that is owned/operated by a Barony. You can use the To her left, Diva Truestrike, a tall woman with bare muscular following table to randomly determine what sort of business arms stared at her curiously, “So you’re telling me you left a a Barony runs or could run. life of luxury at your father’s estate in Waterdeep to do this?” d10 Industry Ziang Li brushed her muddy hands off on her monk’s robes, “Working with your hands, seeing things grow, being close to 1 Fishing nature, you all of that when you’re just sitting on top 2 Mining/Refining Ore overseeing things." 3 Farming/Animal Rearing "Hang on, the Goldenfields are the largest collection of 4 Craftwork protected farmlands in the Dessarin Valley," said Diva Truestrike, shaking her head in disbelief. "Are you saying you 5 Lumber/Woodwork own all of it?" 6 Port/Water Transport Hub Ziang Li shrugged non-chalantly, "Well of course not, iIt's a 7 Road Transport Hub cooperative. My father's Barony owns only about a quarter of 8 Construction it. And what about you? Your mother is the Marquis of Silvery 9 Food Processing (Brewing, Milling, Cooking) Moon. Why are you here?” Diva tossed a cluster of potatoes into her sack and sighed, 10 Market/Trade Outpost “Part of me wants to follow my mother’s path and fight for justice. But the rest of me wants to find my own path.” Barony Secondary Industries A Barony often has secondary industries that pop up around “And you think you’ll find your own path here at the Temple a central industry, supporting it and offering other essential of Chauntea in the Goldenfields?” asked Ziang Li, hoisting a services. huge sack of potatoes over her shoulder like it weighed nothing. d10 Service “I’m not sure, but I guess it helps to start from the ground 1 Security & Mercenary Work up,” said Diva Truestrike, hoisting up her own massive sack 2 Food & Drink (Taverns) over her shoulder. “My sack’s got more potatoes by the way.” 3 Lodging (Inns) “As if,” Ziang Li retorted. “I counted at least twenty more in mine.” 4 Entertainment (Music, Dance, Gambling) “Only because you took all the tiny ones,” laughed Diva. 5 Transport 6 Repair & Maintenance Who is a Baron? 7 Information & Brokerage Barons oversee a Barony, which is usually a medium/large estate on a piece of land which manages a business holding 8 Administration and has some employees. 9 Tools & Supplies For example, this could be a farm, a mill, a trading outpost, a market, a shop, a brewery, a vinyard, or even a bank. 10 Banking/Lending The title of Baron/Baroness can be granted by a CountSample/Duke/King, since it accompanies the gift of a piece of file The symbol of a Beaver represents enterprise, industriousness land which either has a business or could have a business and a hard-working nature, typical of most new Baronies. upon it.

PART 3 | TIER 1 HIERARCHY 5 Who is a Mayor? 1.2. Mayor/Bürgermeister Mayors oversee the various civic, developmental and bureaucratic duties of a borough, which could be a village, town, part of a city, or a whole city within a County. They are also responsible for collection of taxes within their area, in service of the Count. In some instances, they were also responsible for maintaining law and , passing judgements, overseeing a free market, keeping records, maintaining a jail, and representing the interests of the people within their area to the Count. A Count/Duke/King could appoint a Mayor, but usually they The aged Sildar Halwinter adjusted his chainmail tunic are elected into office by the citizens of the said and addressed the gathered heroes, “The Lords Alliance thanks city/town/village via popular vote as their representative. A townhall and a portion of local taxes collected are usually you all for your services to Phandalin. You have rid us of the made available for the Mayor's use. foul Redbrand Brigade, defeated their - the Black A Mayor is not a noble, but becoming a Mayor is definitely Spider, and secured the Lost Mine of Phandelver.” a stepping stone to acquiring a noble title, since it allows “By Pelor’s , it was all neatly wrapped up,” commented them to rub shoulders with the rich and powerful. Alternately, the dwarf Travok, tugging his long braided moustache with Barons could campaign to become Mayors in order to expand one hand and leaning on his massive warhammer with the their political connections. other. “There is one last task I wish to place before you,” sighed Revenue The Mayors receive 2% of all tax collected in their domain for Sildar. “After the reveal of his connections with the Redbrands, the purpose of ongoing maintenance/development work. the former mayor of Phandalin has fled, taking with him all his illicit earnings.” Election Rules “And you want us to find him and bring him back to https://www.dmsguild.com/product/243322/Elections-in- justice?” Asked the young knight Gediminas. Phandalin “In good time,” said Sildar. “But first we need to reestablish Typical Borough Expenses justice here. We need to elect a new mayor and I would like The citizens of a Borough usually come to the Mayor with a you all to ensure that the electoral process goes smoothly.” variety of complaints or requests for improvement, and it is “I beg your pardon Sir Halwinter,” said the young knight upto the Mayor to decide how best to address these using the Gediminas. “As a knight of Neverwinter, I have sworn an oath tax collected. to protect the people. I’ve come to care for the people of this Task Cost town during my time here. Is it possible for me to run for mayor?” Install a Street Lamp 1gp “Oh! Being a mayor is very different from adventuring,” said Install a Fence 2gp Sildar, a bit taken aback by this new development. “Are you Install an Outhouse 3gp sure you're ready for this sort of commitment?” Repair a Road 5gp “The lad’s descended from Neverwinter Nobility,” commented Travok. “I think he’s got the right attitude for it. If Build a Trestle Lookout Tower 6 gp he’ll stand for mayor, then he’s got my support!” Build a Wall 10gp Sildar Halwinter’s silver whiskers spread into a warm smile, Hire a Maintenance Worker 20gp/month “Very well then. I gladly accept your candidature. Good luck Hire a Clerk 40gp/month young knight!” Construct a Market 50gp Conduct a Carnival 150gp Construct a Town Hall 250gp Did you know? Construct a Sewage System 300gp The word 'Mayor' comes from Old French word 'Maire', which in turn is derived from the Latin word 'Maior', meaning "greater" (also related to Badgers are digging animals, strongly connected with the Major). earth, and are associated with the symbolism of patiance, resourcefulness, self-reliance and stability, all of which are Samplegood traits for a Mayor. file

PART 3 | TIER 1 HIERARCHY 6

Top View