Noble
- Size: Medium or Small
- Type: Humanoid
- Alignment: Neutral
- AC: 15
- Initiative: +1 (11)
- HP: 9 (2d8)
- Speed: 30 ft.
| ATTR | VAL | MOD | SAVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 11 | +0 | +0 |
| DEX | 12 | +1 | +1 |
| CON | 11 | +0 | +0 |
| INT | 12 | +1 | +1 |
| WIS | 14 | +2 | +2 |
| CHA | 16 | +3 | +3 |
- Skills: Deception +5, Insight +4, Persuasion +5
- Gear: Breastplate, Rapier
- Senses: Passive Perception 12
- Languages: Common plus two other languages
- CR: 1/8 (XP 25; PB +2)
Actions
Rapier. Melee Attack Roll: +3, reach 5 ft. Hit: 5 (1d8+1) Piercing damage.
Reactions
Parry. Trigger: The noble is hit by a melee attack roll while holding a weapon. Response: The noble adds 2 to its AC against that attack, possibly causing it to miss.
Lore & Background
Nobles are members of the aristocratic class who wield political power and social influence. These individuals come from wealthy families with hereditary titles, land holdings, and connections to seats of power. Nobles may be benevolent rulers, corrupt tyrants, or anything in between, depending on their personality and circumstances.
Combat Tactics
Nobles rely on bodyguards and retainers for protection rather than personal combat skills. When forced to fight, they use their Rapier and may attempt to intimidate or bribe their way out of trouble. They prefer negotiation to violence.
Encounter Ideas
Court Intrigue: Nobles engage in political schemes and power struggles that affect the party. The Generous Patron: A noble sponsors the party's adventures in exchange for services. Corrupt Authority: A noble abuses their power and must be brought to justice. Social Climber: A noble seeks to increase their status through association with famous adventurers.
Environmental Effects
Noble presence brings luxury and refinement to an area. Their estates are well-maintained, and local services are typically of high quality.
Treasure
Nobles possess fine jewelry, expensive clothing, art objects, and deeds to valuable properties. They may have family heirlooms and political documents of significance.
Plot Hooks
Inheritance Dispute: A noble's death triggers a succession crisis that threatens regional stability. The Noble's Secret: A noble hides a dark secret that could destroy their reputation. Political Marriage: A noble's wedding has political implications that affect multiple factions. Revolutionary: A noble sympathizes with common folk and works against their own class interests.
Lore & Background
Nobles are members of the upper classes who wield political power, social influence, and economic resources within civilized society. These individuals come from aristocratic families, have earned titles through service, or have accumulated wealth and status through various means. Nobles often serve as patrons, quest-givers, or antagonists in adventures, representing the complex web of politics and power that exists in most fantasy settings.
While some nobles are benevolent leaders who genuinely care for their subjects, others are corrupt, selfish, or actively malevolent. Their motivations range from maintaining their family's honor to expanding their influence, from protecting their lands to pursuing personal vendettas.
Combat Tactics
Nobles rarely engage in direct combat themselves, preferring to rely on bodyguards, hired mercenaries, or loyal retainers. When forced to fight, they use their superior equipment and training to maintain distance while coordinating their allies.
Encounter Ideas
Political Intrigue: A noble involves heroes in a complex scheme involving rival houses. Corrupt Official: A noble abuses their power and must be exposed or stopped. Noble Patron: A noble hires heroes for a quest that serves their political interests. Court Scandal: Heroes must navigate noble society to uncover or prevent a conspiracy.
Environmental Effects
Noble presence brings order, luxury, and political complexity to an area. Their courts become centers of intrigue, while their territories reflect their leadership style and resources.
Treasure
Nobles possess fine clothing, jewelry, art objects, and symbols of their status. They have access to quality weapons and armor, as well as documents that could be valuable for political purposes.
Plot Hooks
The Succession Crisis: A noble's death creates a power vacuum that threatens regional stability. Noble's Secret: A noble harbors a dark secret that could destroy their family's reputation. The People's Champion: Heroes must decide whether to support a noble against popular uprising. Diplomatic Mission: A noble sends heroes as unofficial ambassadors to a rival power.