From your hilltop home, you have looked down (literally and perhaps figuratively) on the unwashed masses of Maldando for your entire life. Your fur-trimmed robes and training in the visual and performing arts mark you as wealthy and perhaps well-born; you are a member of the aristocracy. None of your immediate family members sits on the Great Council or is even a Lord or Lady…yet. Nevertheless, you are one of Maldando's elite, and whether you personally covet a higher standing or not, you are at home in the dance halls where the aristocracy gathers to plot, to scheme, to do business, to discuss the arts, and, above all, to see, and to be seen.
Skill Proficiencies: Deception, Performance
Tool Proficiencies: One type of artistic artisan's tools and one musical instrument
Equipment: One set of artisan's tools or musical instrument, a set of fine clothes, and a purse containing 10 gp.
Maldando is run by and for its aristocracy. Every other class of citizen in the city defers to you, and even the priesthood, Soldiery, Watchers, and Cloaks treat you with deference. Other aristocrats and nobles accept you in their circles and likely know you or of you. Your connections can get you the ear of a Lord or Lady under the right circumstances.
Note: This feature is a variant of the Noble feature.
My ambitions are boundless. I will be a Lord or Lady one day!
I must always look my best.
Beauty is everywhere. I can find it in even the homeliest person and the most horrible tragedy.
Décorum must be preserved at all costs.
I will not admit I am wrong if I can avoid it.
I am extremely well-educated and frequently remind others of that fact.
I take what I can today, because I do not know what tomorrow holds.
My life is full of dance, song, drink, and love.
Generous: I have a responsibility to help and protect the less fortunate. (Good)
Loyal: My word, once given, is my bond. (Lawful)
Callous: I am unconcerned with any negative effects my actions may have on the lives and fortunes of others. (Evil)
Impulsive: I follow my heart. (Chaotic)
Ignorant: Explanations bore me. (Neutral)
Isolationist: I am concerned with the fortunes of my friends and family. Others must see to themselves. (Any)
I have dedicated my wealth and my talents to the service of one of the city's many temples.
My family and I are loyal supporters of the High Blade. Our fortunes are inexorably tied to hers. I would do anything to support her.
Like many families who were close to the previous High Blade, mine has suffered greatly since his fall. We honor his memory in secret.
My family plotted until brother usurped brother as High Blade. Betrayal is the quickest route to power.
Wealth and power are nothing. Fulfillment can only be found in artistic expression.
It's not how you feel, who you know, or what you can do - it's how you look, and I look fabulous.
I have difficulty caring about anyone or anything other than myself.
Having grown up with wealth, I am careless with my finances. I overspend and am overly generous.
The ends (my advancement) justify any means.
I must have what I want and will brook no delay.
My family has lost everything. I must keep up appearances, lest we become a laughingstock.
I have no artistic sense. I hide that fact behind extreme opinons and have become a trendsetter.