Courtier

From notable socialites to distant noble family members and trusted servants, Courtiers represent the members of the aristocracy who are employed or invited by a ruler to make up their court. They are members of the Aristocrats Advanced Background. Courtiers live in close proximity to the ruling class to assist them and be part of their world. However, Courtiers are more often seen as schemers and manipulators than helpful assistants. The life of a Courtier is one of dangerous plots, uneasy political alliances, and the occasional act of betrayal - when it benefits them.

**Skill Proficiency:** Deception.

**Additional Equipment:** A medallion or pin displaying the house of your patron, court clothing.

**Political Maneuvering**
Upon spending an hour speaking to various people at court, and succeeding on a medium-DC Charisma (Deception) check, you can conjure and spread a rumour or piece of gossip within a court or political structure. A subject of your choice, whether it be true or false, becomes a topic of hot conversation within the court or political structure where you planted the rumour.

## Rank 1 - Chamber Keeper

You have secured a title as a minor Courtier attending to the needs of the court through menial duties such as fetching wine, or more demanding tasks such as hosting foreign visitors of lesser influence. As a Chamber Keeper you are the unnoticed eyes of the court, making you a valuable informant for court plots.

**Holdings:**

A room or lodging provided by your patron within their estate.

A scandalous secret relating to a member of your court.

**Progression:**

Obtain a minor title from you patron that reflects your station.

## Rank 2 - Court Official

You have proven yourself to be a valuable asset to your patron, political allies, and other courtiers. You have been promoted to an official, granting you a minor title and the responsibilities that accompany it. These titles vary, including cofferer, master of the hunt, or any other title befitting your station.

**Holdings:**

The authority and resources associated with your minor title. For example, a cofferer would control financial records, and perhaps even bank access.

Up to half a dozen servant hirelings to assist in your daily responsibilities.

**Progression:**

To be granted a greater court title by your patron that reflects your station.

## Rank 3 - Court Patrician

With a greater court title, you have become an essential and respected member of the court. You may have been promoted to steward, cupbearer, master of ceremonies, or some other position of considerable influence in the court.

**Holdings:**

A greater court title and all the privileges that accompany it. For example, the master of ceremonies would have personal access to their patrons' family for event-planning purposes.

A team of servants and lesser Courtiers sworn to you either through authority or intrigue.

A private suite within your patron's estate that provides easy access to court and extravagant luxury.

Informants and spies throughout the court who report intrigue and valuable information to you.

**Progression:**

To progress in this profession, you must achieve complete control of your Court, through coercion, deception, or any other means.

Additionally, you must attain an honourable title.

## Rank 4 - Royal Chamberlain.

You have become the most influential member at court. Whether through earnest reputation or political manipulation, you have obtained an honourable title of considerable power such as spymaster, regent, or majordomo. Your powerful connections and political alliances make you the unofficial leader at court, arguably with greater power over practical matters than your patron.

**Holdings:**

Complete control of the court's resources, such as finances, hirelings and establishments.

Incriminating information relating to each member at court and their possible weaknesses.

Informants and spies across the region, who feed you intrigue regarding your court and others.

Aristocrats

* Envoy
* Noble

Other Advanced Backgrounds