Playing a Noble

[Mercule]

I've got a player who is playing a noble (as in status) character. She's been looking for resources to help her "get into it". Any suggestions, either in terms of product, website, or just general advice?

Thanks.

 

[Crothian]

The The Quintessential Aristocrat may be of help

 

[driver8]

Though it may be odd, and its a non gaming resource, but I would actually recommend reading parts of Barbara Tuchmans A Distant Mirror.

If you are unfamilar with it , its a snapshot history of Europe in the calamitous 14th century, centering on the life of a French noble and knight Enguerrand de Coucy.

I recommend it because the de Coucy line was a non royal noble line that rivaled the French kings in power and majesty. And Enguerrand who was the last scion of that line was an example of a true noble and chivalric knight in a time when the social order was breaking down and knightly practice rarely matched the ideal.

In addition the book does a great job of desribing life and practices of the nobilty in this time period, and some of the characters of European nobilty are quite memorable (and in some cases quite scary).

 

[Turjan]

I wouldn't be bothered too much. She should avoid, though, emulating some stuffed up Victorian mannerisms as they sometimes appear in TV shows. Think of the noble as the boss of a large farm; that's what it comes down to most of the time. Once in a while, a male noble might have to go to war, i.e., in medieval times in the cavalry, later as an officer. The wife can stay home and look after house and garden, as usual. At least, she's got someone who cleans the stable . If her husband preferred a profession as highwayman in the vicinity of his dining-hall, she got to see him more often .

 

[Runesong42]

What type of Nobility are you using? Medieval, Oriental, Tribal?

Regardless of style, the important thing to note about being Nobility is that he/she is part of a Noble family. Without havng the family statted out (or at least in name and rank only), she may not know where she stands along the totem pole. Just "being Noble" isn't enough; you need to know HOW "Noble" you are.

My suggestion is to create a small family tree, and find her place in it. Make up some relationships between the family members, or at least find out how she perceives some of her family members.

Next, Nobles generally only hang out with Nobility. Hence, she may not want to be seen hanging out with commoners, nor doing any physical labour (that's what serfs are for). In short, just role-play her as a celebrity with lots of money and nothing but time on her hands.

With no work to occupy her day, she may be free to explore her own interests, or perhaps she is an active member in Court. Maybe she's a diplomat between her kingdom and others; maybe she's a fop and does nothing all day but eat, sleep, and compose poetry. Or, perhaps she disguises herself to hang out with commoners (a common theme, I know, but one that works). Perhaps she has a desire to rule, and strikes out on her own, or maybe she could be assigned a small garrison to man and keep the peasants in check. Or maybe she's like Zorro, championing the common man and bringing criminals to justice.

I hope this helps, or at least gets the creative juices going.

 

[Angel Tarragon]

Dragonlance Nobles rock!

 

[S'mon]

Next, Nobles generally only hang out with Nobility. Hence, she may not want to be seen hanging out with commoners, nor doing any physical labour (that's what serfs are for). In short, just role-play her as a celebrity with lots of money and nothing but time on her hands.

There are really two types of noble paradigm:

1. The noble whose land and affairs are run by servants/retainers, while the noble has no demands on them other than maintaining the latest high fashion, intrigue at court, etc. Here you get the urban, 'idle parasite' type. French nobility from Louis XIV on are a classic example. Think Tara Palmer Tomkinson (UK) or Paris Hilton (US). Some such urban nobility may do good works for the poor (Princess Diana).

2. The noble who runs his own lands, may be looked down on by the urban aristocracy as a country bumpkin. This type of noble enjoys hunting and other outdoor activities, they commonl feels a very strong sense of allegiance to their land and a sense of duty that can domninate their life, ensuring their estate can be passed on to their heirs. If you've seen The Fast Show, there's an excellent example. Prince Charles's new wife Camilla also seems to be of this type.