The Forests Edge
The nobles of Aldis are unlike the nobility found anywhere else in the world. First and foremost, they are not hereditary - anyone can conceivably become a noble. Nobility is in-born, but not restricted to pedigreed bloodlines. A would-be noble must study at the Royal College in the great city of Aldis, and pass a grueling set of examinations that prove their aptitude for the vocation. Literacy, history, philosophy, ethics, law - a would-be noble must demonstrate proficiency in all of these things.
The final test, however, is one for which the would-be noble cannot study.
To confirm a noble candidate, the Sovereign holds forth the Blue Rose Scepter, which glows a soft blue in the rightful ruler’s hand. A prospective noble touches the rose’s flower. If the scepter continues to glow, indicating the touch of a good-hearted person who wishes to serve Aldis, the candidate is judged worthy and becomes a noble, reciting oaths of service and loyalty. If the scepter’s glow dims and fades, the candidate is refused, for either their desire to serve is not sincere or they are not worthy. Nobles serve in one of three capacities: a traveling noble, a regional noble, or a member of the Noble Council.
One of the PCs is a recently-sworn in noble, new to their rank, and assigned an area in which to travel. Traveling nobles act as judges, tax collectors, mediators, and law enforcement, as the communities need them. A noble travels with their retinue, accomplishing what is needful by the people of the nation of Aldis.
Campaign Concept
One of the PCs has recently been appointed a noble (this isn't a class, just a title). They are accompanied by their retinue, whom the other PCs play. Some ideas for roles in the retinue can include:
- The noble's cariad ("beloved") or spouse;
- A member of the noble's family;
- The noble's bodyguard(s);
- The noble's adept;
- The noble's clerk/secretary;
- The noble's valet;
- The noble's groom or falconer;
- The noble's healer;
- The noble's priest;
- The noble's performer;
- The noble's friend
