Elf noble

The Quintessential Elf

Author Alejandro Melchor
Publisher Mongoose Publishing
Publish date 2002

Elves have a loose government, with their love for freedom not allowing for any strict hierarchy or an over-regulated society. Elven nobility is, as a result, much closer to the common folk than in other races, but many argue not by much. An elf noble is nevertheless a far cry from other ruling classes. Dominated by a sense of noblesse oblige, such an elf travels the land under his supervision constantly, making sure that his ‘subjects’ are happy and their needs are met. As amiable as they can be with their own kin, nobles are less tolerant of non-elves, as the safety of their lands is of paramount concern. This attitude has given these elves their reputation as lofty and aloof, but is a behaviour they only take with those not of their kind. The children of nobles receive a complete education, which includes working alongside the commoners to learn to care for the land, in order to better rule it.

Adventuring: The needs of their people is the prime reason a noble takes to adventuring, often enlisting the help of others if he believes he is not up to the task. The children of nobles accept missions out of elven lands to secure treaties or deal with potential threats, the well-being of their people first and foremost in their minds. Others consider that, while older brothers can stay and learn the art of statecraft, it is their duty to better themselves to become more powerful protectors, or simply because they are bored of their lives and seek excitement elsewhere. Nobles do not consider themselves to have joined an adventuring party, but that they are reviewing talent for possible enlistment in the pursuit of elven causes.

Role-Playing: Elf nobles have two faces: the one they show to their subjects and the one they wear for outsiders. To elves, the noble is attentive, kind and protective, but to others he is aloof, uppity and with more than a measure of arrogance. They hold the firm belief that the elven way of life is the only one of any worth, and sometimes they forget their manners and express this belief openly, contributing even more to the other races’ dislike of them. Nobles have a sense of responsibility to those under their care that is difficult to shake off, even while miles away from any elven stronghold, and it influences most of their decisions. A good noble does not acquire wealth and skill for himself; he thinks of how the riches and new powers can be put to better use back home.

Bonuses: Noble elves are familiar with their role as leaders, with Knowledge (nobility) always as a class skill, and the possibility to buy the Leadership feat at 3rd level instead of waiting until 6th. In addition to their starting gold, they may start with two pieces of equipment appropriate for their class, with a total cost no higher than 1,000 gp.

Penalties: Nobles have a duty to their people. Whenever an elf noble sees another elf in need, he must stop and try to remedy the situation to the best of his ability. He may offer a short solution or limited help if he is already pursuing a task of greater importance for the elven people, but he cannot ignore his duties. If he does, he suffers a -2 morale penalty to every ability score until he agrees to help the elf.