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Court Historian

Amid the political machinations of the court stand the court historians, observing and recording events for future generations. Their loyalty is to the preservation of history, and they will defy even royalty in the name of truth.

Recall Knowledge - Humanoid (Society): DC 13
Unspecific Lore: DC 11
Specific Lore: DC 8

Elite | Normal | Weak
Proficiency without Level

Court HistorianCreature -1

Medium Human Humanoid 
Source NPC Core pg. 12
Perception +7
Languages Common
Skills Genealogy Lore +13, Lore +13 ((their noble court)), Lore +13 ((their settlement)), Scribing Lore +13, Society +9
Str +0, Dex +1, Con -1, Int +5, Wis +3, Cha +2
Historical Specialist In matters regarding history or court records, the court historian is a 5th-level challenge.
Records Don't Lie The court historian has a Perception DC of 25 against Deception checks asserting false current or historical events.
Items court record, fine clothing, inkwell, writing set
AC 13; Fort +3, Ref +5, Will +9
HP 7
Speed 25 feet
Melee [one-action] fist +5 [+1/-3] (agile, finesse, nonlethal, unarmed), Damage 1d4 bludgeoningRanged [one-action] inkwell +5 [+0/-5] (thrown 10 feet), Damage 1d4 bludgeoningDistracting Diatribe [one-action] (auditory, linguistic, mental) The court historian monotonously recites facts to distract a creature within 30 feet that can hear them. The target is off-guard for 1 round.

All Monsters in "Courtier"

NameLevel
Advisor5
Court Historian-1
Courtesean2
Envoy0
Knight7
Noble3
Palace Guard4
Spy6
Veteran Noble6

Courtier

Source NPC Core pg. 12
The denizens of a noble court are the most powerful people in a civilization, primed with wealth, station, and authority above the common people.

Sidebar - Related Creatures Crossover Ancestry NPCs

Several of the NPCs elsewhere in NPC Core can fit well in this group: Aiuvarin translator (level 0)

Sidebar - Additional Lore Intriguing Plots

The royal court is filled with intrigue! Here are some examples of who might be scheming.
  • The monarch's spouse or children
  • The royal pet (a druid in disguise)
  • The grand vizier
  • Visiting ambassadors or nobles
  • Palace champion
  • Palace doctor
  • Kitchen staff
  • Court jester

Sidebar - Additional Lore Know Your Social Events

  • Ball: a formal dance party that often includes a banquet
  • Banquet: an elaborate formal meal for a large number of people
  • Debutante Ball: a ball where upper-class youths formally enter society as adults
  • Gala: a social occasion with special entertainment or performances
  • Hunt: a formal hunting competition among the nobility and royals of court
  • Masque: a dramatic performance with singing, dancing, pantomime, and dialogue

Sidebar - Additional Lore Social Warfare

Though courtiers might have guards and servants at their command, their most potent forces are their connections outside of court and the will of the common people. A noble might have financial control of the entertainment district, but a popular courtesan moving their patronage will take their admirers with them. An envoy who endears themselves to commoners by having their spies expose corrupt officials can provoke public outrage when a rival attempts to have them replaced.