Noble Families Of Theah

(Pre- Montaigne Revolution)

NAME

NATION

(Province)

SPECIAL

NOTES

Aldana

Castille

Father:  22 HP for the Aldana school, but may not purchase the Criminal skill.

Mother: Courtier skill for free.  If using Repartee against members of the Gallegos family, the TN is increased by 5.

  By law and tradition, "the representatives of the people" - always speaking on behalf of the common folk in Castille's royal court.

Allais

Montaigne

(Crieux)

  An additional income of 100 G per month, but two fewer Reputation dice (minimum 1) when at court in Charouse.

  Wealthy enough to sometimes (quietly) refuse l'Empereur's demands.  Famous for their lavish parties.

Bernoulli

Vodacce

  Must purchase the Scholar skill at Hero creation, and spend at least 5 additional points on Scholar knacks.  Always receive one Free Raise when researching or using a book-learned Scholar knack (Astrology, Maths, Sciences).

  Very long history of support to (and from) the Vaticine Church.  The only group that the Church allows to trade with the Crescents.  Competent duellists - a Bernoulli's sword will always strike true.

Bisset

Montaigne

(Verre)

  Receive 12 HP for the 'Greedy' Hubris, plus an extra 12.5 G per month.  However, the 'Altruistic' Virtue costs 12 HP and, when the Montaigne-Castille war ends, the extra income is lost plus an additional loss of 50 G from monthly income.

  Always notorious for greed.  But, the position of their holdings has made the current war with Castille extremely profitable for them.

Caligari

Vodacce

  May purchase the 'Foul Weather Jack' advantage for 3 points.  Due to a constant demand for dangerous missions, their monthly income is increased by 75 G.   However, must also take a 2-point Defeated background, reflecting their grudge with the Villanovas.

  Formerly the Caligara (long story involving a lost wager, and subsequent feud, with the Villanovas).  Extensive trade in Syrneth artifacts.

Deneuve

Montaigne

(Surlign)

  Receive the Servant skill for free.  Their Gossip knack is treated as one higher (maximum of 6) when in Paix.  However, the TNs of all Reputation Actions are raised by 5 when targeting other Montaigne nobles.

  In charge of the Paix Embassy, and thence of ambassadorial matters in Montaigne.  Gets little respect from the other families except when needed.

Duboise

Montaigne

(Arrent)

  May purchase the 'Friendly' Virtue for 5 HP.  Receive one Free Raise when performing Reputation Actions in Montaigne.  However, the 'Proud' Hubris is only worth 5 HP, and purchasing Martial skills costs 3 HP / 15 XP.

  Famed for their friendliness and hospitality.

Etalon

Montaigne

(Toille)

  Pay only 5 HP for any virtue, but Hubrises are also only worth 5 HP.  +1 to Brawn instead of the usual Montaigne bonus to Panache.  Etalons routinely donate half of their monthly income to charity.

  The most well- mannered and virtuous noble family in Montaigne.  Claim of direct descent from the knight Bastion.

Falisci

Vodacce

  One Free Raise when trying to manipulate others.  Receive 12 HP if the 'Arrogant' Hubris is taken, but any Virtue costs 12 HP.  Compulsive gamblers - roll Resolve against TN of 15 to resist a bet.

   Noted for their parties, and for their cunning in the Great Game.  Falisci wine is considered by most to be the best in Theah.

Flaubert

Montaigne

(Dore)

  Extra income of 150 G per month, but one fewer Reputation Die (minimum of 1) when in Montaigne.

  Recently converted all of their substantial farmland into cattle pastures.  This has made the family very rich, but left Montaigne on the verge of famine.

Gallegos

Castille

Father:  22 HP for the Gallegos school, but may not purchase the Streetwise skill.

Mother:  Free Raise when using Sorcerous Knacks, but two fewer Reputation Dice when in Castille.

  Somewhat reclusive, but daring and adventurous.  Scorned by certain other noble families due to foreign (Crescent and Vodacce) influences in their blood- lines.

Gaulle

Montaigne

(la Motte)

  Unable to learn the Courtier skill and lose one Reputation Die (minimum of 1) when in any major Montaigne city.  Scholar skill received for free and, due to familiarity with the occult, receive two Free Raises when rolling to resist Fear.

  Reclusive.  Seen as particularly backwater (and maybe a little "odd") by other Montaigne nobles.  Their province has more ghosts than any other place in Theah.

Leveque

Montaigne

(Aur)

  Exempt from all taxes and tariffs within Montaigne.  Academy Advantage received for free.  However, each Civil skill costs 3 HP / 15 XP and, due to their privileges and martial skill, l'Empereur keeps a close watch on their affairs.

  Reknowned soldiers.  The Leveque War College is one of the most respected in Theah.

Lucani

Vodacce

  All Lucani Strega receive two extra points of Sorte knacks.  However, they also receive 5 fewer HP, and may NEVER use sorcery to directly benefit themselves or any other Lucani (attempts to do so will lead to ruin and madness for that Strega).

  The poorest and newest of Vodacce's ruling families, both facts of which they are acutely aware.  Their magic is powerful, but limited by an old curse.  

MacDuff

Highland Marches

  Twice normal income, and may purchase the 'Noble' advantage for 8 points.  However, they may never hold political office or take the Merchant skill under any circumstances.

  The royal clan of the Highland Marches.  In exchange for undisputed rights to the throne, the family may not hold any other political power.

MacBride

Highland Marches

  Receive the Courtier skill for free.  Receive one fewer Reputation Die (minimum 1) when in the Triple Kingdoms.

  The oldest Clan of the Highlanders.  Shrewd politicians who oppose the Marches being under Avalon's banner.

MacCodrum

Highland Marches

  Gain the 'MacCodrum' Heritage advantage for only 4 points, but must take a 1-point Vow background (representing the Clan's alliance with the Selkies).

  A Clan with strong ties to the sea.  Their success is attributed to a close relationship with the Selkies (aquatic Sidhe found mainly in Highland waters).

MacDonald

Highland Marches

  Receive a 2-point Defeated background, and purchasing Glamour costs 2 HP extra.  Also receive the Spy skill for free, and may purchase the Indomitable Will advantage for only 1 HP.

  A powerful warrior Clan. Very long-standing feud with the MacLeods.

MacIntyre

Highland Marches

  Receive the Hunter skill for free, but may not purchase the Streetwise skill under any circumstances.

  The fiercest warriors of the Marches, and the most "uncivilized" of all the Clans.

MacLeod

Highland Marches

  MacLeod Glamour mages receive two extra points of Glamour Knacks during Hero creation.  But, they also receive 5 less HP and must take a 1-Point Obligation Background (representing a Sidhe whom they owe a favour).  Heroes without Glamour get none of the above.

  Close allies of the Sidhe - a cause of deep distrust from most other Highlanders.  Long- standing feud with the MacDonalds.  

Michel

Montaigne

(Gloyure)

  May never purchase Sorcery of any sort.  Monthly income reduced by 75 G.  Any attempt to use sorcery directly on a Michel suffers a penalty of -2 unkept dice.

  Only recently risen from the gentry to the nobility.

Mondavi

Vodacci

  May purchase the Ambroglia school for 20 HP, but must take a Hubris for which only 8 HP is received.

  Deadly duellists and extraordinarily valorous in war, but not reknowned for their good looks or skill in the Great Game. 

Montaigne

Montaigne

(Charouse)

  Unlimited income.  Twice the normal points in Sorcerous knacks at character creation.

 NPC ONLY!

  THE royal family of Montaigne.  Has also produced many powerful sorcerors.

Ochoa

Castille

  May not purchase the 'Noble' advantage.

  Totally disgraced in Castille, due to the treasonous actions of  Don Marcos Ontiveros de Ochoa during the Montaigne invasion.

Orduno

Castille

Father: Sailor skill received for free, but may not purchase the Hunter skill.

Mother: 2 point discount (minimum cost 1) when purchasing the Commission advantage.  But monthly income is reduced by 50 G. 

  Castille's leading navy family, though the disastrous attempt to invade Avalon has caused a decline in their fortunes.

Praisse

Montaigne

(Rachetisse)

  Praisse who take Sorcery recieve two extra points of sorcerous knacks.  However, those that do so also receive 5 fewer HP, and all canines violently dislike them.

  One of Montaigne's most sorcerous bloodlines.

Riche

Montaigne

(Paroisse)

  'Small' advantage received for free, and 12 HP recieved for taking the 'Hot-Headed' Hubris.  Taking the 'Self-Controlled' Virtue costs 12 HP.  Monthly income reduced by 100 G.  Brawn maximum reduced by 1 (to 4, in most cases).

  The combination of physical smallness and great ferocity often make them a subject of ridicule.  Calling a Riche "a terrier" is the worst insult possible, and will certainly result in a duel.

Rois et Reines

Montaigne

(Rogne)

  May take the 'Membership (Musketeers)' advantage for free.  However, if this is done, they must then select a Hubris for their Arcana, for which they receive only 8 HP.

  Tradition of loyalty, valour and service to the king.  l'Empereur regards them as the most trustworthy of all of Montaigne's noble families.

Sandoval

Castille

  Monthly income is doubled, and the Castillian Education advantage is received for free.

>NPC ONLY!

  The royal family of Castille.

Sices

Montaigne

(Sices)

  Always receive one Free Raise when using Repartee.  When spending Drama Dice for Repartee, they receive two Kept Dice for for every Drama Die spent.  However, every two Drama Dice spent on martial skills adds only one Kept die to the attempt.

  Only recently risen from the gentry to the nobility.  Has produced some of the greatest Wits of the Montaigne court.

Soldano

Castille

Father: Pay only 22 HP for the Soldano school, but may not purchase the Servant skill.

Mother: One Free Raise when using Repartee.  But monthly income is reduced by 50 G. 

  A tempestuous and fiery family, reknowned for the quality of both their swords and their wine.

Torres

Castille

Father: Pay only 22 HP for the Torres school, but may not purchase the Dirty Fighting skill.

Mother:  Free 3-point Dispossessed background and extra starting money of 100 G.  But they must purchase a Hubris, for which they only get 6 HP.

  Formerly Castille's wealthiest family, but largely displaced by the Montaigne invasion.

Valroux

Montaigne

(Martise)

  May learn the Valroux school for 20 HP, and always receive a Free Raise when performing a Taunt or Intimidate action against other Montaigne.  However, other Reputation Actions have their TN raised by 5 when in Montaigne, and any other swordsman school must be purchased as if from another country.

  Famous for rapiers, river trade, and the art of ridicule.

Vestini

Vodacce

  Receive the 'Above Average Appearance' advantage for free.  However, must also take the 'Hedonistic' Hubris, for which only 8 HP is received.

  Reknowned for their good looks and cunning.

Villanova

Vodacce

  Receive two extra Reputation Dice when at court in Vodacce.  Must also purchase a 3-point Nemesis background (the Vaticine Church). 

  Arguably the most dangerous (and downright scariest!) family in Vodacce (if not all of Theah!).  Long-standing tension between them and the Vaticine Church.

Zepeda

Castille

Father: Pay only 22 HP for the Zepeda school, but may not purchase the Performer skill.

Mother:  Receive the Priest skill for free, and get 12 HP if they take the 'Overzealous' Hubris.  But a Virtue may not be taken.

  Known for piety and isolationist tendencies.

PROVINCE / SUBGROUP

NATION

SPECIAL

Balig

Avalon

  When purchasing the Courtier skill, automatically gain Sincerity at Rank 1.  But, purchasing the Noble advantage costs 3 extra HP.

Basulade

Fhideli

  The 'Scoundrel' advantage must be taken.  Receive +10 to the TN to interact favorably with any non-Ussuran. The GM may reduce or waive this penalty in special cases, but this is a situation-by-situation call.  The Courtier skill cannot be bought during character generation (it may be taken afterwards - with GM approval, of course); and at least 4 HP must be spent on any assortment of the following skills - Acrobat, Artist, Criminal or Performer.

  Each Vitzi (clan) has a special, if minor, favor from Matushka.  A Basulade Pyeryem sorceror may, once per scene, reroll a failed attempt to transform into or out of the spirit skin of a Cat.   In addition, roll 1d10 below or choose with GM’s permission.

• 1-5 - Gain 1 free Rank in Musician if either the Artist or Performer skill is taken; and gain the Musical Ear Advantage for free.

• 6-0 - Gain 1 free Rank in Drive Carriage if either the Servant or Merchant skill is taken; and gain the Barter Advantage for free.

Breg

Avalon

  May purchase the Donovan school for only 20 HP.  If they do so, however, they must take a Hubris for which they receive only 8 HP.

Camlann

Avalon

  Camlann Glamour mages receive two extra points of Glamour Knacks during Hero creation.  But, they also receive 5 less HP and must take a 1-Point Obligation Background (representing a Sidhe whom they owe a favour).  Heroes without Glamour get none of the above.

Carrig

Inismore

  Gain the 'Scoundrel' advantage for free.  In addition, whenever more than one of a Carrig Hero's dice explode during a single roll, the GM receives a Drama Die that can only be used against that Character.

Curara

Fhideli

  The 'Scoundrel' advantage must be taken.  Receive +10 to the TN to interact favorably with any non-Ussuran. The GM may reduce or waive this penalty in special cases, but this is a situation-by-situation call.  The Courtier skill cannot be bought during character generation (it may be taken afterwards - with GM approval, of course); and at least 4 HP must be spent on any assortment of the following skills - Acrobat, Artist, Criminal or Performer.

  Each Vitzi (clan) has a special, if minor, favor from Matushka.  A Curara Pyeryem sorceror may, once per scene, reroll a failed attempt to transform into or out of the spirit skin of a Bear.  In addition, roll 1d10 below or choose with GM’s permission.

• 1-5 - Gain a superbly crafted sword of the tribe’s making, plus skill in its use (Fencing or Heavy Weapons).  Receive a 2 HP discount on one of the blade types listed in the Castillian Blade Advantage.  Note that this is not actually a Castillian blade, but a Fhideli work that uses similar mechanics.

• 6-0 - May take the Dracheneisen Advantage (with likely repercussions if ever visiting Eisen).  May not purchase Eisen Nobility at Character Generation.

Donegal

Inismore

  Donegal Glamour mages receive two extra points of Glamour Knacks during Hero creation.  But, they also receive 5 less HP and must take a 1-Point Obligation Background (representing a Sidhe whom they owe a favour).  Heroes without Glamour get none of the above.

Dreenan

Inismore

  Receive the 'University' advantage for free, but may not purchase any Swordsman Schools from any nation other than the Triple Kingdoms.

Fischler

Eisen

  When making Fear checks, a Fischler Hero's TN is always 5 higher than normal.  The cost of all abilities that allow the Character to ignore Fear (even temporarily) is increased by 2 HP.  In addition, roll 1d10 or choose with GM’s permission:

• 1-4  Gain the Riverboat Pilot skill for free.
• 5-8  Gain the Hunter skill for free.
• 9-0  Gain the 'Keen Senses' advantage for free.

Freiburg

Eisen

  See 'Eisen Accent' advantage for linguistic benefits.  Cannot take the Hunter skill, and all Civil Knack rolls have their TN increased by 5 when not in a city.  In addition, roll 1d10 or choose with GM’s permission:

• 1-4  Receive 3 HP worth of languages for free.
• 5-8  Gain the 'Combat Reflexes' advantage for free.
• 9-0  Gain the 'Scoundrel' advantage for free.

Gaavane

Avalon

  May purchase the Druid school for 5 HP less.  However, if they do so, they may not purchase the Firearms or Streetwise skills at creation.

Gallenia

Ussura

  Must take 2-Point Traditions Background, or spend 4 HP not to have it.  Roll percentile dice (%) or choose with GM’s permission:

• 01-25 (Winter) - May take the Buslayevich Bowman School for 5 HP less then normal.

• 26-50 (Spring) - Gain Ride skill for free.

• 51-75 (Summer) - Whenever the Ride, Mounting or Trick Ride knacks are used, gain a Free Raise.

• 76-100 (Autumn) - Gain a well-trained horse, with a free unkept die (+1k0) when working with it.

Hainzl

Eisen

  Whenever more than one of a Hainzl Hero's dice explode during a single roll, the GM receives a Drama Die that can only be used against that Character.  In addition, roll 1d10 or choose with GM’s permission:

• 1-4  Gain the 'Small' advantage for free.
• 5-8  Gain the Merchant skill for free.
• 9-0  Monthly income is increased by 25%.

Heilgrund

Eisen

  Always have the equivalent of 5 Flesh Wounds that never go away (because of a strange wasting disease unique to the area).  In addition, roll 1d10 or choose with GM’s permission:

• 1-4  Gain the 'Ordained' advantage for free.
• 5-9  Gain the 'Citation' advantage for free.
• 9-0  Gain the Commander and Rider skills for free.

Kosara

Ussura

  Kosars rarely travel from their homeland, so GM approval must be gained before selecting a Kosar Hero.  Matushka does not hold them in favor, so her blessing (Pyeryem) can only be allowed with GM approval.

  The 'Scoundrel' advantage must be taken.  Receive +10 to the TN to interact favorably with any non-Kosar. The GM may reduce or waive this penalty in special cases, but this is a situation-by-situation call.  Roll percentile dice (%) or choose with GM’s permission:

• 01-20 - Gain the 'Indomitable Will' advantage for free.

• 21-40 - Gain the 'Combat Reflexes' advantage for free.

• 41-60 - Gain the 'Legendary Trait' advantage for free.

• 61-80 - Gain a trusted friend among the Fhideli (Fhideli Connection 3).

• 81-100 - Gain the 'Pain Tolerance' advantage for free.

Leister

Inismore

  Receive the Artist skill for free, but receive 100G less income each month.

Lothian

Avalon

  Receive the Hunter skill for free, but may not purchase the Courtier skill under any circumstances.

Lovaine

Avalon

  Receive twice normal income.  Receive one Free Raise when performing Reputation Actions in the Triple Kingdoms.  However, all checks to resist Glamour have their TNs raised by 5.

Molhyna

Ussura

  Lose one Reputation Die when interacting with the world outside of Molhyna. May purchase the 'Worldly' virtue, but at the cost of 12 HP.  Roll percentile dice (%) or choose with GM’s permission:

• 01-25 (Winter) - Receive the 'Cold Climate Conditioning' advantage for free; and 1 free Rank in Survival even if Character does not have a skill with that knack.

• 26-50 (Spring) - Gain Hunter skill for free, with one additional free Rank in Fishing

• 51-75 (Summer) - If the Spy skill is purchased, gain 1 free Rank in Sincerity.

• 76-100 (Autumn) - Gain Heavy Weapon or Archer skills for free.

Munit

Fhideli

  The 'Scoundrel' advantage must be taken.  Receive +10 to the TN to interact favorably with any non-Ussuran. The GM may reduce or waive this penalty in special cases, but this is a situation-by-situation call.  The Courtier skill cannot be bought during character generation (it may be taken afterwards - with GM approval, of course); and at least 4 HP must be spent on any assortment of the following skills - Acrobat, Artist, Criminal or Performer.

  Each Vitzi (clan) has a special, if minor, favor from Matushka.  A Munit Pyeryem sorceror may, once per scene, reroll a failed attempt to transform into or out of the spirit skin of an Eagle.  In addition, roll 1d10 below or choose with GM’s permission.

• 1-5 - May purchase the 'Adaptable', 'Intuitive', 'Perceptive' or 'Uncanny' Arcana for 6 HP.

• 6-0 - Gain Fortune Teller for free, plus 1 free Rank in Cold Read.

Pavtlow

Ussura

  +5 penalty to TN when dealing with any foreign Court (save Vesten) due to their perceived notion of the Character's backwardness.  Also, when dealing with any overtly “rural situation” the Character has +5 penalty to TN as an urban upbringing is of little use.  Roll percentile dice (%) or choose with GM’s permission:

• 01-25 (Winter) - Gain Courtier skill for free

• 26-50 (Spring) - Gain a free unkept die (+1k0) to resist social manipulations and Repartee.

• 51-75 (Summer) - Gain Falconer skill for free.

• 76-100 (Autumn) - 'University' advantage costs 1 HP.

Percis

Avalon

  Speak Montaigne for free, but purchasing Glamour costs two extra HP.

Posen

Eisen

  Always receive one fewer Reputation Die than usual (minimum of 0).  In addition, roll 1d10 or choose with GM’s permission:

• 1-4  Gain the 'Academy' advantage for free.
• 5-8  Gain the Heavy Weapon skill for free.
• 9-0  Gain the Firearms skill for free.

Rurik

Ussura

  Receive only 6 HP for the 'Arrogant', 'Greedy', 'Proud' or 'Righteous' Hubrises.  Taking the 'Altruistic', 'Fortunate', 'Passionate' or 'Victorious' Virtues costs 14 HP.  Roll percentile dice (%) or choose with GM’s permission:

• 01-25 (Winter) - Receive either the Merchant or Servant skills for free, plus 1 free Rank in Drive Sleigh. (If both skills are gotten during Character Generation, then the free rank is only gotten for one of them.)

• 26-50 (Spring) - Gain the Guide or Hunter skills for free.

• 51-75 (Summer) - Receive 4 HP to be spent on Languages; gain Falconer skill for free.

• 76-100 (Autumn) - Receive half again monthly income and starting funds.

Sieger

Eisen

  May not buy a Virtue, and must take a Hubris for which they only get 5 HP.  In addition, roll 1d10 or choose with GM’s permission:

• 1-4  Gain the 'Large' advantage for free.
• 5-8  Gain the 'Toughness' advantage for free.
• 9-0  Gain the 'Foul Weather Jack' advantage for free.

Somojez

Ussura

  Receive one less die (-1k0) when dealing with members of the Vaticine,   Objectionist and Avalon Churches in any social situation including Repartee.  Roll percentile dice (%) or choose with GM’s permission:

• 01-25 (Winter) - Gain the Guide skill plus 1 free Rank in Climb.

• 26-50 (Spring) - Gain the 'Sensitive Bones' advantage and a free Rank in any one of the Hunter skill’s Basic Knacks if that skill is purchased. (Note that this cannot raise starting Knacks above the 3 Rank-Limit rule)

• 51-75 (Summer) - Speak Eisen and Crescent for free.

• 76-100 (Autumn) - Character is wise in the ways of the Bushka Gora and Gora Bolshoi and receives a Free Raise when dealing with or within these specific mountain ranges. The GM may decide whether or not this bonus is appropriate under special circumstances.

Ursari

Fhideli

  The 'Scoundrel' advantage must be taken.  Receive +10 to the TN to interact favorably with any non-Ussuran. The GM "may" reduce or waive this penalty in special cases, but this is a situation-by-situation call.  The Courtier skill cannot be bought during character generation (it may be taken afterwards - with GM approval, of course); and at least 4 HP must be spent on any assortment of the following skills - Acrobat, Artist, Criminal or Performer.

  Each Vitzi (clan) has a special, if minor, favor from Matushka.  A Ursari Pyeryem sorceror may, once per scene, reroll a failed attempt to transform into or out of the spirit skin of a Wolf.  In addition, roll 1d10 below or choose with GM’s permission.

• 1-5 - Gain 1 free Rank in Animal Training if either the Falconer or Performer skill is taken, and gain the 'Animal Affinity' advantage for free.

• 6-0 - May purchase Pyeryem for 5 HP less then normal.

Veche

Ussura

• 01-25 (Winter) - The Dobrynya School costs 5 HP less
• 26-50 (Spring) - Taking the 'Rash' Hubris gives 15 HP instead of 10.  However, if this Arcana is activated, 2 Drama Dice must be spent to trump the GM.
• 51-75 (Summer) - May take the Cursed, Fear or Lost Love Background at 3 for free.
• 76-100 (Autumn) - May take the 'Foul Weather Jack' advantage for 2 HP instead of the normal cost of 5 HP.

Wische

Eisen

  Receive no starting income, and their monthly income is reduced by 25%.  In addition, roll 1d10 or choose with GM’s permission:

• 1-4  Gain a 3-pt. Orphaned background for free.
• 5-8  Gain a 3-pt. Lost Love background for free.
• 9-0  Gain a 3-pt. Waisen Dependant background for free.