I really enjoyed the GURPS supplement Nobles, and I allow players at my table to play nobles if they roll right. I don’t at all mind the influence they might have, and as in most things when I referee I try to say “yes, and…” What follows is what I explain to players who aren’t very familiar with Imperium setting.
In general, Noble characters have influence, but they also have obligations. The benefits you enjoy as a character in the Nobility should be balanced by challenges. With practice, you’ll see most of these coming.
Almost all common people see nobles as celebrities with power; many give deference and respect, but there are also expectations.
What most people know about nobles
They are aristocracy, and they broker power in the Imperium
They swear fealty to the Emperor, and can wield his influence, or extensions of it
Nobles are a social set apart; they will be deferred to, listened to first in a group where they are speaking.
Some are noble by virtue of their job, some by deeds, and some by inheritance.
They adhere to a systems of levels in deference and respect.
Not all nobles are equally powerful or influential, but even a “minor” noble likely has more political influence than a non-noble.
Many are wealthy. All are educated.
They know and associate with other nobles.
They have signs or badges of office, though they don’t always wear or display them.
Many have symbolic (but very functional) weapons. Many have lands.
They can usually bring heat down when they’re displeased.
Some can grant some advantage that can make a person rich.
They can also with a word make someone destitute.
Nobles are used to being offered things for their favor.
Celebrity
Even if a noble is traveling incognito, some people are good at spotting them. Nobles are a source of ongoing fascination to the common folk, followed on social/entertainment platforms. This definitely not (just) about money. Some people are as knowledgeable about the details of nobility as one might be about the details of their favorite sport. Some people are noble “groupies,” syncophants, Some mostly see them as a means to some end.
Can we take a pic with you? Pleeeeease?
Can I have your autograph?
Do you have any tokens?
Can I get a well-wish from you for my mom?
How non-nobles will treat nobility
Usually, this is an extension of how they feel about the Imperium, celebrity, and power in general. People who understand what nobles are but have rare interactions with them are fascinated and apprehensive; some are opportunistic. Some people are overtly submissive, showing favor, giving gifts.Some harbor imperial- or noble-related anger.
How other nobles treat nobility
Of course, nobility is treated differently by those who are on the same social level, so to speak. There’s definitely a pecking order – landed, titled, honor, and seniority within each of these categories. Empathy between nobles is common, especially if they’re a rarity. There is a typical social grace extended to fellow nobles – a willingness to grant a favor, open doors, make introductions. There is also an expectation of airs, of being noble and playing the part. This expectation is strong, especially in front of non-nobles.
There is usually an us-and-them undertone, though perhaps subtle. Rarely is there unearned hostility; it’s a truism among the nobility that one never knows how someone will show up again in their lives. Other nobles are never star-struck, unless there’s a serious delta between levels. And there’s always some amount of “how can this one help me …or hurt me?”
Non-amazing aspects of being noble
Being noble is not all comfort and influence; far from it. There are many aspects or potentials that balance out every social grace, every open door. If you are noble, many people’s reaction to you can be an impediment after a very short time. Throngs of the starstruck might sound compelling, but it can be awkward and counterproductive, especially to the noble Traveller. And of course some sophonts hate the Imperium, and their representatives.
There are also the weights of expectation and obligation; nobility is as nobility does. If you’re known nobility and don’t act the part it can cause problems for you sooner rather than later.
And finally, it’s normal and typical that just about everyone who comes into contact with you wants something from you, if only your attention.
“I wasn’t told you were coming!” is something you hear often.
You’re a target for scammers, blackmailers, and the deluded.
If some other noble harmed a person ,to many you harmed that person.
You must always show deference to higher titles, and sometimes that means doing something inconvenient, or worse.
Being out-maneuvered and pressed into some duty or service is rarely fun.
Keeping up airs – family, service, noble class in general can be tedious.
Social obligations, even in new places, can be a drain on time and patience.
Are they responding to you, or your influence?
Many people expect to be paid, monetarily or otherwise.
Some will be negative towards you just to prove some point.
There are undoubtedly favors you or your family might owe that you don’t know about.
There are also enemies you/your family made, that you are similarly ignorant of.
Some things seem to carry a “nobility tax,” cost much more for you simply because you are noble and expected to be wealthy.
“Would you mind putting in an appearance, and saying a few words?” is something you hear constantly when you’re in public and not traveling anonymously.
Traditional boundaries do exist – some things are simply off-limits, by tradition, precedence, or even local law. Both for you as a noble, but also for the non-nobles when they interact with you. Some mileage may vary
Turning deference to your advantage
Given all of the above, there are also many opportunities to convert such attention to your advantage. This almost requires a bit of savvy and subtlety, but is the bread and butter of most noble’s experience. For a favor or a bit of influence – a kind word in a conversation, and introduction, or similar, some individual or orgs are willing to offer a stipend. This is not a bribe, but rather accepted practice. It is also accepted to politely decline, or make civil excuses as to why the request won’t work.
Nobles are commonly excused from such hassles as local arrest for minor infractions, entry fees, and other such things usually aimed at the riffraff. It’s almost always very easy to get reservations or tickets to a popular venue, get a tour of a facility upon request, receive service when an establishment is closed, and be given an extra measure of privacy when you request it. You’re often moved out of any queue and onwards.
Most everyone believes that any wrong against you will be answered, that you will be located, rescued, or avenged if something befalls you… unless they have friends they estimate are more powerful than you and your title(s).
Very often you can open a door or exert a bit of influence by giving out a favor token, some symbolic object representing your goodwill, and willingness to show some commensurate favor in kind at some point. Offering to make an introduction or write a letter of recommendation for someone also can move mountains. If you’re in strange parts, a simple “I’ll speak with the local nobility on your behalf” might have much influence, if the listener believes you credible. “Is there some matter I can look into for you?” is a phrase that also opens doors. “The local noble owes me a favor,” and “I’m going to give you my personal token” also can be quite effective.
In almost every space except where it is prohibited by the military, you may carry your ceremonial weapon, loaded and unhindered.
