How to Become a Noble in the Forgotten Realms: A Guide for Aspiring Aristocrats

The Forgotten Realms offers countless opportunities for adventurers to carve out their destinies. One of the most coveted achievements is attaining nobility in Faerûn, a land where titles and territories are often hard-won. If you dream of joining the ranks of the elite, here's how you can become a noble in this storied realm.

Unless you were born into nobility, becoming a noble in Forgotten Realms is a challenging and often arduous journey. In the Border Kingdoms, where nobility can be self-granted, you must acquire and defend a territory, no matter how small, for heralds to recognize your titles. In most other realms and city-states, gaining a title typically involves pleasing or aiding the ruler in a significant way. As the bard Mhaerigo Whitstone once said, "Saving the king’s life ain’t enough. He has to like you, too!"

Extraordinary titles, which do not involve large land grants, are more likely to be granted than hereditary ones. Many rulers bestow titles that come with no more than a tavern or a building seized from a debtor or a traitor. However, sitting nobles often frown upon new upstarts, treating them with disdain regardless of their titles. Marrying into the nobility is another path, though it may earn you the label of "common, lowborn boor" behind your back.

Higher-ranking court titles are not marks of nobility themselves, but they are usually accompanied by at least a knighthood if bestowed on a commoner. For instance, Azoun IV of Cormyr once made a commoner Lord High Marshal of Cormyr for a tenday to send a private message to his queen. Although the commoner ceased to be Lord High Marshal, he became Sir Aergult of the Forge, one of the few knighted blacksmiths in the realm.

In lands like Amn and Tethyr, one can gain nobility by offering to police a border area. Successful adventurers might be given a remote keep and the title of baron, with the expectation of maintaining peace and defending against outlaws and monsters. However, border barons are closely watched to ensure they do not become corrupt.

Personal service to a ruler or marriage to a member of the nobility can also win you a noble title. However, if the ruler is succeeded by someone who disliked the former ruler, your title—and possibly your head—could be at risk. Publicly saving a realm like Cormyr might earn you a title such as Lord High Protector of the Realm, though its hereditary nature would remain ambiguous.

Becoming a noble in Forgotten Realms is no easy feat, but for those with the ambition and tenacity, the rewards are well worth the effort. Whether through valor, service, or strategic alliances, the path to nobility is paved with challenges and opportunities. So, gather your party, sharpen your blades, and embark on the quest to claim your place among the aristocracy of the Forgotten Realms.