What can the Retainers granted by the Noble/Knight background actually *do*?

[JackPhoenix]

That would be interesting since I had considered "personal needs" a bit more all encompassing than I listed. :P I also tend to not make my characters be orphans. :P

But he wouldn't be an orphan, his parents are *right there*.

[Sigreid]

That would be interesting since I had considered "personal needs" a bit more all encompassing than I listed. :P I also tend to not make my characters be orphans. :P

Well, you did say fiendish so the personal needs angle isn't necessarily off the table...

[greenstone]

On expedition they put up your tent, lay out your bedclothes, chop your firewood, make your dinner, do the dishes, clean your clothes.

They guard your possessions from theft *sideways glace at party troublemaker*.

In town they book your room at the inn, they sell your stuff, they take messages to local nobles, they announce you when you enter the room.

As for mechanical benefit, they come with some domain expertise. Your groom will accompany you to the horse market and advise you on the quality of the horses for sale. Your majordomo will quickly get all the goss on local nobility. When your attendant buys clothing, you know it will be quality gear.