This background provides some flavor and personality suggestions for the civilians of a medieval fantasy setting. Though they had a role in life determined by their family, a simple townsperson may sometimes pick up the sword, the bow, or the wand, sometimes for little more reason than that they can.
Townsfolk
Your life before adventure was altogether unremarkable. Your parents were neither rich nor poor by relative terms. You never starved, but you did not live in luxury. As you became an adult, your family secured you a place of work and a future of menial but worthwhile labor.
However, at some point in this boring existence, something changed. You heard the call to adventure. Whether by seeing some strange sight, the inspiring words of passerby, or the discovery of an adventurer’s lost grave, you trained and studied before leaving for destinations unknown.
It is not often that the peasants of rural towns leave the comfort of everyday life. Most think leaving the confines of familiarity to face monstrous creatures and untold peril is insanity. Your parents and relatives probably think you’ve gone mad. But, unfettered by their words, you choose to venture out into a world of danger.
- Skill Proficiencies: Persuasion, plus your choice of one from among Athletics, Animal Handling, Medicine, or Survival
- Tool Proficiencies: One type of artisan's tools, one type of gaming set
- Equipment: A set of hand-me-down traveling clothes, a trinket reminding you of home (a lucky horseshoe, a bent coin, a broken arrow, a small straw doll, or several pressed flowers), a set of artisan’s tools you are proficient in, and a belt pouch containing 10 gp
Your family had its own niche to fill in your home town. You and yours contributed to the well being of the area, providing services across generations. Choose their trade, or roll on the table below.
| d8 | Family Trade |
|---|---|
| 1 | Trading of goods, such as small-time merchants or shopkeepers |
| 2 | Farming |
| 3 | Crafting, such as smiths or wagon-makers |
| 4 | Hunting, trapping, or fishing |
| 5 | Apothecary or herbalist |
| 6 | Ranching and animal husbandry |
| 7 | Construction and masonry |
| 8 | Logging or mining |
Your youth was spent at least partially in training to help your parents and family. You know all the jargon of your family’s trade. People of a similar trade take kindly to you, sometimes giving you small gifts or letting them stay with them for a night or two. Some may even give you a discount on their goods, should they sell them.
Suggested Characteristics
Peasants are usually simple folk, with a simple view of the world. Most see things in black and white. Questioning one’s upbringing is usually out of the question, but some keep some rather unpopular opinions. Such people keep their opinions to themselves. Their worldviews are rarely challenged, making such rural folk prone to hardheadedness.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I take great joy in life’s simple pleasures: a pint of beer and a fine meal mean the world to me. |
| 2 | I don’t much care for sitting around and talking about doing things when I could be out doing those things. |
| 3 | I take the time to hear people out before passing judgment. I expect others to do the same. |
| 4 | My god has guided me my entire life, in ways I couldn’t image. I live my life as close to their word as possible. |
| 5 | Despite the adventuring life, I’m still enthusiastic about my family’s trade and can’t help but go on about it when I can. |
| 6 | I am always trying to help others out, even when my help may not be wanted. |
| 7 | I always save up as much as I can, spending and consuming only what I must. |
| 8 | My quick temper can end as many problems as it starts. At least, that's what I tell myself. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Kindness. I was taught as a child that all people should be treated kindly. (Good) |
| 2 | Respect. You should always respect your seniors, be it by age or skill. (Lawful) |
| 3 | Freedom. People should be free to do what they want. Don’t tread on me! (Chaotic) |
| 4 | Retribution. Any slight should be answered in kind. Disrespect will never be tolerated. (Evil) |
| 5 | Truth. Lying and cheating will get you nowhere. (Neutral) |
| 6 | Destiny. I am destined for something great. What that is has yet to be seen. (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I am fiercely embarrassed by my lowly origins. |
| 2 | I try to honor the person that inspired me to be an adventurer in everything I do. |
| 3 | There are people who would prey on the simple folk I grew up with. I refuse to stand by and let them. |
| 4 | The love of my life is still back there, living a lonesome life. I swear to return to them when I can. |
| 5 | I must keep track of my adventures, so that future generations can be inspired like I was. |
| 6 | There are great riches out there that could better my home town. I refuse to let my future children grow up in anything less than luxury. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I am terrified of authority figures. |
| 2 | My family and friends disowned me when I left, and my grudge against them for that refuses to fade. |
| 3 | Arguing with me is like arguing with a brick wall. |
| 4 | My limited life experience makes me slow to understand many things. |
| 5 | I constantly feel out of place. I am so very far from home. |
| 6 | I take offense at the smallest slight. |
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