This term designates a man in possession of a small plot of cultivated land. In the harsh and hostile northern territories, owning a piece of arable land can be quite complicated. On Midgardr a free man is part of a complex social organism regulated by precise laws. Land and animals are the wealth of these men, free before the law and rich enough to arm themselves so that, in the recent past, a class of freemen competent in the use of weapons has formed in Norse society. The possession of such land allows the Bondhi to buy the necessary equipment to go to war. The greater the wealth of a land, the better the equipment to arm these warrior peasants. Being Bondhi is a major social responsibility as well as constituting a tough lifestyle marked by hard work. Being a Bondhi, however, is also a source of great pride. A Bondhi will fiercely defend his independence and autonomy both in the Thing and with the force of arms. The Bondhi gather in Fridhr when they descend into battle, ie bands belonging to the same community or Thing, bound by kinship relationships. These formations of warriors share close bonds and are very combative, even if inclined to impulsive deeds for the salvation of their families.
- Skill Proficiencies: Skills: Animal Handling, Perception
- Tool Proficiencies: Tools: Artisan tools
- Equipment: Equipment: common clothes, an artisan’s tool of your choice, a bracelet adorned with a rune, a simple weapon, a terracotta container, a leather bag with 15 gp.
When choosing this background, you also choose a location on Midgardr. In that place, you have a plot of land with a house and, at your discretion, a family waiting for you. You are welcome by the community of that location and you can turn to them in times of need.
Suggested Characteristics
Suggested Characteristics: Being a Bondhi is itself a matter of pride, personal independence, a plot of land to cultivate and to be able to say he is the lord in his own home are goals to defend, whether they have been conquered with prowess in battle, or through hard work and commitment. Sometimes, however, this is not enough and a Bondhi aspires to larger estates or positions that are more prestigious.
A Hersir is a prominent member of a community who holds sufficient wealth and land to be able to liaise with a local lord and interact with the community, which he represents. A Hersir has the same rights and duties as any Bondhi. Indeed, he will have more burdens due to having to finance military expeditions and leading his own countrymen in battle, making sure that every man is sufficiently armed for battle, that there are provisions necessary to the expedition in progress and that the state of health of his companions is good. However, this also has advantages. Being such an influential figure allows you to have a say on many issues, especially in the face of overly despotic or weak lords. Variants Privilege: Great holdings In addition to the privilege of “A Hearth to Return to”, as Hesir your estate is not limited to a home and a small cultivated plot, your large estate yields fruit for you and your home. If you choose this variant, start the game with 5 gp more, moreover, the profit you earn from the sale of the produce from your land is 2 gp per day, which you can withdraw each time you return home. Furthermore, you are considered a prominent member of your community, but money, power, and influence always attract envy and enemies: by staying away from home for a long period there is the risk of finding your property usurped and your family missing. In addition, the local lords you are bound to will certainly be asking for favors and contributions