Dungeons & Dragons 5e Background: Common Folk
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Common Folk
Sun up, sun down, you live an ordinary life in one of the many small towns or big cities that are scattered across the world. You are used to hard work and toil. Though you are relatively poor, you can usually scrape together enough to get by. How do you feel about where you have grown up, and the life you have lived? Do you have regrets, dreams, or aspirations? And, naturally, when adventure comes calling, how will you respond? Daily Toil: In any community, regardless of size, everyone has a purpose. Some may be more essential than others, but every member fills a role that identifies them and ingrains themselves in the fabric of society. Choose a vocation for your character from the following list, or determine one randomly. d8 1d8 Daily Toil
- Crofter (tenant of a small piece of land)
- Inn worker, roll a d4 1d4 : 1) Barman/Barmaid, 2) Cook, 3) Ostler/Stablehand, 4) Brewer
- Herder, roll a d4 1d4 : 1) Shepherd, 2) Goatherd, 3) Cowherd, 4) Swineherd
- Undesirable, roll a d4 1d4 : 1) Gong Farmer, 2) Rat Catcher, 3) Beggar, 4) Knacker (removes animal carcasses)
- Guard Recruit
- Carter (you pull a hand cart for a living)
- Domestic Servant, roll a d4 1d4 : 1) Maid, 2) Groom/Stablehand, 3) Page, 4) Butler (in charge of the buttery)
- Apprentice Artisan, roll a d6 1d6 : 1) Blacksmith, 2) Carpenter, 3) Weaver, 4) Baker, 5) Bodger (wood turner), 6) Cordwainer (makes new shoes)
- Choose one: (or roll a d6 1d6 ) 1) Club, 2) Handaxe, 3) Knife, 4) Quaterstaff, 5) Sickle, 6) Sling and 10 Sling Bullets
- Common Clothes. This outfit includes a shirt, a skirt or pants with a drawstring, shoes, and perhaps a linen or leather coif or simple felt hat.
- One satchel containing, ether a set of artisan’s tools or a musical instrument, a Bedroll, a Waterskin and one days’ worth of rations (1).
- A belt pouch containing your starting wealth. Starting Wealth = 2d4cp 2d4 and 1d3sp 1d3 .
Features
Feature: Hard Worker: You are able to press on through challenging conditions, exerting yourself more than should be possible. When you would gain a level of exhaustion from any source other than a class feature, make a Constitution saving throw. The DC of this saving throw is 12 + twice the number of times you’ve rolled this saving throw in the past 30 days. If you succeed on this saving throw, you do not gain the level of exhaustion.
Suggested Characteristics
Common folk tend to be at once determined and resigned, accepting of their lot in life but willing to make the most of it and continue to press on. The common folk often pride themselves on their distance from formality and luxury, considering the hardships they suffer to be the hallmarks of a life well-lived.
Traits
| Roll a d8 1d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
1 | If I’m not worn out, the job’s not done. |
2 | A well-timed grunt or spit says all that needs saying. |
3 | I celebrate just as hard as I work. |
4 | I don’t trust large sums of money. Nothing good ever comes from that. |
5 | I know thousands of jokes about nobles, want to hear one? |
6 | Singing helps the time go by, and makes life bearable. |
7 | I understand animals. Usually better than people. |
8 | I try and learn about all sorts of places I’ll probably never visit. |
Ideal
| Roll a d6 1d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
1 | Community. Everyone needs a helping hand, sometimes. (Good) |
2 | Strength. The stronger I get, the more I can do. (Neutral) |
3 | Selfishness. My needs are all that matter. (Evil) |
4 | Status. Hard work improves my social standing. (Lawful) |
5 | Freedom. I’m always looking for a chance to cut loose. (Chaotic) |
6 | Order. Things are the way they are for a reason. (Lawful) |
Bond
| Roll a d6 1d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
1 | I believe that my community should prosper, and everything I do is for them. |
2 | I have a sick relative, and I must work to support them. |
3 | My gambling debts are particularly large, and I fear those coming to collect. |
4 | The world is a dangerous place, and I must protect my people from harm. |
5 | I’m in love with a noble, and must outgrow my social standing if I’m to have a chance. |
6 | Someday, I’ll make my family name mean something. |
Flaw
| Roll a d6 1d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
1 | I have an irrational hatred of nobles, or of one noble family in particular. |
2 | I’m actually surprisingly lazy. |
3 | I have an almost slavish adherence to protocol. |
4 | Any time that can be a party, should be a party. |
5 | Monsters and dragons are just superstition! I refuse to learn otherwise. |
6 | I’m very practical, and complicated plans completely escape me. |
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