Villager

You originate from a small settlement much like many others, primarily inhabited by subsistence farmers and local craftsmen. Common villagers prioritize their own, as few would step forward to represent them. While the lesser nobility view you with disdain, fellow commoners regard you as one of their own and extend generous hospitality, provided resources allow. In exchange for short stays, particularly if the host is a landholder, they may request a few hours of light labor. Commoners freely share information amongst themselves, often withholding details from those of higher standing.

• Skill Proficiency: Insight
• Additional Equipment: An iron pot, a shovel*, a tinderbox

*Negligible item of no value.

Profession: Local Gossip

After engaging in an hour-long conversation with other commoners and succeeding on a medium-DC Wisdom (Insight) check, you can uncover rumors, political intrigue, or other gossip of interest. This includes information typically concealed from authorities.

Ranks

Rank 1 – Peasant

Born to a landless farmer and his wife, you toiled as a laborer on a local lord’s estate—whether tilling fields, tending animals, or milling grain—for a meager wage. Despite the taxing nature of the work, it bestowed upon you physical strength and endurance, enabling you to labor for extended periods without faltering.

Holdings:

• Ownership of a heavily indebted farmstead currently seized until its debts (1,200gp) are settled. This deed may have come into your possession through inheritance, gambling winnings, or other means allowing you to perform /pc-profession to advance your career.

Progression: Settle the debts on your farmstead and restore it to functional condition.

• Pay back the 1,200gp owed by working it off.

Rank 2 – Land Owner

You manage a modest farm yielding various crops and goods, which you sell locally for a modest profit. Your reputation as an honest seller and fair employer to hired hands on your land precedes you, earning trust among your clientele and employees alike.

Holdings:

• Ownership of a small farmstead with livestock, crops, and stores appropriate to its location.
• A team of half a dozen unskilled hirelings residing and working on your farm.
  • Grants a +1 bonus to your Wisdom proficiency bonus when performing your profession.

Progression: Attain respect and influence as a prominent figure in your local village.

• Expanding your farmstead will cost you 2,400 more hours of work.

Rank 3 – Council Member

Elected to a position on the local council, you assume a public role in governing your village. Alongside fellow council members, you address matters of trade, infrastructure, peacekeeping, and mediation among locals. You receive and resolve complaints and disputes, striving for amicable resolutions whenever feasible.

Holdings:

• Employment of a skilled professional assistant—such as a lawyer or accountant—to aid in managing your affairs.
• Allocation of resources by the Mayor to fulfill your responsibilities as a council member.
  • Grants a +1 bonus to your Wisdom proficiency bonus when performing your profession. Stacks with prior rank (+2 total).

Progression: Secure election or appointment as Mayor, sanctioned by a lord, council, electorate, or alternative means.

• You can’t relax yet, 4,800 hours of hard work is what is required.

Rank 4 – Mayor

From humble beginnings, you ascend to the position of Mayor, elected or appointed to oversee your village. Tasked with maintaining peace, you preside over council meetings and represent your province in ceremonial functions and interactions with regional governance.

Holdings:

• Utilization of resources from the village council at your disposal.
• A team of skilled hirelings proficient in professional services, aiding your efforts to manage your holdings.
• Resources granted by the Monarch—such as gold and military support—to uphold order within the settlement.
• 5,000gp to be spent on a stronghold (your farm).

Source: Adapted from Grim Hollow Campaign