Pioneer

There is still land in Faerun where no humanoid has lived before, and Pioneers are the hardy folk who set out to tame that land for the first time. They’ve learned to hunt forest game, cultivate crops of wild flora, and collect water from natural streams where fish swim abundantly. Weathering punishing storms, migrations, and harsh winters, they’ve adapted to the environment, building everything they own with their own two hands and honing their skills in working with natural materials to provide shelter, tools, and clothing.

• Skill Proficiency: Nature.
• Additional Equipment: A shovel*, and carpenter’s tool.

*Negligible item of no value.

Ability: Handyman by Necessity

Upon spending an hour in the outdoors and succeeding on a medium-DC Intelligence (Nature) check, you can find the necessary materials (provided there are any nearby) to mend any mundane item.

Ranks

Rank 1 – Hermit

Having relied on your aptitude for working with natural resources to fend for yourself in the wilds, you have a crude shelter and a basic knowledge of foraging wild flora, but you have yet to truly make your way on the frontier.

Holdings:

• Knowledge of a rare animal or plant that, if domesticated, could be farmed for great gain allowing you to perform /pc-profession to advance your career.

Progression: Build a house or similar building and the beginnings of a farm.

• Clear a section of land (1,200 units).

Rank 2 – Secluded Cultivator

You’ve constructed a sturdy dwelling and started to make the land support you. While your fences are rudimentary and your tools crude, you have begun to produce more than you need to survive. Others may follow you, seeing the opportunity this land offers.

Holdings:

• A small herd or a field of crops.
• A small family or group of farmhands who help tend your homestead.
  • Grants a +1 bonus to your Intelligence proficiency bonus when performing your profession.

Progression: Gather a small community around your homestead.

• Clear a section of land (2,400 units).

Rank 3 – Homestead Proprietor

You’ve established your own homestead and maintain a year-round reserve of crops, salted meat, and animal pelts to sustain you and your people through the winter months. People have gathered around you with specialized skills, such as carpenters, blacksmiths, and doctors. The beginning of a village has grown up around you.

Holdings:

• Small self-sufficient, village-sized community that takes care of the daily requirements of your ranch or plantation.
• A track/road that leads to the nearest town for traveling merchants to buy and sell wares.
• A sizable plantation or ranch of your chosen commodity, bringing in a significant profit each harvest.
  • Grants a +1 bonus to your Intelligence proficiency bonus when performing your profession. Stacks with prior rank (+2 total).

Progression: Acquire a rare or magical animal or plant to be farmed.

• Clear a section of land (4,800 units).

Rank 4 – Governor

Your steading is renowned for production of its unique commodity. You are held in high regard in the surrounding provinces and known throughout the lands as a foremost producer of your chosen commodity. As the first and most influential settler in the area, it was natural to make your authority official. In your frontier town, you are the head of the local government, with all the powers and responsibilities that entails.

Holdings:

• Your position as a local authority is your entry into the society of notable merchants, nobles, and royalty. Powerful people approach you to buy what you offer and deal with your town.
• A caravansary that houses incoming and outgoing merchant caravans from across the land.
• A large house for you and your family, suitable for receiving important visitors.
• A small but disciplined militia to protect your homestead and its surroundings.
• A political alliance with a neighboring state that supports your independence.
• 5,000gp grant that must be spent on a stronghold.

Source: Adapted from Grim Hollow Campaign