The first in an ongoing series of content for helping game masters create vivid, living worlds. Each list will feature 100 options on a topic. This week’s list is occupations. This will help you build a fantasy village in short order.
- Acolyte
- Advocate
- Alchemist
- Apothecary
- Armorer
- Assayer
- Astrologer
- Baker
- Banker
- Blacksmith
- Body Guard
- Bounty Hunter
- Brewer
- Butcher
- Butler
- Candlemaker
- Carpenter
- Cartographer
- Chamberlain
- Chef
- Clerk
- Cobbler/Shoemaker
- Concubine
- Cook
- Dancer
- Dyer
- Engineer
- Eunuch
- Exchequer
- Falconer
- Farmer
- Fisherman
- Ferryman
- Fishmonger
- Furrier
- Gardener
- Gemcutter
- Gemologist/Prospector
- Goldsmith
- Groom
- Guard
- Guide
- Healer
- Herald/Crier
- Herbalist
- Hunter
- Jongleur
- Knight
- Landlord
- Leatherworker
- Longshoreman
- Maid
- Mercenary
- Midwife
- Merchant
- Minstrel
- Miller
- Milkman
- Miner
- Monk
- Mortician
- Musician
- Page
- Painter
- Panhandler
- Peddler
- Potter
- Priest
- Prostitute
- Sailor
- Scholar
- Scribe
- Sculptor
- Shaman
- Shipwright
- Shopkeeper
- Silversmith
- Servant
- Serving Wench
- Shepherd
- Singer
- Slave
- Slave Trader
- Soldier
- Spinster
- Squire
- Stable boy/girl
- Stonecutter
- Tailor
- Tax Collector
- Teacher
- Thatcher
- Thief
- Toy Maker
- Tracker
- Vintner
- Wagon Driver
- Weaponsmith
- Weaver
- Woodsman
Is eunuch a profession?
Anyway, I love the lists and I hope to use them in the next campaign.
Eunuch is probably more of a “lifestyle” choice, than an occupation. I couldn’t resist leaving it in, if only to see the player’s faces when you describe an NPC as a eunuch. All the male players unconsciously cross their legs!
Eunuch actually is an occupation. They were men who guarded the King’s Harem. Since the practice of castration only lasted a short time, they were usually eunuchs in name only. These are highly trusted and respected men with the responsibility of protecting the lives and purity of the King’s concubines. They would sometimes even serve as body guards for the Queen. You can really throw your players for a loop when the eunuch is used as one of the best fighters in the realm!
Ohhh, sneaky…