Peasant

Lore & Background

In the feudal system of this era, the Peasant occupies the foundation upon which all nobility rests. Their existence is dictated by the rhythm of the seasons and the demands of survival. While they serve a Lord who provides protection and justice, their daily lives are consumed by the struggle to harvest enough grain before winter sets in or to gather firewood before the cold bites too deep. Their social standing is humble, yet their agency drives the economy. A Peasant's life can shift dramatically from peaceful farming to desperate defense when raiders approach. They age visibly over time, passing through stages of childhood, adulthood, and old age, with each generation contributing differently to the prosperity of the village they call home.

Reader's Guide

The Peasant is the fundamental unit of society within the Manor Lords world, embodying resilience and communal effort. They begin life as children who eventually mature into productive adults capable of working farms, mines, or construction sites. Their personal arc is defined by survival; they must be fed, clothed, and housed to maintain productivity. If neglected, their health declines, leading to death from old age or starvation. Powers are limited to manual labor and basic combat skills when pressed into militia service. They wield simple tools like axes or scythes in peace, but switch to spears or swords during sieges. Defining moments include the harvest season which determines winter survival, and sudden raids where they must defend their homes. Their collective success dictates whether a settlement flourishes into a town or collapses under hardship.

Did You Know?

• The term 'peasant' did not appear in the English language until the 15th century.
• The term 'Peasants' Revolt' was first used in John Richard Green's Short History of the English People in 1874.
• Some serfs were born unfree and could not leave their manors to work elsewhere without the consent of the local lord.
• After the Black Death in 1348, labourers could charge more for their work and wages were driven sharply upwards.
• The Statute of Labourers in 1351 attempted to fix wages at pre-plague levels, making it a crime to refuse work.