Smallfolk

## From Muddy Tracks to Noble Courts: The Threads Woven by the Smallfolk

Though they occupy the lowest strata of society, the smallfolk of Westeros have potential for growth, and their lives are deeply affected by the decisions of the nobility. The game of thrones might be played by the high lords and ladies, but its repercussions cascade down to every commoner in the realm.

The common people of Westeros and the known world, typically peasants, who live under the authority of their local lords. They represent the bottom of the social hierarchy, below nobility and knights, and are sometimes referred to as lowborn.

### Responsibilities

* **Economic Contribution:** As the backbone of Westerosi society, smallfolk primarily engage in farming, fishing, crafting, and other vocational activities that support the economy.
* **Loyalty to Local Lords:** Smallfolk owe fealty to their local lords. This can mean paying taxes, providing resources, or even serving in their armies during times of conflict.
* **Maintaining Community:** As the majority populace, they uphold traditions, festivals, and communal events. They have the responsibility to support one another, ensuring the survival and welfare of their community.
* **Tending to Lands:** The smallfolk are tasked with cultivating fields, maintaining orchards, herding livestock, and ensuring that the land yields its bounty.
* **Trade and Barter:** With limited access to formal economies, smallfolk often engage in bartering goods and services within and between communities.
* **Upkeep of Infrastructure:** They're responsible for maintaining roads, bridges, and other communal structures, especially in rural areas where royal or noble oversight might be minimal.
* **Preservation of Folklore and Traditions:** As bearers of culture, smallfolk are responsible for passing down stories, legends, songs, and traditions through generations.
* **Abiding by Laws and Traditions:** They must adhere to the local customs and laws set by their lords, and in larger scope, by the ruling monarch.
* **Participation in Civic Duties:** This could involve participating in local gatherings, town meetings, and any collective decision-making processes that might exist at the village level.
* **Defense:** While not formally trained, in times of external threats or conflicts, smallfolk might be called upon to defend their homes and villages.
* **Faith and Religion:** They have the responsibility of upholding the practices and rituals associated with the Faith of the Seven or any local beliefs they adhere to.
* **Paying Taxes and Levies:** Often, smallfolk are required to give a portion of their produce, livestock, or crafts as taxes or levies to their respective lords.
* **Support of Noble Endeavors:** This might involve being part of construction projects, festivals, or tournaments organized by the nobility.

### Lifestyle & Characteristics

1. **Economic Status:** Most smallfolk lead humble and simple lives, living in poverty.
2. **Literacy:** Majority of them are illiterate.
3. **Identification:** Unlike nobles, they usually do not possess surnames.
4. **Travel & Communication:** They use roads, often muddy tracks not depicted on official maps.
5. **Tools & Weapons:** Typically use staffs instead of lances or castle-forged steel.
6. **Culture:** Names for daughters often derive from flowers or herbs (e.g., Violet, Tansy). Additionally, due to their lifestyle, peasant girls in Westeros are more likely to bleed on their wedding nights as they don't usually ride horses.
7. **Attire:** In Westeros, smallfolk dress in raw wool and roughspun with dull colors, contrasting with the vibrant attires of the nobility.

#### Beliefs

Smallfolk can be quite superstitious, often resulting from lack of education or exposure to broader knowledge. Some beliefs include:

* Consuming rabbit during pregnancy results in a child with long ears.
* Silent sisters are believed to be tongueless.
* A common misconception is that the Seven of the new gods are seven distinct deities.
* The world is perceived to be flat.
* Expectations that the final year of summer will be the hottest.
* A long summer supposedly predicts an even longer winter.
* Mythical origins surround landmarks like the Hightower in Oldtown.
* Humorous beliefs, such as Lord Tywin Lannister having the ability to excrete gold.
* Dragonglass is believed to be made by dragons.

### Advancement Opportunities

While social mobility is generally limited, there are certain paths that offer opportunities for smallfolk to ascend in status:

* **Hedge Knights:** Starting as commoners, some become notable figures, like Ser Duncan the Tall.
* **Merchants:** Successful merchants might achieve nobility, as seen with House Spicer.
* **City Guards & Night's Watch:** Joining as foot soldiers, they can rise to command ranks.
* **The Citadel:** Open for all, here they can study and become maesters.
* **Faith of the Seven:** Allows commoners to become septons or septas.
* **Faith Militant:** The order, especially the Poor Fellows, admits members without considering their social background.

### Rights & Protections

1. **Self-ownership:** Unlike slaves, smallfolk are recognized as independent entities.
2. **Legal Protection:** They can seek justice from their local lords for grievances or legal violations.
3. **Rights:** They are entitled to fair treatment by the larger society and nobility. Laws typically protect them from abuse, though the strictness and enforcement vary based on the local lord's disposition.

## Being a Commoner

When roleplaying as a smallfolk, players must remember that their character's knowledge, beliefs, and actions are shaped by their upbringing, culture, and station. The following suggestions provide insights into potential roleplaying scenarios and outcomes:

* **Commoner:** Engage in everyday struggles, emphasizing resourcefulness and the importance of community. RP outcomes might involve conflict with local lords, establishing a family, or navigating through events like droughts and wars.
* **Fool:** Act as court jesters or entertainers, bringing both humor and hidden wisdom to scenarios. RP outcomes might involve influencing lords with veiled truths or getting into mischief.
* **Ser - Knights of the Realm:** Roleplay chivalry, loyalty, and martial prowess. Players might be involved in quests, sworn duties, or conflicts between lords.
* **Maester:** Possess vast knowledge and serve lords in various capacities. Roleplaying can include providing counsel, performing research, or addressing illnesses and injuries.
* **Stonemason:** Build and repair structures. Players can focus on crafting, city-building activities, and interactions with lords needing their skills.
* **Farmer:** Engage in farming activities and interactions with neighbors and local markets. Roleplaying scenarios might involve harvests, disputes over land, or navigating through natural calamities.
* **Merchant:** Roleplay as traders with a focus on economics, negotiation, and exploration. Scenarios can involve trade deals, market competition, or exotic goods acquisitions.
* **Sellsword:** Serve as mercenaries with shifting loyalties based on pay. Players can participate in battles, personal vendettas, or be hired for protection.
* **Hunter:** Engage in hunting expeditions, potentially interacting with other characters for trade or information. Scenarios might involve rare game hunts, tracking services, or conflicts over hunting territories.

### Participating in the communication

When role-playing as smallfolk within the context of the server, it's essential for players to capture the nuances and intricacies of the daily lives, beliefs, and experiences of these characters. Here are some themes and subjects they might communicate in the form of conversations they had or heard to be shared in **the role-play chat**:

**Daily Life and Chores**

* "Need to mend that leaky roof before the rains."
* "Going to the market today. Need anything?"

**Local Gossip and News**

* "Heard Ser Rodrik's squire ran away with a baker's daughter!"
* "There's talk of a tourney at Highgarden. Think any of our folks will go?"

**Economic Concerns**

* "The crops are looking sparse this year."
* "Prices for wool have gone up in the market. Good for the shepherds."

**Religious Beliefs and Superstitions**

* "I left an offering at the Sept hoping for a good harvest."
* "Avoid the Weirwood at night. Old Nan says it's haunted."

**Personal Challenges and Dreams**

* "I dream of opening my own inn someday."
* "If only my son could become a maester and study at the Citadel."

**Events and Festivals**

* "Are you attending the harvest festival next week?"
* "The septa is holding a prayer gathering tonight."

**Concerns About Nobility and Politics**

* "I hope Lord Eddard is fair with the taxes this year."
* "Did you hear about the dispute between the Lannisters and the Tullys?"

**Interactions with Other Roles**

* "The Maester said there's a sickness going around. Best to boil your water."
* "That sellsword asked for directions. Seemed to be heading towards the Twins."

**Family and Relationships**

* "My daughter is to be wed next month. Busy times ahead!"
* "Lost my grandmother last winter. She lived a good long life."

**Cultural Traditions and Songs**

* "Remember that old song about the Reynes of Castamere? Fancy a tune?"
* "It's almost time for the maiden's dance."

**Trade and Barter Conversations**

* "Got some fresh fish today, want to trade for some of your bread?"
* "I could fix that cartwheel for a jug of ale."

**Environmental Observations**

* "Storm's coming. Can feel it in my bones."
* "The days are growing shorter. Winter is on its way."

**Asking for Help or Offering Assistance**

* "Could use some help with the plowing tomorrow."
* "If you need any herbs, Maester Jon gave me some extras."

**While roleplaying, players should communicate**

1. **Backstories:** Share histories to provide context for the character's present actions and beliefs.
2. **Intentions:** Clearly convey your character's motives to avoid misinterpretations.
3. **Cultural beliefs and superstitions:** Display these often to emphasize the authenticity of your role.
4. **Advancement aspirations:** Discuss any personal quests or ambitions that drive the character.