Peasantry
“Born to serve. Buried in silence.”
DEFINITION
A Peasant is any unskilled or low-skilled commoner who lacks wealth, education, noble blood, or specialised training. They form the vast majority of the empire’s population and are seen as expendable but essential.
They’re not expected to think, question, or rise. Just work—and die quietly when needed.
ROLES & DUTIES
| Role | Description |
|---|---|
| Farmers | Produce food for the empire—grain, livestock, produce. |
| Miners | Extract magical ore, iron, crystal—often die young. |
| Builders | Masonry, roads, housing. Usually underpaid or indentured. |
| Fisherfolk | Feed coastal cities—many lost to sea beasts or pirates. |
| Labourers | Haulers, porters, ditch-diggers. Physical punishment common. |
| Servants (non-bonded) | Employed in households without oath-binding. Easily replaced. |
LIVING CONDITIONS
- Housing: Cramped, cold, often shared by multiple families or livestock.
- Education: None. Reading is a crime in some regions if you're unlicensed.
- Magic: Forbidden. Possession of magical artefacts is punished by branding or death.
- Religion: Used as a pacifier—peasants are taught obedience through divine fear.
- Dreams of Escape: Usually end in arrest, conscription, or death.
COMMON TRAITS & ATTITUDES
- Superstitious: Raised on stories of curses, saints, and daemon bargains.
- Suspicious of nobles: Fearful and bitter, but outwardly obedient.
- Deeply loyal to their own: Betrayal is rare unless survival demands it.
- Broken pride: Most know they’ll never rise—but some remember legends of those who did.
REBELLION & RUMOURS
- Whispers of “The Black Flame”—a symbol used by rebel groups among the peasantry.
- Some peasants believe Liliane Viermont (Rein) is a witch noble sent to destroy the corrupt.
- Others see her as a threat to the fragile balance and would gladly sell her out for safety.
NARRATIVE POTENTIAL
Peasants offer:
- Sympathy or betrayal—Rein might protect them… or exploit their desperation.
- A network of overlooked informants—servants and farmers see more than nobles realise.
- Rising resistance—Rein could inspire a cult, rebellion, or movement.
- Tragic collateral—noble feuds often spill over into their lives.
SAYINGS ABOUT PEASANTS
- “Feed them lies and fear. They’ll never ask for more.”
- “They die in silence—but bury kings in numbers.”
- “The nobility builds nothing. They just live on our broken backs.”
- “A peasant with a grudge is still a peasant. Until they find a blade.”
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