Peasant

{{#if:Peasant|Default Peasant}}
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Creature Statistics
Danger Rating	2}}
Type	Human}}
Size	Average}}
Terrain	Any}}

{{#if:Any|}}Peasants have AR 0 and wield spears and polearms.

Basics

Peasants are probably the most numerous example of Humans in Dargarth. They spend most of their life tending fields, or perhaps performing other menial tasks in a village. They get the short end of the stick in life. In times of famine or disease, peasants are often the first to die. In times of war, peasants make up the front line of most armies. This can make them a dismal, yet very hardy person. Not being able to afford much, they wear faded and dirty clothes. Their weapons and equipment are worn from everyday use in the fields.

Behaviour

The smallfolk of the realm lead fairly simple lives, albeit back-breaking manual labour. Most are illiterate and own very few possessions. The lords of the lands the reside on exploit them for manpower and tax them heavily. Some refuse to be downtrodden and hope for a better life. Their shared lot in life creates a communal spirit amongst peasants. Groups of peasants are stronger than the sum of their parts, as they reinforce and support each other by nature.

Combat

Although sometimes peasants are enticed into military service by promises of riches, it is rare for them to be willing soldiers. More often, they are levied by warlords or nobility, or must serve to defend themselves from raiders. This means they are not well trained nor equipped as professional soldiers, but they can still pose a serious threat. Their spears or improvised weapons often outrange swords and axes. A brave team of peasants can present a bristling fence of steel to attackers. They wear no armor though, and rarely have such basic equipment such as shields. This means that anyone getting in close to them can tear through a Peasant formation with ease. Additionally, Peasants are vulnerable to archers and magical attacks. They may be among the weaker fighters on a field, but Peasants are always dangerous in large numbers.