Commoner

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Commoner Introduction

In the bustling heart of the village, where cobblestone streets echo with the chatter of daily life, the commoner weaves through the tapestry of the mundane. Often overlooked, these humble folk are the lifeblood of any settlement, their presence as constant as the rising sun. Clad in simple garb, their attire speaks of practicality and the wear of honest labor. Yet, beneath the unassuming exterior lies a spirit as resilient as the land they till and the goods they craft.

The commoner is a creature of habit, rising with the dawn to tend to their duties, whether it be in the fields, the market, or the hearth. Their hands, calloused and strong, tell tales of toil and perseverance. Despite their ordinary appearance, there is a quiet dignity in their demeanor, a testament to the generations that have come before them. Their eyes, often weary, hold a spark of hope and dreams of a better tomorrow.

In the quaint villages and sprawling towns, commoners are the heartbeat of the community. They gather in taverns to share stories and laughter, their voices mingling with the crackle of the hearth. It is said that in the whispers of the night, when the world is cloaked in shadow, the commoners speak of legends passed down through the ages. Tales of heroes and monsters, of love and loss, echo in their songs and lullabies, weaving a rich tapestry of lore that binds them to the land.

Though they may not wield swords or cast spells, the commoners possess a strength of their own. It is the strength of unity, of family, and of an unyielding spirit. In times of strife, they stand together, a testament to the power of the ordinary. For in the world of Dungeons & Dragons, even the most unassuming of creatures can hold the key to extraordinary adventures.

Commoner Skills & Traits

Skills

• No specific skills

Senses

• Passive Perception: 10

Languages

• Any one language (usually Common)

Abilities

• Strength: 10 (+0)
• Dexterity: 10 (+0)
• Constitution: 10 (+0)
• Intelligence: 10 (+0)
• Wisdom: 10 (+0)
• Charisma: 10 (+0)

Actions

• Club: Melee Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 2 (1d4) bludgeoning damage.

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Battle Tips for Commoner

While the Commoner may not be the most formidable opponent in a battle, they can still play a crucial role in creating dynamic and engaging encounters for players. Here are some tips for Dungeon Masters on how to effectively use Commoners in battle scenarios:

Using Commoners in Battle

• Environmental Advantage: Commoners are often familiar with their surroundings. Use this to your advantage by having them set up traps or use the terrain to their benefit, such as leading players into narrow alleys or crowded marketplaces where movement is restricted.
• Distraction Tactics: Commoners can serve as distractions, drawing the attention of players away from more significant threats. They can create noise, throw objects, or even pretend to be in distress to divert attention.
• Support Roles: While not strong fighters, Commoners can provide support to more powerful allies. They can carry supplies, provide first aid, or even act as messengers to relay information during a battle.

Coordinating Multiple Commoners

• Swarm Tactics: Individually weak, Commoners can become a formidable force when they work together. Use swarm tactics to overwhelm players, attacking from multiple directions to create confusion and chaos.
• Role Specialization: Assign different roles to groups of Commoners, such as a group dedicated to ranged attacks with slings or bows, while others focus on melee combat with improvised weapons.
• Retreat and Regroup: If the battle turns against them, Commoners can retreat to a safe location to regroup and plan a counterattack. Use their knowledge of the area to find hidden paths or safe havens.

Fleeing Strategies

• Cover of Darkness: Commoners can use the cover of darkness or other environmental factors like fog or rain to make a stealthy escape from a losing battle.
• Decoy Tactics: Leave behind decoys or false trails to mislead pursuers, allowing the main group of Commoners to escape unnoticed.
• Blend In: In urban settings, Commoners can blend into crowds or disguise themselves as non-combatants to avoid detection and flee the scene.

By using these strategies, Dungeon Masters can turn Commoners into more than just background characters, making them an integral part of the story and adding depth to battle encounters.