It's been many months since my last musings here, so I better post something substantial - like say, a d6 chart of jobs.
First up is a general occupation list for NPCs, or you could use it to say "This is what my character did every mundane day before becoming an adventurer." That whole safe and stable income, regular meals, and sleeping indoors just ain't for everyone. Gimme danger, derring do, and dungeon delving.... in a safe, tabletop, escapism kind of way of course.
It's pretty simple to use. Roll 1d6 and 1d10. For example, I rolled a 6 and another 6, so the occupation would be a Lord or Lady. Then I rolled a 3 and a 5, so a Weaponsmith/Armorer. Proceed as many times as you want. If you come up with more jobs, simply add them to the list and increase the first die to a d8 or another d10.
General NPC Occupations
11. Laborer/Farmhand
12. Miner
13. Woodsman/Forrester
14. Servant
15. Herdsman
16. Fisherman/Sailor
17. Hunter
18. Vendor/Merchant
19. Pawnbroker/Moneylender
20. Cobbler
21. Carpenter/Woodcarver
22. Tailor
23. Potter/Sculptor/Artist
24. Weaver
25. Barber
26. Butcher
27. Mason
28. Wright (cart,wayn, ship)
29. Smith (black, silver, gold)
30. Baker/Cook
31. Grocer
32. Tanner
33. Cooper
34. Locksmith
35. Weaponsmith/Armorer
36. Farrier
37. Brewer
38. Miller
39. Pageboy/Squire
40. Steward
41. Butler/Maid
42. Groom/liveryman
43. Chauffeur/Footman
44. Wetnurse/Nursemaid
45. Midwife
46. Alchemist/Botanist/Apothecary
47. Messenger
48. Clerk/Scribe
49. Soothsayer/Fortune Teller
50. Bookbinder/Librarian
51. Scholar/Tutor (various fields)
52. Physician/Dentist
53. Innkeeper
54. Entertainer/Performer
55. Landlord
56. Accountant
57. Lawyer
58. Judge
59. Gaoler (Jailer)
60. Hangman/Executioner
61. Warden
62. Ambassador
63. Diplomat
64. Advisor/Alderman
65. Clergy (priest, bishop)
66. Lord/Lady
The next table is for those with more nefarious means of employment. This one only requires 1d6.
Criminal Occupations
1. Mercenary/Assassin
2. Pickpocket/Cutpurse
3. Bandit/Thief
4. Slaver
5. Smuggler/Fence
6. Warlord
And lastly, where there is the lawlessness and chaos of city living, you're going to encounter those that try to instill some order. For these you still only need 1d6.
Lawful Occupations
1. Beggar - Ok, so this one doesn't actually contribute to the well being of society. But the law hasn't made begging illegal...yet. These ne'er do wells attempt to live off the system and charity to avoid lifting a finger. In time they may get desperate enough to turn to a life of crime if no one is dropping them coins anymore.
2. Bounty Hunter - chasing down brigands and vagabonds and bringing them to justice...for a fee.
3. Town/City guard (carries cudgel, crossbow, sword, or spear) - patrolling the streets to keep you safe.
4. Constable/Sheriff - someone has to get the orders from the mayor and pass them down to the guards.
5. Warrior/Soldier - a militiaman or regular soldier in the liege lord's army, keeping the county safe.
6. Officer/Commander - and like the sheriff giving orders to the guards, there has to be someone to command the forces in the field.
