Civilians & Unsung Heroes

[The Gardener]

One of the interesting things about Civilians is that they do not start off with pre-defined Character Role skills. This enables the player to pick ANY four skills that he wants as CR skills. This gives you a good amount of flexibility when it comes to designing a somewhat unique character (you'll also get some trained skills depending on the birthplace of your character).

If you roll a character with great attributes, it doesn't mean they can't be Civilians (I keep typing out Peasants; cheers Varg, ha ha). Playing as a Civilian really gives you a broad scope with which to develop a background story for your character and how you will role-playing him. He could be whatever you want him to be; craftsman, hunter-gatherer, seaman, hill-farmer, fisherman, minstrel... there's no limit as to what you can come up with.

[Thulean Hamask]

I played a civilian in one of Jeff's games, and it was great. I was a woodsman/lumberjack. Never one for adventure or battle, but the murder of my friend drove me to seek out the murderers. Was a nice change from the mindset and skill set of the typical warrior of most RPGs.

Highly recommended, especially if you want to RP out of your comfort zone.

[The Gardener]

Ahhh yes, that's great. A well-build woodsman who's only used to using his axe against trees finds himself in a situation where he may need to use it against other people or creatures. I really dig that and great for RP as you mention.

How did the character do?

[Thulean Hamask]

Really well, actually. Split many beasts and outlaws asunder and survived. Was surprising, as he had little in the way of defense. His raw strength and dexterity made up for it

[frostedflakes]

I prefer starting out as civilian since it forces you to roleplay typical routines, it will help you immerse yourself in the mundane so when your life is actually under threat it becomes much more intense than if you were a lvl 1 warrior etc. If you are a berserk I feel locals might be giving you more praise than if you were another farmer or fisherman or blacksmith. It requires more research on your part but the reward is huge.