Below is a list of 70 potential occupations for your character, however this of course does not encompass every occupation in the medieval world and if there are any questions, comments or concerns about what is or what is not on this list our ask box is always.
Acrobat - Acrobats are very popular entertainers and often get their skill from years of practice and dedication Acrobats almost always travel as part of a travelling circus and do not stay in the same place for long
Actor – As most lack formal education and cannot read, actors are important as they portray various roles that told of topical and historical events. Actors travel in troops and do not usually stay in one place for long
Apothecary – An apothecary is one trained and skilled in the arts of formal medicine. They are not as highly regarded as a physicians; however, trained physicians are expensive and usually only retained and hired by kings, nobles and the elite. Therefore the Apothecary serves the common people
Architect- Architects build structures, towns and buildings. Not only do they possess the knowledge to construct these things but they also have the skill to plan entire cities. Architects are highly in demand and are paid high wages for their services; however, if an architect’s castle or city is conquered by an enemy the architect is often put to death.
Armorer - Armor has to be uniquely made to fit its wearer and is a specialty taken on by a skilled Blacksmith. It pays as a suit of armor costs more than a baker would make in five years and because of this more armorers are quite wealthy.
Artist - Artists are common but only the best are conscripted by kings, nobles and the elite to produce portraits. Artists often go from town to town seeking business but once an artist has a royal or noble commission his career is made.
Astrologer - Astrologers not only use the heavens as a reference but he or she also studies the earth, the weather cycles and the seasonal patterns. It’s believed that through these things a better understanding of the gods can be reached and knowledge can be gained for agriculture and other social successes.
Baker - Bread is a staple for daily life, a skilled baker can find work almost anywhere. Good bakers are often invited and employed by the rich and elite as personal cooks and chefs inside the safety of castles. Their duties included the preparation of dinners and large feasts. There are exceptional bakers of all classes.
Bard - A poet, traditionally one reciting epics and associated with a particular oral tradition. Many play instruments such as the lute, the most skilled Bards study at the College of Bards in Seolia, however anyone with a knack for rhyming may call themselves a bard.
Barrister - Barristers are professional lawyers. Legal arbitration occurs when people challenge claims to land, inherited holdings and even common law. A good barrister can become quite wealthy and respected.
Blacksmith - Blacksmiths make weapons, armor, decoration for the household, keys, chains, and many other tools that are needed for daily life. Anyone who wants to become a blacksmith has to be prepared for a long, hard, sooty apprenticeship mostly spent next to a blazing fire. However, the blacksmith guild is very profitable because of the wide variety of products that the blacksmiths offer.
Bookbinder - This skill is very important as diaries, journals, manifests, news of discoveries, law, science, medicine, technology and industry are recorded on paper and must be bound together in the format of a book by professional binders.
Bowyer/Fletcher - The Bowyer manufactures bows, arrows and crossbows. Bowyers work with a variety of woods and tools. A well-crafted bow has durability and balance.
Brewer- The Brewer makes and ferments beers and ales. The process is completed through combining and aging hops, barley, wheat, malt and grain. The beverages are a staple of daily life and are consumed in pubs, alehouses, taverns, castles and homes.
Bricklayer - Bricklaying is common labor and though it does not require vast knowledge or skill, those who showed agility at the work were are subjected to an abundance of employment and decent pay.
Butler - The chief male servant of a household, usually in charge of serving food. The Butler was responsible for the castle cellar and was in charge of large butts of beer. The room in the castle called the Buttery was intended for storing and dispensing beverages, especially ale.
Candlemaker - The Candlemaker is a specialist with many talents. Though making candles is a relatively easy project, the craftsman also has to have a knowledge of the bees that provided him with the substance to complete his work.
Carpenter - Carpenters are highly skilled and considered to be elite tradesmen. To become a Carpenter it is usually necessary to join a guild as an apprentice and learn the craft. Homes, wagons, tables, furniture, tools and utensils are all the creations of carpenters. Knowledge of math, woodworking and the use of tools is required. Master carpenters are always in demand and could stand to earn high wages.
Cartographer - As information of terrain and the oceans become known and available, it is the job of the Cartographer to draw a detailed map of a given area. These maps have to be accurate for many reasons. Cartographers are hired by merchants, royals and nobles. Cartographer have to be artist as well, versed in reading and writing and skilled with math and geography.
Clothier - Being a Clothier means having a knowledge of various materials and how to assemble them into fine pieces of wear. Clothing has to be durable, fashionable and decorative as clothing is seen as a status symbol. A Clothier has to be experienced with mathematics, design and skill for assembly. If serving the nobility a handsome profit could be made. But Clothiers for peasants earn only a modest living.
Cobbler - Cobblers are often common laborers who design and make footwear. Anything from shoes fashioned from burlap, hide or leather to elaborate and fancy boots made from reptile skins. Their work is regarded as necessary but as the materials they work with fetch high prices, not all are able to afford them. Shoemakers often curtail their businesses to suit the needs of most people and design lesser pieces of footwear from cloth and even wood. Though they appeal to the mass populace and even though their product is necessary, cobblers often earned only average wages
Cook – A cook is employed in the castle kitchens, inns and manor houses - roasting, broiling, and baking food in the fireplaces and ovens. Royalty and nobles have been known to imprison a cook for serving a bad meal. A good Cook only earns an average living with fair wages.
Cottar - A Cottar is one of the lowest peasant occupations, undertaken by the old or infirm, who have a series of low duties including swine-herd, prison guard and other menial tasks
Courtesan - Harlot, Prostitute, Escort, varying in skill and experience levels they may work independently or as a part of a larger organization. Karmat famously has a brothel that rivals any lord’s estate, called only ‘The Rose,’ the men and women within are trained to use their skills as a means of gathering information.
Dyer - Dyers use their skills to mix different components to form inks, dyes and colorful stains that add tint and hue to clothing, furniture, fabrics, materials and artwork. Not only do they possess the ability to decorate fashionable wear but they also provide scribes and artists with the materials necessary for them to complete their work. The making of the various dyes is difficult and tedious work and often dangerous. Different berries and plants used to create the pigments often contain a degree of poison that is lethal if handled, inhaled or accidentally ingested.
Engineer - Engineers are essential to the successful expansion of any political kingdom. Not only are cities and towns improved by their skills but warfare and daily life see better odds with the meaningful contributions of Engineers. Building expansion bridges, reinforcing the subterranean foundations of castle walls, building powerful siege engines for use in battle and even irrigation and aqueducts are just a few of the jobs Engineers are called upon to perform. Though kings and nobles recognized and acknowledged the wide margin for potential failure, such enterprises are costly and put a strain on the financial reserves of a kingdom and one too many failures can end with an Engineer imprisoned. However, Engineers are highly respected and were usually employed by the most rich and powerful.
Engraver - Engravers are specialists who are called upon to etch messages and designs into swords, shields, armor and metal plaques. An artist in their own right, they work with a variety of custom tools to produce his trade. If the results of their work is unattractive or undesirable, the customer often will not pay and has legal grounds to sue the Engraver for ruining a piece of private property. As such the Engraver has to produce quality work. The wages earned are generally modest but being conscripted or hired by a noble or monarch for a custom project can find him the recipient of high pay.
Farmers - Farming is the most popular occupation in all twelve lands as it is an essential element to survival. A local lord or master will grant portions of their land to commoners and serfs and in exchange the people will till, cultivate and maintain the property to produce crops. What is grown is eventually sold at local markets at which the peasants were allowed to keep a share. Most revenue goes to the local lord however through taxes and levies. A person’s status is based on how much land and livestock they own. Private farmers who own their own land can become quite rich. Crops are varied and depend greatly on how fertile the plot of farmed land is.
Fisherman - Fisherman provide food as a commodity and thus sustain the survival of towns and villages. Usually a professional fisherman work on a boat owned by a noble or local lord. The work begins at sunrise as the boats depart to cast lines and nets into oceans, lakes, rivers and causeways. Fish tend to fetch a higher price in the market because of the rapid rate at which they deteriorate and spoil. A fisherman who owns their own boat is not necessarily in a position to capitalize on free enterprise. They are entitled to operate legally by themselves; however, most waterways are the legal right and claim of royalty and nobles.
Forester - The Forester is responsible for patrolling the woodlands on a lord or noble’s property. Their duties include negotiating deals for the sale of lumber and timber and to stop poachers from illegally killing animals in the forest. Many times wanted criminals will flee their arrest warrants and seek the safety of hiding in a forest. When this would occurs it is the duty of the Forester to oragnize roving gangs to flush out the criminal and capture them. Often Foresters held titles of prominence in their local communities and also acted as barristers and arbitrators. Their wages are usually above average and they can stand to make a decent and profitable living.
Fortune-Tellers - Fortune-tellers are often looked upon with disapproval from the ruling classes but their services are in high demand as many believe that these people are direct connection with the gods. Some Fortune-tellers use lunar and celestial patterns to predict probable and basic outcomes in terms of weather. These natural signs could foretell famine or draught or even bad storms. If a Fortune-teller has success in predicting these events, his or her credibility is greatly enhanced. Most Fortune-tellers are common rogues and tricksters who use a variety of simple illusions to create dramatic effects. In some cases when their foretold events did not ring true, they are hunted down and killed.
Gardeners - Gardeners are responsible for the upkeep and cosmetic appearance of castles and estates but are also called upon to build defensive ditches and barriers during times of war. A knowledge of herbs, plants and flowers is essential. Most Gardeners serve some form of nobility or royalty but even though a portion of their work is critical to the safety and protection of a castle or estate, they are paid meagerly.
Glassblower - Glassblowing is a specialty trade that requires years of training. Glass is made my heating sand and water at extremely high temperatures and melting it into a near liquid. As this substance dries, tubes of metal and glass are inserted at which the crafter uses their breath to blow through them and shape the flexible material. Guilds are common sources of entry for this profession and as such a highly skilled craft, Glassblowers often earn high wages.
Gavedigger - Unfortunately the Gravedigger can stand to make a profitable living. As epidemics, disease and war are rampant the Gravedigger is never short on business. No special skills are required for the profession but it did call for a careful handling of the tools.
Guard - It is the duty of the guard to patrol the cities and the roads of their respective country or any establishment that they’ve been paid to look after. Any man or woman can be trained as a guard, their palms are easiest to grease as they typically are not required to swear any oaths and answer directly to anyone except the person who is paying them.
Herald - A Herald is appointed by a king or noble. Most often a domestic servant is elevated in rank by receiving this appointment from their master. The Herald declares announcements on behalf of the king to the public. Normally this is done on a given day when the public would assemble at the base of a castle tower. It is the responsibility of the Herald to inform the public of what was going on. The herald is also expected to be an expert in bloodlines and the various insignias used by the rich to identify themselves
Herbalist - Herbalists main duties include the planting and maintaining of medicinal plants, roots and herbs. Different from a Gardener in that they don’t maintain large estates, the Herbalist envelopes themselves in the deep studies of medicine. Many herbs have natural healing agents and the Herbalist is a much respected person. A lot of the plants need to undergo treatments such as boiling, drying, steeping or steaming to bring out their healing properties and some need to be combined with others to find the desired results. Therefore, an Herbalist has to have an elaborate and involved education and needs the components of a laboratory to do their work successfully. An herbalist can sell their healing knowledge and services for extremely high prices.
Hunter - The professional Hunter has many resources at hand with which they can earn money. Hunting is a special skill and though most people have the basic knowledge needed for survival, professionals are sought out. Royalty and nobility hire professional hunters to lead their party. Often they hunt for animals such as wild boar, wolves or even bear. The more tame animals such as deer, rabbits and foxes are the targets of the general populace. Not only does the hunter serve as a guide and expert, but they also have a knowledge of skinning, tanning and preparing the meats that are captured on the hunt. They often also use the bones of the captured animals to make products such as dagger hilts and used the teeth for jewelry. As a result, the Hunter not only makes a profit from hiring out their services, but also makes additional money from their skills and resourceful talents.
Innkeeper - One of the most lucrative and profitable occupations is that of the Innkeeper; although, subjected to heavy taxes and levies by the local lords of the area. Owning an Inn carries a lot of responsibility. Besides the bedrooms the Inn also had other internal features such as a dining rooms and often a tavern or alehouse. Usually the fare for a room includes meals as well. The alehouse is sometimes leased by a secondary business person and often a separate enterprise from the Inn. Cleaning, maintaining and providing quality goods and services are the primary requirements of an Innkeeper. One also has to be good with mathematics and money and even have the presence of mind to calculate bookings and the ordering of supplies and inventory. Most times an Innkeeper hires a small staff of armed security guards. It is not uncommon for a group of fighters to arrive at an Inn shortly after their latest campaign. Rowdy and hoping to spend the spoils of war, the atmosphere inside most Inns and alehouses is bawdy and even at times violent.
Interpreter - Interpreters earn excellent wages despite who they work for. There is a scarcity of people versed in more than one language and as a result, Interpreters are highly sought after by royalty and nobility. Interpreters serve to reveal information about captured foreign troops and compose letters, laws and doctrines that help with the subjugation of foreign territories. They also assist in meetings, conversations and diplomatic gatherings with nobles and ruling members of many foreign countries. Therefore the Interpreter holds an elite position and is often given rank, land and titles in exchange for his or her valuable services.
Jester - Jesters don’t have an easy job. Though some are professionals and make their livings touring from land to land, most are forced into the position as an act of humiliation. Jesters live precariously and often their success depends solely on the mood of their audience. They do not earn high wages but were often allowed a few benefits and luxuries of life inside a castle.
Jeweler - Jewelers have positions of status. As foreign wars take troops into exotic lands they often returned with precious stones and minerals. Not knowing the value of them, it is up to the jeweler to determine their worth. Diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires are the most common stones found. Gold, silver and bronze are also held in high regard. The Jeweler not only hold the knowledge of assessing values on these items but they are also skilled in setting the stones into rings, pendants, medallions, bracelets and amulets. The Jeweler also knows how to set the items into sword hilts and other placements that exhibited the status and wealth of their holders.
Knight - It was the duty of a knight to learn how to fight and so serve their lord according to the Code of Chivalry. Weapon practice included enhancing skills in the two-handed sword, battle axe, mace, dagger and lance. Knights of different lands differ in many ways and there are other fighting orders that can be found: here.
Lady-in-waiting - A female personal assistant at a court attending on a queen, a princess, or a high-ranking noblewoman. Ladies-in-waiting are often a noblewoman from a family in ‘good society,’ but whose of lower rank than the woman on whom she attends.
Leatherworker- Leatherworkers are common laborers but their skills were in high demand. The crafting of swordbelts, clothing, saddles and even leather armor are necessary items. Though some prefer the protection and skill that guilds provide, many are able to learn the basics of the trade on their own. The tanning process is relatively simple and though most commoners know how to do this, the products they make on their own doesn’t have the durability of those made by leatherworkers. Leatherworkers earn a modest and sometimes decent living depending on the quality of their skills.
Locksmith - Locksmiths are an integral part of society. An intricate lock that resisted the efforts of picking or tampering is highly valued. To protect homes but also to keep criminals and the residents of dungeons in shackles. To maintain security Locksmiths are trained in guilds and the secrets of their craft is kept highly guarded. As such, Locksmiths are considered to possess the knowledge and skills of a specialty organization and as a result earn high wages.
Mayor - The Mayor is the voice of the people. Elected by the townspeople, any concerns of the commoners are put forth to the mayor and either they can resolve the matters personally or seek the counsel of a barrister or the local lord.
Merchants - Merchants need to be wise in mathematics and negotiations. To trade goods and services a merchant needs to build a list of customers. And once established they needed to maintain quality and timely service to keep them happy. Most travelling merchants either sell grain, wheat, barley, oats, hops or other commodities that could benefit a town or community. There is much competition in this trade and a ruthless manner is often held between rival merchants. Once the customer base was established it was important to maintain a decent business ethic. Merchants often grow to be very wealthy and retire with positions of title and rank.
Messenger - The occupation of a messenger is often dangerous but had its merits. Usually the messenger is a lesser diplomat of sorts and spends their time in service to a king or local lord. When news or a response to an inquiry needed to be delivered to a rival ruling house it is the job of the messenger to undertake the duty. When the message delivered is less than favorable the messenger is often the victim of the incurred wrath. Messengers have to be skilled in topographical knowledge, horsemanship and had to be articulate. They need the skills of reading and writing and often receive high wages for their dangerous services.
Miner - Miners have very dangerous jobs and often work in extremely precarious environments. The need to mine gold and silver is paramount as most lands increase their financial reserves by depending on these resources. Miners are not overly skilled workers but it does require a bold resilience to perform the duties. Apart from the collapsing of mines, deadly gasses and cave-ins, the Miner has to endure several days at a time beneath ground.
Minstrel - Minstrels are musicians. Various instruments are common, including the mandolin, fife, flute, dulcimer, drums, violin and harpsichord. A great deal of skill and training is required to become a professional musician and those lucky enough to have proficiency on an instrument often find themselves entertaining kings and nobles for high wages. Minstrels often record the deeds of heroic knights and go from tavern to tavern playing these odes of homage. Not only does it make for an interesting song, but it gives the knight publicity and established a degree of respect and status for them.
Moneylender - There is always work to be found for a professional Moneylender. The Moneylender is able to set their own rules and since they are offering their personal finances, they are often exempt from taxes and levies. When lending money they make their profit by charging a percentage of the sum they lend, to be paid back with the total owed. The rates of “interest” can vary and if a debtor cannot repay the loan, the moneylender is entitled to seize land, livestock and holdings equal to what is owed. Moneylenders often employ mercenaries to collect any outstanding debts. Dazezia has the largest bank in the world and it’s rumored that every country owes at least some amount of money to them.
Mummer - Skilled in disguise and camouflage, they traditionally wear masks and practice miming as a means of entertainment. Travelling troupes of these Mummers are often seen in the summer time.
Navigator - A navigator usually works closely with a cartographer. Their sole job is steering vessels on a safe and even path to new destinations. Mainly they keep their bearings and chart their courses by using reference points in the skies by means of planets or stars, as they hold steady positions in relation to the earth. Navigators also work on the ground, guiding armies, troops, diplomats and messengers through various features of terrain. Their services are highly regarded and as a result they are well paid.
Peddler - Peddlers are a common merchant and often go from town to town selling whatever goods they have to offer. The items can be anything from novelty items to candles or even tourist-styled souvenirs. Usually the Peddler is an enterprising business person but often stands to make meager earnings as their profits are subjected to high taxation by the lords and nobles of the communities they did business within.
Pirate - Pirates are the felons of the sea. They ransack ships at sea, taking their treasures and often killing the people on board or forcing them into servitude aboard their ships. They’re feared throughout the lands.
Physician - Physicians are very highly regarded and respected. More skilled than an apothecarist or herbalist, the physician is capable of prescribing new medicines and performing types of surgery. These services are often limited and dependent on the heavy purses of the rich and elite and as such, many a commoner and peasant die simply because they cannot afford the services.
Playwright - Playwrights are necessary for many reasons. Good ones are difficult to find and those who enjoy success at this trade are continually hired by royality and nobles on a regular basis. As most people cannot read or write, it is important to act out history or crucial events in the form of a play. This preserves history and gives the common people an understanding of how things are gained and achieved. The Playwright writes their texts in the format of scripts and then hires acrobats and actors to fill the roles. Often these performances will take place in townsquares or anywhere in which a public audience can assemble.
Potter - Potters are crafters of earthen works and deal mainly in clay molds, porcelains and ceramics. Basically they produce pots for cooking and storage and at times sculpt icons and statues to order. Potters are usually members of guilds and work closely with molds, tools and heating kilns. Their craft is well respected and though their products are much in demand on a daily basis, their wages are usually average.
Rat Catcher - Though the very name of this position seems like a menial occupation, rat catchers are very highly regarded and in fact, their work is rather respected. Rats, mice and vermin are often the cause of epidemics and disease. Therefore a crafty and skillful Rat Catcher can earn stunning wages in ridding a city or town of its pest problems. Often the work does take the professional rat catcher into undesirable places and they do risk their own health and safety by coming into contact with diseased and often rabid rodents.
Sailor - Sailors often lead lonely and hard lives. It requires a firm will and dedication as vessels often set sail for months or even a year at a time. During voyages sailors each have specific duties equal to the level of their station. Overseeing the operation of a vessel at sea is difficult enough but sailors are constantly at work from sunrise to sunset. This serves to keep the sailor busy and keep them from growing bored and discontent by the long hours at sea. Sailors mainly sail on ships owned by royals, nobles, or very wealthy merchants. Their pay is based on their rank. A common sailor earns very little while a First Mate or Boatswain earn much more substantial wages. Sailors need training in the handling of the vessel, their duties at sea and even ocean combat
Scribe - To become a scribe requires skills in reading, writing and comprehension. Scribes not only write volumes of works but are also often asked to research laws and other matters for royals and nobles. The scribe is often a historian, poet and philosopher. Scribes are usually of nobility in that the education needed to attain the post is not affordable or available to peasant and common classes. Their wages are usually standard and average, however the scribe is entitled to all the benefits and luxuries of castle life.
Servants - There are advantages and disadvantages of being a domestic servant. Though the work is often tedious, menial and hard it is worthwhile if you were in service to a kind employer. However, the difficult work when coupled with a rude or abusive employer often leads to hardship throughout a servant’s life. Usually servants are conscripted if they possess talents and abilities that are useful inside a castle. Such things as cooking, baking, sewing, dying, weaving or performing music can attract the attentions of local nobility. If these conditions are met and the service is satisfactory, the servant enjoys the mild benefit and protection of working within a castle.
Sherriff - A sheriff is a minor political post that carries great weight and authority. Answerable to the local lord but selected by popular vote of the people, the sheriffs duties included the enforcement of law throughout the local communities.
Shipwright - The shipwright is a skilled specialist who builds and designs boats and vessels. Having great knowledge of mathematics, design and science, the shipwright is a master craftsman. Often earning high wages and a lavish living, their services are often demanded by royalty and nobility. Guilds usually provide the training but once a person achieves the status of a shipwright their future is guaranteed to be profitable.
Spy - It is wise for royalty and nobility to keep informed of what is going on in rival and neighboring communities and towns. Therefore it becomes necessary to hire spies to secretly find out what is afoot. Spies are trained with the uses of various skills such as reading, writing and often speaking more than one language. They are also trained assassins and take oaths that obligated them to take their own lives rather than risk being caught by an enemy. Spies are usually paid high wages and are given the luxuries of castle life.
Stone Carver - Stone carvers are important to society. Their work consists of a broad range of talents from etching tombstones to carving tools and statues. Members of this profession usually acquire their skills through joining a guild. The guild also includes masons. Most of their work takes great durations of time to perform and it is often necessary to retain a stone carver for many months. Their wages are usually higher than average and a stone carver can earn a decent living.
Storyteller - As most people lack the ability to read and write, history, legends and folklore are passed along from generation to generation through skilled storytellers. No special abilities are acquired to hold this position except for a decent memory. However, the more industrious storytellers also know how to read so that they can widen their collection of stories. On average, storytellers do not usually earn wages for their services unless they are hired to perform at social gatherings. A few though do manage to earn modest livings at the craft by entertaining at court.
Squire –After being a page, a person becomes a squire. A squire is a junior to a knight. It is the duty of a squire to learn about the Code of Chivalry, the rules of Heraldry, horsemanship and practice the use of weapons. It is also their duty to enter into the social life of the castle and learn courtly etiquette, music and dancing
Weaver - Weavers hold many talents and abilities that are useful and practical. Their work ranges from weaving clothes and baskets to making durable furniture and crafts. Though no guilds really exist to protect or train a Weaver, the skill is more acquired and passed on as an alternate means of a hobby. Most people know how to weave to some extent but those who make a business out of it often enjoy minimal success.
