Commoner (Dungeons & Dragons)

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D&D Character Classes

Base classes from Player's Handbook
Barbarian Bard Cleric Druid Fighter Monk Paladin Ranger Rogue Sorcerer Wizard
Additional/Alternative base classes
Archivist Ardent Artificer Beguiler Binder Crusader Divine Mind Dragon Shaman Dragonfire Adept Dread Necromancer Duskblade Erudite Favored Soul Healer Hexblade Knight Lurk Incarnate Marshal Mystic Ninja Noble Psion Psychic Warrior Samurai Scout Shadowcaster Shaman Sha' ir Shugenja Sohei Soulborn Soulknife Spellthief Spirit Shaman Swashbuckler Swordsage Totemist Truenamer Warblade Warlock Warmage Wilder Wu Jen
NPC Classes
Adept Aristocrat Commoner Expert Warrior
Unearthed Arcana generic classes
Expert Spellcaster Warrior
Prestige classes
List of prestige classes

In the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, the commoner is one of the non-player character classes. The common folk farm the fields, staff the shops, build the homes, and produce the goods in the world. They are skilled in their own vocations, though little else, and make up the majority of the population. A more advanced version of the commoner is the expert, who has a wider range of skills, more skillpoints, and some combat experience.

[edit] Combat Training

Commoners are proficient in only a single simple weapon, and do not know how to use any armour or shield. They use the smallest die possible for their hit points, representing their lack of training and an inability to absorb a blow.

A commoner's base attack bonus is equal to an adept or a wizard. They likely don't face much combat in their lives, perhaps the occassional brawl in a local tavern or a tussle with a thief. Commoners got to where they are by avoiding trouble whenever possible.

During times of war commoners may be conscripted into military service, generally as infantry ranked below a soldier by trade. Such people are often only a first level commoner with little intrest in their cause or war. These troops are often armed with wooden shields and half spears or more domestic weapons (axes, pitchforks, etc.)and have only padded armor. Even if minorly wounded (has hit points above zero) conscripts tend to drop to the ground and pretend to be dead. Likewise, conscripted commoners are known for following orders poorly and breaking ranks to flee in battle when the fight turns against them.

[edit] Skills

Class skills for the commoner are Climb, Craft, Handle Animal, Intimidate, Jump, Listen, Profession, Ride, Spot, Swim, and Use Rope. They receive 2 skill points per level, plus their Intelligence modifier.