Professions

Does my character need a profession?
To answer this question try to answer the following: What do you intend your character’s talents to be? How did they learn them? Of which society do you want your character to be part and what do you want their standing to be? How old are they? Where do you want your character to go and what do you want them to do? Where do they get their equipment from? How do they pay for food, drink, clothes, medicine, the roof above their head or a bed for the night?

Does my roleplay have to consist of how my character goes to work every day and comes back in the evening?
No. While creating and writing a character who just tries to live their ordinary daily life is possible and can be quite interesting, you are not obligated to do so. However, your character’s profession should play a part in who they are and what turn their life takes.

What professions exist in Middle Earth?
There are many more professions possible in Middle Earth than just soldier or healer. Examples (even though they may not be found or needed among all the different people equally) are: bowyer, scribe, fisher, sailor, dockworker, farmer, farm hand, stable hand, shepherd, blacksmith, goldsmith, miller, baker, trader, grocer, peddler, musician, dancer, painter, sculptor, seamstress, weaver, spinner, dyer, tinker, cobbler, cutler, carpenter, flower seller, jeweler, gardener, potter, messenger, spy, thief, poacher, beggar, candle-maker, brush- maker, basket-maker, cord-maker, leatherworker, hunter, barber, bathing wench, herbalist, midwife, tanner, wood cutter, mason, manservant, cook, carter, beekeeper, inn-keeper, tavern wench, scholar, envoy, miner ... and many more.


-> In case of soldiers please keep the different methods of warfare and weaponry across Middle Earth in mind.

-> In general some professions will be more and others less likely to be taken up by either gender, also depending on where your character is from.

-> Even being a well-off noble comes with its own responsibilities and challenges. It may require overseeing estates, attending social and political gatherings and other obligations. A noble performing well or failing, being loved or feared, taken serious or being laughed at may decide their fate and that of others. Your character just belonging to a wealthy family is possible. However, it may also be boring, depending on how you make use of it. Think twice before choosing this path.