Someone has to carry the torch.
There are a couple of key rules in Shadowdark RPG that change up the way the game works from most other fantasy D20 TTRPGs. The first rule that comes to mind is darkness. The second rule is encumbrance. These rules would combine, in my opinion, to create an entire economy for the average plucky townsperson looking to make some silver.
Yes, I’m metagaming the heck out of this. I’m a GM, so in a way it’s like going easy on my players. If you really think about it, though, it makes sense.
Fantasy medieval economics are a little bit like real world economics.
There would be a logical demand for assistance when crawling around in vast underground complexes in search of treasure. Even in today’s society we still have need of laborers to help shlep gear and hold the flashlight. I think some people would definitely try to take advantage of that situation in a fantasy medieval economy, especially in one where no one has Darkvision except for the monsters and loot needs to be hauled out of the Shadowdark by plucky adventurers.
I think every crawler group would have a veritable wagon train of followers after their first few successful dungeon runs. It’s true for other fantasy dungeon crawl games, too. Shadowdark RPG really drives the point home. If I was going down into a dark cave with the intention of fighting monsters and pilfering chests, I’d find a couple of big, strapping, young farm kids to hold my torch while I fight and haul all that sweet, sweet gold out of the dungeon for me. All for a reasonable cut of the profits, of course.
Here, I got this. Hold my torch.
I’m no expert in combat, but I’m a real life pro at carrying things up and down a ladder or on a bicycle. There’s only so much on person can handle and still be effective at whatever they’re doing. Trust me, climbing a 14 foot wooden stepladder with a 400 Watt scoop, all of the tools I needed, and holding a flashlight is and interesting challenge at best.
Now translate this to medieval fantasy dungeon crawling. Imagine how tedious it would be to hold a sword and shield along with a torch or lantern. See what I’m doing or burn my own nose off with the torch while I’m trying to fend off a troglodyte and not get injured. It’s probably not as easy as it sounds.
The solution is: Torch Bearers! Pay some lucky NPC to follow the group around while carrying the lantern or torch. I’m actually working on making this an NPC Half Class for Shadowdark RPG. All the NPC has to do is follow the group around with the light source and live. Maybe a shield would be helpful. No fighting because we wouldn’t want them to drop the torch.
All this loot gets heavy after a while.
Real world safaris had a train of followers. There could be a half dozen porters, gun bearers, pack handlers, etc. Basically, a group of guys with the hunter to help shlep all the camping gear, guns, ammo, and hides in and out of the jungle. It would have been too much work for just one person back in those days.
The same is true for fantasy dungeon crawling. Medium and larger chests full of gold, gems get very heavy very fast. It would be impractical to lug all that treasure around and still cast spells, fight, flee, etc. The solution is to hire some hearty folk to help carry all that loot for a small fee, of course. (More if you want the loyal, honest ones.)
Back to the Shadowdark RPG metagame for a moment. Encumbrance is 10 gear slots + CON modifier. That’s carried, though. What if a couple of porters tag along with the party to carry a litter or drag chests along with all of the stuff they carry? Hmmm. Could work. Unless the party has magical storage available, having a few NPCs around to lift, carry, or drag loot around would be pretty useful.
The only drawbacks to these dungeon porters are cowardice, keeping them alive and preventing them from running off with the loot. The temptation to run away screaming in the face of danger could be overwhelming to anyone not holding a torch in the Shadowdark. Drooling, vicious monsters could be waiting to eat adventurers and their stalwart companions at any turn. It’s probably pretty hard to run when one is laden with treasure. Then add to the fact that the porter isn’t likely even getting a full on share of the treasure (in most cases.)
This is another Half Class NPC I’m developing for Shadowdark. I think these partially classed characters will be useful in multiple ways. Overcoming encumbrance is the biggest concern. It’s also nice having a few capable NPCs around in case somebody loses a character in the dungeon. At least I can still hand off one of the porters and tell the player to make the best of it until they can roll up a new character.
More dungeon crawl related occupations to come.
As I said before, dungeon crawlers would have a train behind them when they have the funds for an expedition. It might begin to look like a full on mercenary company after a while if the group can spare the gold. Think of the business opportunities for the townsfolk, though. Yay gold, right?
Thanks for stopping by today. I appreciate it. More on some of these side characters coming up. Today I’m working on Porters and Torch Bearers as NPCs.
Jeff's Game Box 