Western-Commonfolk


 * "A large job takes a long time, and a long job should be large."
 * - Old folk phrase criticising the way in which arcane magic breaks the natural way of all things proper.

Western Commonfolk
Western Commonfolk are generally hard working, honest people who respect life enough to avoid needless bloodshed, but desire law enough to execute those who would do them great harm. As a whole, they are industrious rather than warlike, and will often extend diplomatic treaties rather than adopting isolationist policies. Unlike most distinct peoples, however, they are - for the most part, and with the exception of those within the Iron Valley - unofficially ruled by the Arcana Supreme who are very different.

Location
The Western Commonfolk make up the vast population bulk west of the Freefolk Dwellings, north of the Sellederre Empire, and south of the Frozen Wastes. Consequently, the majority of current Western Commonfolk descend from the previous second-class citizens of the old Rommulite Empire, which collapsed through civil war in around 700PR.

Magic
Although some individuals may permit a begrudging respect for arcane magic, and many likely benefit greatly from it's effects, Western Commonfolk families often regard arcane magic with strong suspicion, likely as a consequence of having experienced the dictatorial rule of the Arcana Supreme historically throughout the rise and fall of the Rommulite Empire, and more recently through it's successor: the Grand Imperium Arcarnum.

Lifestyle
It is often thought that nine out of every ten western commonfolk is a farmer. This number has been vastly exaggerated, and harkens to long gone days in which the soils were ill-cultivated and the agricultural techniques poor. In reality, although the majority of Western Common do live in rural regions, there are as many artisans as farmers, as many merchants and herders, and as many professional soldiers as farm-hands.

Although the average Western Commonfolk may not be as rich as their counterpart within the lavishly prosperous Sellederre Empire, they are usually a great deal more wealthy than the average Western-Freefolk out in the wild lands, and they certainly have a lot more freedom and choice of life than the average commoner of most other peoples or races.

A combination of moderate wealth and near total freedom result in a great deal of travel for many Western Commonfolk, whether it be for pleasure or for greater opportunities. It is certainly true that more than one famous adventurer, legendary merchant, or notable scholar began their journeys as humble travellers hailing from the rural west.

Current Events
The current war between the Grand Imperium Arcarnum, in which the majority of Western Commonfolk live, and the Sellederre Empire has lead to a great population shortage across many Western Commonfolk dwellings. This has lead to an even great deal of movement than usual as people attempt to avoid military drafting, seek their loved ones, or otherwise attempt to secure prosperity from the newly opened opportunities of a lowly populated region.