Mundane Employment in the Fantasy World

[Andrew]

So one of the things I started to build was a list of mundane "jobs" (basically mini-adventures) for players to do while they are in town and want some work. These are meant to help build reputation as well as letting them earn some spare change or items. Most are planned to take a single game session or less, and are meant for deviation from longer quests and adventures. They tend not to be too life-threatening to accomplish, but I personally like to put a gamble somewhere in them.

I'll admit that they are fairly mundane, and can typically be thought up of by most accomplished CKs pretty quickly, but I like to keep a few of them on the backburner. I like them because they take very little setup and can add some spice in a lull. Here's just a few of them.

Warehouse Problems 1
A “simple” spider infestation of a warehouse (or other structure). The spiders end up being giant spiders. The spiders can instead be substituted for giants rats or other nuisance critters. A "hint" might be that the critters are fearful of fire. Let them "discover" that there are flammable things in crates...

Warehouse Problems 2
Ransacking of a warehouse (or other structure) by thieves. This can be as simple as thwarting the thieves or it can be a hook involving a powerful crime cartel.

Warehouse Problems 3
Ransacking of a warehouse (or other structure) by a ghost. The kicker is the ghost’s unfinished business. Ideas for the unfinished business:
• Warehouse owner jilted the ghost in real life.
• Warehouse owner involved in the death of the ghost.
• Warehouse built over the grave of the ghost.

Document Retrieval
The players are tasked with breaking into a building and retrieving a document(s). Examples for the document(s) might be:
• Incriminating evidence against the PCs employer.
• Incriminating evidence against the owner of the building.
• Sales ledgers
• Recipe for a powerful potion
• Magic Scrolls

This could also provide a link to a larger plotline. Perhaps the document reveals something of interest to the PCs.

[Lurker]

I may be an oddity, but I prefer lower level play. 3-8 ish is my sweet spot.

However, after starting Rigon's game at level 1, I've been reminded how deadly LOW level is.

With that, I like the list and the idea behind it.

I'd work on having the 'mundane jobs' lead to other adventures and not just random jobs that aren't linked.

[Captain_K]

I do recall very fondly the job posting in Paris for "sewer cleaners wanted".. nothing like giant rats, a wererat leader and a Otyugh (sp) disposal unit on the fritz (fixing a belly ache in one of these was quite humorous). That simple job for the new low level PCs was great fun and highly risky.. literally drowning in waste is a terrible way to go out... but a great PC teaching moment.

[Tadhg]

Nick work, Andrew!

Those adventures seem like they would be perfect for Yggsburgh, Ascalon or any large city.

I'm even thinking they would work in WHRPG.

[Treebore]

I've bought a number of products over the years that support these very ideas. Even the Trolls put one out, their Settlements booklet/module. I don't recall whether its D20 or C&C, but considering how thin it is, I am betting its for C&C.