
Pilgrims, like the famous band described in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, were a common sight in the Middle Ages.
While it isn’t necessary to conduct extensive research into Medieval daily life to create an exciting Dungeons & Dragons game, bringing real-world history and anthropology to the game can bring a level of “background realism” that players will appreciate. To that end, the RPG Athenaeum has thus far outlined 12 important Medieval occupations, which never seem to appear in the pages of published D&D modules.
The first posting in this series, describing the vocations of messenger, gravedigger and rat catcher, can be viewed here.
The second posting, detailing the livelihoods of the chandler, crier, and dragoman, can be found here.
The third posting, describing the duties of the alewife, friar, and plague doctor, can be viewed here.
The fourth part in this series, detailing the vocations of barber, falconer and miller, can be found here.
Today’s post will discuss the rag and bone man, the chantry priest, and pilgrim.