Lifestyle Expenses

I like the idea of Lifestyle expenses but this also should be baked into the different races the way backgrounds are to tell you something about the race. The player should roll for their lifestyle during character creation. A series of tables will better show what I mean.

Hill Dwarf

2d6	Lifestyle
--	Wretched
01	Squalid
02	Poor
03-08	Modest
09	Comfortable
10	Wealthy
--	Artistocratic

Mountain Dwarf

2d6	Lifestyle
--	Wretched
01	Squalid
02-05	Poor
06-09	Modest
10	Comfortable
--	Wealthy
--	Aristocratic

High Elf

2d6	Lifestyle
--	Wretched
--	Squalid
--	Poor
01-05	Modest
05-06	Comfortable
07-09	Wealthy
10	Aristocratic

Wood Elf

2d6	Lifestyle
--	Wretched
--	Squalid
01-02	Poor
03-08	Modest
09-10	Comfortable
--	Wealthy
--	Aristocratic

Halfling (Stout)

2d6	Lifestyle
--	Wretched
--	Squalid
--	Poor
01-06	Modest
07-09	Comfortable
10	Wealthy
--	Aristocratic

Halfling (Tallfellow)

2d6	Lifestyle
--	Wretched
02	Squalid
03-04	Poor
05-06	Modest
07-08	Comfortable
09	Wealthy
10	Aristocratic

Half Orc

2d6	Lifestyle
01-02	Wretched
03-04	Squalid
05-07	Poor
08	Modest
09	Comfortable
10	Wealthy
--	Aristocratic

Human

2d6	Lifestyle
01	Wretched
02	Squalid
03-04	Poor
05-06	Modest
07-08	Comfortable
09	Wealthy
10	Aristocratic

A character may select to live a week at a higher level than their normal level, but not below. What happens when they are unable to afford their normal level is up to the GM (take out a loan, take up petty crime) but unhappiness and a feeling of desperation is likely. Possibly enough to risk their lives on an adventure.

If they spend too long at a lower level their own lifestyle expectations might drop a level as well.

Here is what the lifestyles mean according to the 5e srd.

Lifestyle Expenses per day

Price/Day	Lifestyle	Notes
--	Wretched	You live in inhumane conditions. Violence, and hunger follow you wherever you go. Other wretched people covet your gear, which represent a fortune by their standards. You are beneath the notice of most people.
1 sp	Squalid	Your lifestyle means you live in a desperate and often violent environment, in places rife with hunger, and misfortune. You are beneath the notice of most people. Most people at this lifestyle level are refugees of some sort.
2 sp	Poor	A poor lifestyle means simple food and lodgings, threadbare clothing, and unpredictable conditions result in a sufficient, though probably unpleasant, experience. People at this lifestyle level tend to be unskilled laborers, costermongers, peddlers, thieves, mercenaries, and other disreputable types.
1 gp	Modest	A modest lifestyle keeps you out of the slums and ensures that you can maintain your equipment. You don't go hungry or thirsty, and your living conditions are clean, if simple. Ordinary people living modest lifestyles include soldiers with families, laborers, students, priests, hedge wizards, and the like.
2 gp	Comfortable	A comfortable lifestyle means that you can afford nicer clothing and can easily maintain your equipment. You associate with merchants, skilled tradespeople, and military officers.
4 gp	Wealthy	A wealthy lifestyle means living a life of luxury. You live a lifestyle comparable to that of a highly successful merchant, a favored servant of the royalty, or the owner of a few small businesses. You are happiest when you have a small staff of servants.
10 gp	Artistocratic	You like to live a life of plenty and comfort. You have excellent lodgings, you dine at the best restaurants, retain the most skilled and fashionable tailor, and have servants attending to your every need. You receive invitations to the social gatherings of the rich and powerful, and spend evenings in the company of politicians, guild leaders, high priests, and nobility.

Languages

I've never been happy with how languages were handled in games. I like the original game with "common". They didn't really describe common but the idea of a lingua franca glossed over most of the issues while leaving the idea that there are lots of languages out there available for court room intrigue and all that once you get out the dungeon.

So for my Axes & Arrows campaign I have the following languages.

Language Table

Language	Script	Notes
Common	Dwarvish	Common is a simplified version of Dwarvish used to assist in communications between Hill and Mountain Dwarf communities. The language has become the lingua Franca of the region. Even the Horde has picked up on the language to ease communications between vastly different Orc and Goblin tribes.
Dwarvish	Dwarvish	A really guttural and phgmey language. Hill  Dwarfs and Mountain Dwarves both speak Dwarvish but each have thick accents that are nearly impossible for others to understand. The Dwarvish script looks like Runes as they developed it carving on wood and into stone.
Elf	Elvish	Elvish is a musical language. The Elves are protective of it and snotty about mispronunciations so few learn the language and even fewer get practice in speaking with natives. Elvish is the language of Wizardy so most Wizards learn it.
Halfling	Elvish	The Halfling language is dead. Halflings adopted the Elvish script long go so their books can still be read, awkwardly, by someone who reads Elvish script.
Human	Many	Most humans have their own language(s) which is a babble of incomprehensible nonsense that they may use amongst themselves. Luckily nearly all learn Common.
Orc	None	The orcs never developed a written language which has held them back. The Common Tongue was brought to the horde by the traitors of House Duegar to enable the Orcs and Goblins and other member races of the horde to communicate. Roughly half of all Orcs and Goblins speak Common.
Thieves Cant	None	The Thieves Cant is a slang version of Common with a lot of Human and Orc words thrown in. The language is used by the thieves that work amongst the poor and the refugees in the Hill Dwarf settlements.

What this all means is all characters will speak Common, including half of the Orcs and Goblins and other humanoid monsters they encounter. This allows for parlay.

It also means that a Halfling cookbook looks a lot like an Elvish book and a Spellbook. The main difference *might* be the inclusion of drawings of the food. Halfling cookbooks can be very valuable but not of the same scale as a Spellbook.

No alignment languages. Alignment languages was a half-baked idea based off of Latin. Clerics and Druids don't need their own language.

Human Backgrounds

Humans

Humans appear in most Hill Dwarf settlements. Mostly they are mercenaries come to fight, either because they believe in the cause or they are looking for cash. The flood of humans has only increased recently as Dwarven law says any Dwarven treasure left unclaimed for 50 years is up for grabs, a well known law well known to treasure hunters who have counted down the years since the Grand Vault fell 50 years ago. The humans come in many racial types but they all share the same culture (for now, eventually I'd like a couple different human cultures represented).

Illustration by Russ Nicholson

1d6	Ideal
1	Faith. I trust that my God Lord Gax will guide my actions. I have faith that if I work hard, things will go well.
2	Fame. Through adventuring I'll become famous and someone people want to know.
3	Progress. Backwards and antiquated ways should be updated or we'll never persevere.
4	Freedom. I hate to see anyone enslaved or imprisoned and will take great risks to free prisoners of the horde.
5	Fairness. Unfair rules are meant to be broken. Unfair fights are meant to be joined.
6	Greater Good. I'm willing to do some bad things if it leads to the correct results.

1d6	Bond
1	I'm willing to risk my life to prove the value of humans in the alliance.
2	I care for my family and will risk all to provide for them.
3	I love the alliance despite the imperfections and will die to preserve it.
4	I believe in honor and will not break my codes no matter what.
5	I'm loyal to the Guild that was both father and mother to me.
6	I am faithful and comfortable knowing my soul will be cared for after death.

1d6	Flaw
1	I put way to much trust in authority, I know it, but can't help it, and this war is too important for petty rebellions.
2	I'm a religious zealot and will do just about anything the Clerics of Gax say.
3	My family is everything, and I'll do anything to protect or advance the family.
4	I like the good things in life and I'll take whatever risks are necessary to afford living like an Aristocrat, even for awhile.
5	I can't hide it, I'm very proud of everything human, especially our position as the shield of the Alliance.
6	I don't trust authority at all and will at least consider doing the opposite when given orders. It's a problem, I know.

Acolyte (From Ba5ic)

You have spent your early life in the service of the God Lord Gax. You have been ordained and are vested with the power to perform (non-magical) sacred rites and services for worshipers.
Proficiencies: Insight, Religion
Equipment: A holy symbol, a prayer book or prayer beads, vestments, a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 15 gp
Perks: The respect and limited support (meals, place to sleep) from those who share the same faith. The character and companions can expect free healing and care at a temple of the faith

Apprentice (From Ba5ic)
You have spent your early life as a slave in one of the Wizarding Schools hoping for your opportunity.
Proficiencies: Arcana, one language
Equipment: A bottle of ink, a quill, 10 sheets of parchment, a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gp
Perks: You are a member of a Wizarding School and can rely on certain benefits this membership provides. You have access to Guild Halls and the research capacities that they provide as well as being a place to meet potential patrons, allies and hirelings. Your Wizarding School also has political clout, so the character will be protected from unjust use of the law and has access to political figures.

Merchant
You grew up working for one of the Merchant houses. Dwarves are great craftsmen and miners but they are terrible at selling their wares and human merchants have stepped into that gap making everyone a lot of money by brining products where they are wanted.
Equipment: A set of scales, a set of common clothes, a set of travel clothes, and a pouch containing 150 gp
Perks: You are an Apprentice member of the Merchants Guild and can rely on certain benefits. You have access to the Guild Hall and can get low cost loans if necessary. The Merchants Guild also has political clout, so you will be protected from unjust use of the law and has access to political figures.

Thief (From Ba5ic)
You spent your early life in one of the gangs that dominate the foreign sections of Dwarven Vaults.
Proficiencies: Stealth, Thieves’ tools, Thieves’ Cant
Equipment: A crowbar, a set of dark common clothes with a hood, and a pouch containing 15 gp
Perks: You have a reliable contact who can liaison with other criminals and their organizations. Thieves’ Cant is a secret language that thieves know that allow them to identify each other and secretly communicate while in public.

Soldier (From Ba5ic)
You spent your early life in battle guarding the walls and fighting the horde and protecting refugees and such.
Proficiencies: Athletics, Intimidation
Equipment: An insignia of rank, a trophy taken off a battlefield, a gaming set, a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gp
Perks: You have military rank that will be recognized by other soldiers. Soldiers will recognize your authority and defer to it if of a lower rank. You can invoke their rank to requisition simple equipment or horses for temporary use. You can usually gain access to military encampments or fortresses where their rank is recognized.

* Ba5ic game at DriveThru. ba5ic OGL License. The only game that really did something with Backgrounds so credit where credit is due.

Half Orc Backgrounds

Half Orc

The name half orc is a misnomer, they are physically all Orc but are not culturally part of the horde. Half Orcs no longer worship Chaos Demons or seek to destroy everything at the whims of Dark Elf or warlord masters. Now they live uneasily in Hill Dwarf settlements, often taking on dangerous tasks to prove themselves to their new allies.

Illustration by Russ Nicholson

1d6	Ideal
1	Life is depressing, and dangerous so I drink, don't judge.
2	I'm angry a lot and have been banned from most taverns for fighting.
3	I've been a member of the thieves guild for some time but keep that connection private.
4	Power. Only through gaining personal power can I implement the changes I know must happen.
5	Honor. I do what I say I'll do and don't like, although frequently nobody believes me.
6	Protecting my battle brothers is my top priority.

1d6	Bond
1	I now worship the Dwarven God Lord Gax.
2	My Clan, what's left of it. I'll do anything for them and to a lesser extent for the other Half Orc refugees.
3	Helping the Humans who gave me a chance instead of killing me outright as their Dwarven brethren demanded, that is who I feel bonded to.
4	Stopping the Horde before they do any further damage.
5	Treasure, I'll only risk my life for wealth and security.
6	My purpose in life is the destruction of the Dark Elves that mislead my people into worship chaos.

1d6	Flaw
1	Love fresh meat, Halfling meat to be honest, but I can control myself.
2	I was a major player in the fall of X Vault. I live in fear I'll be found out.
3	I have horrible manners and hygiene, big shock, I'm an Orc.
4	I don't really like Elves or Dwarves. Halflings and humans are alright though.
5	Although I no longer worship the Chaos Gods I still sacrifice to them from time-to-time just to be safe.
6	Irrational hatred for the Horde and I've ignored more than one order to retreat because of my rage.

Apprentice Shaman (From Ba5ic)

You spent your early life in the pursuit of knowledge and power from the Chaos Lords. That fell apart when you left the Horde.
Proficiencies: Any two languages
Equipment: A book of esoteric lore in one of the languages the character knows, a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 15 gp
Perks: You begin the game with knowledge of the location of an object of great magical power.

Assassin  (From Ba5ic)
You spent your early years training as a killer and spy, expert at taking out guards at night.
Proficiencies: Disguise, Poison, Thieves’ Cant
Equipment: A set of fine clothes, a disguise kit, a vial of poison and a pouch containing 15 gp
Perks: You know how to get in contact with any thieves guild and can gain information and job offers. You can expect help hiding from authorities if on guild business.

Barbarian  (From Ba5ic)
You spent your early life living in the wild and off the land.
Proficiencies: Survival, one language
Equipment: A staff, an animal trap, a trophy from an animal the character has killed, a set of traveller’s clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gp
Perks: A keen sense of landmarks and geography. You can always recall the general layout of any given area. In the wilderness, you can always find food and water enough to fend for yourself.

Thief  (From Ba5ic)
You spent your early life in one of the gangs that dominate the foreign sections of Dwarven Vaults.
Proficiencies : Stealth, Thieves’ tools, Thieves’ Cant
Equipment: A crowbar, a set of dark common clothes with a hood, and a pouch containing 15 gp
Perks: You have a reliable contact who can liaison with other criminals and their organizations. Thieves’ Cant is a secret language that thieves know that allow them to identify each other and secretly communicate while in public.

Warrior  (From Ba5ic)
You spent your early years in battle looting, pillaging, and killing with the horde before you finally slipped your post and worked your way to the other side.
Proficiencies: Gaming, Intimidation
Equipment: A trophy taken off a battlefield, a gaming set, a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gp
Perks: You have military rank that will be recognized by other Half Orcs who will recognize your authority and defer to it if of a lower rank.

* Ba5ic game at DriveThru. ba5ic OGL License. The only game that really did something with Backgrounds so credit where credit is due.

Halfling (Tallfellow) Backgrounds

Halfling (Tallfellow)

Halfling society collapsed long, long ago, and Tallfellow are the Halflings that learned to live in a symbiotic community with the High Elves. Tallfellow earned their keep as cooks, cleaners, and farmers as well as occasional scouts and messengers. Cooking for the High Elves means making wine and cooking a vegetarian diet. The Tallfellow adapted to this somewhat drab diet by heavy use of spices and sauces that even non Elves have learned to appreciate. This culinary additions have made the Tallfellow very popular in High Elf society, as well as making the Tallfellow themselves a bit thin.

Illustration by Russ Nicholson

1d6	Ideal
1	Unity. I think we must act as one to defeat the horde.
2	Efficiency. The most efficient way is the best way. I'm always trying to find the most efficient way to do things.
3	Elegance. I'm not particularly elegant myself but strive to be more so and really fall for those that are.
4	Safety. I'm not exactly a coward but my self-preservation instinct is pretty strong.
5	Empathy. It makes me sad when I see others in pain. I want to help. This does not really apply to the horde as they've brought so much anguish already that we're all better without them.
6	Be prepared. I believe in thinking ahead and being as prepared as possible.

1d6	Bond
1	I care for the High Elves. They don't get enough credit for closing the multi-dimensional gates and cutting the Horde off from the multiverse. That was a huge effort and must have been a difficult decision.
2	Ponies. I love horses as well but it's a bit uncomfortable riding them. Amazing animals, I'll ride an equine any chance I get.
3	I place my family above all. That is my Halfling family, the High Elf House we've worked for for generations is second. All others are far below.
4	I was raised in the temple after my parents were slain. I'm eternally grateful.
5	If I had to pick anything it would be beer. Our Stout cousins make an amazing beer. That and ales. Great ales. And the food. Living with Elves it was all vegetables all the time. They eat like horses. Since trying the food prepared for Hill Dwarves, well I guess I've become a hedonist and I'll do what it takes to afford it all.
6	My spouse is amazing and I'll do anything to keep them happy and secure, including risk my life.

1d6	Flaw
1	I've lived with Elves and don't really like them.
2	I can't cook but because or Race pride I tend to lie about it.
3	I overcompensate for minimal size with overconfidence, ridiculous overconfidence.
4	I pick pockets compulsively, although I usually put the items back. Its not about the thing so much as the thrill and challenge
5	Don't really care for food or drink, food is fuel, and I eat because I must not because it's enjoyable. Of course nobody believes me.
6	Eating the food we prepare for the Elves makes me gaseous and my urine really smells.

Bard  (From Ba5ic)

You grew up in an Order of the Pantheon of the Old Faith, Halflings branch, reformed. As such you spent your time learning to become a performer, entertainer, and keeper of stories entertaining and informing taverns and town squares.
Proficiencies: History, Performance, Musical Instrument
Equipment: Musical instrument, a costume, a book containing an epic poem, and a pouch containing 15 gp
Perks: You can always find venues to perform. As long as you performe, room and board of a modest or comfortable standard are free.

Burglar  (From Ba5ic)
You spent your early life scouting out Vaults the horde had captured, providing maps and intel to the Dwarven Houses looking to reclaim their birthright. This has taught you some useful skills.
Proficiencies : Stealth, Thieves’ Cant
Equipment: A pouch containing 150 gp
Perks: You have a reliable contact within the Thieves Guild. Thieves’ Cant is a secret language that thieves know that allow them to identify each other and secretly communicate while in public.

* Ba5ic game at DriveThru. ba5ic OGL License. The only game that really did something with Backgrounds so credit where credit is due.

Halfling (Stout) Backgrounds

Halfling (Stouts)

Halfling society collapsed long, long ago, and Stouts are the Halflings that learned to live in a symbiotic community with the Hill Dwarves. Stouts earned their keep as cooks, cleaners, and farmers as well as occasional scouts and messengers. Cooking for the Hill Dwarves means cooking comfort food and brewing exceptional beers and ales, which has made the Stouts very popular in Hill Dwarf settlements, as well as making the Stouts themselves a bit rotund.

Illustration by Russ Nicholson

1d6	Ideal
1	Charity. I always try to help those in need, as others helped me when I needed the help.
2	Community. I believe we must protect and help all. We stand together or we fall together.
3	Creativity. If you're gonna do something you should do it with a bit of spice.
4	Spirituality. I think one must connect with the Pantheon to be fulfilled.
5	Fun. Life isn't worth living without a bit of silly fun.
6	Normalcy. I'd like to just enjoy my gardens and a nice table of food and drink. Unfortunately the Horde makes that unlikely in the near future.

1d6	Bond
1	I am loyal to other Halflings. I'm not disloyal to Elves or Dwarves or Humans but if push came to shove you can't really trust them the way you can your own folk.
2	I am loyal to my family primarily. I mean of course. I'd kill for them.
3	I'm loyal to the Pantheon, they make the soil rich and without that we'd have all starved long ago.
4	I love the Dwarves, so many died just to give my people a chance to get out of the Vault before it fell.
5	I'm fond of Elves. Not only do they believe in the Pantheon as well but their rangers showed up when we needed them and led us downriver to safety.
6	My people are not violent, but I was in the Hill Dwarves Great Vault when it fell to the horde and I'll not sleep peacefully until the horde are all long dead.

1d6	Flaw
1	I think I'm a great cook in a world of tasteless critics.
2	I believe wine is required with any cooking, and will be drunk for an hour whenever tasked with cooking.
3	I'm a bit of a jerk about inferior food and drink and feel the need to point such things out hoping cooks will improve.
4	I love food, and will eat 1.5 times normal rations and be so stuffed as to be unable to do anything for an hour after a meal.
5	I no longer believe in the Pantheon and wonder if most deities aren't actually Ancient Evil manipulating worshipers. Of course I'm quiet about these doubts.
6	Hedonist when given the chance and away from dangerous I'm gonna spend like an aristocrat on food, drink, and comfort.

Bard  (From Ba5ic)

You grew up in an Order of the Pantheon of the Old Faith, Halflings branch, reformed. As such you spent your time learning to become a performer, entertainer, and keeper of stories entertaining and informing taverns and town squares.
Proficiencies: History, Performance, Musical Instrument
Equipment: Musical instrument, a costume, a book containing an epic poem, and a pouch containing 15 gp
Perks: You can always find venues to perform. As long as you performe, room and board of a modest or comfortable standard are free.

Pickpocket  (From Ba5ic)
You spent your early life begging and poaching extra food in the Dwarven Vaults.
Proficiencies : Sleight of Hand, Thieves’ Cant
Equipment: A crowbar, a set of dark common clothes with a hood, and a pouch containing 15 gp
Perks: You have a reliable contact within the Thieves Guild. Thieves’ Cant is a secret language that thieves know that allow them to identify each other and secretly communicate while in public.

* Ba5ic game at DriveThru. ba5ic OGL License. The only game that really did something with Backgrounds so credit where credit is due.