A GAME
For the Middle Ages
Change and the Feudal System
Social Studies 8
How To Play
Theme: Change and the Feudal System
In this activity students will:
1) Be born into a certain class by a lottery, and then have to negotiate how they are going
to live with each other and share the extremely scarce resources. As part of this situation,
they have to face the reality that conditions will not change for a long time, and that they
have to find some meaning and purpose in the midst of a rather miserable existence.
2) Understand the feudal social organisation. In this activity students will have to
establish the social relationships between the power groups and social classes. They will
do this by negotiating with each other about how wealth and power ought to be shared.
3) Experience the hardships of change in medieval society.
The Characters the Students Will Play
1) Each character is based on a class of people found in Medieval Europe. In a class of about 30
you will need:
a) one monarch
b) two nobles
c) four knights
d) one cardinal
e) one banker
f) four freemen
g) the rest of the class will be serfs (have enough to go around so the knights, nobles, and
monarch will have enough to make money through the years. In smaller classes,
imaginary serfs can be “assigned” to the nobles based on status. The greater the noble,
the more serfs they receive.)
2) Each character has a module. These modules consist of photocopied sheets (you will need to
copy the correct number and give them to the students.) The character packages are as follows:
a) Serf: character sheet, medieval bankbook, chequebook, character attack sheet, character
defence sheet, and general price list.
b) Freeman (blacksmith): character sheet, blacksmith price list, medieval bankbook,
chequebook, character attack sheet, character defence sheet, general price list.
c) Freeman (stone mason): character sheet, stone mason price list, medieval bankbook,
chequebook, character attack sheet, character defence sheet, general price list.
d) Freeman (carpenter): character sheet, carpenter price list, medieval bankbook, chequebook,
character attack sheet, character defence sheet, general price list.
e) Freeman (livestock handler): character sheet, livestock holder price list, medieval bankbook,
chequebook, character attack sheet, character defence sheet, general price list.
f) Freeman (wood miller or woodworker): character sheet, wood miller price list, medieval
bankbook, chequebook, character attack sheet, character defence sheet, general price list.
g) Knight: character sheet, medieval bankbook, chequebook, character attack sheet, character
defence sheet, general price list.
h) Noble: character sheet, medieval bankbook, chequebook, character attack sheet, character
defence sheet, general price list, oath of fealty and pledge of homage sheet (to be signed by all
vassals and kept by the lord), fief deed (one copy is signed by both lord and vassal and given to
the vassal as proof of agreement), land deed (given to a serf when land is bought from the
vassal).
i) Monarch: character sheet, medieval bankbook, character attack sheet, character defence sheet,
general price list, oath of fealty and pledge of homage sheet (to be signed by all vassals and kept
by the lord), fief deed (one copy is signed by both lord and vassal and given to the vassal as proof
of agreement), land deed (given to a serf when land is bought from the vassal).
j) Cardinal: character sheet, medieval bankbook, character attack sheet, character defence sheet,
general price list. The Cardinal will also get a booklet of indulgences, which he is to sell the
citizens by using his high authority and persuasion. It is a good idea for the Cardinal to make
sure the characters keep a good stock of indulgences on hand. The Cardinal should also make
sure the indulgences are destroyed or discarded when someone does something unvirtuous, like
assassinating someone.
k) Banker: character sheet, medieval bankbook, character attack sheet, character defence sheet,
general price list. The banker and the referee should insure that all transactions that occurred
during one period are tabulated and written on each player`s bankbook by the end of class. The
banker can hire a serf to help him as long as the serf has his or her lord`s permission.
At the beginning of each period state the year it is. Try to work in about 100-year increments.
Treat every class period as though a year has passed (for payment and tax purposes). Use the
time line provided to show the students where they are in the scheme of things. Start off at the
year 700 A.D. when feudalism first begins. Keep referring to the time line and incorporate the
events that occur in the years that are circled.
Make sure you have the following materials when you begin the game:
a) enough medieval chequebooks for all the students
b) enough medieval receipts for all the students
c) plenty of extra war sheets
d) extra copies of the oath of fealty and pledge of homage sheets (give copies to the
students when required)
e) extra fief deeds (give copies to the students when required)
f) land deeds (give copies to the students when required)
Social Studies 8
How To Play
Theme: Change and the Feudal System
This activity is designed to have you experience what life would have been like from the
perspective of someone in the Middle Ages. The activity will seem complicated at first, but once
each of you understands the role you play, it should move along smoothly.
How it Works
You have all been assigned a role by draw. The paper you drew had the name of the social class
you have been born into. In this activity, as in life, you must accept the fate you have been given.
Once you have been born to a class you will be given a role sheet explaining what your
motivations in the game are and how you are related to the scheme of things.
The roles that are available include: serf, freeman, knight, noble, monarch, cardinal, banker.
Some of the trials and changes you will have to face in your medieval life include: assassination
attempts, wars, plagues, hardships, advancement, bribing, protecting, persuading, and anything
else that occurred in the Middle Ages. The entire game will be watched and refereed by the
REFEREE (the teacher) who decides what is fair, just, and acceptable. The referee also dictates
fate. If you chose not to follow the referee’s instructions you are in danger of excluding yourself
from the game. If your character dies, you start over again as a serf and work your way up.
Things You Will be Given
All of you will receive and need:
- a Character Defence and Character Attack sheet (to keep track of your weapons, defence,
and alliances) (this will be important to keep track of the things you own)
- a medieval bankbook (to keep track of your assets)
- a medieval cheque book (to pay people the silver pieces you owe)
- medieval receipts (to have to prove you have bought something (make sure you keep all of
these for proof)
- a general price sheet
Freemen will receive:
- Price Sheets for how much it is suggested you charge for merchandise.
Monarch receives:
- the initial Oath of Fealty and Pledge of Homage sheet and a map of Europe. You must divide
your land up into two equal parts and loan it to the two nobles. A Last Will and Testament.
To begin:
The nobles then sign the oath and pledge sheet in return for the fief. The nobles also receive a
Fief Deed to prove they have an agreement with the monarch. The monarch keeps the oath and
pledge sheet for his/her records. This starts the game going. Now the nobles seek out knights
who will serve their needs and give them fiefs in return for them signing an oath and pledge
sheet. The knights also receive a Fief Deed for their records. Make sure the knights are spread
evenly to each noble as possible so the game runs smoothly (if the referee wants a knight to move
from one noble to another please comply).
Assassinations
To make the game more interesting you can try to better your position in the social standing by
murdering someone and taking their place. You can only openly attack a person who is below
your rank or equal to it. Therefore, if you are a knight and want to kill the king, you must defeat
your noble first before you can advance (the reason for this is because a noble owes the monarch
military protection in the scheme of things). A monarch, on the other hand, can attack a knight at
any point to get rid of him / her (in the case of a broken contract, for example). It is difficult to
assassinate the king, so get as many alliances as possible before trying to do so. Be careful,
however, the person you are trying to persuade to join you may turn on you, tell the person you
are trying to kill, and create alliances against you and attack before you get a chance to! Anyone
captured trying to assassinate will have their assets seized and will be at the mercy of the one he /
she tried to assassinate.
Serfs and freemen, according to medieval law, are not allowed to purchase weapons. If they wish
to purchase a weapon they must get a knight, noble, or monarch to do so for them.
Wars
If two lords are not getting along, it is possible for them to battle it out. When two lords clash,
their alliances do not risk capture, only the lords who are battling risk this if they lose the battle.
The most an alliance will lose is a piece of war equipment (the choice of the victor). Wars are
described further on the War Sheet, which will be distributed by the referee at his discretion.
The Basic Rules
The rules are simple. You must play in character. Each character receives an initial amount of
money. From this point on only the lords get an annual fixed income in the form of rent or dues
from their serfs (if crops are hit by bad weather this rent may be deferred until a better yield, but
only at the discretion of the lord). You are all responsible for your own purchases and sales. The
banker and the Referee are the only ones who can verify your medieval bankbook. Any balance
not signed by the banker is forfeit and unacceptable (and leaves you in a heap of trouble). Make
sure you keep all your receipts and cheques paid to you so the banker can tabulate your balance
accurately. The banker can also lend money at an interest rate at his / her choosing.
Fate
We will follow a time line of the Middle Ages and you will experience some of the changes that
occurred during the Middle Ages. Be prepared to accept your fate.
Social Studies 8
Role Sheet: Serf
SERF
A semi-free peasant who works his lord's demesne and pays him certain dues in return for the use
of land, the possession (not ownership) of which is heritable. These dues, usually called corvee,
are mostly in the form of labour on the lord's land. Generally this averages to three days a week.
Character Motivation
You want to become a freeman by owning a small piece of land. Your goal is to do your best to
save your money to buy some land and your freedom from your lord. You can not legally choose
which lord to work for as you are tied to the land upon which your parents lived and worked. If
you are considering offers from another lord, look at how much protection the lord is able to
provide for you. If you wish to change lords, you must forfeit all your possessions and start over
with the new lord. (Warning: Your former lord may take this as an insult and decide to attack
your new lord in retaliation). It is important to have a lord who can protect you because every
year you will have to be defended from invaders who attack Europe. If your lord does not have a
good defence class, your chances of death increase. To buy land and get away from the lord offer
him money to get your freedom. Once you own your own land and freedom you are a freeman
and you may chose a trade.
Resources you absolutely need
Your income will be derived from the sale of your crops to the Miller, between 100 and 600
silver pieces (sp) a year. (A roll of the dice will determine the quality of the crops, a low roll
will indicate crop failure due to poor weather, blight, pests, etc. while a high roll will indicate a
bumper crop).
From this you will have to pay, each year:
1 sp for the seed you will need to grow the crops (you grow your own food)
200 sp for the use of a house, tools, and facilities, which belong to your lord.
100 sp for the use of your lord's bridges, roads, and market
10% of the rest to goes to the Church as tithe
Duties to your lord
Work on your lord's land, bring firewood to manor and take harvest to granaries, repair roads,
pay taxes, a death duty when you die, fees, tolls, and attendance at manor court.
Dangers
1) Protection: make sure you get a lord that can protect you from invaders that attack Europe
approximately every year. Each year the referee will come around and inform you of the perils
you are facing that year. Your life depends on how much protection your lord can provide. See
each lord's Defence Class sheet to learn more about protection.
2) Crops: crops can also be in danger of becoming destroyed by poor weather. Make sure you
have enough money in case this happens so that you will be able to feed and clothe yourself and
pay your lord his fees. If you don't, you will starve, freeze, or get kicked off your land.
3) Weapons: do not try to buy weapons yourself, it is illegal for a serf to have them. You can,
however, get a lord to buy them from a blacksmith for you if you wish.
Social Studies 8
Role Sheet: Freemen
FREEMEN
These citizens own a small piece of land, on which they live and have a small business. They
can chose to be a blacksmith, stone mason, carpenter, livestock handler, or miller.
Character Motivation
You want to make lots of money. Do so by making many sales during the course of the game.
You are free, but if you wish to become a vassal of a lord you can definitely try to do so. If you
do decide to do this, you will have to give your land to the lord and he, in turn, will give you a
larger plot, on which you can hire serfs and make your money that way. You will have then
become a knight.
Resources you will absolutely need
If you were born into this class you start out with 1200 silver pieces (sp). After this, your income
will be based solely on what you make from your trade:
From this you will have to pay, each year:
550 sp for food (pay Miller)
100 sp for maintenance of lodgings (pay Carpenter)
300 sp for capital for business / trade (pay Banker)
10% of all your yearly earnings goes to the Church as tithe
Dangers
1) Protection: you, like the serfs, are susceptible to being killed by invaders of Europe. These
raids occur about once a year. Since you are free and are not under a lord you will have to
provide your own protection, otherwise you risk dying when invaders do attack.
2) Income: make sure you chose a trade that will provide you with enough money to pay for your
expenses throughout the year. There can only be one type of tradesman per trade. Chose your
trade quickly but cautiously. It may be a good idea to go around and find out what the lords need
before you do chose a trade. Once you chose one you cannot get out of it.
3) Bankruptcy: if you cannot pay your bills you will go bankrupt, the bank will take away your
land and you will have to start over as a serf.
Social Studies 8
Role Sheet: Knight
KNIGHT
The retainer of a feudal lord who owes military service for his fief, usually the service of one
fully equipped, mounted warrior. The ideals to which a knight may aspire are notably prowess,
loyalty, generosity and courtesy. A knight gets a fief from a lord in return for military services.
Character Motivation
You want to move up into a position of more money and move into the full nobility. The only
way to do this is to marry a noble or to get the King / Queen to promote you. You are
unemployed at the beginning of the game so you must secure employment with a noble at a
minimum of 100 000 silver pieces (sp) initially. The rest of your income will come from what
your serfs will pay you in taxes and fees (300 sp each per year). Try to get them to cover the
expenses of your horses, equipment, etc.
Income
If you are born to this class your first task is to find a lord to serve that will give you 100000 sp to
establish your manor. If you have worked your way up to this position you must establish your
manor with what you have. Your income will be based on how much your serfs pay you for
taxes and fees.
Resources you will absolutely need to establish manor
Your resources must include the following:
A fief from a lord (have a contract to prove this)
Armour (buy this from the blacksmith or banker)
war-horse (buy this from the banker or livestock herder)
Personal weapons (buy this from the banker or blacksmith)
A manor house (see the price list for what is required)
Serfs (really important)
One home for each serf (see the price list for what is required)
One mill (see the price list for what is required)
One mule for each serf (see the price list)
Expenses you must pay every year
300 sp for maintenance of manor (pay Carpenter)
Serfs provide for food
Choose the types of armour and weaponry carefully, this is what will determine how strong you
are as a fighter and how useful you will be to your lord. Make sure you keep a record of the
things you own and use the medieval chequebook to keep track of your money. These things will
be checked on a regular basis by the referee.
Duties to your lord
1. Military service (when your lord calls you to battle you are expected to respond) 2. attendance
at court to give advice as to how things should be run 3. payments and hospitality (you are
expected to treat your lord with respect and give payments when the lord has his eldest daughter
married, eldest son knighted, when he requires a ransom for his release, or wants money to fund a
crusade).
Duties of your lord to you
1. Protection (when you are in danger from others your lord should get the rest of his vassals to
provide military support for your defence) 2. a hearing in court (if another vassal under the same
lord has done you wrong, you can charge him in the lord's court and have the other vassals and
the lord preside judgement) and 3. respect for family interests.
When you enter into a contact with your lord make sure you sign the contract provided. If you
ever break your contract, your lord can bring you in front of his court and preside judgement. If
you are guilty you are expected to give up your fief and try to get another lord to hire you. If
another lord will not hire you will start over again as a serf.
Dangers
1) War: as a part of your contract you are expected to provide military service to your lord. If
someone decides to attempt an assassination they will have to go through you and the other lord's
vassals first. This puts you in danger of being killed and having to start the game again as a serf.
2) Production: you must ensure that you get and keep enough serfs to maintain the costs of living.
3) Breaking Your Contract: if your lord breaks his contract with you there is little you can do.
There are two unsavoury options: (A) you can attempt to get back at him by attacking him (in
which case you have to kill his other vassals first) or (B) you can leave all you have established
and try to get a fief and establishment costs from another lord.
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR GOING AROUND TO YOUR SERFS AND COLLECTING
THE FEES THEY OWE YOU. MAKE SURE YOU DO THIS EVERYDAY OR THEY ARE
NOT OBLIGATED TO PAY YOU FOR YEARS PAST.
Social Studies 8
Role Sheet: Noble
NOBLE
Are second only in rank to the King / Queen. They also have fiefs, which are lent to them by the
monarchy.
Character Motivation
Loan the lands you have received from the King / Queen to knights who you believe will suit you
most favourably. Be careful not to stretch your resources too thin by hiring too many. You want
to either develop what you already own or attempt to get the crown. You might want to bribe the
Cardinal for support through generous gifts of money. Also make sure you have the support of
your knights if you decide to assassinate the monarch. If you do not you will be at a tactical
disadvantage because they will rally around the monarch. Also make sure that when you
approach the knights that you do not give away the fact that you are planning on usurpation or
they may pass it onto the monarch.
Income
If you are born to this class you will begin with 1 000 000 silver pieces (sp). Once you have been
given this, your income will depend solely on what your serfs pay in taxes and fees multiplied by
5. (The reason you do this and not the knights is because there is not enough people in the class
to play the number of serfs that we need. Since a noble has more land and serfs than a knight, the
noble receives more money.)
Resources you will need to establish manor
A fief from the king (have a contract to prove this)
A manor house (see the price list for what is required)
Serfs (really important)
One home for each serf X5 (see the price list for what is required)
One mill (see the price list for what is required)
One mule for each serf (see the price list)
Increase your defence class by building a castle, moat or any type of structure that will help to
defend you against any type of assassination attempt or attack. Bring in siege equipment to
increase your attack class and aid you in open warfare against foes.
Expenses you must pay every year
1500 sp for maintenance of manor (pay the Carpenter)
Serfs provide for food
Duties to your lord
1. Military service (when your lord calls you to battle you are expected to respond) 2. attendance
at court to give advice as to how things should be run 3. payments and hospitality (you are
expected to treat your lord with respect and give payments when the lord has his eldest daughter
married, eldest son knighted, when he requires a ransom for his release, or wants money to fund a
crusade).
Duties of your lord to you
1. Protection (when you are in danger from others your lord should get the rest of his vassals to
provide military support for your defence) 2. a hearing in court (if another vassal under the same
lord has done you wrong, you can charge him in the lord's court and have the other vassals and
the lord preside judgement) and 3. respect for family interests.
When you enter into a contact with your lord make sure you sign the contract provided. If you
ever break your contract, your lord can bring you in front of his court and preside judgement. If
you are guilty you are expected to give up your fief and try to get another lord to hire you. If
another lord will not hire you will start over again as a serf.
Dangers
1) War: as a part of your contract you are expected to provide military service to your lord. If
someone decides to attempt an assassination they will have to go through you and the other lord's
vassals first. This puts you in danger of being killed and having to start the game again as a serf.
2) Production: you must ensure that you get and keep enough serfs to maintain the costs of living.
3) Breaking Your Contract: if your lord breaks his contract with you there is little you can do.
There are two unsavoury options: (A) you can attempt to get back at him by attacking him (in
which case you have to kill his other vassals first) or (B) you can leave all you have established
and try to get a fief and establishment costs from another lord.
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR GOING AROUND TO YOUR SERFS AND COLLECTING
THE FEES THEY OWE YOU. MAKE SURE YOU DO THIS EVERYDAY OR THEY ARE
NOT OBLIGATED TO PAY YOU FOR YEARS PAST.
Social Studies 8
Role Sheet:Monarch
MONARCH
Is the one who is considered to own all the land. Everyone else simply uses it with the King's /
Queen's permission. Uses charisma and the promise of protection to keep control over his
vassals and followers. The monarchy in this period of history is just a large lord. His / her
resources include large landholdings, a small army, livestock, horses, etc., but he / she does not
have any more of these resources than some other lords.
Character Motivation
Fairly rule your land, live and put down assassination attempts on yourself and your vassals. You
need more money than your vassals do and you get it through taxation - you determine how much
you want to tax. Draw up a will as soon as you can so as to assure the desired heir gets the
throne. If monarch dies without a will, the council of nobles and knights get together to elect a
monarch. Only aristocrats can be acceptable heirs by election. The ruling King / Queen,
however, can chose any heir he / she wishes in the will (even a serf).
Income
If you are born to this class you will begin with 3 000 000 silver pieces (sp). Once you have been
given this, your income will depend solely on what your serfs and vassals pay in taxes and fees
multiplied by 15. (The reason you do this and not the knights is because there is not enough
people in the class to play the number of serfs that we need. Since a monarch has more land and
serfs than a knight, the monarch receives more money.)
Resources you will need
Serfs
One home for each serf X15 (see the price list for what is required)
Two mills (see the price list for what is required)
One mule for each serf (see the price list)
A castle (see price list for requirements)
Siege equipment (see price list for requirements)
Expenses you must pay every year
1500 sp for maintenance of manor (pay the Carpenter)
500 sp for clothes (pay the Banker)
Serfs provide for food
Duties to your lord
1. Military service (when your lord calls you to battle you are expected to respond) 2. attendance
at court to give advice as to how things should be run 3. payments and hospitality (you are
expected to treat your lord with respect and give payments when the lord has his eldest daughter
married, eldest son knighted, when he requires a ransom for his release, or wants money to fund a
crusade).
Duties of your lord to you
1. Protection (when you are in danger from others your lord should get the rest of his vassals to
provide military support for your defence) 2. a hearing in court (if another vassal under the same
lord has done you wrong, you can charge him in the lord's court and have the other vassals and
the lord preside judgement) and 3. respect for family interests.
When you enter into a contact with your lord make sure you sign the contract provided. If you
ever break your contract, your lord can bring you in front of his court and preside judgement. If
you are guilty you are expected to give up your fief and try to get another lord to hire you. If
another lord will not hire you will start over again as a serf.
Dangers
1) War: as a part of your contract you are expected to provide military service to your lord. If
someone decides to attempt an assassination they will have to go through you and the other lord's
vassals first. This puts you in danger of being killed and having to start the game again as a serf.
2) Production: you must ensure that you get and keep enough serfs to maintain the costs of living.
3) Breaking Your Contract: if your lord breaks his contract with you there is little you can do.
There are two unsavoury options: (A) you can attempt to get back at him by attacking him (in
which case you have to kill his other vassals first) or (B) you can leave all you have established
and try to get a fief and establishment costs from another lord.
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR GOING AROUND TO YOUR SERFS AND COLLECTING
THE FEES THEY OWE YOU. MAKE SURE YOU DO THIS EVERYDAY OR THEY ARE
NOT OBLIGATED TO PAY YOU FOR YEARS PAST.
Social Studies 8
Role Sheet: Cardinal
CARDINAL
Is a high official in the Church who is next below the Pope.
Character Motivation
Build an expensive Cathedral so you prove your worthiness to become the next Pope. You get
money by collecting serfs to be nuns and priests as well as collecting the Tithe. Make sure that
the indulgences are sold (this was a medieval practice). Excommunication was a serious thing in
medieval times. Threaten to excommunicate anyone who does not pay tithes or buy indulgences
when you suggest they do. Your vows of priesthood prohibit you from directly killing someone.
Make sure you cannot be linked to an assassination plot. Your natural ally is the monarch and
vice versa. Work well with each other. You can charge for your fee to marry, bury someone, or
any other service you provide.
Income
Most of your money will come from tithes. Make sure you go around to each character and have
them write you a medieval cheque for 10% of what they own. You can also sell indulgences to
those people who have committed the sin of murder or for breaking a contract. You come up
with a reasonable fee for the indulgence and base it on how rich the sinner is. You can also sell
indulgences to people who have not sinned. This way they have a sin "forgiven" before they
even commit it. Also ensure that the sinner discards or returns the indulgence paper once it has
been used.
Resources you will need
Your goal is to build a Cathedral. Your goal is to come up with enough money to do this. Then
hire the required people to build the place. Make sure you keep it funded (its going to take a lot
of cash).
Social Studies 8
Role Sheet: Banker
BANKER
Is in charge of the money and loans out money to people who want to expand their influence.
Character Motivation
Build an impressive amount of money from the interest you get from loaning people your money.
You must decide who seems to be an unlikely ally or a risk. You must register all business
transactions made between the buyers and sellers, including the sale of illegal merchandise to
serfs (weapons). It may or may not be to your advantage to tell other nobles of what is going on.
Only you can decide what is right.
Your responsibilities
- You hold all the contracts and make sure they are signed by all the parties involved (the vassal
and the lord).
- You also play the part of any trader who is not in the game (but the money does not belong to
you). For example: if King John needs clothes and there are no textile traders, you must be the
one to record the transaction.
- decide the rate of interest you want to charge your customers. Make sure you do not charge too
much (especially if you do not have protection). If you charge too much interest people will not
borrow money from you. If you charge too little you will not make enough money.
Resources you will absolutely need
If you were born into this class you start out with 3200 silver pieces (sp).
From this you will have to pay, each year:
550 sp for food (pay Miller)
100 sp for maintenance of lodgings (pay Carpenter)
300 sp for capital for business / trade (pay Banker)
10% of all your yearly earnings goes to the Church as tithe
Dangers
1) Protection: you must provide your own protection, unless you can work out a deal with a noble
to get it. Otherwise, be very careful in your decisions regarding who you lend and don't lend
money to.
Social Studies 8
Role Sheet: Chr. Defence
HIT POINTS:
PERSONAL Defence CLASS
ARMOUR Defence ITEMS (castle, tower, manor, etc.)
DC value
Personal Defence Class Total
Defence CLASS BASED ON ALLIANCES
NAME OF ALLIANCE
see war sheet for instructions
Personal DC
HIT POINTS
Your hit points say how much endurance you have during a battle. Every time you are hit in
battle you loose hit points. If you lose all of your hit points during a battle, you lose the battle
and are captured by the opposing force to be dealt with how the victory sees fit (ransom or
death).
A character's hit points is determined by what class that character belongs to. Use the following
table to determine your character's hit points:
HIT POINT GENERATOR
Serf
30 hp
Freeman
40 hp
Knight
80 hp
Noble
60 hp
Monarch
100 hp (divinely protected)
Cardinal
100 hp (divinely protected)
Banker
40 hp
PERSONAL Defence CLASS
This determines how well you can fend off an attack from an attacker. It consists of how what
type of armour you own, the type of buildings you have, and anything that prevents the enemy
from actually hitting you. The total defence class is a sum of all your defence items' DC points
added up.
DEFENCE CLASS BASED ON ALLIANCES
List the alliances you have here. List your lord and his / her Personal Defence Class in the top
column. List all of your lord's vassals in the same manner in the remaining columns. Keep your
list updated when there are defections and new alliances formed.
The people on your list are the people who can back you up in case you ever find yourself under
attack or if you ever want to attack someone else. If you ever find yourself under attack or if you
want to attack someone else ask your lord for assistance and rally the vassals you have (does not
include serfs, who are not considered to be vassals).
If you are ever captured (when your hit points reach 0 during a battle), appeal to your vassals and
lord for ransom to pay the victors. Your vassals are under contract to give your ransom, your
lord is not. If you cannot get the ransom your victors are asking for, you may suffer death.
Only someone who is at the same or higher-class level than you can directly attack you. Because
your vassals owe you military protection, before an underling can try to attack you, they must get
through your vassals first. In a war against alliances, the organiser of the attack is the one that
risks death or capture. Therefore, the battle only takes away from the organiser’s hit point total.
After each battle, the hit points of all combatants are restored.
Use a WAR SHEET to guide your battles.
Social Studies 8
Role Sheet: Chr. Attack
PERSONAL ATTACK CLASS
WEAPONS AND SIEGE EQUIPMENT
AC value
Personal Attack Class Total
ATTACK CLASS BASED ON ALLIANCES
NAME OF ALLIANCE
Personal AC
PERSONAL ATTACK CLASS
The Armour Class of your weapons, both personal and siege weapons determines this number.
Find out the Armour Class of each item when you go to the blacksmith, carpenter, or
woodworker to purchase items.
ATTACK CLASS BASED ON ALLIANCES
List the alliances you have here. List your lord and his / her Personal Attack Class in the top
column. List all of your lord's vassals in the same manner in the remaining columns. Keep your
list updated when there are defections and new alliances formed.
The people on your list are the people who can back you up in case you ever find yourself under
attack or if you ever want to attack someone else. If you ever find yourself under attack or if you
want to attack someone else ask your lord for assistance and rally the vassals you have (does not
include serfs, who are not considered to be vassals).
Only someone who is at the same or higher-class level as you can directly attack you. Because
their vassals owe them military protection, before you can try to assassinate him / her, you must
get through his / her vassals first. In a war against alliances, the organiser of the attack is the one
that risks death or capture. Therefore, the battle is based on the single organiser’s hit points and
the single defenders hit points. After each battle, the hit points of all combatants are restored.
For example: You attack Knight Lucas. You both have your alliances come to the battle. Both
sides benefit from their alliances because their AC and DC are combined to give more attack
and defence power. Therefore, the more alliances that show up on your side the more strength
you will have. However, you are you are the only one out of your side that risks losing your life
because all hits are directed at you.
Social Studies 8
Role Sheet: War Sheet
WAR SHEET
This sheet is to be used when two sides clash in battle.
ATTACKER'S TOTAL ATTACK CLASS
ATTACKER'S PERSONAL ATTACK CLASS
ATTACKER'S ALLIANCES ATTACK CLASS TOTAL
Alliance's Total Attack Class
ATTACKER'S TOTAL Defence CLASS
ATTACKER'S PERSONAL Defence CLASS
ATTACKER'S ALLIANCE DEFENCE CLASS TOTAL
Alliance's Total Defence Class
DEFENDER'S TOTAL ATTACK CLASS
DEFENDER'S PERSONAL ATTACK CLASS
DEFENDER'S ALLIANCE ATTACK CLASS
Alliance's Total Attack Class
DEFENDER'S TOTAL Defence CLASS
DEFENDER'S PERSONAL Defence CLASS
DEFENDER'S ALLIANCE Defence CLASS
Alliance's Total Defence Class
When attacker is attacking, adjust the card draw according to the advantage shown.
Attacker's AC
Defender's DC
Advantage Total
+
When defender is attacking adjust the card draw according to the advantage shown.
Defender's AC
Attacker's DC
+
continue on the back
(A)
Advantage Total
(B)
A minus number means that the defender has the advantage. A positive number means the
attacker has the advantage.
(A) Who has the advantage when the Attacker is attacking?
ADVANTAGE GOES TO
ADVANTAGE #
(B) Who has the advantage when the Defender is attacking?
ADVANTAGE GOES TO
ADVANTAGE #
How to damage your opponent
Hits and misses will be determined by rolling dice. The card chart below used in conjunction
with the advantages listed above will tell each party what roll they will need in order to hit their
opponent. Each side takes its turn attacking. The Attacker goes first followed by the Defender.
The party that loses all of their hit points first is captured. Rolling a “1” is an automatic hit. Roll
a number equal or lower than the one listed to hit your opponent
ADVANTAGE
NUMBER
ATTACKER MUST
DRAW OR LOWER
auto hit
1
 -10
2
-9, -8
3
-7, -6
4
-5, -4
5
-3, -2
6
-1, 0
7
1, 2
8
3, 4
9
5, 6
10
7, 8, 9
11
10, 11, 12
12
If the attacker hits, the person who is hit draws from the deck or rolls to determine their hit point
loss. The person who loses all of their hit points first is captured, held for ransom, or killed.
Remember that only the Attacker and the Defender will lose hit points. Allies who are on the
losing side will lose one of their war toys (of the victor's choice).
Social Studies 8
Price List: Blacksmith
Blacksmith: Handles iron.
Item
Cost
Attack Class
Defence Class
Battle Axe
140 sp
+2
Dagger
20 sp
+1
Sword
300 sp
+3
Chain Mail
80 sp
-1
Plate Mail
120 sp
-2
Shield
20 sp
-1
Barding for Horse
300 sp
-1
Parts for Seige Tower
3000 sp
+8
Parts for Catapult
2000 sp
+6
Parts for Ram
2000 sp
+7
Blacksmith:
1) Do not sell any weapons to freemen or serfs. This is against the law.
2) Write a Medieval Receipt for every item you sell so the buyer has proof of its purchase. You
can barter or haggle any prices you wish.
3) Watch out for people who write bad cheques.
Social Studies 8
Price List: Wood Cutter
Wood Cutter: makes lumber, sells lumber for the following at costs listed.
Item
Cost
Attack Class
Defence Class
Wood Building
1500 sp
0
Drawbridge & Moat
8000 sp
-5
Small Castle
10000 sp
-5
Medium Castle
25000 sp
-7
Large Castle
50000 sp
-10
Siege Tower
5000 sp
+8
Catapult
3000 sp
+6
Ram
4000 sp
+7
Wood Cutter:
1) Write a Medieval Receipt for every item you sell so the buyer has proof of its purchase. You
can barter or haggle any prices you wish.
2) Watch out for people who write bad cheques.
Social Studies 8
Price List: Livestock Handler
Livestock Handler: you sell livestock to anyone who wants to pay.
Item
Cost
Attack Class
Mule
60 sp
0
War Horse
1000 sp
+3
Saddle & Bridle
300 sp
+1
Defence Class
This trade is best for a freeman who already owns a business and wants to expand by getting
involved in another trade. Its good for a little extra money.
Social Studies 8
Price List: Stone Mason
Stone Mason: works with stone.
Item
Cost
Attack Class
Defence Class
Stone Building
5000 sp
-1
Small Castle
10000 sp
-5
Medium Castle
50000 sp
-7
Large Castle
100000 sp
-10
Cathedral
500000 sp
-10
Castle Tower (4 max)
10000 sp
-2
Small Wall
5000 sp
-2
Medium Wall
10000 sp
-2
Large Wall
20000 sp
-2
Mill stone
2000sp
0
Stone Mason:
1) Write a Medieval Receipt for every item you sell so the buyer has proof of its purchase. You
can barter or haggle any prices you wish.
2) Watch out for people who write bad cheques.
Social Studies 8
Price List: Carpenter
Carpenter: provides the skills and know how when it comes to building wood structures.
Item
Cost
Attack Class
Defence Class
Wood Building
1500 sp
0
Siege Tower
8000 sp
+8
Catapult
3000 sp
+6
Ram
10000 sp
+7
Small Castle
5000 sp
-5
Medium Castle
5000 sp
-7
Large Castle
25000 sp
-10
Drawbridge and
Moat
8000 sp
-5
Carpenter:
1) Write a Medieval Receipt for every item you sell so the buyer has proof of its purchase. You
can barter or haggle any prices you wish.
2) Watch out for people who write bad cheques.
Social Studies 8
Price List: General Price List
Here is a price list for the things you can purchase. Do not bother stocking up on personal
weapons like swords (you can only use one at a time anyway). When you have written a
medieval cheque and purchased an item make sure you get a medieval receipt from the freemen
you bought it from. You will be asked to see these before you are given credit for what you want
to put down on your personal attack and defence class lists. Also notice that you will have to
visit more than one freemen in order to get what you need to construct some items.
Item
Cost
Attack Class
Defence Class
Who to See
Siege Tower
16000 sp
+8
blacksmith,
wood cutter,
carpenter
Catapult
8000 sp
+6
blacksmith,
wood cutter,
carpenter
Ram
10000 sp
+7
blacksmith,
wood cutter,
carpenter
Wood building
3000 sp
0
carpenter
Stone building
5000 sp
-1
stone mason
Small Castle
20000 sp
-5
stone mason,
wood cutter,
carpenter
Medium Castle
50000 sp
-7
stone mason,
wood cutter,
carpenter
Large Castle
100000 sp
-10
stone mason,
wood cutter,
carpenter
Draw Bridge
and Moat
16000 sp
-5
wood cutter,
carpenter
Small Wall
5000 sp
-2
stone mason
Medium Wall
10000 sp
-2
stone mason
Large Wall
20000 sp
-2
stone mason
Item
Cost
Attack Class
Defence Class
0
Who to See
Grist Mill
5000sp
0
wood cutter
carpenter
stonemason
Battle Axe
140 sp
+2
blacksmith
Dagger
20 sp
+1
blacksmith
Sword
300 sp
+3
blacksmith
Chain Mail
80 sp
-1
blacksmith
Plate Mail
120 sp
-2
blacksmith
Shield
20 sp
-1
blacksmith
Barding for
Horse
300 sp
+1
livestock
handler
Mule
60 sp
0
livestock
handler
War Horse
1000 sp
+3
livestock
handler
Buy these objects by seeing the freemen who are in charge of them. Keep the receipts for each
item together so you do not make the referee and banker grumpy by giving them a pile of
unsorted receipts. Write medieval cheques to purchase.
Thy Bank of Europe
104
(please print)
$
Pay to the order of
/ Silver Pieces
Amount
For:
Printed Signature:
Thy Bank of Europe
104
(please print)
$
Pay to the order of
/ Silver Pieces
Amount
For:
Printed Signature:
Thy Bank of Europe
104
(please print)
$
Pay to the order of
/ Silver Pieces
Amount
For:
Printed Signature:
Medieval Receipt
Received From
(sp)
Payment For
of Freeman
Amount
Printed signature
Medieval Receipt
Received From
(sp)
Payment For
of Freeman
Amount
Printed signature
Medieval Receipt
Received From
(sp)
Payment For
of Freeman
Amount
Printed signature
Medieval Receipt
Received From
(sp)
Payment For
Amount
Printed signature
of Freeman
Medieval Bankbook
Date
Type of Transaction
(sold, received, or
bought what?)
Payment in sp () Deposit in sp
(+)
Balance
Banker's
Signature
Oath of Fealty & Pledge of
Homage
T
he pledge and oath upon this page signify the allegiance every undersigned
vassal pays to his / her lord.
Upon signing this contract, I, the vassal, will give thee, my lord, the following
services upon receiving the loan of an area of land, which we shall call the fief:
I - military service when my lord calls me into battle to defend his
honour, protect his life, and his vassals.
II - attendance at court when thee, my lord, calls. I will give advice
that I believe will further thy greatness and valour.
III - payments when thee, my lord, have your eldest daughter
married, eldest son is knighted, decide to fight for God in a Crusade
and / or when thee, my lord, require a ransom if ever some vile
savages ever capture thee.
In return, I will expect from thee, my lord, the following obligations:
I - the use of a fief until I pass onto the next life. When I pass on I
also would like thee to pass on my fief to my heir, but only if he
pleases thee, my lord.
II - a hearing in court if I ever feel as though my fellow vassals have
treated me with injustice.
III - respect for my family interests and values.
Signed by the lord of the land here:
Signed by any vassal who understands the aforementioned and also understands
that a breech of the contract will forfeit it. Any disputes regarding the failure of
any vassal's obligations will be heard in the lord's court. Vassals sign here:
Land Deed
For any serf who has purchased land and freedom from their lord.
This certificate signifies that a lord has sold unto a serf his / her freedom for a
price in silver pieces.
Lord: please specify how much thy serf has paid thee for land and freedom. Also
indicate the date at the bottom of this deed. Also understand that by signing this
contract thy claim of the plot of land sold and the service of the serf are given up.
Serf: keep this deed as proof of your ownership of freedom and land. This is for
your safety in case some untamed individual should challenge your claims.
Date:
Tender
received
by
lord
in
silver
pieces:
Signature
of
the
Lord:
Signature
of
the
Serf:
Fief Deed
This deed is for any vassal who holds land according to an oath of fealty and
pledge of homage.
This certificate certifies that a lord has agreed to loan his land to a vassal under
the terms of fealty and homage. This deed is kept by the vassal until the lord's
land is given up by the vassal either by death or termination of the signed
contract.
Date:
Signature
Signature
of
of
the
the
Lord:
Vassal:
Indulgence for thee for a price. To be torn up and discarded to purge sin
from the repentant soul. Brought to you by the Pope and the Cardinal.
Cardinal's signature:
Indulgence for thee for a price. To be torn up and discarded to purge sin
from the repentant soul. Brought to you by the Pope and the Cardinal.
Cardinal's signature:
Indulgence for thee for a price. To be torn up and discarded to purge sin
from the repentant soul. Brought to you by the Pope and the Cardinal.
Cardinal's signature:
Indulgence for thee for a price. To be torn up and discarded to purge sin
from the repentant soul. Brought to you by the Pope and the Cardinal.
Cardinal's signature:
Indulgence for thee for a price. To be torn up and discarded to purge sin
from the repentant soul. Brought to you by the Pope and the Cardinal.
Cardinal's signature:
Indulgence for thee for a price. To be torn up and discarded to purge sin
from the repentant soul. Brought to you by the Pope and the Cardinal.
Cardinal's signature:
Indulgence for thee for a price. To be torn up and discarded to purge sin
from the repentant soul. Brought to you by the Pope and the Cardinal.
Cardinal's signature:
Indulgence for thee for a price. To be torn up and discarded to purge sin
from the repentant soul. Brought to you by the Pope and the Cardinal.
Cardinal's signature:
Indulgence for thee for a price. To be torn up and discarded to purge sin
from the repentant soul. Brought to you by the Pope and the Cardinal.
Cardinal's signature:
Last will and
Testament
If ever the monarch were to die an early death at the hands of some barbarian,
this will is to ensure the throne and the demesne of his lord are passed on to
rightful heirs.
This
is
the
last
will
and
testament
of
King
/
Queen
.
Let it be known that I, in my death, pass on my crown and demesne to my rightful
heir:
Let it be known that it is the pledge of my vassals to follow this last will. Hence,
they are expected to uphold my decision. Anyone who schemes to break this will
and take the throne who is not my heir is breaking our law and God's divine
guidance. The scorn and might of my vassals will purge thee from the face of this
green earth with great fury if this will is not followed at my last request.
Monarch's signature
Social Studies 8
Insert your own timeline here
Medieval Time Line
1094
The Holy See
777 Holy Street
1094 A.D.
Dear Cardinal:
It is time to reclaim the Holy Land from
the infidel Muslims. Tell the monarch that
it would be in his / her best interest to
fund the Crusade: Deus le vult ("God wills
it"). It is timely to take the road to the
Holy Land and rescue it, for the land, as
Scripture says, flows with milk and honey.
All men going there who die untimely
deaths will immediately have all their sins
forgiven. Ask for funding from the monarch
quietly to make it appear as though the
Church is funding it. Insist that he / she
find the funds for it. Use your influence
as a Church official to "persuade" the
monarch of what is right for the glory of
Christendom. The campaign will need a mere
200000 silver pieces to get under way.
God speed and the glory of the Holy Church
be with you.
Yours,
Pope Urban II
1300
To the monarch and nobles: the year is 1300.
The Code of Chivalry.
Monarch and lords, encourage your knights to act according to the new code of chivalry. Knight
anyone you believe will uphold the code and release any existing knight that fails to follow its
rules. The code of chivalry is this:
1) treat the poor (serfs) with respect
2) honour your lords at all times
3) treat the Church well
4) humility will be their most prominent virtue
Have your knights make a coat of armour for themselves. You can also hold tournaments to find
your most skilled knight.
1348
To the referee: the year is 1348.
The Black Death
Take the dice around the room and have each student roll the dice. Give a card to those who roll
an odd number.
You notice the growth of lumps on your groin and armpits as large as an egg or apple. They
spread out in all directions. Red and black spots appear on your arms and thighs. You are
one of millions that die from the Black Plague of the 1300's.
You notice the growth of lumps on your groin and armpits as large as an egg or apple. They
spread out in all directions. Red and black spots appear on your arms and thighs. You are
one of millions that die from the Black Plague of the 1300's.
You notice the growth of lumps on your groin and armpits as large as an egg or apple. They
spread out in all directions. Red and black spots appear on your arms and thighs. You are
one of millions that die from the Black Plague of the 1300's.
You notice the growth of lumps on your groin and armpits as large as an egg or apple. They
spread out in all directions. Red and black spots appear on your arms and thighs. You are
one of millions that die from the Black Plague of the 1300's.
You notice the growth of lumps on your groin and armpits as large as an egg or apple. They
spread out in all directions. Red and black spots appear on your arms and thighs. You are
one of millions that die from the Black Plague of the 1300's.
You notice the growth of lumps on your groin and armpits as large as an egg or apple. They
spread out in all directions. Red and black spots appear on your arms and thighs. You are
one of millions that die from the Black Plague of the 1300's.
You notice the growth of lumps on your groin and armpits as large as an egg or apple. They
spread out in all directions. Red and black spots appear on your arms and thighs. You are
one of millions that die from the Black Plague of the 1300's.
You notice the growth of lumps on your groin and armpits as large as an egg or apple. They
spread out in all directions. Red and black spots appear on your arms and thighs. You are
one of millions that die from the Black Plague of the 1300's.
You notice the growth of lumps on your groin and armpits as large as an egg or apple. They
spread out in all directions. Red and black spots appear on your arms and thighs. You are
one of millions that die from the Black Plague of the 1300's.
1400
To the monarch, nobles, blacksmith and woodworker: the year is 1400.
New inventions make your Knights obsolete.
Blacksmiths make cannons available for a cost of 7000 sp (+15 AC). Foot soldiers are cheaper
than knights, need no fief, and are more effective, especially with the new invention of the
longbow (provided by the woodworker at 30 sp each +8 AC). You can rehire your knights as
foot soldiers (at 200 sp a year) and reclaim your fief along with the serfs who work there.