This is the sixth part of an excerpt from the upcoming “A Ghastly Companion to Castles, Mansions, and Estates“. Naturally, the presentation is skewed towards a game of Gothic Romance and Romantic Horror, but should prove useful to anyone playing in a late-18th or early-19th century setting.
See also Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, and Part 5 in the series.
Porter (Concierge, or Suisse) [House Servant]
Strongest Ability: Strength
The Porter’s primary job is to carry heavy objects and equipment for family members and guests, and see that visitors have been properly situated in their rooms. A Porter (or Concierge) will usually be waiting in the entrance room whenever guests are expected, and one will generally meet any carriage that comes to the house. Sometimes, Porters are stationed in booths at the front gate. In France, Porters are often also called Suisses, because many actually are of Swiss extraction. Naturally, Porters are skilled at lifting and carrying heavy objects efficiently, and have high higher-than average ability to endure strenuous tasks. Porters often double as House Guards, and therefore may also be skilled in the use of spears, halberds, and guns. A Porter will also have a better than average ability to notice sneaking and hiding people, and develop a particularly good memory.
The Porter will often be expected to inform visitors of any specific rules that need to be followed by visitors, and to enforce compliance. For example, male visitors to the palace of Versailles (which was open to the public before the French Revolution) could rent the mandatory dress sword from the Concierge at the front entrance.
A Porter is paid the standard wage for a male House Servant.
Postilion [Grounds Servant]
Strongest Ability: Dexterity
A Postilion is employed to ride the front left-hand horse in a team pulling a carriage, which greatly improves the Coachman’s control over the animals. Sometimes, a carriage will not even require a Coachmen to drive it, only a Postilion to guide the horses.
If a coach needs to travel more than 30 miles a day, fresh horses will need to be obtained every 10 – 20 miles from one of the Coaching Inn or Post Houses that are stationed along most major roads. In such a case, the Postilion must leave the traveling party, and (usually after staying the night at the Coaching Inn) return the spent horses to the family stables. The Postilion’s place will be taken by another employed by the Coaching Inn or Post House from which the fresh horses were rented. That Postilion will then be responsible for returning his team to their original stable after they are swapped out for fresh horses further along the road.
Postilions need to be skilled and agile riders, with a sense for equine behavior. Since they are frequently required to transport numbers of valuable horses, Postilions are usually skilled at defending themselves in a fight. In particular, the high, metal-reinforced boots they wear can turn their legs into deadly weapons (and also grant a +1 Bonus to their Armor Class). In order to avoid potential conflicts with highwaymen, Postilions will become skilled at noticing lurking and hiding people. A Postilion may possibly be Leveled as a Gypsy.
A Postilion is paid the standard rate for a Grounds Servant. Since their pay includes a Board Wage, they cannot expect to be reimbursed for their expenses when they need to stay at an inn (although any stabling fees for the horses will usually be paid by the family). When not riding, they often serve as Stable Boys.
Reader (Lectrice) [Retainer or Servant]
Strongest Ability: Charisma
A Reader is employed to read books and letters aloud – possibly at Salons, in drawing rooms after dinner, during a lady’s toilette, or at night before their master or mistress falls asleep. The Reader could be considered either a servant or Retainer, depending upon their education (and the inclinations of the family). The duties of a female Reader (or Lectrice) are often fulfilled by the Lady’s Maid or Lady’s Companion, and having a dedicated Reader is the the mark of truly wealthy (or extravagant) family. Beside being literate, a Reader will have a sweet voice (and usually some singing ability), a persuasive manner, basic acting skills, good fashion sense, and an attractive appearance.
A True Innocent might be employed as a Reader – at least until her patron (inevitably) asks to be entertained with tales of shockingly immorality!
Scullery Maid [House Servant]
Strongest Ability: Constitution
The grueling job of the Scullery Maid (or Scullion) is to boil water for washing, clean dirty dishes and pans, clean the kitchen, empty the chamber pots into the slop sink or Cesspit, clean the chamber pots, clean fish, wash freshly butchered meat, and wash floors. When there are no separate Laundry Maids, the Scullery Maids also wash the clothes and bedding. They must also assist the Cook and Kitchen Maids when necessary. Scullery Maids tend to be young, since it is often the first job given to young woman and girls in service. Because the floor of the Scullery is usually wet and filled with puddles, the Maids that work there generally wear wooden clogs, or pattens with blocks of wood affixed to the soles. Naturally, Scullery Maids become more sure-footed than average on slippery surfaces. Their footwear can also make quite effective improvised weapons!
A Scullery Maid is paid the standard wage for a female House Servant.
Secretary [Retainer]
Strongest Ability: Intelligence or Charisma (if a Libertine)
A Secretary’s primary job is to write letters of behalf of their employer. Sometimes the letter will be transcribed verbatim from dictation – other time the secretary is expected to translate their patron’s thoughts into more eloquent words. In a time when aristocrats may receive up to a dozen letter a day, the Secretary’s job is extraordinarily important. Participation in the international “Republic of Letters” is a mark of social prestige, but it is really only possible with the aid of paid professionals! Besides the ability to write well (and in an eloquent script), a Secretary must be well-read (so they can insert properly sophisticated literary references in correspondences), and have a good memory. As the name implies, a Secretary will be privy to their employer’s secrets, and gaining a Secretary’s trust may be essential to elucidating the dark mysteries of an estate. Most Secretaries are male, although a woman might employ one who is female.
Secretary is another one of the jobs that might be given to a lady’s live-in lover, in order to provide a respectable facade for their actual relationship. Thus, a Secretary might actually be a Libertine.
A Secretary can expect to be paid the standard rate for a Retainer.
Shepherd(ess) or Pastor [Grounds Servant]
Strongest Ability: Constitution
A Shepherd (or Pastor) is employed to watch over the herd of sheep (or cows) that often reside on aristocratic estates – whether such herds are used for meat, milk, and wool; employed to keep the grass cropped; or are purely ornamental. A Shepherd will develop the ability to spot stalking animals (or people), develop a natural sense of direction, learn to correctly read the weather, have a basic understanding of veterinary medicine, be able to estimate the health of an animal by sight, and have the ability to intimidate beasts. Since they are often aided by a sheep (or cow) dog, Shepherds will usually learn how to train canines (and other beasts). They can become quite proficient in defending themselves with their crook – and because they are also often the one who shears and/or slaughters their charges, they will generally have very good knife skills as well.
Shepherdesses are likely to be True Innocents, especially if their flock (or herd) is just maintained for show. While no more likely than any other to lose their sheep (or said sheep’s tails), innocent Shepherdess may find the flocks (and themselves) especially targeted by Werewolves.
A Shepherd or Shepherdess is paid the standard rate for a Grounds Servant of their gender; Male Shepherds earn 100p a week plus 150p Board wage, and Shepherdesses earn 50p a week, plus 100p Board Wage. The Shepherd or Shepherdess of a purely ornamental flock will likely also be provided with a colorful, faux peasant costume to wear.
Sick Nurse [House Servant]
Strongest Ability: Constitution
Most Grand Houses do not employ a full-time Sick Nurse (also called a Sickroom, or Chamber Nurse). Rather, they will bring one in as needed to care for ill or injured members of the household. Only a royal palace (or similar place) where 100 or more servants reside would actually have a full-time Sick Nurse on staff.
A Sick Nurse will have a good knowledge of herbalism, practical chemistry, and mathematics, allowing her to properly compound remedies. Naturally, she will also be skilled at administering first aid for wounds of various kinds. She will more perceptive than ordinary people, and have an increased ability to discern the intentions and motivations of others. She will probably be quite persuasive as well. Her personal tolerance for pain will be better than average, and she will be harder to fatigue and exhaust. Likewise, she will be resistant to diseases, poisons, and being nauseated. To avoid disturbing patients, Sick Nurses develop the ability to move silently (and towards that end wear quiet, fabric slippers called “list shoes”).
Naturally, in a world of Gothic Romance some Sick Nurses are actually witches – especially those whose patients tend to recover. If a patient’s malady is actually caused by a supernatural visitation (from a Vampyre, Fairy, or evil spirit of some kind) the Sick Nurse is likely to eventually confront the malignant creature. Therefore, it is possible that a Sick Nurse may even become a Demon Hunter!
Since they are seldom employed full-time at any single house, Sick Nurses are generally paid weekly (rather than receiving their pay quarterly like most other servants and Retainers). Their standard week’s wage is about 100p. They are entitled to meals and a bed for the term of their stay (although they may be asked to sleep in the room with their patient).
Still Maid [House Servant]
Strongest Ability: Constitution
The Still Maid is responsible for making beverages for the household – brewing beer, fermenting cider and table wine, and distilling liquors. She also makes the jams, jellies, perfumed waters, and condiments. Thus, she will have a practical knowledge of chemistry, and better than average senses of smell and taste. She will also be resistant to poisoning and high temperatures. Furthermore, it would be unwise to attempt to out-drink the house’s Still Maid! When there is no separate Still Maid, her duties are performed by the Housekeeper.
A Still Maid may be a Mad Scientist, albeit one without the usual “Academic Credentials”. Instead, she would posses a Special Ability from the Everyman list. Likewise, the Weakness “Attracts Angry Mobs”, would be replaced with either an Everyman’s “Prejudice” or “Phobia”.
A Still Maid is paid the standard rate for a female House Servant.
Swineherd [Grounds Servant]
Strongest Ability: Constitution
The Swineherd looks after the pigs of the estate. Unlike a flock or sheep or herd of cows (which might be maintained simply to give the property a properly bucolic ambiance), pigs are never purely ornamental. Besides a basic understanding of medicine, and practical knowledge of animal behavior, a swineherd will develop the ability correctly estimate the relative health of an animal. A Swineherd should always receive their Profession Bonus on Saves against nausea, poison, or disease. Since they are also often also responsible for slaughtering their pigs, Swineherds will skilled in wielding hammers and blades.
The Swineherd will almost always be a man, and is paid the standard rate for a male Grounds Servant.
Underbutler (or Officier) [House Servant]
Strongest Ability: Intelligence
An Underbutler (or Officier) is employed to watch over the Butlery (or Office), and perform other duties of the Butler, when the staff is so large the Butler (or Maître d’Hôtel) himself has to concern himself primarily with the administration of the house. He will usually clean the expensive silverware and porcelain himself, not trusting the Scullery Maids with it. His skills will otherwise be the same as the actual Butler’s.
In previous times, the Officier de Bouche of a château would have been a high-born Retainer (as would have been the Maitre d’Hôtel). By the late 18th, century, however, Officier has become a servant’s position.
The Underbutler is paid the standard wages of a Male Servant. He is not entitled to the same gifts and gratuities as the Butler himself. In a French château, the Officier is among the upper strata of servants who eat separately in the Office (rather than the Salle Commune).
Under Housemaid [House Servant]
Strongest Ability: Constitution
When there are Under Housemaids each will be responsible for cleaning and fire maintenance in a particular section (or wing) of the house. They are also called Lower Housemaids. Otherwise, they are identical with regular Housemaids.
Upper Housemaid [House Servant]
Strongest Ability: Constitution
In British practice, the Upper Housemaid oversees the Under Housemaids, and reports directly to the Housekeeper. The Upper Housemaid will usually be responsible for cleaning high status rooms and expensive objects. Her skills and abilities will be otherwise similar to any other Housemaid.
Naturally, the Upper Housemaid is better paid than an ordinary Housemaid, earning 75p a week, 975p quarterly, or 3,900p a year.
Tutor [Retainer]
Strongest Ability: Intelligence (Charisma if actually a Libertine)
If the the knowledge of a house’s Governess is considered inadequate in some area, a specialized Tutor may be brought in. Likewise, if a boy over the age of 14 is not sent away to school, his further education will be conducted by specialized male Tutors, rather than the Governess. In pre-Revolutionary France, Tutors are often Abbés, men who have religious training and may be members of orders, but who often lack formal ordination. In other Catholic countries, Tutors are often actual priests or monks.
Areas of knowledge in which a Tutor might specialize include:
- Arithmetic
- Geometry
- Astronomy (& Astrology)
- Grammar
- Logic
- Rhetoric
- History
- Philosophy
- Physic (Medicine)
- Classics
- Non-classical Literature
- Latin
- Greek
- Hebrew
- Theology
- Natural Philosophy (Science)
- Poetry
- French (the necessary language of High Society and diplomacy)
- Italian (the language of art and music)
- German (the language of the most exciting new novels and philosophical works)
By the Ghastly Age, Alchemy is no longer considered a subject of serious academic study. Many aristocrats are still enthusiasts for the subject, of course, but it isn’t an element of proper pedagogy.
Naturally, a Tutor will posses deep knowledge of their field – unless they are actually a Libertine fraudulently working their way into the household for the purpose of seduction! Tutors in the natural sciences may in fact be Mad Scientists trying to fund their research. An Abbé employed as a Tutor may also be a Magician – and not necessarily one who deal with angels!
A Tutor will be paid the standard rate for a Retainer.
Valet [House Servant]
Strongest Ability: Constitution
A Valet waits on a member of the household, traveling wherever they go, running errands for them, and attending to minor business concerns and transactions. A man’s Valet will also shave and dress him, care for his clothing, consult on his fashion choices, and serve as his personal confidante. Like Lady’s Maids, Valets often have an intuitive understanding of the motivations and desires of others. Unlike a Footman, who serves the House and Household, a Valet personally serves a particular member of the family. In British practice, Valets are usually assigned to the male members of the household only, but in French practice a woman may have a personal Valet in addition to her Femme de Chambre (Lady’s Maid).
Those Vampyres who continue to live in human society may task their Valets with maintaining a supply of fresh blood. A Valet may themselves be a practiced Libertine – aiding, abetting, and participating in the venereous misadventures of their master (or mistress). The Valet of a Mad Scientist might even be a Brute, Cannibal, or Degenerate, and thus a Monstrous Servant.
A Valet’s wages are 250p a week – 3,250 quarterly, or 13,000p a year. He is also entitled to receive cast-off clothing from his master, which he can wear instead of the house’s livery.
Whipper-In [Grounds Servant]
Strongest Ability: Dexterity
The job of the Whipper-In is to manage the hounds on a hunt, so they don’t wander off (or pursue something other than the intended quarry). He will be a skilled equestrian, proficient in the precise use of the whip, observant, and have an intuitive understanding of animal behavior. When not actually hunting he will aid the Kennel Master, Huntsman, or Gamekeeper. The Whipper-In could even find himself directed to lend his particular expertise to the punishment of other male servants (females being usually whipped by the Housekeeper, or else the Lady in her private chambers).
The Whipper-In is paid the standard amount for a male Grounds Servant.
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