Crime and Punishment in the Middle Ages and in a “Realistic” Fantasy Setting

Privy innkeep, I’m Deathbringer. Bring me an ale before I varnish these floors with the blood of your offspring. — Deathbringer

Professor Dungeonmaster (Dan Masters) of the Dungeon Craft YouTube channel has produced a couple entertaining and informative videos relating to reading that he has done related to crime and punishment during the Middle Ages. In addition to sharing what he has learned about crime and punishment in the Middle Ages, he goes on to explain how this information could be incorporated into fantasy tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) like Dungeons & Dragons or Pathfinder. Of course, an author, playwright, or screenwriter crafting a story set in the Middle Ages or in a fantasy world with a setting analogous to the Middle Ages would likely find it valuable as well. But you don’t have to play TTRPGs or be a storyteller to enjoy the material and find it interesting. As a student of history, I already knew some of the information, but I still learned something new. For those that want more, Professor DM identifies the books that served as the source materials for the videos.

Some TTRPG jargon is mentioned, but truthfully not much. There is a reference to a “D6” in one video. In TTRPGs that use dice, dice are typically identified by the number of sides found on the individual die. A D6 is a six-sided die.

Check out the videos and enjoy learning about the differences between our criminal justice system today and that of the Middle Ages. And if you have been convicted of a crime and/or have been accused of a crime, perhaps give thanks for a criminal justice system with a more “enlightened” view on crime, punishment, fairness, and the ability to be rehabilitated.

“Crime & Punishment in D&D & Pathfinder (Ep. 119)”

“The Shocking Truth About Medieval Executioners”