Important People in Your City

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Aside from leaders, other significant figures could be associated with the settlement, whether they reside here, have been born here, or visit frequently. This includes world figures such as heroes. Monuments might exist for them, whether that person is alive or dead. Where do they reside in town? What made them a hero? Did those acts occur here so that they’re adored for having saved citizens or the town, or did events happen elsewhere so as to make people proud they call this home? Decide if they were born here, or just moved in at some point, and whether that was before, during, or after the associated heroics. There might be some who resent him. This person might be one of our town’s secrets or have powerful friends who come to visit openly. Is there any spectacle associated with the hero-in-residence?

Villains might also be here. They could be hiding after a horrible act or just use this as a clandestine base of operations. Is there something that tips off others to the villain’s presence, such as a specific type of arrow? Clothing they’re seen in, or even technological/digital trails could also lead some to realize their presence. Do they moor a distinctive vessel, whether a spaceship or a sailing ship, in the port? Do they have a feared stronghold nearby?

Our settlement might also be home to other similar people so that they fit right in; this could be the reason they’re here. Just as heroes bring pride, villains bring shame unless they’re expected, tolerated, or even welcomed. Remember that a villain to some people is a hero to others, so we might need to decide on their values and those of our settlement before we know how they’re viewed. Their means might be despised while their end results are admired.

Wizards could have a tower here or a more modest home that doesn’t call attention to them. A priest likely lives in or near their temple, if one exists, and makes their presence known for healing or guidance. We might have celebrities, depending on our world; actors, musicians, athletes, and other performers seem more likely in SF than in fantasy, where life is often too hard, and mass consumption is unlikely, for people to have elevated these people to celebrities.

We might also have monsters or creatures here, on the outskirts of town, in a tower, or beneath the ground in catacombs. We’ll need a good reason why they haven’t been destroyed, if known. Maybe someone has control of them. Perhaps there’s a use for them, like the way Jabba the Hutt of Star Wars fed enemies to them. Decide on the creature’s capabilities before figuring out how it can be used, where it is, and how it manages to survive if people know it’s here.

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