what level is this taking place at?
Re: the blacksmith - he could be a retired soldier or duelist to explain his fighter levels. And give him a big honking hammer.
The towns priest has a level of cleric or two, to keep people alive
What does the town have that makes it worth sacking? or is...
I remember my first D&D Character.
Vincent "Vinny The Elf" Coltello - an elven thief who was in the "mafia" of our starting location. He was not a happy elf, and was responsible for mor party deaths than most NPCs. He was retired to the BBEG's assassin's guild after about 8 months of play...
All three of my major third edition characters have started at level 1. halfling rogue (retired at 4)
2. High Elf Fighter/Rogue/Duelist (retired at 10)
3. Wood Elf Ranger/Fighter/Divine Champ/Tempest (currently 13).
In the game I'm DMing, the characters are hitting third and fourth level this week.
An excellent conversation about an excellent series. Here's some of my thoughts on things that've been already gone over:
Re: Jaime - I too see him going through a redemptive arc or becoming a shell of what he once was.
re: Arya - She's my favorite. I'm very much interested to see where...