The Settlement Stat System is a tool designed to give players the ability to make informed decisions about which Settlements or cities to visit without requiring explicit guidance from the Dungeon Master (DM). By providing a structured framework of Settlement attributes, players can independently decide where to seek information, goods, or services, enhancing their agency and immersion in the game world.


The Settlement Stat System is designed to help Dungeon Masters create rich, consistent, and immersive Settlements within their Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition campaigns. By assigning numerical stats to Settlements—much like character ability scores—you can logically determine the availability of goods, services, and facilities, enhancing both gameplay and storytelling.

Setting Difficulty Classes (DCs)

DCs are assigned based on the rarity or difficulty of finding items or services:

  • Common (DC 10): Basic goods and services readily available in most Settlements.
  • Uncommon (DC 15): Specialized items or services less frequently found.
  • Rare (DC 20): High-value or scarce items and services.
  • Very Rare (DC 25): Unique or exceptional items and services, rarely found.
  • Legendary (DC 30)

Settlement Stats

  1. Population (POP): Size and diversity of the Settlement’s inhabitants.
  2. Economy (ECO): Wealth and economic activity of the Settlement.
  3. Military (MIL): Defense capabilities and military strength.
  4. Magic (MAG): Prevalence of magic and availability of magical services.
  5. Knowledge (KNO): Level of education and access to information.
  6. Lawfulness (LAW): Strictness of laws and enforcement.
  7. Religion (REL): Influence and presence of religious institutions.
  8. Corruption (COR): Prevalence of illicit activities and underground markets.

Determining Availability

  1. Set the DC for the item or service based on its rarity.
  2. Identify the Relevant Settlement Stat(s):
    • Primary Stat: The most relevant stat directly associated with the item or service.
    • Secondary Stat: An additional stat that logically supports the primary stat (maximum of one secondary stat).
  3. Check for Automatic Availability:
    • If the Settlement’s relevant stat is equal to or higher than the DC, the item or service is automatically available; no roll is needed.
  4. If Roll Is Needed:
    • Roll: d20 + Primary Stat Modifier + Secondary Stat Modifier (if applicable).
    • Success: Total meets or exceeds the DC.
    • Failure: Total is less than the DC; the item or service is not available.

Maximum of Two Stats per Roll

  • Limit the number of stats added to a roll to two to maintain simplicity and balance.
  • Ensure Relevance: Stats must be directly related to the item or service.

Rerolling Checks

  • DM Discretion: The DM decides if and when players can reroll availability checks.
  • Factors to Consider:
    • Time Spent: Each reroll may represent additional time searching.
    • Change in Approach: Players should take new actions to justify a reroll.
    • Narrative Impact: Repeated attempts might have consequences or lead to new opportunities.

Population (POP)

Population (POP)

Represents the size and diversity of a town’s inhabitants.

Cultural Keys:

  • Stat 10 (DC 10): Average population size; common services and diversity.
  • Stat 15 (DC 15): Above-average population; increased diversity and specialized services.
  • Stat 20 (DC 20): Exceptionally large population; major urban center with vast resources.
Stat ScoreDescription
1Abandoned Outpost: Virtually no inhabitants; possibly a single caretaker or none at all.
2Tiny Hamlet: Fewer than 20 people; a small family or two, extremely isolated.
3Very Small Hamlet: 20–50 people; a handful of families, limited interaction.
4Small Hamlet: 51–75 people; a close-knit community, minimal services.
5Large Hamlet: 76–100 people; basic communal facilities start to appear.
6Very Small Village: 101–150 people; small clusters of homes, beginning of trade.
7Small Village: 151–200 people; a few basic services and a local gathering place.
8Medium Village: 201–300 people; more established services, small market.
9Large Village: 301–400 people; diverse families, several tradespeople.
10Very Large Village: 401–500 people; local governance forms, regular markets.
11Small Town: 501–1,000 people; multiple services, beginning of districts.
12Medium Town: 1,001–2,000 people; increased diversity, specialized trades.
13Large Town: 2,001–3,500 people; significant infrastructure, local institutions.
14Very Large Town: 3,501–5,000 people; multiple districts, diverse population.
15Small City: 5,001–8,000 people; extensive services, cultural activities.
16Medium City: 8,001–12,000 people; regional influence, advanced infrastructure.
17Large City: 12,001–18,000 people; numerous institutions, significant trade hubs.
18Metropolis: 18,001–25,000 people; major urban center, widespread influence.
19Major Metropolis: 25,001–35,000 people; dense population, international significance.
20Megalopolis: Over 35,000 people; sprawling cityscape, central to the realm’s affairs.
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Economy (ECO)

Economy (ECO)

Reflects the wealth, economic activity, and trade engagement of a town.

Cultural Keys:

  • Stat 10 (DC 10): Average economic activity; common goods and services available.
  • Stat 15 (DC 15): Above-average wealth; uncommon or luxury goods accessible.
  • Stat 20 (DC 20): Exceptionally wealthy; rare goods and vast trade networks.
Stat ScoreDescription
1Economically Devastated: No functioning economy; extreme poverty and scarcity.
2Impoverished: Minimal economic activity; basic necessities hard to obtain.
3Very Poor: Limited goods; barter systems common; imports rare.
4Struggling: Essential goods available; luxury items nonexistent.
5Below Average Economy: Some trade; limited variety of goods and services.
6Modest Economy: Local markets operate; basic goods accessible.
7Stable Economy: Consistent trade; moderate variety of goods.
8Growing Economy: Increased trade; occasional exotic goods.
9Prosperous Economy: Healthy trade networks; merchants are common.
10Average Economy: Standard wealth; common goods and services readily available.
11Affluent Economy: Above-average wealth; luxury goods appear.
12Wealthy Economy: Significant wealth accumulation; fine goods accessible.
13Rich Economy: Extensive trade networks; exotic goods more common.
14Opulent Economy: High standard of living; notable displays of wealth.
15Exceptional Economy: Above-average wealth; rare goods and banking institutions present.
16Lavish Economy: Great wealth; influential in regional economics.
17Economic Powerhouse: Controls significant trade routes; wealth influences politics.
18Wealth Epicenter: Exceptional wealth; sets economic trends.
19Economic Titan: Wealth unmatched; global economic influence.
20Economic Pinnacle: Legendary wealth; economy shapes global affairs.
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Military (MIL)

Military (MIL)

Measures the town’s defense capabilities and military strength.

Cultural Keys:

  • Stat 10 (DC 10): Average defense capabilities; common military presence.
  • Stat 15 (DC 15): Above-average military strength; specialized units available.
  • Stat 20 (DC 20): Exceptional military power; elite forces and advanced defenses.
Stat ScoreDescription
1Defenseless: No military presence; vulnerable to threats.
2Minimal Defense: Very limited guards; basic protection.
3Weak Militia: Untrained or poorly equipped defenders.
4Basic Militia: Small group with minimal training.
5Local Guard: Modest number of guards; basic patrols.
6Trained Militia: Better-trained defenders; simple fortifications.
7Standard Guard: Regular patrols; moderate training and equipment.
8Competent Defense: Well-equipped guards; basic walls or defenses.
9Strong Guard: Above-average training; defensive structures in place.
10Average Military: Common level of defense; capable of repelling standard threats.
11Skilled Military: Trained soldiers; strategic defenses.
12Fortified Defense: Strong walls; experienced commanders.
13Elite Units: Specialized forces; advanced weaponry.
14Powerful Military: Significant military presence; respected force.
15Superior Military: Above-average strength; renowned units.
16Advanced Military: Cutting-edge tactics; high morale.
17Dominant Force: Military influences regional power dynamics.
18Military Juggernaut: Exceptional strength; capable of major campaigns.
19Legendary Military: Feared and respected; unmatched prowess.
20Invincible Military: Unparalleled defense capabilities; legendary status.
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Magic (MAG)

Magic (MAG)

Indicates the prevalence of magic and availability of magical services.

Cultural Keys:

  • Stat 10 (DC 10): Average acceptance of magic; common magical services and minor items available.
  • Stat 15 (DC 15): Above-average magical presence; uncommon magical items and services accessible.
  • Stat 20 (DC 20): Exceptional magical society; rare magical items and high-level practitioners present.
Stat ScoreDescription
1Magic Outlawed: Magic is banned; severe penalties for use.
2Anti-Magic Sentiment: Magic is distrusted; practitioners persecuted.
3Magic Restricted: Strict regulations on magic use; few practitioners.
4Skeptical Society: Magic is legal but viewed with suspicion.
5Limited Acceptance: Magic is tolerated; few services available.
6Neutral Attitude: Magic neither encouraged nor discouraged.
7Cautious Acceptance: Magic is accepted with some reservations.
8General Acceptance: Magic is accepted; basic services accessible.
9Appreciative of Magic: Magic is appreciated; minor items common.
10Average Magic Presence: Common acceptance; standard magical services and items available.
11Magic Encouraged: Society supports magic; more practitioners present.
12Magic Prominent: Magic plays a significant role in society.
13Magic Influential: Magic influences culture and technology.
14Magic Revered: Magic and practitioners are highly respected.
15Magic Integrated: Above-average magical presence; uncommon items accessible.
16Magic Pervasive: Magic is integral to daily life; advanced services available.
17Magic Dominant: Magic dominates societal functions.
18Magic Essential: Magic is essential; rare items and powerful practitioners present.
19Magic Ascendant: Society advances rapidly due to magic.
20Magic Saturated: Magic saturates all aspects; exceptional items and abilities common.
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Knowledge (KNO)

Knowledge (KNO)

Reflects the level of education, scholarship, and access to information.

Cultural Keys:

  • Stat 10 (DC 10): Average education level; common access to basic education and information.
  • Stat 15 (DC 15): Above-average scholarship; higher education and specialized knowledge accessible.
  • Stat 20 (DC 20): Exceptional knowledge center; rare expertise and vast libraries present.
Stat ScoreDescription
1Ignorant Society: Widespread illiteracy; no formal education.
2Uneducated: Minimal literacy; knowledge passed orally.
3Limited Learning: Few can read; basic counting and folklore.
4Basic Literacy: Some literacy; informal education exists.
5Modest Education: Local tutor or small school; basic subjects taught.
6Emerging Education: Small schools; increased literacy rates.
7Average Education: Common level of education; basic schools present.
8Improving Scholarship: Access to libraries; higher literacy.
9Educated Populace: Public education available; general knowledge valued.
10Standard Education: Average access to education; common literacy.
11Advanced Learning: Higher education institutions begin to appear.
12Scholarly Community: Presence of academies; scholars are respected.
13Intellectual Hub: Significant scholarly activity; specialized fields of study.
14Renowned Scholarship: Attracts students; extensive libraries.
15Knowledge Center: Above-average scholarship; uncommon expertise accessible.
16Academic Beacon: Leading educational institutions; advanced studies.
17Intellectual Capital: Sets educational standards; influential thinkers reside here.
18Wisdom Epicenter: Exceptional knowledge; rare and ancient texts available.
19Enlightened Society: Knowledge shapes society; breakthroughs common.
20Paragon of Wisdom: Unparalleled scholarship; legendary knowledge accessible.
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Lawfulness (LAW)

Lawfulness (LAW)

Measures the strictness of laws, enforcement, and overall orderliness.

Cultural Keys:

  • Stat 10 (DC 10): Average lawfulness; common respect for laws and standard enforcement.
  • Stat 15 (DC 15): Above-average lawfulness; strict enforcement and low crime rates.
  • Stat 20 (DC 20): Exceptionally lawful; severe penalties and highly organized legal systems.
Stat ScoreDescription
1Anarchic: No functioning laws; chaos and disorder prevail.
2Lawless: Laws are absent or ignored; might makes right.
3Unstable Law: Inconsistent laws; corruption is rampant.
4Weak Law Enforcement: Laws exist but are poorly enforced.
5Lax Lawfulness: Enforcement is sporadic; minor crimes often unpunished.
6Moderate Lawfulness: Laws are in place; enforcement is average.
7Standard Lawfulness: Common respect for laws; typical crime rates.
8Orderly: Laws are generally followed; enforcement is consistent.
9Law-Abiding: Citizens respect laws; community involvement in enforcement.
10Average Lawfulness: Standard legal system; common level of order.
11Above-Average Lawfulness: Laws are well-enforced; crime rates are low.
12Strict Law Enforcement: Laws are strictly applied; penalties are significant.
13Highly Lawful: Strong legal institutions; corruption is minimal.
14Very Lawful: Society values order; laws are comprehensive.
15Exceptional Lawfulness: Above-average orderliness; uncommon levels of law adherence.
16Authoritarian: Laws are stringent; individual freedoms may be limited.
17Draconian: Harsh laws and severe punishments; dissent is discouraged.
18Totalitarian: State control is pervasive; laws govern all aspects of life.
19Oppressive Lawfulness: Absolute adherence to laws; personal freedoms are minimal.
20Lawful Perfection: Unparalleled order; laws are inflexible and strictly enforced.
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Religion (REL)

Religion (REL)

Indicates the influence and presence of religious institutions and practices.

Cultural Keys:

  • Stat 10 (DC 10): Average religious influence; common religious practices and institutions.
  • Stat 15 (DC 15): Above-average religiosity; uncommon religious events and significant influence.
  • Stat 20 (DC 20): Exceptional religious dominance; rare religious artifacts and powerful clergy present.
Stat ScoreDescription
1Secular Society: Religion is absent or actively suppressed.
2Irreligious: Minimal religious activity; few believers.
3Religious Skepticism: Religion exists but is viewed with suspicion.
4Limited Religious Practice: Small congregations; minor influence.
5Modest Religiosity: Some religious presence; limited impact on society.
6Neutral Religious Attitude: Religion is accepted but not prominent.
7Standard Religiosity: Common religious practices; typical observance.
8Religious Community: Active religious institutions; festivals observed.
9Devout Society: Religion plays a significant role; clergy respected.
10Average Religious Influence: Common level of religious activity and influence.
11Strong Religious Presence: Above-average influence; multiple temples.
12Highly Devout: Religion significantly shapes culture and values.
13Religious Authority: Clergy hold considerable influence over governance.
14Dominant Religion: A primary faith dominates; other beliefs are minority.
15Exceptional Religiosity: Above-average devotion; uncommon religious practices observed.
16Theocratic Tendencies: Religious leaders influence political decisions.
17Religious Zeal: High level of devotion; dissenting beliefs may be discouraged.
18Theocracy: Governance is heavily influenced by religious doctrine.
19Religious Extremism: Intolerance of other beliefs; strict adherence enforced.
20Religious Supremacy: Religion governs all aspects of life; unparalleled influence.
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Corruption (COR)

Corruption (COR)

Measures the prevalence of illicit activities, organized crime, and unethical practices.

Cultural Keys:

  • Stat 10 (DC 10): Average level of corruption; common minor unethical practices.
  • Stat 15 (DC 15): Above-average corruption; uncommon levels of organized crime.
  • Stat 20 (DC 20): Exceptional corruption; rare dominance of illicit activities over official institutions.
Stat ScoreDescription
1Impeccably Honest: Corruption is virtually nonexistent; high ethical standards.
2Very Low Corruption: Rare instances of unethical behavior; strong deterrents.
3Low Corruption: Minimal unethical practices; corruption is uncommon.
4Below-Average Corruption: Some minor corruption; generally honest dealings.
5Standard Corruption: Common minor unethical acts; petty bribery occurs.
6Moderate Corruption: Corruption exists but isn’t pervasive; average level.
7Typical Corruption: Common level of unethical practices; accepted as part of life.
8Noticeable Corruption: Bribery and favoritism more prevalent; public trust declines.
9High Corruption: Unethical practices affect multiple sectors; significant public skepticism.
10Average Corruption: Standard level; minor corruption is common.
11Above-Average Corruption: Corruption affects many areas; organized crime begins to emerge.
12Significant Corruption: Widespread unethical behavior; corruption influences decisions.
13Very High Corruption: Organized crime has influence; corruption is the norm.
14Systemic Corruption: Institutionalized corruption; laws are manipulated.
15Exceptional Corruption: Above-average prevalence; uncommon control by illicit groups.
16Deep-Seated Corruption: Criminal organizations hold significant power.
17Criminal Control: Organized crime controls official institutions.
18Corruption Dominant: Corruption is pervasive; ethics are disregarded.
19Anarchic Corruption: Corruption leads to societal collapse; lawlessness prevails.
20Total Corruption: Unparalleled corruption; illicit activities overshadow all else.
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