I think I like the Traveller version better. Here are my ideas for the Travellers:
Thanks Gubump! I agree that the traveller version is better. I realize that my initial idea for the names of the progression are not incredibly interesting--it doesn't tell an interesting story as well as the Peasant/Teacher line. So I think I will adjust it a little, and here is my first idea:
Serf<Outlaw<Convert<Crusader<Dragon Hunter<King (only for the one player who kills the dragon)
Basically, a humble serf of a local medieval lord gets tired of slaving away for him and runs away into the woods, so is now an outlaw. He then learns some fighting skills from other outlaws in the forest (kind of like Robin Hood) but is exposed to religious teaching and becomes a Convert. He goes to war as a Crusader, but becomes jaded with the bloodshed and vows to only fight for truth and justice as a Dragon Slayer. He finally kills the dragon who has been destroying the kingdom, and all the people rise up to make him king of the realm because of his great exploits and strong character.
I'm going to try as best as I can to make the individual actions as thematic as possible.
Here's an idea for Serf:
Action-Season-Traveller
Cost: 2
In Spring and Fall:
+1 Action
+1 Coin
Each other player gains a copper
When you discard this from play, exchange it for an Outlaw
Setup: Add the Legendary Dragon to the supply
(I realize that this sounds like an attack, and it is an attack in a way, but the "Attack" monicker doesn't fit the theme. Also, it is a one shot--you are forced to trade it up for an Outlaw if you play it, unlike most travellers.) The reason why it is only during Spring and Fall is because farming is seasonal.
I'm not sure if it is too strong (or too weak?--I have considered giving it a +1 coin), but I kind of like that it changes up the early game a little.
(edit--added "king" to traveller progression and +1 coin to serf card)