Throughout all of history and across civilizations, there has always been a desire, demand and often desperate need for things that are strictly regulated or forbidden. Interested parties have long sought ways to secure any number of illicit or otherwise expensive goods, and where there is want, there will always be an entrepreneurial few who are in need of wealth. Individuals like you have spent your life sneaking in the shadows, making deals under the table, and following the demands of insatiable clientele. A successful smuggler masters the ins and outs of law enforcement, learning how to skirt the law's watchful eye with bribes or well-hidden pathways.
- Skill Proficiencies: Choose two from among Deception, Stealth, Sleight of Hand, and Intimidation
- Tool Proficiencies: Forgery kit, Thieves’ tools
- Equipment: A backpack with a secret compartment, a set of dark common clothes including a hood, a Forgery kit or Thieves’ tools, and a pouch containing 15 gp
Feature: Secure Passage
The safest way to travel is inconspicuously - and thanks to your career in smuggling contraband goods, you know plenty of cons and corrupt city guards who you can call on to secure secret passage into or out of a city for yourself and your companions. You have a good eye for which criminal contacts can be trusted to honor their word and which officials are willing to turn a blind eye if a bribe is offered. While some contacts may even offer food, supplies and a place to rest, they will not risk their lives in order to aid you.
Suggested Characteristics
Smugglers are a very charismatic and diverse group. They range from smooth-talking cons and sly bribers to brazen crooks and unflinching black market merchants. Your traits should reflect the tactics you see yourself using.
| d8 |
Personality Trait |
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1
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I hide my origins and history under a shroud of absolute secrecy.
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2
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The only way to hide is in broad daylight. I don't bother with skulking around.
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3
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I'm a born gambler who can't resist taking a risk for a potential payoff.
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4
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I plan my routes, hire security, and do plenty of reconnaissance before I smuggle anything.
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5
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I've met enough cons, crooks, and corrupt officials to know that nobody can truly be trusted.
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6
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I'm more than willing to lie, steal, and cheat to get what I want.
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7
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I would rather make a new friend than a new enemy.
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8
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My closet companions know they can rely on me, no matter what.
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| d6 |
Ideal |
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1
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Honor. I don’t steal from others in the trade. (Lawful)
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2
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Sufficiency. I only want to make a living for myself, and smuggling is just an edge I can use to do so. (Neutral)
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3
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Charity. I steal from the wealthy so that I can help people in need. (Good)
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4
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Ruthless. I will rise to the top of the heap by any means necessary. (Evil)
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5
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Change. The low are lifted up, and the high and mighty are brought down. Change is the nature of things. (Chaotic)
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6
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Aspiration. I'm determined to make a successful living for myself. (Any)
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| d6 |
Bond |
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1
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My business partners are closer to me than my family.
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2
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My ill-gotten gains go to support my family.
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3
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Something important was taken from me, and I aim to steal it back.
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4
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A corrupt guard put me out of business back when I was running an honest business, I aim to show him a thing or two about recovery.
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5
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I was double-crossed by an old partner. I want revenge and my share of the gold - with interest.
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6
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Someone I loved died because of a mistake I made. That will never happen again.
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| d6 |
Flaw |
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1
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I would betray anyone to save my own skin.
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2
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Money is my greatest motivator. I'll do almost anything given enough of it, even if I'll regret it later.
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3
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My pride will probably lead to my destruction.
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4
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I have a “tell” that reveals when I’m lying.
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5
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I always give myself the biggest cut when divvying up profits - under the table, of course.
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6
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I framed an innocent person for smuggling and they were jailed for the crime. I'd do the same thing again if needed.
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