You Cruised on a spacegoing vessel for years. In that time, you faced down mighty astroids, monsters of the void, and those who wanted to leave your craft adrift in the endless void. Your first love is the distant lights of the realm, but the time has come to try your hand at something new.

Discuss the nature of the ship you previously sailed with your Dungeon Master. Was it a merchant ship, a naval vessel, a ship of discovery, or a pirate ship? How famous (or infamous) is it? Is it widely travelled? Is it still sailing, or is it missing and presumed lost with all hands?

What were your duties on board — boatswain, captain, navigator, cook, or some other position? Who were the captain and first mate? Did you leave your ship on good terms with your fellows, or on the run?

You spent your youth under the sway of a dread pirate, a ruthless cutthroat who taught you how to survive in a world of cosmic sharks and savages. You’ve indulged in larceny in space and sent more than one deserving soul to a spacious grave. Fear and bloodshed are no strangers to you, and you’ve garnered some unsavoury contacts in many a port town.

Skill Proficiencies: Deception, Stealth

Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set, thieves’ tools

Equipment: A crowbar, a set of dark common clothes including a hood, and a pouch containing 15 gp

Suggested Characteristics

Criminals might seem like villains on the surface, and many of them are villainous to the core. But some have an abundance of endearing, if not redeeming, characteristics. There might be honor among thieves, but criminals rarely show any respect for law or authority.

d8	Personality Trait
1	My friends know they can rely on me, no matter what.
2	I work hard so that I can play hard when the work is done.
3	The first thing I do in a new place is note the locations of everything valuable—or where such things could be hidden.
4	I enjoy flying into new ports and making new friends over a flagon of ale.
5	I stretch the truth for the sake of a good story.
6	I don’t pay attention to the risks in a situation. Never tell me the odds.
7	The best way to get me to do something is to tell me I can’t do it.
8	My language is as foul as an otyugh nest.

d6	Ideal
1	Fairness. We all do the work, so we all share in the rewards. (Lawful)
2	Freedom. Space is freedom — the freedom to go anywhere and do anything. (Chaotic)
3	Aspiration. Someday I’ll own my own ship and chart my own destiny. (Any)
4	Greed. I will do whatever it takes to become wealthy. (Evil)
5	People. I’m committed to my crewmates, not to ideals. (Neutral)
6	Mastery. I’m a predator, and the other ships in space are my prey. (Evil)

d6	Bond
1	I’m trying to pay off an old debt I owe to a generous benefactor.
2	My ill-gotten gains go to support my family.
3	Ruthless pirates murdered my captain and crewmates, plundered our ship, and left me to die. Vengeance will be mine.
4	I’ll always remember my first ship.
5	I was cheated out of my fair share of the profits, and I want to get my due.
6	The ship is most important — crewmates and captains come and go.

d6	Flaw
1	When I see something valuable, I can’t think about anything but how to steal it.
2	When faced with a choice between money and my friends, I usually choose the money.
3	I follow orders, even if I think they’re wrong.
4	My pride will probably lead to my destruction.
5	I turn tail and run when things look bad.
6	I’ll say anything to avoid having to do extra work.