You come from a life of crime that you have since left behind. Perhaps you were a burglar, or maybe something more sinister like an assassin. Whatever your previous profession, you now seek to live a different path. You may have left your old life behind entirely, or you might still maintain some contacts from your criminal history. Agents of the law familiar with your previous livelihood may treat you with a disdain because you eluded their punitive judgements, or perhaps, instead, you have garnered their respect by paying your debt to society, and then some. Whatever your reasons and methods for divesting yourself from your criminal past, it stays with you, for better and for worse.
Whether an old apprentice to a ruthless cutthroat or a self taught sneak-thief, you’ve indulged in more than a life's worth of criminality and sent more than one deserving soul to an early grave. Fear and bloodshed are no strangers to you, and you’ve garnered a somewhat unsavory reputation in many towns.
- Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, Perception
- Tool Proficiencies: Navigator’s tools, vehicles (water)
- Equipment: A belaying pin (club), 50 feet of silk rope, a lucky charm such as a rabbit foot or a small stone with a hole in the center (or you may roll for a random trinket on the trinkets table in chapter 5), a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gp
Despite turning over a new leaf, you've kept a small heirloom, a bauble that you use to remind you of your former life. Roll a D6 or choose one of the trinkets from the list
| d6 | Life of Crime trinkets |
|---|---|
| 1 | A bent gold coin, deemed your "lucky one" |
| 2 | A worn dagger |
| 3 | A wrinkled wanted poster, where your face is illustrated |
| 4 | The top half of a torn poem, letter, or map |
| 5 | A worn gauntlet with various now dull jewels |
| 6 | An empty ring box |
No matter where you go, people are afraid of you due to your reputation. When you are in a civilized settlement, you can get away with minor criminal offenses, such as refusing to pay for food at a tavern or breaking down doors at a local shop, since most people will not report your activity to the authorities.
Suggested Characteristics
Criminals are, of course, criminals. Usually motivated by material possession, however your time away has maybe allowed for a more softer side to be shown despite your intimidating visage
| 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 | I like going to new places and making new friends over a flagon of ale. |
| 4 | I stretch the truth for the sake of a good story. |
| 5 | To me, a tavern brawl is a nice way to get to know a new city. |
| 6 | I get bored easily. When am I going to get on with my destiny? |
| 7 | My language is as foul as an otyugh nest. |
| 8 | I’m confident in my own abilities and do what I can to instill confidence in others. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Respect. The thing that keeps a gang of misfits together is mutual respect between eachother (Good) |
| 2 | Fairness. We all do the work, so we all share in the rewards. (Lawful) |
| 3 | Freedom. This new leaf is turned to live free! (Chaotic) |
| 4 | Deception. Like a hidden predator, none are aware of my criminal machinations (Evil) |
| 5 | Companions. I’m committed to my new gang, not to ideals. (Neutral) |
| 6 | Destiny. I know my calling and that the winds of fate will guide me there (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I’m loyal to my friends first, everything else second. |
| 2 | Money is most important — "Coworkers" and jobs come and go. |
| 3 | I’ll always remember my first crime. |
| 4 | My tools are symbols of my past life, and I carry them so that I will never forget my roots. |
| 5 | I was cheated out of my fair share of the profits, and I want to get my due. |
| 6 | I was betrayed by my gang and left to be captured, i'm searching for those traitors. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I secretly think if I were in charge as a tyrant, things would be so much better |
| 2 | I’ll say anything to avoid having to do extra work. |
| 3 | Once someone questions my courage, I never back down no matter how dangerous the situation. |
| 4 | Once I start drinking, it’s hard for me to stop. |
| 5 | I can’t help but pocket loose coins and other trinkets I come across. |
| 6 | My pride will probably lead to my destruction. |
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