You grew up on the rough streets of a port city, learning how to survive by your wits and resourcefulness. When you were young, you discovered a love of adventure and a desire to see the world beyond your city's walls.  You stowed away on a ship, hoping to make your fortune on the high seas. Since then, you've traveled the world as a stowaway, always on the lookout for new adventures and following the wind wherever it takes you. You’re adept at staying hidden and fending for yourself, able to slip unnoticed onto nearly any ship and sustain yourself by silently scavenging rations or, in a pinch, dispatching other stowaways like rats or gulls for a meal. You’ve also picked up on many of the ins and outs of seafaring, although you've never had to use these skills yourself.

Skill Proficiencies: Stealth, Survival

Tool Proficiencies: Thieves' Tools

Languages: One of your choice

Equipment: A hooded lantern and a pint of oil, a fictional novel you've read over and over, a set of common clothes, 5 gp, and a tiny seafaring pet of your choice (such as a parrot, monkey, or small alligator).

Suggested Characteristics

Stowaways are resourceful, adaptable, and always on the lookout for the next adventure. A life of isolation, wandering, and barely scrapping by have shaped them into who they are today. Although secrecy and self-reliance characterize most stowaways, not all are criminals in the traditional sense. Here are some suggested characteristics that you could use to help bring your stowaway character to life:

d8	Personality Trait
1	I have a knack for making friends wherever I go.
2	I’m more comfortable when I don’t have a plan. I prefer to let the wind do the thinking.
3	I sometimes feel uneasy in wide open spaces. When you're surrounded by walls, you don't have to watch your back.
4	I hate being the center of attention, I stay in the background if I can.
5	I am sensitive to loud sounds. I always enjoy a little peace and quiet.
6	I'm never far from an exit in case I need to make a quick escape.
7	I have a good sense of humor and can make light of even the most dire situations.
8	I have a natural curiosity and love to learn about new cultures, languages, and traditions.

d6	Ideal
1	Self-Reliance. I trust myself more than anyone else and prefer to rely on my own abilities. (Any)
2	Honesty. I always leave payment for whatever I take. (Lawful)
3	Live and Let Live. If you don't bother me, I won't bother you. (Nuetral)
4	Freedom. The sea is freedom---the freedom to go anywhere and do anything (Chaotic)
5	Exploration. There's too much world out there to stay put. (Any)
6	Greed. I take what I want, those who pay the price are none of my concern. (Evil)

d6	Bond
1	I'm searching for a lost treasure that I believe will change my life forever.
2	I'm trying to find my way back to my hometown after years of wandering.
3	I've made a promise to a fellow stowaway that I will help them find their way in the world.
4	The crew of the ship I stowed away on became like family to me, and I will always protect them from harm.
5	I was once a slave or prisoner on a ship, and I will always fight against those who would enslave or imprison others.
6	I am haunted by the memory of a tragic event that occurred on a ship I was on, and I seek redemption for my role in that event.

d6	Flaw
1	I have a tendency to run from my problems instead of facing them head-on.
2	I have a habit of taking risks that can put myself and others in danger.
3	I’ve been known to steal random items from sailors just because I can.
4	I find it hard to make more than acquaintances.
5	I have a tendency to hoard food and supplies, stemming from a fear of going without.
6	I have a quick temper and a tendency to lash out when I feel disrespected or threatened.