Privateer

"The sea is my dominion, my ship is my blade, and my charter is my shield."
— Admiral Rhys Mariner

Description

You are a privateer, a sanctioned sailor who walks the fine line between lawful authority and the chaos of the high seas. Commissioned by a governing power, you were authorized to hunt enemy ships, protect trade routes, and claim bounties in service of your patrons. Though your actions might resemble piracy, your deeds carry the weight of legitimacy—at least in your homeland.

Whether driven by a sense of duty, a lust for adventure, or a hunger for gold, you have honed your skills as a sailor and fighter. Privateers thrive in the unpredictable life of naval warfare, leveraging their cunning, martial prowess, and ability to navigate treacherous waters. While you may bear a charter that legitimizes your actions, alliances can shift, and you must always be prepared to fend for yourself.

Attribute Bonuses:

• Two ability scores of your choice increase by +1.

Trinkets Table

Roll a d8 or choose one:

d8	Trinket
1	A weathered letter of marque bearing the seal of your patron.
2	A gold ring engraved with your ship’s name.
3	A spyglass with a cracked lens, rumored to reveal distant secrets.
4	A pouch of rare sea glass you collected over years of sailing.
5	A piece of flotsam from your first naval victory.
6	A worn map marked with potential treasure locations.
7	A carved figurehead from a sunken enemy ship.
8	A silver coin said to bring luck in battle.

Using the Privateer Background

This background is ideal for Fighters, Rogues, or Rangers who balance adventure and loyalty with the pragmatism of life at sea. Privateers offer unique opportunities for roleplay as characters bound by contracts but free to forge their own destinies. Whether commanding fleets or raiding under the banner of their charter, privateers embody the spirit of adventure with a hint of lawful chaos.

"On the waves, I am both sword and shield, bringing glory to my patrons—and myself."

Skill Proficiencies:

• Athletics: For feats of strength, whether aboard a ship or in battle.
• Perception: To spot dangers on the horizon or aboard an enemy vessel.

Tool Proficiencies:

• Navigator’s Tools: For plotting courses and navigating treacherous waters.
• Vehicles (Water): To pilot and maintain ships with expert precision.

Languages:

• Common
• One additional language, often from a culture whose ships you’ve plundered or allied with.

Equipment: You start with the following equipment, in addition to the equipment granted by your class and background:

• • A set of light armor (your choice).
  • A rapier.
  • A spyglass or small telescope.
  • A charter of marque (proof of your privateer status).
  • A set of common clothes and a sturdy coat.
  • A pouch containing 15 gold pieces.

Suggested Characteristics

d4	Personality Trait
1	"The wind and tide guide me as much as my compass."
2	"Loyalty to my crew is paramount; betrayal is unforgivable."
3	"I’m always the first to spot trouble—and the last to leave it."
4	"Every treasure hides a secret, and I’m determined to uncover it."

d3	Ideal
1	Loyalty: "I honor the bond between ship and crew above all." (Lawful)
2	Ambition: "Fame and fortune are my true charter." (Neutral)
3	Freedom: "The sea belongs to no one; I serve only myself." (Chaotic)

d3	Bond
1	"My crew is my family; I’ll do anything to protect them."
2	"My ship is my home, and I’ll defend it to my dying breath."
3	"A fallen comrade’s compass is my most treasured keepsake."

d3	Flaw
1	"I can’t resist a wager, even when the stakes are too high."
2	"I trust no one fully, not even my closest allies."
3	"My pride blinds me to potential dangers."

Contacts

Privateer Contacts

Your life as a privateer has forged connections with key figures:

1. A harbormaster who grants you favors in exchange for a share of your spoils.
2. A noble sponsor who funds your voyages for mutual benefit.
3. A rival privateer captain with whom you share a tense but respectful rivalry.
4. A shipbuilder who crafts and maintains your vessel.