Master at Arms

Much of your life has been spent aboard ships, and you know them well. From bowsprit to galley and crow's nest to bilge, you are comfortable with the rhythms and demands of a life at sea.

But one thing sets you apart from the average sailor: your ability to take and return a blow. You have had your share of rough and tumble brawls, and often as not you ended them.  Whether by hitting hard, fighting dirty, or subduing opponents, problems stop when you arrive. And since every experienced captain knows to keep talent close (and trouble closer), you became a Master at Arms.

Your responsibilities vary from ship to ship; the regimented order of a Navy frigate is a far cry from the cutthroat self-promotion aboard a pirate schooner. But carrot or stick, velvet glove or iron fist, you are the captain's enforcer. They define the law and you execute it, as literally as necessary. You secure the ship against outsiders, investigate internal affairs, and promote either discipline or disorder amongst the crew as the captain sees fit.

But if you have any allegiance at all, where does it lie?  Are you loyal to the captain or the crew, the ship itself or just you?  Are you loved or feared, inspiring or intimidating?  Do you safeguard the captain's leadership, or are you plotting to overthrow it?  Whatever your motivations, every single person aboard knows that crossing you may be their undoing.

Ability Scores: Strength, Dexterity, Wisdom

Feat: Experienced Swimmer and one of Alert, Skilled, Tavern Brawler, or Tough

Skill Proficiencies: One physical skill (Acrobatics, Athletics, or Sleight of Hand) and one mental skill (Insight, Intimidation, Investigation, or Perception)

Tool Proficiencies: Vehicles (water) and one type of ship's tools (Carpenter's Tools, Cartographer's Tools, Cook's Utensils, Tinker's Tools, Woodcarver's Tools, Navigator's Tools)

Equipment: A set of Traveler's Clothes, two sets of Manacles, one set of ship's tools, a Dagger, a Rope, and a Pouch containing 20GP.