🏄‍♀️ Boardwalk Local

You've called Aethel-on-Sea home for as long as you can remember.

You grew up chasing seagulls across the beach, collecting sea glass after every high tide, watching fireworks from the boardwalk, and spending long afternoons exploring every hidden corner of the town. Nearly everyone recognizes your face, from the café owners who know your favorite drink to the fishermen who greet you every morning from the docks.

While others are visiting for the summer, this is the place you’ve always loved. Now, with a new season beginning and new adventures waiting just beyond the shoreline, you're excited to show your friends why Aethel-on-Sea is the most magical place in the world.

Ability Scores: None.

Feat: None

Skill Proficiencies: You gain proficiency in athletics and survival.

Tool Proficiencies: You gain proficiency with navigator's tools.

Languages: You learn one language of your choice.

Equipment: You begin the game with the following equipment:

• a hand-drawn map of Aethel-on-Sea marked with your favorite secret spots

• a colorful woven shell bracelet

• a striped beach towel

• a pouch of polished sea glass you've collected over the years

• navigator's tools

• a belt pouch containing 15 gp

Spell List

None.

Spell Level	Spells

This background does not grant additional spells.

Suggested Characteristics

Boardwalk locals are relaxed, friendly, and deeply connected to their hometown. They know nearly every shortcut, every seasonal event, and every hidden treasure tucked away along the shoreline.

d8	Personality Trait
1	I wave to almost everyone I pass because I probably know them.
2	I know the quickest route to anywhere in town.
3	I always stop to admire beautiful sunsets.
4	I love recommending my favorite places to visitors.
5	I collect interesting shells and pieces of sea glass wherever I go.
6	I never miss a festival or community celebration.
7	I feel happiest with sand beneath my feet.
8	I always know where to find the best snacks on the boardwalk.

d6	Ideal
1	Community. Everyone belongs here.
2	Adventure. Even my hometown still has secrets waiting to be discovered.
3	Kindness. Every visitor deserves to feel welcome.
4	Tradition. Our festivals and celebrations keep our memories alive.
5	Freedom. There's nothing better than an open beach and a sunny afternoon.
6	Optimism. Every summer becomes someone's favorite memory.

d6	Bond
1	I want my friends to fall in love with my hometown just as much as I have.
2	There's a secret place in town that only I know about.
3	One of the shopkeepers practically raised me.
4	The lighthouse has always felt like home.
5	Every shell in my collection tells a story.
6	I'll do anything to protect the people of Aethel-on-Sea.

d6	Flaw
1	I struggle to imagine living anywhere else.
2	I can be overly protective of my hometown.
3	I underestimate unfamiliar places because I love home so much.
4	I spend more time relaxing than planning ahead.
5	I get distracted whenever there's a festival happening.
6	I find it difficult to keep secrets about exciting events.

Contacts

Your lifelong connection to aethel-on-sea means you've become acquainted with many familiar faces throughout the community.

Your notable contacts include:
• Mayor Marisol Tidewhisper 
• Barnaby "Scoops" Barnacle 
• Clementine Wavecrest 
• Mochi of the Sunken Teacup Café 
• Opal of the Glitter-Drift Shell Boutique
• Pip & Pop beneath the boardwalk

These contacts are friendly toward you and may provide information, local rumors, or reasonable assistance whenever appropriate.