You learned early that the law wasn't always on the side of justice. Maybe you robbed stagecoaches along dusty trails, ran with a notorious gang, cheated men at cards, or became a wanted gunslinger after settling a score with the wrong person. Whatever the reason, you learned how to survive on the wrong side of the law.
You know the back roads, forgotten trails, saloons, and hideouts where a wanted man can disappear. You've made friends with gamblers, smugglers, thieves, bounty hunters, and other outlaws, and you know how to find information without asking too many questions. A few coins, a loaded pistol, or the right threat can open doors that honesty never could.
You've become skilled at reading people. You can tell when someone is reaching for a weapon, when a gambler is hiding an ace up their sleeve, and when a lawman is more interested in your bounty than justice. You may have a price on your head, but you've learned that being wanted doesn't mean you're caught.
- Ability Scores: -1 Wisdom +1 Charisma
- Skill Proficiencies: Deception, Insight
- Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set, thieves' tools, or vehicles (land)
- Equipment: A set of common clothes, a deck of marked playing cards or a gaming set, a set of thieves' tools, a wanted poster bearing your name, and a pouch containing 15 gp.
You have built a reputation across the frontier as a capable gunslinger, gambler, and or outlaw. In towns and settlements where outlaws and travelers pass through, you can usually find someone who knows your name or knows someone who does.
You can find safe places to hide, obtain information about local criminals or lawmen, and locate people willing to conduct business outside the law. Fellow outlaws, gamblers, smugglers, and other frontier folk are generally willing to offer you limited assistance, provided you don't put them in any unnecessary danger.
Your reputation can also work against you. Lawmen, bounty hunters, and those who have heard stories about your exploits may recognize you, especially in places where your name has traveled.
Suggested Characteristics
Criminals might seem like villains on the surface, and many of them are villainous to the core. But some have an abundance of endearing, if not redeeming, characteristics. There might be honor among thieves, but criminals rarely show any respect for law or authority.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I always have a plan for what to do when things go wrong. |
| 2 | I am always calm, no matter what the situation. I never raise my voice or let my emotions control me. |
| 3 | The first thing I do in a new place is note the locations of everything valuable—or where such things could be hidden. |
| 4 | I would rather make a new friend than a new enemy. |
| 5 | I am incredibly slow to trust. Those who seem the fairest often have the most to hide. |
| 6 | I don’t pay attention to the risks in a situation. Never tell me the odds. |
| 7 | The best way to get me to do something is to tell me I can’t do it. |
| 8 | I blow up at the slightest insult. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Honor. I don’t steal from others in the trade. (Lawful) |
| 2 | Freedom. Chains are meant to be broken, as are those who would forge them. (Chaotic) |
| 3 | Charity. I steal from the wealthy so that I can help people in need. (Good) |
| 4 | Greed. I will do whatever it takes to become wealthy. (Evil) |
| 5 | People. I’m loyal to my friends, not to any ideals, and everyone else can take a trip down the Styx for all I care. (Neutral) |
| 6 | Redemption. There’s a spark of good in everyone. (Good) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I’m trying to pay off an old debt I owe to a generous benefactor. |
| 2 | My ill-gotten gains go to support my family. |
| 3 | Something important was taken from me, and I aim to steal it back. |
| 4 | I will become the greatest thief that ever lived. |
| 5 | I’m guilty of a terrible crime. I hope I can redeem myself for it. |
| 6 | Someone I loved died because of a mistake I made. That will never happen again. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | When I see something valuable, I can’t think about anything but how to steal it. |
| 2 | When faced with a choice between money and my friends, I usually choose the money. |
| 3 | If there’s a plan, I’ll forget it. If I don’t forget it, I’ll ignore it. |
| 4 | I have a “tell” that reveals when I’m lying. |
| 5 | I turn tail and run when things look bad. |
| 6 | An innocent person is in prison for a crime that I committed. I’m okay with that. |
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