Criminal

Source: Player's Handbook (SCAR Version)

You are an experienced criminal with a history of breaking the law. You have spent a lot of time among other criminals and still have contacts within the criminal underworld. You're far closer than most people to the world of murder, theft, and violence that pervades the underbelly of civilization, and you have survived up to this point by flouting the rules and regulations of society.


NOTE: Some backgrounds have options to choose from. Please read carefully. You may not get every proficiency listed below, as some may be a choice between one or the other.

  • Stat Options (choose either +2 in one stat and +1 in another, OR +1 in all three): Charisma, Dexterity, Strength
  • Skill Proficiencies (your choice of TWO): Acrobatics, Deception, or Stealth
  • Tool Proficiencies: Thieves' Tools and one Gaming Set of choice.
  • Languages: One Standard language of choice.
  • Weapons: Your choice of one between Dagger, Light Hammer, or Sling.

  • Background Keepsake: A tiny trinket you stole previously (value under 10gp.)
  • Background Gold: 15gp.

Origin Feat

Origin Conman

You gain a bonus to your Deception, Stealth, and Sleight of Hand checks equal to half of your Proficiency Bonus.


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.


Criminal Specialty

There are many kinds of criminals, and within a thieves' guild or similar criminal organization, individual members have particular specialties. Even criminals who operate outside of such organizations have strong preferences for certain kinds of crimes over others. Choose the role you played in your criminal life, or roll on the table below.

1Blackmailer
2Burglar
3Enforcer
4Fence
5Highway robber
6Hired killer
7Pickpocket
8Smuggler



Personality

Please select TWO from the list below.

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.

Ideal

Please select one from the list below.

d6 Ideal Trait
1 Honor. I don't steal from others in the trade.
2 Freedom. Chains are meant to be broken, as are those who would forge them.
3 Charity. I steal from the wealthy so that I can help people in need.
4 Greed. I will do whatever it takes to become wealthy.
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.
6 Redemption. There's a spark of good in everyone.

Bond

Please select one from the list below.

d6 Bond Trait
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 I mistake I made. That will never happen again.

Flaw

Please select one from the list below.

d6 Flaw Trait
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.