Growing up in the shadowy corners of society, you’ve learned to navigate the murky waters of the criminal underworld with ease. Whether by choice or necessity, you became a key player in the exchange of secrets and information, serving as the eyes and ears of powerful syndicates or working as an independent broker of knowledge. Your connections with thieves, spies, and smugglers have given you access to hidden truths and dangerous rumours that can shift the balance of power. In a world where knowledge is as valuable as gold, you thrive in the shadows, always one step ahead of those who would silence you.
Skill Proficiencies: Deception, Stealth Tool Proficiencies: Thieves’ tools, one type of gaming set Languages: One of your choice Equipment: A set of common clothes, a hooded cloak, a set of thieves’ tools, a gaming set (your choice), a pouch containing 15 gold pieces, and a letter from a criminal contact who owes you a favour.
Underworld Specialisations
Underworld Informants often develop expertise in specific areas of criminal activity. Work with your DM to determine the nature of your specialisation and how it influences your skills and experiences. You can select your underworld specialisation from the table below or roll randomly.
d8
Specialisation
1
Code Breaker
2
Information Broker
3
Smuggler
4
Fence
5
Street Hustler
6
Safecracker
7
Con Artist
8
Enforcer
Feature: Criminal Connections
You have contacts within the criminal underworld, giving you access to valuable information and resources. You can gather information about local criminal activities, locate black market goods, or find someone to smuggle goods or people in and out of a city. Additionally, you can call in favours from your contacts, such as gaining safe passage through dangerous areas or securing a temporary hiding spot. These favours are not limitless and must be used wisely, as too many requests might wear out your welcome with your contacts.
Suggested Characteristics
Underworld Informants are shaped by their experiences in the shadowy underbelly of society. They are often resourceful, secretive, and shrewd, having learned to survive in a world of crime, deception, and constant danger. While they may seem untrustworthy or morally ambiguous, they often possess a strong sense of loyalty to those they consider allies. Their knowledge of the criminal world gives them a unique perspective, making them valuable yet cautious companions.
d8
Personality Trait
1
I always know the latest gossip and rumours.
2
I prefer to operate in the shadows, avoiding unnecessary attention.
3
I trust my criminal instincts more than any laws.
4
I’m always looking for the next big score.
5
Loyalty to my contacts is the most important thing to me.
6
I keep my true motives hidden, even from my closest allies.
7
I’m quick to make a deal if it benefits me.
8
I’m always calm under pressure, no matter the situation.
d6
Ideal
1
Loyalty – I’m loyal to my friends, not to any ideals. (Neutral)
2
Greed – Whatever it takes to make money, I’ll do it. (Evil)
3
Freedom – I won’t be chained down by laws or morals. (Chaotic)
4
Survival – In this world, only the strong survive, and I intend to be strong. (Neutral)
5
Redemption – I seek to leave the underworld behind and start anew. (Good)
6
Anarchy – I want to see the powerful brought down and chaos to reign. (Chaotic)
d6
Bond
1
I owe a debt to a powerful crime lord, and they’re calling in the favour.
2
I have a soft spot for street urchins and always try to help them.
3
I’ll do anything to protect my criminal contacts, they’re like family to me.
4
My old gang was betrayed, and I’m determined to find out who did it.
5
I’m hiding from a dangerous figure from my past who wants me dead.
6
I seek to avenge a friend who was wronged by the law.
d6
Flaw
1
I can’t resist the lure of a high-risk, high-reward opportunity.
2
I have a habit of double-crossing those who trust me.
3
I have a soft spot for people in trouble, even when it puts me at risk.
4
I’m paranoid and always suspect others of betrayal.
5
My past crimes haunt me, and I’m always looking over my shoulder.
6
I can’t walk away from a deal, even if it’s obviously a trap.
Variant Underworld Informant: Black Market Broker
Instead of gathering information, a Black Market Broker specialises in trading illicit goods. You can replace your Stealth proficiency with Persuasion, and your gaming set proficiency with a forgery kit. Your Criminal Connections feature allows you to negotiate deals for high-value items and arrange discreet transactions with ease.
