Choose one of the following backgrounds to begin play with (no need to pay xp to gain it). These are also added to the list of advancements you may take from experience.
Beggar
Your Grit increases by 1.
 In addition, you and your companions move from location to location in Dodekapolis cities in half the normal time. This does not actually increase your move speed.
Burglar
You have competency with thieves’ tools and specialize in thieves’ tools checks to open windows.
 In addition, your climb speed on buildings’ surfaces that are more than just well-kept sheer masonry is equal to your normal walking speed.
Con Artist
You specialize in a confidence trick of your choice.
 At the start of every day in your home city, there is a 5% chance someone you’ve conned will recognize and confront you (the referee rolls in secret). Their disposition is hostile.
Cutthroat
You can take the Dash action in dense crowds.
Fence
You start with an additional contact with the burglar background.
 In addition, you do not suffer any penalties due to legality when searching for a buyer of an item (see Chapter Five for rules on selling items) in your home city.
Fixer
You are fluent in a common language of your choice.
 You also start with three additional contacts, two of which must be rogues.
 In addition, if there is a skill or profession that you, your companions, or your contacts don’t practice, you know of someone who does and where to find them.
Freelancer
 Note: this background should be taken only by NPCs since PCs in Meskellian already have either it or its equivalent.
You gain competency with a weapon of your choice and specialize in checks made to negotiate pay for a job.
 In addition, you have the professional lingo, clout, and networking to both find out where the local freelancer hangouts are in any city of the Dodekapolis and find jobs at those hangouts.
Gamer
At character creation, flip a coin and roll 1d12. On heads, you start with extra silver equal to the number rolled; on tails, you start with that much less in platinum. It is possible to be well in the negative due to this; if that’s the case, discuss with the referee who you’re in debt to.
 You have proficiency with a game you’re competent in and are competent in that entire category (billiard, card, die, or piece).
 In addition, drink prices are halved at any establishment you’re playing games at if no patrons are hostile towards you.
Monger
You specialize in checks made to sell items and history checks related to a craft of your choice.
 In addition, you can increase the volume of your voice by up to two times as loud.
Noble
You have competency with social checks made against members of nobility and royalty.
 Choose a city. You are a minor member of a noble family in that city; work with your referee to determine the power, size, and disposition of this family.
 In addition, you may secure lodging for yourself and any companions in the home of any lesser nobility in your family, or among the citizenry of your city. You may also bill expenses to your family treasury. Note that abusing these powers may have dire consequences on your noble standing.
Performer
You are competent with a performance skill of your choice.
 In addition, you automatically succeed at all but the pickiest establishments and courts when attempting to secure free food and lodging in exchange for your services.
Pickpocket
You specialize in sleight of hand checks made to pick someone’s pocket.
 In addition, as a bonus action or reaction you can take the Hide action while in dense crowds.
Smuggler
You are competent with checks made to hide items or creatures in containers that can hold them and specialize in social checks made against law enforcement.
 You also can use the Use an Object action as a reaction.
Spy
You are fluent in a common language of your choice.
 In addition, you can create written ciphers. These ciphers can’t be decoded by someone unless they use magic, they succeed on a perception (Curiosity) check (DC 3 +CUR +competency), or you teach them the cipher.
Tradie
You have competency with two crafts of your choice.
 You also calculate your lift, drag, and carry limits as though you were one size larger.