Thief

Of the 8 Career Skills, choose 4 to get a free rank. Of the 4 Specialization Skills, choose 2 to get a free rank.

Smuggler Career Skills: Coordination, Deception, Knowledge (Underworld), Perception, Piloting (Space), Skulduggery, Streetwise and Vigilance

Thief Specialization Skills:

Where the Scoundrel is a bit flashier, and the Pilot focuses on mastering his ship, the Thief really is a covert operative. His ideal circumstance is to get into places blocked to others, grab things he's not supposed to have, and get out without anyone ever knowing he was there. If he can sell what he grabbed for a tidy sum, that makes for a perfect day.

Combined with his talents, a Thief is particularly adept at hiding, spotting the hidden, getting past locks and security, and getting the jump on opponents in combat. He also knows his way around the underworld and where to get what's needed.

Generally, Thieves tend to either operate with a group that shares in their larcenous goals, or they work alone. The galaxy is full of treasures, many of which are guarded by locks and goons. A Thief will gladly handle the locks, though he'll probably appreciate having some back-up to handle the goons if things go badly. Then again, if he's truly good at what he does, that shouldn't happen. Some Thieves gain a strong enough reputation that they are offered contract opportunities by powerful people or groups, seeking to accomplish something against an opponent that is far beyond the realms of legal action. Of course, Thieves must always be on the lookout for a double-cross.

As a part of a Player Character team, a Thief may not even identify himself by his specialization, preferring to display skills and abilities that are more generically appropriate to his career as a Smuggler. Frankly, most Smugglers have at least some skill in the areas that he is masterful with, so he might never have to reveal much more than that. Still, having a master Thief on a team may mean getting into—and out of—some seriously difficult places in the future.

Potential Backgrounds

  • Disadvantaged: Thieves from a poor background are unfortunately commonplace. A Thief who has had to steal due to necessity from an early age will be comfortable with his moral stance and will have had time to perfect his technique.
  • Privileged: Thieves take what they want, but some seem to never have enough. Others might treat theft as a distraction, a way to amuse themselves and demonstrate their superior skill.
  • Ex-Military: Thieves with a military background may seem unlikely, but perhaps a Thief began his career working for the Imperial Navy or Customs. While intercepting Smugglers, he found himself very interested in the value of the cargo and credits he confiscated.
  • Respectable: Thieves with a high sense of honor might have begun life as respectable and law-abiding citizens, only to find themselves unfairly accused of stealing. Once a Thief crosses the line, he may as well embrace the life and became a professional. A respectable Thief might steal for a living while still having a stricter code than those he robs.
  • Cynical: Thieves may have had their own wealth or way of life stolen from them. A Thief who has been the mark might feel the galaxy Still owes him.
  • Born and Bred: Thieves might have spent their childhoods working as pickpockets or lookouts for larger criminal gangs. This sort finds smuggling second nature. It may be an effort for such a Thief to resist stealing things.