BACKGROUNDS

## SUMMARY

You are more than your past, but that doesn't mean it has no bearing on who you are. Your Freelancer's backstory is up to you, but it will fall loosely within one of several backgrounds. Each background also grants you two Skills at level one, being things you would have learned in your years leading up to the present.

Backgrounds can be loosely categorized as one of four groups, defined by the initial origins of the Freelancer in question.

## Sub-Stack Backgrounds

These backgrounds originate from within the slums of the Sub-Stacks, the massive web of shantytowns covered up by the creation of the LCD. You're often far more resourceful than your peers, having had to make do with what could be discovered among the ruins of old structures along the edges of the dark-zone.

### The Patron Saint

* In your time within the Sub-Stacks, you've known many less fortunate than yourself. While your work may be grim, you find balance in giving back to your community.
* +1 Persuade
* +1 Associates

### The Scrapper

* A hard life can be a bit easier if you just stay out of everyone's way. You recall years of your youth spent diving the ruins, gathering enough supplies to make it on your own.
* +1 Ruins Navigation
* +1 Scavenge

### The Shark

* Even those at the bottom have to get their own piece of the world. You've spent your time investing what little WECs you could gather in the money lending business.
* +1 Resist Suggestion
* +1 Haggle

## LCD Backgrounds

Growing up in the Lower Commercial District is hard. You may not be fighting for space like those stuck in the Sub-Stacks, but everything comes at a premium for the privilege of living above ground. You've had to make hard decisions to keep your place in the world.

### The P.I.

* Everyone's got problems. Yours have mostly been money. You solve that problem by solving problems for others, for a fee, of course.
* +1 Detect Properties
* +1 Detect Tampering

### The Runner

* It seems like everyone's got a lot to do, and no time to do it. You lighten the load by taking on the task of asset delivery, bringing anything from food to explosives to where it needs to go.
* +1 Parkour
* +1 Detect Affiliation

### The Trespasser

* If people really wanted you to keep out, they should've made it harder to break in. You've survived by getting to the locations, facilities, and caches that others couldn't, being the first to lay claim to what you've found.
* +1 Light Step
* +1 Location Features

## Upper Levels Backgrounds

You've tasted the finer things in life, having lived in the megatowers that Alta Turre is known for. Still, due to poor decisions, tough circumstance, or a desire for something grittier than the life you knew, you've found yourself in the LCD.

### The Heir

* Sure you didn't earn your place up top, but that's called legacy. It may not require skill, but it comes with some perks.
* +1 Deceive
* +1 Act

### The Salaryman

* Life as a corporate dog isn't all company retreats and comped lunches. You've had to be ruthless to work your way up the ladder.
* +1 Group Persuade
* +1 Politics

### The Troubadour

* You've had the leisure of studying the finer things in life, having mastered arts of performance.
* +1 Play Instrument
* +1 Sing

## Transplant Backgrounds

You didn't start in this city, but you just might end in it. Your path has been hit after hit of falling circumstances, but you'll find a way to get what's yours.

### The Nomad

* Your travels have taught you much, making you well versed in various cultures and customs, as well as giving you years of stories to tell.
* +1 Detect Origin
* +1 Captivate

### The Rebel

* You've seen the signs, and you know this city and what lies at its core can only lead to ruin. You came here with one mission, burning it all down.
* +1 Incite
* +1 Tactics

### The Surfer

* This place is just another stop along the way. Your destination lies elsewhere, you'll know it when you see it. In the meantime, might as well party.
* +1 Swim
* +1 Dance

## Custom Backgrounds

If you decide these standard backgrounds don't fit your Freelancer, you may consult with your GM to develop a custom background as long as you can provide a logically consistent architype with two relevant skills.