Criminal Background

CRIMINAL CAREERS

Few people set out in life with the goal of being a criminal, most fall into it as a result of failure in their chosen career or other unfortunate circumstances.  Consequently a character should have some other Trade or skills.

The Traits 'Wanted' and/or 'Transported' are particularly appropriate for characters with a criminal background.


Beggar
There are no particular skills needed to beg, though having a pathetic appearance, horrible disfigurement or crippling injury is an aid to the job.  Many beggars actually faked such ailments to enhance their appearance.  'Vagrants' or 'beggars', sometimes termed 'sturdy rogues', are deemed those who could work but have refused to. Such people are seen (in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries) as potential criminals, apt to do mischief when hired for the purpose. They are normally seen as people needing punishment, and as such were often whipped in the market place as an example to others, or sometimes sent to so-called 'House of Correction' or subject to Transport. This group was also termed the idle poor.
Women in this group of people are typically labeled 'prostitutes' whether it is warranted or not.



Burglar
Someone who specializes in stealthily entering homes and businesses for the purpose of stealing.  Skills of lock-picking and climbing are valuable but are not required. 



Forger or Counterfeiter
Most forgers specialize in fraudulent documents, papers, signatures and such.  Some are specialist in money and coins ( it is called counterfeiting today)  Literacy is required as is Silversmith for working with counterfeit coins.  Artistic Ability can be useful as well.
The main way of counterfeiting coins is to mix base metals in what was supposed to be pure gold or silver. Also, individuals "shave" the edges of a coin so that it weighed less than it was supposed to, a process known as clipping. The exponents can then use the precious metal clippings to make counterfeits. A fourrée is a type of counterfeit coin, in which a base metal core has been plated with a precious metal to look like its solid metal counter part. Kings deal very harshly with the perpetrators of such deeds.  The English couple Thomas Rogers and Anne Rogers were convicted on 15 October 1690 for "Clipping 40 pieces of Silver" (in other words, clipping the edges off silver coins). Thomas Rogers was hanged, drawn and quartered and Anne Rogers was burnt alive. The gruesome forms of punishment were due to the two's acts being construed as "treason", rather than simple crime.   The theory behind such harsh punishments was that one who had the skills to counterfeit currency was considered a threat to the safety of the state, and had to be eliminated.



Pickpocket
Someone who specializes in removing valuables from a person by stealth or speed rather then confronting them with the threat of violence.  Being Quick and Speedy are useful Traits.




Robber
Someone who uses force or the threat of force to steal from an individual. Sometimes referred to as a 'foot pad.'  Some type of weapon skill or brawling is essential.



Stock Thief
One who steals livestock, regardless of type.  In agrarian communities such theft is a major blow to a farmer's livelihood and family.



Highwayman  
Pirates of the land.  Highway men generally work alone or  in small groups in the countryside (where as robbers usually operate in town) and stop travelers along lonely stretches of road.  They are always mounted.
They often target coaches, including public stagecoaches; the post-boys who carry the mail are also frequently held up. The demand to 'Stand and deliver!' is commonly used.
Weapon skills, especially firearms, and riding are needed.



Poaching
Illegal hunting on privately held or Royal Game Land.  Poaching was a form of hunting unique to the poor, especially during the eras when hunting was a privilege reserved to landowners and the nobility, killing a deer (a royal animal) is punishable by death.
The poor typically hunt small animals such as rabbits, using snares and ferrets. Hunting larger game requires weapons, considerable skill, and spare time, which the average peasant simply does not have. A peasant is far more likely to kill the lord's deer to protect his fields. Still, killing the deer is considered poaching, no matter what the cause
Hunting/Trapping skills are required.