Chapter 4: Life on the Fringe

"Not everyone gets to be a hero. Some of us just try to survive."

Character creation for morally complex protagonists operating outside the law.

📖 Modifies STA Core Rulebook, Chapter 4: Reporting for Duty

New Lifepath Options

Criminal backgrounds and underworld origins

Early Childhood Events

Born in refugee camps
Raised in criminal families
Orphaned by violence or disaster
Grew up in poverty despite post-scarcity

Education Experiences

Expelled from Starfleet Academy
Street education and survival skills
Technical training in illegal applications
Learning from criminal mentors

Career Path Diversions

Discharged from military service
Corporate whistleblower consequences
Failed legitimate business ventures
Forced into crime by circumstances

Formative Criminal Events

First arrest or close call
Betrayal by trusted authority
Witness to government corruption
Family member imprisoned or killed

Modified Species

How different cultures approach crime and morality

Orion Syndicate Influences

Traditional criminal culture
Honor among thieves concepts
Family loyalty vs. law
Business-first mentality

Ferengi Commercial Ethics

Profit motive justifications
Rules of Acquisition applications
Family financial obligations
Gender role complications

Klingon Honor Concepts

Personal honor vs. legal systems
Warrior culture in criminal context
Revenge and vendetta traditions
Clan loyalty implications

Human Cultural Variations

Earth colony cultural differences
Economic disparity effects
Religious or ideological extremism
Regional criminal traditions

Career Paths

Professional roles in the criminal underworld

Smuggler

Transportation specialist
Route knowledge and contacts
Ship modification expertise
Customs evasion techniques

Key Skills: Conn, Engineering, Command Focuses: Evasive Maneuvers, Ship Systems, Leadership Talents: Skilled Pilot, Black Market Contacts, Lucky Break

Fence

Stolen goods specialist
Market knowledge and evaluation
Buyer and seller networks
Authentication and forgery detection

Key Skills: Science, Medicine, Command Focuses: Appraisal, Negotiation, Cultural Knowledge Talents: Market Connections, Quick Appraisal, Silver Tongue

Enforcer

Muscle and intimidation
Combat and weapons expertise
Territory control and protection
Debt collection specialist

Key Skills: Security, Medicine, Conn Focuses: Combat Training, Intimidation, Physical Conditioning Talents: Threatening Presence, Combat Specialist, Hardy Constitution

Information Broker

Intelligence gathering and sales
Computer systems expertise
Social manipulation skills
Network maintenance

Key Skills: Science, Engineering, Command Focuses: Computer Systems, Psychology, Investigation Talents: Data Mining, Social Manipulation, Encrypted Communications

Former Operative

Ex-military or intelligence
Specialized training and contacts
Classified knowledge and skills
Burned asset seeking redemption

Key Skills: Security, Science, Command Focuses: Tactics, Investigation, Leadership Talents: Military Training, Intelligence Contacts, Operational Security

Underworld Contacts

Your network in the criminal world

Contact Types

Information sources and tipsters
Equipment suppliers and fences
Safe house operators
Transportation providers

Contact Reliability

Trustworthy long-term allies
Mercenary business relationships
Unreliable desperate contacts
Potentially dangerous connections

Contact Costs

Financial payment requirements
Favor exchanges and obligations
Information trading
Protection or services rendered

Contact Risks

Government surveillance
Criminal organization pressure
Personal safety concerns
Betrayal possibilities

Values & Directives

Personal codes that guide grey characters

Modified Values

Family over law
Survival over ideals
Profit over principles
Justice over legality

Personal Directives

Never harm innocents
Always honor agreements
Protect the crew first
Information is power

Moral Flexibility

Situational ethics
Lesser of evils choices
Gradual compromise acceptance
Redemption possibilities

Code Enforcement

Self-imposed limitations
Peer pressure and expectations
Consequences of code violations
Adapting codes to circumstances

Heat Tracking

How much attention you've attracted

Heat Sources

Law enforcement attention
Criminal organization interest
Government agency surveillance
Media or public attention

Heat Levels

Cold: Operating under the radar
Warm: Minor attention, routine monitoring
Hot: Active investigation, increased patrols
Burning: Manhunt, shoot-on-sight orders

Heat Effects

Travel restrictions and checkpoints
Increased security measures
Contact reluctance and fear
Price increases for services

Cooling Down Heat

Laying low and avoiding attention
Bribing or intimidating officials
Completing jobs for powerful allies
Eliminating witnesses or evidence

Reputation Systems

Standing with various factions

Reputation Scales

Hostile: Shoot on sight
Unfriendly: Refused service, higher prices
Neutral: Standard business relationships
Friendly: Preferred customer, discounts
Allied: Protected status, special privileges

Reputation Effects

Service availability and pricing
Information access and quality
Protection and support levels
Mission opportunities and restrictions

Managing Multiple Reputations

Balancing competing interests
Secret identity maintenance
Reputation washing and rehabilitation
Faction conflict navigation

Reputation Recovery

Proving loyalty and commitment
Completing difficult missions
Making significant sacrifices
Time and consistent behavior