Beneath a dark, billowing cloak, rough, weathered leather armor adorned with patches and tears is visible. Ill-repaired weapons dangle from their waist and back. Peering from under a hood are a pair of beady eyes—cautious, knowing, and exuding a hint of vicious intent, encapsulating a character both rugged and menacing.
Bandits rove in gangs and are sometimes led by thugs, veterans, or spellcasters. Not all bandits are evil. Oppression, drought, disease, or famine can often drive otherwise honest folk to a life of banditry.
Pirates are bandits of the high seas. They might be freebooters interested only in treasure and murder, or they might be privateers sanctioned by the crown to attack and plunder an enemy nation's vessels.