Backstory
Anders grew up in northern Aldion, near the border of Razorleaf. Now, home is wherever the coin leads him. Preferably a place with a clean bed, but you can't always be choosy
Anders' mother was a cobbler and raised him until her death when he was 15. His uncle worked as a local guard captain and trained Anders to defend himself from an early age. Following the death of his mother, Anders took found work on a merchant ship but found the money lacking. After mooring briefly in Blackden, he took work on a pirate ship and learned to defend himself further.
Anders was always nimble, and thus took to life on the sea naturally. His keen eye also proved itself useful on the open water, both to spy for land or hostile vessels. He's hearty and could sail any sea before him, but he's hopeless trying to navigate a social interaction
Sailors can't succumb to rage. You can't scare the sea, so you need your wits about you when she starts fighting you. The day a sailor loses his wits, is the day he becomes crabfeed.
Anders has been working as an information broker and hired muscle in Unified Caldor following his last expedition. His respect as a smuggler may be gone, but he won't crack under pressure, and he's good with a blade.
Anders' last voyage saw him break the cardinal rule of a smuggler: The cargo is not your business. Just get it to its destination in one piece. His last voyage found him smuggling a powerful item for a private party out of the Eratus Empire. Upon learning its power, however, Anders thought it best that no one possess it, and he buried it at sea. But his conscience cost him all credibility as a smuggler and made fresh enemies out of his buyer, as well as the individual he stole the item from.
Anders has found himself alone in recent years, having little more than general acquaintances and pleasantries with the shopkeeps and merchants of Owlreach. He's particularly fond of a local smith, Bennet Nevda, and his wife, a local tavern keeper named Mary. They took him in when he was forced to abandon his last ship and settle inland.
Anders has crossed paths with Night Kantly a handful of times in the past, though always in a professional capacity. He's never been able to get a read on the fellow, but they've never quarreled. Similarly, Aurgan Nalakina has helped Anders on a number of occasions that required more brawn than Anders could muster. Ava Shassi assisted Anders on his final voyage and ultimately helped Anders realize what it was he had in his possession and its power.
Anders spent a lot of time chatting with Aurgan during their various interactions on the docks, and after Anders lost his ship. He swore to Aurgan that if he ever managed to get himself another ship, he'd bring Aurgan along to show him more of the world that he had yet to see.
In a perfect world, Anders would return to the Eratus Empire, and travel the seas with Leina as he had intended.
Anders is a man you can trust. You may roll your eyes at him more than you actually speak to him, but his word is his bond.
Anders had a paramour in the Eratus Empire, Leina, who nearly saved him from himself and his last voyage. It was supposed to be a job that could fund the rest of their lives. But when Anders squandered the cargo, he squandered any chance of being able to keep Leina safe with him, and hasn't had the heart to see her since.
The wizard from the Eratus Empire who was in possession of the artifact Anders stole is likely still willing to pay a handsome sum for Anders' head, as is the buyer who never received their cargo.
More optional plot hooks: [I know information about an expensive famous item, that others want.]
Anders met a tragic death when he ventured away from his friends and got surrounded by horrible multi-legged creatures.