Monsters raid forces the character's family from their cavern homes, and the monsters still occupy the caverns to the present day. (work with your DM to determine details)
No significant societal gains, either technological, sociological or artistic are being made, or have been made in recent memory. Your culture has remained essentially as it is for generations. Rulers tend to emphasise maintaining the status quo.
Destitute: These people are considered the dregs of society. They own no property, and may have no fixed home. Some perform no real work and are often unemployable. Others are in bond to a master and live at his whim.
Pickpocket: During your adolescence your family fell on hard times forcing you to turn to petty theft and other criminal activities involving you with criminal organisations.
You become involved with criminal elements of society, taking to a life of crime and earning a notorious reputation and bounty. (work with your DM to determine details)