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.
Rebellion: As an adolescent you joined a rebellion against the local ruler, if successful you are outlawed, if it failed you escape, with only friends and family knowing your involvement. (Work with your DM to detirmine the details)
In a dark alley at night, you are attacked by thugs. Before they can take anything, they turn white with terror and run away. You discover that you have a guardian ghost, a wise, benign spirit who accompanies you (work with your DM to determine details)