People are not born into adventure, nor are they born into heroism or villainy. Each story and each life starts has a beginning outside of these areas. So before your character set out on their life of adventure, their experience can be summed up in a Background. However this is more than just a profession, or an augmentation to their backstory. A background will grant your character relevant skills, familiarity with various tools, some coin and items to start on their merry way.
Specifically, each background will grant the following:
- Two proficiencies with different skills
Proficiency with at least one type of tool kit
A set of items and equipment (subject to change based on the campaign)
Occasionally, an additional Language Known
Occasionally special boons called Features
A list of suggested characteristics to create a personality
The following should be taken note of:
- Should two sources (race, feat, or background) give you proficiency in a skill you already have, you may take a proficiency in a skill which uses the same ability score.
While several common backgrounds will be listed in the posts of this thread, you may customize them by tweaking a few proficiencies. Talk to your DM if you wish to make a change.
Lastly, the characteristics which go with your background are merely examples and suggestions. You're more than welcome to make your own!
Several premade backgrounds from the Player's handbook will be outlined in the remaining posts of this thread.
