Backgrounds
Four backgrounds representing your character's history before becoming an adventurerSRD Content
Your character's background is a collection of characteristics that represent the place and occupation that were most formative before your character embarked on a life of adventure.
Parts of a Background
A background includes the following parts.
Ability Scores. A background lists three of your character's ability scores. Increase one by 2 and another one by 1, or increase all three by 1. None of these increases can raise a score above 20.
Feat. A background gives your character a specified Origin feat (described in "Feats").
Skill Proficiencies. A background gives your character proficiency in two specified skills.
Tool Proficiency. Each background gives a character proficiency with one tool—either a specific tool or one chosen from the Artisan's Tools category. Tools are detailed in "Equipment."
Equipment. Each background offers a choice between a package of equipment and 50 GP.
Acolyte
| Trait | Value |
|---|---|
| Ability Scores | Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma |
| Skill Proficiencies | Insight, Religion |
| Tool Proficiency | Calligrapher's Supplies |
| Feat | Magic Initiate (Cleric) (see "Feats") |
| Equipment | Choose A or B: (A) Calligrapher's Supplies, Book (prayers), Holy Symbol, Parchment (10 sheets), Robe, 8 GP; or (B) 50 GP |
Criminal
| Trait | Value |
|---|---|
| Ability Scores | Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence |
| Skill Proficiencies | Sleight of Hand, Stealth |
| Tool Proficiency | Thieves' Tools |
| Feat | Alert (see "Feats") |
| Equipment | Choose A or B: (A) 2 Daggers, Thieves' Tools, Crowbar, 2 Pouches, Traveler's Clothes, 16 GP; or (B) 50 GP |
Sage
| Trait | Value |
|---|---|
| Ability Scores | Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom |
| Skill Proficiencies | Arcana, History |
| Tool Proficiency | Calligrapher's Supplies |
| Feat | Magic Initiate (Wizard) (see "Feats") |
| Equipment | Choose A or B: (A) Quarterstaff, Calligrapher's Supplies, Book (history), Parchment (8 sheets), Robe, 8 GP; or (B) 50 GP |
Soldier
| Trait | Value |
|---|---|
| Ability Scores | Strength, Dexterity, Constitution |
| Skill Proficiencies | Athletics, Intimidation |
| Tool Proficiency | Choose one kind of Gaming Set (see "Equipment") |
| Feat | Savage Attacker (see "Feats") |
| Equipment | Choose A or B: (A) Spear, Shortbow, 20 Arrows, Gaming Set (same as above), Healer's Kit, Quiver, Traveler's Clothes, 14 GP; or (B) 50 GP |