kalani
First Post
It is. You cannot choose a background feature that is not part of your story origin. Only ToD characters can take the background features from Hoard of the Dragon Queen, as only those characters have access to the book as a rules source.
Same holds true in respect to the Haunted One background (and feature). Only characters who have access to that rules source can choose that background feature (even when creating a custom background).
The rules in the PHB in respect to customizing backgrounds are overruled by the Story Origin mechanic (specific trumps general).... As such, all character options (including background features) must be chosen from an allowed rules source for your story origin.
ToD Characters: Only characters who can use the Dragon Scholar and Cult Infiltrator backgrounds (and features)
EE Characters: Only characters who can use the Mulmaster Backgrounds (and variant background features).
RoD Characters: Only characters who can use the Hillsfar Backgrounds (and variant background features).
CoS Characters: Only characters who can use Haunted One background (and Feature)*
SCAG: Only ToD, RoD, CoS, and EE characters who did not use the EEPC can choose backgrounds (and features) from this book.
*This may not be true, but likely is based on the assumption that Haunted One is found in CoS hardcover as an appendix.
Same holds true in respect to the Haunted One background (and feature). Only characters who have access to that rules source can choose that background feature (even when creating a custom background).
The rules in the PHB in respect to customizing backgrounds are overruled by the Story Origin mechanic (specific trumps general).... As such, all character options (including background features) must be chosen from an allowed rules source for your story origin.
ToD Characters: Only characters who can use the Dragon Scholar and Cult Infiltrator backgrounds (and features)
EE Characters: Only characters who can use the Mulmaster Backgrounds (and variant background features).
RoD Characters: Only characters who can use the Hillsfar Backgrounds (and variant background features).
CoS Characters: Only characters who can use Haunted One background (and Feature)*
SCAG: Only ToD, RoD, CoS, and EE characters who did not use the EEPC can choose backgrounds (and features) from this book.
*This may not be true, but likely is based on the assumption that Haunted One is found in CoS hardcover as an appendix.
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