D&D 5E I think I prefer backgrounds in 2014

[Shades of Eternity]

I preferred the overall design.

It allowed me to create original backgrounds for the Hodgepocalypse like:
Born Yesterday (for those who are fans of Johnny -5 and nice gals like Alias)
Bunker Buddy
Dreamer (originally hooked to the astral plane)
Cybercultist
Raider/Drifter
Sportsballer (I blame Rollerball for this one).

That gave you something to hang your hat on and gave it a ton of personality to hook your species and/or class on.

the new one feels watered down in comparison.

Am I missing something?

 

[MGibster]

The DMG has guidelines for creating your own backgrounds. And do we need anything more than Sailor? Just so our Fighters can take Perception of course.

 

[pukunui]

Part of the problem, I think, is they ditched the personal characteristics and the RP-oriented features, which added flavor, in favor of a free feat … but there aren’t many origin feats to choose from (yet), which narrows the playing field for 2024 backgrounds considerably. The fixed ASIs are also unnecessarily constraining.

As much as I like a good chunk of the 2024 rules, I do feel like they have re-simplified a number of things that had already been simplified in 2014, thereby making them over-simplified. I’m not sure how much of that was necessary. I guess time will tell.

 

[Zardnaar]

Part of the problem, I think, is they ditched the personal characteristics and the RP-oriented features, which added flavor, in favor of a free feat … but there aren’t many origin feats to choose from (yet), which narrows the playing field for 2024 backgrounds considerably. The fixed ASIs are also unnecessarily constraining.

As much as I like a good chunk of the 2024 rules, I do feel like they have re-simplified a number of things that had already been simplified in 2014, thereby making them over-simplified. I’m not sure how much of that was necessary. I guess time will tell.

Wife's generally picking 2014 backgrounds outside the phb so she gets her choice of +2/+1 and feat.

Origins bit of a dud in 2024 imho.

 

[Zardnaar]

The DMG has guidelines for creating your own backgrounds. And do we need anything more than Sailor? Just so our Fighters can take Perception of course.

Far Traveller, Elf, Orc or double upon a skill to pick what you want.

 

[dave2008]

Part of the problem, I think, is they ditched the personal characteristics and the RP-oriented features, which added flavor, in favor of a free feat …

I am fine with the free feat, but I don't think they should have gotten rid of the RP features. However, I don't know anyone who used them, but I think they were nice for those who would.

 

[Davinshe]

I am fine with the free feat, but I don't think they should have gotten rid of the RP features. However, I don't know anyone who used them, but I think they were nice for those who would.

I once tried to use my "rustic hospitality" feature during an adventure league game at gencon to find a safe place to hide while being pursued by guards in an adventure. Not only did the DM not allow this, they gave me that look one gives players when they are trying to get one over on you. For trying to do exactly what the feature indicates it ought to do, I was looked on as nearly a cheater. I suspect that's a pretty common reaction to anyone actually trying to use their background feature.

 

[Jfdlsjfd]

In 2014, you couldn't be a strong gnome or a smart half-orc.
In 2024, you can't be a strong acolyte or a charismatic guard.

Admittedly, the DMG already has the fix (make your own background) but for a "fix edition" I'd have hoped they had... fixed the problem instead of going back pre-Tasha in the PHB.

 

[the Jester]

Honestly, since they moved ASIs out of species, where they (originally) helped show how a given species was different from humanity, I wish they'd just ditch them entirely. Tying them to backgrounds is okay, but if all they are is another way for players to optimize- I mean, just add a bit to your starting point buy or whatever. If ASIs don't represent anything in the world, or if the majority of players are going to complain about how they constrain your pc's starting background choice, just dump them.

 

[dave2008]

In 2014, you couldn't be a strong gnome or a smart half-orc.
In 2024, you can't be a strong acolyte or a charismatic guard.

Both those statements are false, not sure how you can even think that honestly.