D&D (2024) Backgrounds

[Remathilis]

Why don't backgrounds give languages?

I mean, I get the whole "gladiator gives orc, farmer gives halfling" kerfuffle during the playtest, but you can give players the choice of a languages! Farmer gets any Basic language, Sage gets an exotic language, etc. Instead, PCs start with two basic languages and no way to get exotic ones.

Also, it makes so many older backgrounds work funky.

 

[DEFCON 1]

The book just came out. You have plenty of time to find yourself a DM who will let you adjust the crap you get with a Background rather than force you to use the ones in the book.

 

[The Myopic Sniper]

A) one fixed +1 and one semi-floating* +1 from species; two pseudo-floating** +1s from background

It is pretty clear their sensitivity readers/diversity consultants told them to steer clear from adding any attribute bonuses to species although what you are suggesting is easy enough to house rule for any DM who likes species to have more impact and isn't worried about problematic implications at their table.

 

[Horwath]

I'm outcustomizing the custom background:

ASI: +2/+1 or +1/+1/+1.
Feat: any origin or 4th level without the ASI.
Skills: any 4 skills, reduce class skills at 1st level by 2.
Tools: any combination of 2 tools, languages or weapons.

 

[Argyle King]

It is pretty clear their sensitivity readers/diversity consultants told them to steer clear from adding any attribute bonuses to species although what you are suggesting is easy enough to house rule for any DM who likes species to have more impact and isn't worried about problematic implications at their table.

Probably

I wonder if any of the sensitivity readers were farmers.

I grew up in a rural community.

If I were inclined to be offended, I might feel miffed that WoTC thinks I'm only good for being a strong and stupid hick for the rest of my life.

 

[mamba]

If I were inclined to be offended, I might feel miffed that WoTC thinks I'm only good for being a strong and stupid hick for the rest of my life.

Not getting an Int bonus is not the same as being a stupid hick. If farmers were limited to an Int of 7 or so, you would have a point, but with the current backgrounds.... not so much, it just means that on average they are less educated than e.g. Scribes, and I see nothing wrong with that

 

[Argyle King]

Not getting an Int bonus is not the same as being a stupid hick. If farmers were limited to an Int of 7 or so, you would have a point, but with the current backgrounds.... not so much

2014 Orcs rose up and fought against the glass ceiling of not having an opportunity to be the best wizards.

I think all of the emotional pain and mental anguish I feel in 2024 is just as valid.

 

[UngeheuerLich]

I'm outcustomizing the custom background:

ASI: +2/+1 or +1/+1/+1.
Feat: any origin or 4th level without the ASI.
Skills: any 4 skills, reduce class skills at 1st level by 2.
Tools: any combination of 2 tools, languages or weapons.

I don't think it should be that free.
I think having some thematic preselections is nice.

@Argyle King
Farmers get wisdom, which in some way represents intelligence in real life. They also get the nature skill which is based on intelligence.
Intelligence in D&D is more knowledge/education than actual intelligence. If it was not so iconic, I can't imagine how it did not get renamed.

My father was background farmer. And he was a very smart guy. But his parents did not think that he needs college education and did not send him there.
Which was actually something that was some kind of hindrance all of his life.
Which is well represented in the game farmers not getting +1 or +2 on their int score.

 

[Horwath]

I don't think it should be that free.
I think having some thematic preselections is nice.

Why?

what will it break?

And it will be similar to what will it be in DMG.

maybe someone with a farmer background found some ruin while digging a well and found an old library(counting on fact that all characters are literate in the setting) with lots of books still in good shape so starting skills could be Arcana, History and Religion with something else as 4th, maybe Survival or Animal handling.

maybe and orphan fighter was taken in by a thieves guild but as a youth was proven too clumsy to be burglar(DEX 8), but was somewhat cunning and smoothtalking(WIS&CHA 14) so they trained him as a bodyguard(fighter class) and poisoner but his skills are Deception, Persuasion, Insight, Medicine and Poisoners tools and Alchemy tools.

 

[UngeheuerLich]

Why?

As I said: I like it. I don't loke to play point buy creations or mix and match features you like. Having some restrictions is more fun for me.

what will it break?

Nothing of course.

And it will be similar to what will it be in DMG.

Nope. You will be restricted to class skills and origin feats. But even your proposal will not break anything.

maybe someone with a farmer background found some ruin while digging a well and found an old library(counting on fact that all characters are literate in the setting) with lots of books still in good shape so starting skills could be Arcana, History and Religion with something else as 4th, maybe Survival or Animal handling.

That sounds like custom background. Or sage/scribe with serial numbers filed off.

maybe and orphan fighter was taken in by a thieves guild but as a youth was proven too clumsy to be burglar(DEX 8), but was somewhat cunning and smoothtalking(WIS&CHA 14) so they trained him as a bodyguard(fighter class) and poisoner but his skills are Deception, Persuasion, Insight, Medicine and Poisoners tools and Alchemy tools.

Cool.
Probably custom background

Fighter skills:
Perception (as guard quite useful)
Intimidation

Backgroud skills:
Deception
Persuasion

Background Tool:
Poisoner kit

Feat: skilled
alchemy tools
Medicine
Insight

Seems right.
Take poisoner feat at level 4.