D&D (2024) D&D Background and Origin Feat Article

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

I agree, but it interrupts the flow. I'd prefer to not have to pause to give the opportunity, which is what this would require. IMO, its a negative play experience for the table. I often have 4 adults and a couple of kids around 10 years old at the game, so do everything I can to speed up play.

It's the Silvery Barbs effect spreading.

 

[Parmandur]

But we did get the official word on how the PHB handles Backgrounds from prior books, and lo and behold @Ruin Explorer the Tasha's total free floating ASIs are still in place:

"Using Old Backgrounds at Character Creation"

"Previous D&D books contain a plethora of backgrounds that are beloved by players. If you don’t see your favorite background listed, don’t despair! The scribes have scrawled some handy tips for converting a background from an older book to work with your new character using the 2024 Player’s Handbook. When using an older background, simply select the ability scores you want to add your 3 total points to, so adjusting one score by 2 and another by 1, or three scores by 1."

"This comes in place of your species' Ability Score Improvements. So, if you also choose an older species that has an Ability Score Improvement, ignore it."

"If the background you select does not already provide a feat, you gain the Origin feat of your choice."

 

[Chaosmancer]

Has anything been stated about customizing backgrounds? I glanced thru the article but didn't see that confirmed anywhere

Obviously it is easy to just allow customized backgrounds (which I would definitely do as a DM), but I'm mostly curious whether it's in the official rules since that probably determines whether DND Beyond character creation will support it

The last we heard, it is going to be in the DMG. But it is also really easy to do. A lot of people on Reddit were talking about making custom backgrounds using the 2014 rules, then port them over into 2024, which technically works. But is a little "making the technically legal moves" for me. I'd just let people customize, the system is pretty blatantly easy to work with.

 

[Chaosmancer]

Ugh, I hate the 20% discount from Crafter so much. Guess I’ll be busting out the calculator when player shop now.

Agree. That is just a PAINFUL rule. I'm sure I'll eventually get good at figuring out what 1/5 of the price is, but UGH I wish they had found a better way to do that.

 

[Parmandur]

The last we heard, it is going to be in the DMG. But it is also really easy to do. A lot of people on Reddit were talking about making custom backgrounds using the 2014 rules, then port them over into 2024, which technically works. But is a little "making the technically legal moves" for me. I'd just let people customize, the system is pretty blatantly easy to work with.

Just putting that in the PHB is a flashing neon sign saying "hey, kid you can actually customize any of these."

 

[Kobold Stew]

Ugh, I hate the 20% discount from Crafter so much. Guess I’ll be busting out the calculator when player shop now.

What I want to know (and what I asked in the Playtest feedback) is how this interacts with buying diamonds for spell components. 20% off 500gp diamond would be very significant in some campaigns.

 

[mellored]

The last we heard, it is going to be in the DMG. But it is also really easy to do. A lot of people on Reddit were talking about making custom backgrounds using the 2014 rules, then port them over into 2024, which technically works. But is a little "making the technically legal moves" for me. I'd just let people customize, the system is pretty blatantly easy to work with.

Putting it in the DMG helps people put the story first instead of the mechanics first.

 

[SkidAce]

Agree. That is just a PAINFUL rule. I'm sure I'll eventually get good at figuring out what 1/5 of the price is, but UGH I wish they had found a better way to do that.

10% is usually easy to figure, then just double that.

 

[dave2008]

Ugh, I hate the 20% discount from Crafter so much. Guess I’ll be busting out the calculator when player shop now.

Agree. That is just a PAINFUL rule. I'm sure I'll eventually get good at figuring out what 1/5 of the price is, but UGH I wish they had found a better way to do that.

It is easiest, IMO, to think of it was 1/10th x 2. 1/10th is supper easy, simple move the decimal point over 1. Then multiply that x2 and you get 20%

 

[Ferrousbones]

What I want to know (and what I asked in the Playtest feedback) is how this interacts with buying diamonds for spell components. 20% off 500gp diamond would be very significant in some campaigns.

I have a feeling that the feat actually references adventuring gear, maybe including tools, instruments, gaming sets, and vehicles, rather than all non-magical items.

Edit: maybe weapons and armor too.