Errata incoming! (Haunted One background)

[Pauper]

Numerous sources indicate that the Haunted One background only granting a single skill proficiency is an error and will be corrected in errata 'Soon'.

However, note that the language is not being errata-ed, as the background allows the selection of an Exotic language as listed in the Player's Handbook, which is normally only allowed with DM approval.

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Pauper

 

[Inconnunom]

Numerous sources indicate that the Haunted One background only granting a single skill proficiency is an error and will be corrected in errata 'Soon'.

However, note that the language is not being errata-ed, as the background allows the selection of an Exotic language as listed in the Player's Handbook, which is normally only allowed with DM approval.

--
Pauper

The specific tweet being referenced:
https://twitter.com/JeremyECrawford/status/705467140246106112

Also, it might be possible the 1 language thing was a mistake too?

 

[kalani]

Except in AL - in which case all PHB character options (even those that require DM approval) are legal. But yes, in general (aka, non-AL settings) - exotic languages would require DM approval.

 

[Pauper]

I'm pretty sure other things listed as 'with DM/GM approval' still require DM approval in Adventurers League, such as the choice of creature that appears from a summoning spell, or whether an improvised weapon is similar enough to an actual weapon that a character may use her proficiency bonus on attacks with it.

Not sure why this would be any different.

--
Pauper

 

[kalani]

Because it has been said that any character option (which should be clarified as: race, class, background, skill, language, equipment, etc) in the PHB is legal at all tables. Creatures summoned by a spell are not character options (the spell itself is). Players and/or DMs are limited to the creatures on the allowed creature list (see stickied thread at the top of this forum). This list is the complete list of legal creatures as determined by the FAQ ruling for summoned creatures.

 

[RulesJD]

I'm pretty sure other things listed as 'with DM/GM approval' still require DM approval in Adventurers League, such as the choice of creature that appears from a summoning spell, or whether an improvised weapon is similar enough to an actual weapon that a character may use her proficiency bonus on attacks with it.

Not sure why this would be any different.

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Pauper

Yeah, no, you're wrong again. I get that you enjoy being that DM, but AL is explicit that almost all instances of character creation that PHB/other source call out for DM approval must be allowed. All the variant races in the SCAG (besides Winged Tiefling, etc), Feats, etc. call out for DM approval but are mandatory legal in AL.

 

[Pauper]

Because it has been said that any character option (which should be clarified as: race, class, background, skill, language, equipment, etc) in the PHB is legal at all tables.

Ah, so the text of the language rules that allows a character to take an Exotic or secret language '[w]ith your GM's permission' is considered an optional character creation rule, and thus 'always on' for AL purposes. That does make some sense. It's a bit disappointing in that it waters down some of what makes the Haunted One background special, but that can be addressed if the admins decide it's important.

Then again, using the example of Elisande, it's entirely possible that two characters can speak the same language and one will still have no idea what the other is saying. So not really a roadblock for the creative DM.

--
Pauper

 

[jrothwell]

Does this mean Aasimaar are a playable race the DM must allow for AL?

 

[Enevhar Aldarion]

Does this mean Aasimaar are a playable race the DM must allow for AL?

No, because the DMG is not a valid source for character creation.

 

[jrothwell]

No, because the DMG is not a valid source for character creation.

It is referenced on page on page 119 on the Sword Coast Adventurers Guide as a race your DM can allow.