D&D 5E starter set character skill proficiencies - too many?

[evilbob]

I'm sure this has been asked but I can't find it - sorry! The starter set characters seem to have too many skill proficiencies. The wizard, for example, has 5 skill proficiencies but wizards only get 2 from their class and 1 from being an elf. What am I missing?

 

[thalmin]

I'm sure this has been asked but I can't find it - sorry! The starter set characters seem to have too many skill proficiencies. The wizard, for example, has 5 skill proficiencies but wizards only get 2 from their class and 1 from being an elf. What am I missing?

Everyone also gets 2 skills from Backgrounds

 

[Thaumaturge]

Backgrounds give 2 skills as well.

Thaumaturge.

 

[Umbran]

I'm sure this has been asked but I can't find it - sorry! The starter set characters seem to have too many skill proficiencies. The wizard, for example, has 5 skill proficiencies but wizards only get 2 from their class and 1 from being an elf. What am I missing?

You can (generally do) also get proficiencies from your Background.

 

[Thaumaturge]

I'm playing second ninja.

Thaumaturge.

 

[evilbob]

Oh man - THANK YOU ALL! Completely missed that. Was going nuts.