D&D 5E (2014) Three New 5E Backgrounds to Enhance Your New PC

[Griffon Lore Games]

Have three new Backgrounds: Three New 5E Backgrounds to Enhance Your New PC

If you use D&D Beyond, we also linked the Backgrounds to the homebrew published entry, so you can add it to your fresh new PC and have at it!


Thane Hardlock, Royal University Scholar

 

[doctorbadwolf]

Good concepts, but I wonder why the 3 skills and no tool or language? Surely Herbalism kit and 1 language would make sense, and Survival and choice of Perception or Nature.

The other two just give an uneven amount of benefit, compared to eachother, and I wouldn’t allow them as is simply due to breaking the normal format of backgrounds.

 

[NotAYakk]

Mechanically, isn't the 2nd one just Sage?

 

[Helldritch]

Mechanically, isn't the 2nd one just Sage?

Pretty much.

 

[Griffon Lore Games]

Good concepts, but I wonder why the 3 skills and no tool or language? Surely Herbalism kit and 1 language would make sense, and Survival and choice of Perception or Nature.

The other two just give an uneven amount of benefit, compared to each other, and I wouldn’t allow them as is simply due to breaking the normal format of backgrounds.

I am not a fan of tools combined with a "non-tool" (toolless? sans tool) background.

A blacksmith or herbalist background should stand on its own two feet, not combined with academic-focused backgrounds--but that's how I roll.

 

[doctorbadwolf]

I am not a fan of tools combined with a "non-tool" (toolless? sans tool) background.

A blacksmith or herbalist background should stand on its own two feet, not combined with academic-focused backgrounds--but that's how I roll.

I’m confused by this response. I don’t want to be rude, but...what?

5e gives either languages or tools, an 2 skills. Forward Scout gives 3 skills, and no other proficiency.

A tool proficiency doesn’t “combine” an Herbalist background into the Forward Scout, it’s just a tool proficiency that makes that character knowledgeable about herbalism, and makes the background actually compatible with 5e.

 

[Griffon Lore Games]

Pretty much.

Indeed. To me, the benefits of a DM designed or modified campaign setting is the ability to add backgrounds specific to the setting. I got all these sages:

• Sages from the Imperial University system
• Sages from the Royal University
• Elf sages
• Dwarf Sages
• Metaphysical Warlock/Witch Sages
• Warrior-Philosophers from a monastery

The latter four don't have a finished design yet.

 

[Griffon Lore Games]

I’m confused by this response. I don’t want to be rude, but...what?

5e gives either languages or tools, an 2 skills. Forward Scout gives 3 skills, and no other proficiency.

A tool proficiency doesn’t “combine” an Herbalist background into the Forward Scout, it’s just a tool proficiency that makes that character knowledgeable about herbalism, and makes the background actually compatible with 5e.

Oh! The forward scout. Sorry, I was talking about the two sages.

The forward scout sacrifices a tool proficiency/language for a precise skill list required by the campaign setting. A player can pick the Solider background and have a more traditional set of things that come with their character.

When play-tested, the forward scout worked, and the lack of tool and language forced the PC to role-play acquiring those later in the campaign. The lack of the ability to make their own arrows forced a drain on that PC's finances, while the guy who went Soldier was like "Imma gonna fix my own armor."

 

[doctorbadwolf]

Oh! The forward scout. Sorry, I was talking about the two sages.

The forward scout sacrifices a tool proficiency/language for a precise skill list required by the campaign setting. A player can pick the Solider background and have a more traditional set of things that come with their character.

When play-tested, the forward scout worked, and the lack of tool and language forced the PC to role-play acquiring those later in the campaign. The lack of the ability to make their own arrows forced a drain on that PC's finances, while the guy who went Soldier was like "Imma gonna fix my own armor."

Okay, if it works for your game have fun.

 

[Istbor]

Not entirely sure this flaw should really be a thing in this day and age.
Maidens are spoils of war.

Also, what if the mercenary scout in question isn't a dude and doesn't like maidens?