Some DnD Next Backgrounds

Greyhawk GrognardUncategorized, 5 Comments on Some DnD Next Backgrounds
Just playing around with some new backgrounds for DnD Next. Obviously this isn’t in any way official or anything; just me dabbling. Backgrounds can apply to any class, while themes are class-specific. Maybe I’ll whip up some themes later.

Background: Merchant

You are an experienced buyer and seller of goods. You have a keen eye for a bargain and can get the most out of a negotiation when cold, hard cash is on the line. You have training in the skills listed below, and you gain the indicated bonus on any check involving that skill.

  • Commerce +3
  • Appraisal +3
  • Diplomacy +3
  • Mathematics (Accounting) +3

You also gain the background feature called Professional Courtesy. See below for details.

Background Feature

Professional Courtesy

Other merchants recognize you as one of their own, and will grant you and your companions hospitality if you request it, assuming you come with something to sell or are looking to purchase something from them. You will also be expected to reciprocate.

Background: Woodsman

You are born and bred to life in the wilderness. Tree and trail are as familiar to you as your own family, and you are adept at hunting and tracking. You have life experience in the skills listed below, and you gain the indicated bonus on any check involving that skill.

  • Tracking +3
  • Survival +3
  • Natural Lore +3

You also gain the background feature called Woodland Stride. See below for details.

Background Feature

Woodland Stride

You are able to move through wooded areas without creating any discernible trail, taking damage, or any slowing of your normal movement rate. This applies to all natural woodland obstacles such as briars, thick underbrush, and the like. This feature will not extend to others with you who do not share this feature.

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Wargamer and RPG'er since the 1970's, author of Adventures Dark and Deep, Castle of the Mad Archmage, and other things, and proprietor of the Greyhawk Grognard blog.

5 thoughts on “Some DnD Next Backgrounds”

  1. I like these, and I honestly hope that when we see the next version of D&D Next playtest stuff, that we do see the character creation rules. As it stands, the pre-gen characters are interesting, but I think one of the true tests of the system is how long/complex/interesting it is to create a character. If it's something that takes a long time (i.e., plan out your character through at least the first few levels), then it has to be something interesting to do in and of itself rather than an exercise in just number crunching. I think that a small section on backgrounds with notes on how to create your own like this would be a very good thing. Really let people explore their own creativity rather than selecting items from the Chinese Menu Style gaming that WOTC editions had become.

  2. Background: Artist

    You were gifted with the histrionic capabilities of an artist. Either writing poems, singing songs or performing on stage you excelled in your art. You have life experience in the skills listed below, and you gain the indicated bonus on any check involving that skill.

    Perform +3
    Bluff +3
    Disguise +3

    You also gain the background feature called Charm the Audience. See below for details.

    Background Feature

    Charm the Audience

    You are capable of gain and maintain the attention of the public, making them more susceptible to your influence. That will grant you and your companions the admiration (and even some coins) from your audience.

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