Custom Backgrounds

Customized Backgrounds: You might want to tweak some of the features of a background so it better fits your character or the campaign setting. Make sure the background traits you make fit with the thematic concept of the background.

• Skills: choose any two skills that fit with the thematic concept of the background.

  • Tools or Languages: choose a total of two tool proficiencies or languages from the sample backgrounds that fit with the thematic concept of the background. Characters may choose exotic languages from any Allowed Rules Source, even if that rules source was not used to create that character (i.e., a character created using the players handbook and volos guide may still choose a language from the sword coast adventurers). Druidic, thieves’ cant, monstrous languages (like Giant Eagle) and other languages that are features of a class/background are not eligible choices for this purpose.

  • Feature: replace one feature with any other one from another background that fit with the thematic concept of the background.

• Traits: choose one personality trait, one ideal, one bond, and one flaw that fit with the thematic concept of the background. 

Possessed by a Spirit

Sometimes spirits from other planes manifest as physical objects of the Realms. Such a spirit has specific goals, sometimes inscrutable, and can possess those who come in contact with the object. The possessed can spend a lifetime pursuing the spirits goals. After a long enough period of possession, the possessed character will take on this background, even if being freed from the spirits influence later. Check with the DM to determine what goals align with the campaign storyline.

• • Skill Proficiencies: One charisma skill and one other intelligence or wisdom skill associated with the spirit.

  • Tool Proficiencies: Choose one Musical instrument to represent it's personality.

  • Languages: Choose one language associated with the type of Spirit (Abyssal, Celestial, Deep Speech, Infernal, Primordial, or Sylvan).

  • Equipment: One musical instrument matching that gained from this background, explorer's pack, common clothes, one possessed trinket, belt pouch with 15 gp.

  • Lifestyle: Modest

Feature: Planar Sensitive

Due to long exposure to the possessing spirit, individuals with this background carry a residual aura about them. Creatures from the plane where the spirit comes from can recognize this aura. They will be more likely to be friendly or hostile to the individual, depending on their past association with the particular spirit.