Background Check

I mostly like backgrounds as they exist in 5e. They're simple and allow any character to take any skill. For Odyssey, I want to hit two main design points:

First, backgrounds are optional. If you want a streamlined game, on old school experience, or simple characters (especially for a one shot or a con game) you can drop them. None of the load-bearing elements of the game require them. However, backgrounds are all or nothing. If one player wants to use them, all players in a game should get one.

Second, I wanted backgrounds to have a little more spice. In addition to skills, they come with a few more elements.

Features. A background provides you with special features that aid you in adventures. Unlike the 5e features, this benefit is similar to a feat and is designed to scale throughout your entire adventuring career. These aim at a power level where they are useful but no so strong that they unbalance the game.

Specialist Skill. Each background comes with a special skill that only it has access to. Think of a specialist skill as a specific, trained ability check. Specialist skills are narrow, specific slices of broader skills. They serve as a call out for specific tricks your character has learned.

Fork in the Road. This element adds a layer of customization to a background by allowing you to pick one of three options. It allows a background to mesh with any class. For instance, the soldier background might give weapon and armor proficiencies. A fighter, having already received those from their class, doesn't need them. By placing that benefit as one option among three, I can ensure that fighter players aren't stuck with a dud.

Here's an example background. The final ones will include tables to generate personality traits and a backstory.

Cabalist

You were once a member of a cult that worshipped demons or worse entities. You’ve left that life behind. Or have you?

Cabalist Traits

As a cabalist, you have the following special features.

Skills. Arcana, Intimidation, Religion

Dark Dealings. You can invoke the dark spirits you once served to gain advantage on a d20 roll. In return, you gain a failed death save. You make this decision before rolling (the dark gods are fickle).

Specialist Skill: One of the Crowd. You have a knack for fitting in with organizations that rely on masses of faceless, disposable minions. You can make a trained Charisma check to blend in as a faceless peon within an organization. A successful check allows you to discern the expected behavior, dress, and activities of such a group. The DM determines the DC of this check.

Fork in the Road. Pick one of the following benefits.

• Ritualist. You learn two languages of your choice and gain proficiency with the Medicine skill.

• Thug. You gain proficiency with light and medium armor.

• Skill. You gain proficiency with one skill of your choice.