Everyone Else: 5e Backgrounds for the "Mundanes" of the Fantasy World
(Part 1)
The 5e Player's Handbook did a good job of laying down a few of the fundamental backgrounds of the fantasy backgrounds. It even had some pretty basic mundane backgrounds for those folks who want to start from more humble origins. In this series of posts, I will try to build upon those with some similar (relatively) normal man sort backgrounds.
Aesthete
Skills: Persuasion, Performance
Choose two from the following list: Calligrapher’s supplies,
glassblower’s tools, jeweler’s tools, painter’s supplies, potter’s tools,
woodcarver’s tools
Equipment: One toolset from the above list, very large and decorative
hat, a small knife, one outfit of avant-garde clothing nonetheless worth the
same as commoner’s clothing, pouch with 10 gp
For your entire life, art, FINE art, has been your passion. To craft wonders of beauty, to build true
expressions of creative marvel, these drive you. You have learned to make works of art that
evoke wonder, to evoke awe, to evoke feeling! To you, form can be just as
important as function, because form affects the quality of life just as much as
function affects how it’s lived.
Feature: Gather a Crowd
Wherever you go, somebody in the neighborhood can recognize you. You
know how and where to bring people together.
Given enough time and the proper public space, you can gather a crowd of
a few dozen people under the pretense of showing off a gallery or staging a
theatrical performance. At least one of
these will be a potential patron for your future works.
Personality Traits (1d8)
11.
As I speak, I can’t help but vary my inflections
dramatically and gesture wildly.
22.
I am quick to point the beauty in anything and
everything.
33.
I quietly observe and note the features of
everything I survey, offering opinion only when asked.
44.
My blustery exterior is merely a mask; my real
self is much more reserved.
55.
I’m not one to talk about politics; I’d rather
focus on producing my art.
66.
I actually don’t like attention; I create simply
for myself.
77.
I enjoy evoking the full emotional spectrum from
people.
88.
I’m always suspicious of others stealing my
ideas.
Ideals (1d6)
11.
Beauty (Any) To make what is wondrous to the
senses brightens up the world.
22.
Truth (Good or Lawful) I find that true beauty
comes in genuineness.
33.
Propaganda (Evil or Lawful) What is beautiful is
what follows my agenda and sensibilities.
44.
Whimsy (Chaotic)
Beauty can’t be pinned down- it has to be free to go wherever, whenever
it pleases!
55.
Joy (Good or Chaotic) We exist to bring
happiness into the world by making it a more wonder-inspiring place.
66.
Competition (Neutral) I’ll show everyone my
artistic vision is better than all my rivals’.
Bond (1d6)
11.
To create the wondrous, one must observe the
wondrous.
22.
They called me frivolous. They said I was out of
touch with the real world. I shall show them my creative vision can paint this
dull, drab world into more colorful place!
33.
A former associate stole my work and claimed it
as his own. With my last breath, I
swear I shall make them regret rue the day they crossed me. RUE it, I say! Their black blood will spill
and decorate the canvas of my next creation.
44.
Long ago, a special person picked me up from the
gutter and touched my heart. A person
so with an inner light so luminous, an aura so divine, I scarcely remember what
the experience was like. Yet the memory
still haunts me.
55.
Anything of beauty I somehow create comes not
from me but from the people. Inspired by
the people and made to benefit the people. I am merely the hands used to form
that beauty.
66.
I stand on the shoulders of giants, and yet I
always have more to learn. Rumors tell
of a great master artist who dwells in the wilds far from the huddled
masses. I will find him and learn from his
wisdom.
Flaws (1d6)
11.
I’m an avid collector of all things marvelous,
sometimes to the point it devours a massive chunk out my coffers.
22.
I must prove the superiority of my artistic
genius, even if it means engaging in a little ugly behavior once in a while.
33.
The beauty of the world astounds me. Yes, I admit I am but a hopeless daydreamer,
but still the sheer wonder enraptures me.
44.
I speak with a faked, outrageous, stereotypical
accent mostly as a gimmick. Sometimes it
can get a little annoying.
55.
I have offended some former patrons in high
places, so I’m always on the run.
66.
I shy away from subjects that are less than
pleasant. When possible, I can’t help
but dress conversation in its most pleasing language.
 |
| Not all ascetics have to be human. |
|
Ascetic
Skill Proficiencies: Survival;
choice of one of the following: Animal Handling, Religion or Survival
Tool Proficiencies: Herbalism Kit
Equipment: Mess kit, a set of Spartan common clothing, a small knife,
50 ft. of rope (hemp), and a pouch with 5 gold pieces in it
You have lived a harsh and Spartan lifestyle. Eschewing the finer frivolities others take
for granted, you know what it’s like to live life in its most basic and rugged
forms. Through simple living and
rigorous self-denial, you have learned to push your body and mind beyond what
most would consider possible.
Feature: Extreme Endurance
You are skilled at focusing your inner strength for longer than most
can. You can force yourself to hold your breath, go without eating, stay awake,
and endure inhospitable climatic conditions for twice as long without suffering
ill effects as you normally could.
Personality Traits (1d8)
11.
Although I am an ascetic, there are just one or
two things I can’t live without.
22.
I try to evaluate everything without letting
passions cloud my judgment.
33.
I feel very excited about my lifestyle; if only
everybody could know the joys of a life lived so rigorously.
44.
I chant mantras in times of stress to help me
focus.
55.
I say little.
66.
I see the world as ever-changing. Who is an enemy today may be an ally
tomorrow, and vice versa.
77.
I’m conflicted. Although I prefer a solitary
existence, I enjoy connecting with
others as well.
88.
I’m a part-time ascetic. 5 days of the week, my body is a temple. The other two, an amusement park.
Ideals (1d6)
11.
Devotion (Any) My asceticism is an act of
devotion to commune with something greater than I am alone.
22.
Purity (Good or Lawful) I will abstain from
pursuing impure things.
33.
Escape (Chaotic) I’ll do anything to escape the
demons that haunt me.
44.
Domination (Evil) Just as I can master myself,
so I shall master others.
55.
Strength (Neutral) I exist to become stronger in
mind, body, and soul.
66.
Patience (Good or Lawful) Everything will come
in its due time.
I need not demand it
all now.
Bond (1d6)
11.
Through how I live, I hope to honor those who have
come before me.
22.
I live to spread the teachings of my philosophy.
33.
I left behind a messy past when I became an
ascetic. Sooner or later, it will come
back to haunt me.
44.
I have received a vision in my meditation. I must follow it.
55.
Compassion to all living things is central to my
code of honor.
66.
It has been too long since I have visited my
loved ones. I must go reconnect with
them.
Flaws (1d6)
11.I long for the pleasures of the flesh so many
others get to enjoy.
22.
I am desperate to achieve spiritual liberation. No sacrifice is too great.
33.
I feel disdain towards the impure who cannot or
will not achieve my level of self-mastery.
44.
I find relating to the materialistic world
difficult.
55.
My past haunts me. I was not always the good person I am today.
66.
I use philosophical mumbo-jumbo and rhetorical
tricks to appear wiser than I actually am.
Beggar
Skill Proficiencies: History, Persuasion
Tool Proficiencies: One gaming set of your choice, one musical
instrument of your choice
Equipment: cheap beat-up musical instrument (functional but no resale
value), a set of well-worn and ragged commoner’s clothing, a small dull knife,
begging bowl with 5 copper pieces, an accessory that shows the mark of whatever
affliction has befallen you (some crutches, an eyepatch, a cane, a prosthetic
limb, etc)
Sometime in your past, you depended on the kindness of strangers to
sustain yourself. Begging is an
inelegant and humiliating lifestyle sometimes subject to persecution and
legislation, but for some people begging only choice. These tend to be victims of misfortune,
mental or physical illness or injury or even severe economic woe. A few beggars pursue this life only out of a
desire to avoid work. This type of beggar is prone to overinflating any
hardship inflicted upon them and may find Charlatan background may be more
appropriate.
Feature: City Secrets
As the Urchin ability.
Suggested Characteristics
Beggars need to be able to gain sympathy from others.
As such, beggars tend to have afflictions
that compellingly inhibit or prevent them from leading independent lives.
Skill in persuasion is also important, as
having an affliction does not by itself convince others of its direness.
Beggars often pick up stories of the places
they go and can sometimes observe things not meant to be seen simply by being
discounted.
Therefore, they can
sometimes make for handy sources of information despite their lowly social
positions.
Personality Trait
11.
I always share a story with someone who is generous
to me, whether they want it or not.
22.
I am polite to everyone I meet regardless of
circumstances.
33.
I view my situation as a curse put upon me.
44.
I spread word of the miserly and always point
them out.
55.
I see what I do as a valuable service to
society. It enables people to practice charity.
66.
I would rather beg than lie, cheat, or steal.
77.
Although I may not have gotten here by choice, I
consider it to be my way of life now.
88.
I can’t stay in one place for too long.
Ideal (1d6)
11.
Nonconformity I
can’t abide by society’s base restrictions. (Chaotic)
22.
Community Although
I’m on its outskirts, I’m part of the community and owe it what I contribute
(however little that may be.) (Lawful or Good)
33.
Perseverance Anything
that doesn’t kill me makes me stronger (Any)
44.
Gratitude So
much has been given to me; it’s my turn to give back. (Good)
55.
Deception I
am not as benevolent and harmless as I seem. (Evil)
66.
Hope My
situation is only temporary. Someday I’ll stand on my own two feet. (Any)
Bond (1d6)
11.
I want to find another way to live.
22.
I hope to someday bring enough plenty back home
to take care of those I love.
33.
The open road calls to me.
44.
We who have been abandoned by society must stick
together; we’re all we really have.
55.
Someday I’ll recover what was taken from me.
66.
I owe my life to somebody who lifted me up from
the languishing of despair.
Flaw
11.
I hold a grudge against those who don’t give me
what I’m due.
22.
I can’t help but spread gossip about what I see
and observe.
33.
Guilt and shame overwhelms me for having to
depend upon the kindness of others.
44.
Settling down in one place would drive me
insane; I must always be on the go.
55.
I feel contempt for others in my life situation.
After all, my poverty is (or was) only temporary, but they’ll remain like this
for their entire lives.
66.
Despite how hard I try, I can’t meet what is
expected of me by society.
Variant: Mendicant
You do not beg because of unfortunate
circumstances. Instead, you have sworn
an oath of poverty for religious or philosophical reasons. Although you depend on others for survival,
you have a recognized role in allowing the laity to practice charity and
religious piety by assisting you.
Replace the normal beggar’s starting gear with paraphernalia appropriate to
your religion and order and replace the Urchin’s Feature with the Rustic
Hospitality feature of the Folk Hero.
