Overview

Your character’s background is a collection of characteristics that represent the place and occupation that were most formative before your character embarked on a life of adventure.

Parts of a Background

A background includes the following parts.

Ability Scores

A background lists three of your character’s ability scores. Increase one by 2 and another one by 1, or increase all three by 1. None of these increases can raise a score above 20.

Feat

A background gives your character a specified Origin feat (described in “Feats”).

Skill Proficiencies

A background gives your character proficiency in two specified skills.

Tool Proficiency

Each background gives a character proficiency with one tool—either a specific tool or one chosen from the Artisan’s Tools category. Tools are detailed in “Equipment.”

Equipment

Each background offers a choice between a package of equipment and 50 GP.