If you wish to select a custom background make sure you have selected alterNERDtive; 2024 Custom Background as a source for Charactermancer.

If using this custom rule, please make sure you think about how your character acquired the skills they have. We should use this as a method to build your characters depth, rather than just a way to gain the specific bonuses you want for your character.

1: Choose Abilities

Choose three abilities that seem appropriate for the background:

  • Strength or Dexterity. These abilities are ideal for a background involving physical exertion.
  • Constitution. This ability is ideal for a background that involves endurance or long hours of activity.
  • Intelligence or Wisdom. One or both abilities are ideal for a background that focuses on cerebral or spiritual matters.
  • Charisma. This ability is ideal for a background that involves performance or social interaction.

2: Choose a Feat

Choose one feat from the Origin category. See the Player’s Handbook for examples of Origin feats.

3: Choose Skill Proficiencies

Choose two skills appropriate for the background. There needn’t be a relationship between the skill proficiencies a background grants and the ability scores it increases.

4: Choose a Tool Proficiency

Choose one tool used in the practice of the background or often associated with it.

5: Choose Equipment

Assemble a package of equipment worth 50 GP (including unspent gold). Don’t include Martial weapons or armor, as characters get them from their class choices.