Backgrounds are akin to classes; but instead of locking you in in a predefined path, it only determines the starting point.

Backgrounds are meant to describe mechanically what a character knows or how it is physically, based on what it used to do before the start of the adventure.

Balancing

Backgrounds should grant a total of 8 skill points divided among a small subset (2 to 3) of all skills and save throws. This subset is comprised of the most relevant to the background.

Backgrounds

Craftsman

You are a master craftsman in a Discipline of your choosing. You have advantage on all Art, Craft and Intelligence rolls related to that discipline, but your proficiency is halved for all rolls related to other disciplines.

+4 Craft or Arts +2 Social +2 Intelligence

Scholar

You’ve spent your whole life studying one Knowledge School. You have advantage on all Intelligence rolls related to that school, but when rolling for other disciplines your proficiency is halved.

+2 Anything +4 Intelligence +2 Will

Hermit

You’ve lived in isolation away from society for most of your life. All your Social rolls have disadvantage.

+4 Survival +2 Fight, Shoot, Stealth +2 Perception

Soldier

You are extraordinary in combat when using one type Weapons. Pick a weapon, it’s your favorite weapon. You have disadvantage on all Fight and Shoot rolls with other weapon types.

+4 Fight or Shoot +4 Physique

Outlaw

Your are a fugitive from the law… or at least were before you went to a place were everyone is a fugitive. Gain the trait “There’s a bounty on my head”.

+3 Stealth or Sleight of Hand +3 Social +2 Dexterity