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#1 Dec 06, 2012 18:19:05
captpike
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the purpose of this list is not the rate the backgrounds, (there is already a background guild that does that) but to make it easier to find the background you want.

all the backgrounds listed here are unique in some way, there are no redundancies. this means that if a background exists that gives +3 to a skill, then one that gives +2 will only be listed if that background also gives something that the first one does not.

anything that just gives one normal langage, one class skill, or +2 to one skill will not be listed, they are easily found and mostly redundant (you can find better in the list below most of the time)

if a background has "(shifter)" you must be a shifter to take it.

thanks to Kryx and his thread community.wizards.com/go/thread/view/758... without it it would have taken me much longer to make this and I would probably have missed some backgrounds.
Insulting someones grammar on a forum is like losing to someone in a drag race and saying they were cheating by having racing stripes. Not only do the two things not relate to each other (the logic behind the person's position, and their grammar) but you sound like an idiot for saying it (and you should, because its really stupid )
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Dec 06, 2012 18:19:56
captpike
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Health
Auspicious Birth/Born Under a Bad Sign: you use your highest stat to determine your hp, rather then con
Impiltur: you use your Wisdom to determine your hp, rather then con
Thay: you use your Intelligence to determine your hp, rather then con

Action point
Chessenta: When you spend an action point to take an extra action, you gain a +1 bonus to all rolls made during the extra action granted.
Tarmalune: When you spend an action point to take an extra action, you gain a +1 bonus to speed until the end of your turn. You also gain a +2 bonus to all Diplomacy checks.

Initiative
Trained from Birth for a Specific Prophecy: Once per day, you can reroll an initiative check if you don’t like the result. You keep the second result whether it’s better, the same, or worse.
Dalelands: You can reroll any Nature check, but you must keep the second result, even if it is worse. You also gain a +1 bonus on initiative checks.
Vilhon Wilds: You can reroll any Dungeoneering check, but you must keep the second result, even if it is worse. You also gain a +1 bonus on initiative checks.
Officer Who Came Out of Retirement: You gain a +1 bonus to initiative checks, you add History to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to History checks.
Gritty Sergeant: You gain proficiency in a simple or military weapon of your choice, and you gain a +1 bonus to initiative checks.

Languages
Windrise Ports: You add one additional skill to your list of class skills when you select this background. You also gain one additional language of your choice.
Waterdeep: You know one additional language of your choice, you add Diplomacy to your class skill list, and you gain a +2 bonus to Diplomacy checks.
Luruar: You can reroll any History check, but you must keep the second result, even if it is worse. You also gain one additional language of your choice.
Dragon Coast: You can reroll any Insight check, but you must keep the second result, even if it is worse. You also gain one additional language of your choice.
Merchant Prince: Learn an extra language of your choice, add Insight to your class skill list, and you gain a +2 bonus to Insight checks.
Gray Vale: You gain one additional language of your choice, you add Nature to your class skill list, and you gain a +2 bonus to Nature checks.
Traveling Missionary: Learn an extra language of your choice, add Religion to your class skill list, and gain a +2 bonus to Religion checks.
Baldur's Gate: You know one additional language of your choice, you add the Streetwise skill to your class skill list, and you gain a +2 bonus to Streetwise checks.
Moonshae Isles: You know Elven as an additional language, and you gain a +2 bonus to saving throws against charm and fear effects.
High Imaskar: You can reroll any Arcana check, but you must keep the second result, even if it is worse. You also know Deep Speech as an additional language.
Moonshae Isles (Shifter): Add Athletics to your class skill list. You gain a +3 bonus to Athletics checks made to swim, and to any skill or ability check related to piloting water vessels or to moving around on a boat. Add Chondathan to your list of known languages.
Sembia (Shifter): Add Bluff and Diplomacy to your class skill list. Add Netherese to your list of known languages. When not shifting, you resemble a human more strongly than is normal for your race. This resemblance allows you to pass as human with a successful Bluff check against a creature’s passive Insight, if you are not shifting. If someone makes an active Insight check against you, your Bluff check to disguise your shifter nature suffers a –5 penalty.
Rashemen (Shifter): You add Damaran to your list of languages known, you add Nature to your class skills list, and you gain a +2 bonus to Bluff, Diplomacy, and Insight checks when dealing with fey.
East Rift: You gain Deep Speech as an additional language, you add Dungeoneering to your class skill list, and you gain a +2 bonus to Dungeoneering checks.
Durpar (Shifter): You can reroll any Dungeoneering check, but you must use the second result. Add Goblin to your list of known languages.
Baldur's Gate (Shifter): Add History to your class skill list. You gain a +2 bonus to History checks. Add Elven to your list of known languages. When not shifting, you resemble an elf, not a human. Your face lacks hair, and your skin tone is within the elven range. If you are not shifting, this resemblance allows you to pass as elven with a successful Bluff check against a creature’s passive Insight. If someone makes an active Insight check against you, your Bluff check to disguise your shifter nature suffers a –5 penalty.
Luruar (Shifter): You add Chondathan to your list of languages known, you add Intimidate to your class skills list, and you gain a +2 bonus to Perception while you are shifting.
Aglarond: You add Elven to your list of languages known, you add Perception to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Perception checks.
Tethyr (Shifter): Add Stealth to your class skill list. You gain a +2 bonus to Stealth checks. Add Chondathan or Draconic to your list of known languages.
Luskan (Shifter): You can reroll any Stealth check, but you must keep the second result. Add Shou to your list of known languages.
Parentage - Cult Raised: you may learn Abyssal

Weapon Proficiencies
Gritty Sergeant: You gain proficiency in a simple or military weapon of your choice, and you gain a +1 bonus to initiative checks.
Noble Bred for War: You gain proficiency in a simple or military weapon of your choice, and you gain a +1 bonus to Diplomacy checks.

Resistances
Akanûl: you gain 2, 3, or 5 resist cold, fire, and thunder. This does stack with other sources of resistance.
Calimshan: You gain 4, 7 or 10 fire resist and a +5 bonus to Endurance checks made due to thirst.

Saving Throw Bonuses
Haunted Veteran: Once per encounter, reroll a failed saving throw against a fear effect.
Myth Drannor (FRPG): Once per encounter, you can reroll a failed saving throw against a charm effect.
Arcane Student who Saw too Much: +1 bonus to saving throws to end effects that daze, stun, immobilize, or restrain you.
Cormyr (General): You add Insight to your class skill list, you gain a +2 bonus to Insight checks, and you gain a +2 bonus to saving throws against fear effects.
Cormyr (Wheloon): add Thievery to your class skill list, gain a +2 bonus to Thievery checks, and gain a +2 bonus to saving throws against charm effects.
Crusading Zealot: You gain a +1 bonus to saving throws until you fail a saving throw, and then the bonus is gone until you rest.
Moonshae Isles: You know Elven as an additional language, and you gain a +2 bonus to saving throws against charm and fear effects.
Scorned Noble: You gain a +2 bonus to saving throws whenever no allies are within 5 squares of you.

Misc
Sarifal: gain terrain walk in Earth, Forest, Ice, or Swamp.
restless dead: +1 bonus to damage rolls against creatures with the undead keyword.
Warsmith: You can construct your own weapons and armor, The item costs the same as it would if you’d purchased it directly. you can cast Creation rituals as if you had the Ritual Caster feat.
Imbuer: You can construct your own implements and wondrous items, The item costs the same as it would if you’d purchased it directly. you can cast Creation rituals as if you had the Ritual Caster feat.
Former Gladiator: it takes Four death saves before for you to die
Insulting someones grammar on a forum is like losing to someone in a drag race and saying they were cheating by having racing stripes. Not only do the two things not relate to each other (the logic behind the person's position, and their grammar) but you sound like an idiot for saying it (and you should, because its really stupid )
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Dec 06, 2012 18:20:47
captpike
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Skills
Dambrath (Shifter): While you are riding a creature, you can reroll any Acrobatics, Athletics, Endurance, or Stealth check using the creature’s skill check bonus rather than your own. You must use the second result.
Adventurer's Scion: you may roll Monster knowledge checks twice but must take second result.
Monster Hunter: +2 to Monster knowledge checks
Rashemen (Shifter): You add Damaran to your list of languages known, you add Nature to your class skills list, and you gain a +2 bonus to Bluff, Diplomacy, and Insight checks when dealing with fey.

Acrobatics
Nelanther Isles: You add Acrobatics and Athletics to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Acrobatics checks and Athletics checks.
Windrise Ports: You add one additional skill to your list of class skills when you select this background. You also gain one additional language of your choice.

Arcana
High Imaskar: You can reroll any Arcana check, but you must keep the second result, even if it is worse. You also know Deep Speech as an additional language.
Noble Scion: You add a knowledge skill of your choice to your class skill list, and you gain a +2 bonus to checks with that skill.
Great Dale: You add Arcana and Nature to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Arcana checks and Nature checks.
Apprentice of Sinister Cabal: You add Arcana and Dungeoneering to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Arcana and Dungeoneering checks.
Assassin: You add Arcana and Stealth to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Arcana and Stealth checks.
Cult Escapee: You add Arcana and Bluff to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Arcana and Bluff checks.
Magic Scholar: You add Arcana and History to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Arcana and History checks.
Adventurer's Scion: you may roll Monster knowledge checks twice but must take second result.
Monster Hunter: +2 to Monster knowledge checks
Windrise Ports: You add one additional skill to your list of class skills when you select this background. You also gain one additional language of your choice.

Athletics
Tymanther: You add Athletics to your class skill list, and you gain a +2 bonus to Athletics checks.
Elfharrow: You add Athletics and Nature to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Athletics checks and Nature checks.
Nelanther Isles: You add Acrobatics and Athletics to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Acrobatics checks and Athletics checks.
Cat Burglar: You add Athletics and Thievery to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Athletics and Thievery checks.
River Smuggler: You add Athletics and Streetwise to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Athletics and Streetwise checks.
Moonshae Isles (Shifter): Add Athletics to your class skill list. You gain a +3 bonus to Athletics checks made to swim, and to any skill or ability check related to piloting water vessels or to moving around on a boat. Add Chondathan to your list of known languages.
Windrise Ports: You add one additional skill to your list of class skills when you select this background. You also gain one additional language of your choice.

Bluff
Cult Escapee: You add Arcana and Bluff to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Arcana and Bluff checks.
Con Artist: You add Bluff and Thievery to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Bluff and Thievery checks.
Fugitive from a Vengeful Rival: You add Bluff and Stealth to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Bluff and Stealth checks.
On the Run from the Devil: You add Bluff and Perception to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Bluff and Perception checks.
Seducer: You add Bluff and Insight to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Bluff and Insight checks.
Sembia (Shifter): Add Bluff and Diplomacy to your class skill list. Add Netherese to your list of known languages. When not shifting, you resemble a human more strongly than is normal for your race. This resemblance allows you to pass as human with a successful Bluff check against a creature’s passive Insight, if you are not shifting. If someone makes an active Insight check against you, your Bluff check to disguise your shifter nature suffers a –5 penalty.
Rashemen (Shifter): You add Damaran to your list of languages known, you add Nature to your class skills list, and you gain a +2 bonus to Bluff, Diplomacy, and Insight checks when dealing with fey.
Baldur's Gate (Shifter): Add History to your class skill list. You gain a +2 bonus to History checks. Add Elven to your list of known languages. When not shifting, you resemble an elf, not a human. Your face lacks hair, and your skin tone is within the elven range. If you are not shifting, this resemblance allows you to pass as elven with a successful Bluff check against a creature’s passive Insight. If someone makes an active Insight check against you, your Bluff check to disguise your shifter nature suffers a –5 penalty.
Windrise Ports: You add one additional skill to your list of class skills when you select this background. You also gain one additional language of your choice.

Diplomacy
Tarmalune: When you spend an action point to take an extra action, you gain a +1 bonus to speed until the end of your turn. You also gain a +2 bonus to all Diplomacy checks.
Waterdeep: You know one additional language of your choice, you add Diplomacy to your class skill list, and you gain a +2 bonus to Diplomacy checks.
Political Rebel: You add Diplomacy and Streetwise to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Diplomacy and Streetwise checks.
Redemption Seeker: You add Diplomacy and Insight to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Diplomacy and Insight checks.
Sembia (Shifter): Add Bluff and Diplomacy to your class skill list. Add Netherese to your list of known languages. When not shifting, you resemble a human more strongly than is normal for your race. This resemblance allows you to pass as human with a successful Bluff check against a creature’s passive Insight, if you are not shifting. If someone makes an active Insight check against you, your Bluff check to disguise your shifter nature suffers a –5 penalty.
Rashemen (Shifter): You add Damaran to your list of languages known, you add Nature to your class skills list, and you gain a +2 bonus to Bluff, Diplomacy, and Insight checks when dealing with fey.
Noble Bred for War: You gain proficiency in a simple or military weapon of your choice, and you gain a +1 bonus to Diplomacy checks.

Dungeoneering
Vilhon Wilds: You can reroll any Dungeoneering check, but you must keep the second result, even if it is worse. You also gain a +1 bonus on initiative checks.
Durpar (Shifter): You can reroll any Dungeoneering check, but you must use the second result. Add Goblin to your list of known languages.
East Rift: You gain Deep Speech as an additional language, you add Dungeoneering to your class skill list, and you gain a +2 bonus to Dungeoneering checks.
Apprentice of Sinister Cabal: You add Arcana and Dungeoneering to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Arcana and Dungeoneering checks.
Seeker for the Lost Clan: You add History and Dungeoneering to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to History and Dungeoneering checks.
Adventurer's Scion: you may roll Monster knowledge checks twice but must take second result.
Monster Hunter: +2 to Monster knowledge checks
Windrise Ports: You add one additional skill to your list of class skills when you select this background. You also gain one additional language of your choice.

Endurance
Narfell: You add Endurance to your class skill list, and you gain a +3 bonus to Endurance checks.
Last of the Breed: You add Endurance and Perception to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Endurance and Perception checks.
Calimshan: You gain 4, 7 or 10 fire resist and a +5 bonus to Endurance checks made due to thirst.
Windrise Ports: You add one additional skill to your list of class skills when you select this background. You also gain one additional language of your choice.
Insulting someones grammar on a forum is like losing to someone in a drag race and saying they were cheating by having racing stripes. Not only do the two things not relate to each other (the logic behind the person's position, and their grammar) but you sound like an idiot for saying it (and you should, because its really stupid )
Top
Dec 06, 2012 18:20:57
captpike
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History
Luruar: You can reroll any History check, but you must keep the second result, even if it is worse. You also gain one additional language of your choice.
Scion of an Ancient Bloodline: You add History to your class skill list, and you gain a +3 bonus to History checks.
Magic Scholar: You add Arcana and History to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Arcana and History checks.
Seeker for the Lost Clan: You add History and Dungeoneering to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to History and Dungeoneering checks.
Vet Who Can’t Let Go: You add History and Intimidate to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to History and Intimidate checks.
Officer Who Came Out of Retirement: You gain a +1 bonus to initiative checks, you add History to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to History checks.
Baldur's Gate (Shifter): Add History to your class skill list. You gain a +2 bonus to History checks. Add Elven to your list of known languages. When not shifting, you resemble an elf, not a human. Your face lacks hair, and your skin tone is within the elven range. If you are not shifting, this resemblance allows you to pass as elven with a successful Bluff check against a creature’s passive Insight. If someone makes an active Insight check against you, your Bluff check to disguise your shifter nature suffers a –5 penalty.
Windrise Ports: You add one additional skill to your list of class skills when you select this background. You also gain one additional language of your choice.

Insight
Dragon Coast: You can reroll any Insight check, but you must keep the second result, even if it is worse. You also gain one additional language of your choice.
Cormyr (General): You add Insight to your class skill list, you gain a +2 bonus to Insight checks, and you gain a +2 bonus to saving throws against fear effects.
Merchant Prince: Learn an extra language of your choice, add Insight to your class skill list, and you gain a +2 bonus to Insight checks.
Seducer: You add Bluff and Insight to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Bluff and Insight checks.
Redemption Seeker: You add Diplomacy and Insight to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Diplomacy and Insight checks.
Detective: You add Perception and Insight to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Perception and Insight checks.
Rashemen (Shifter): You add Damaran to your list of languages known, you add Nature to your class skills list, and you gain a +2 bonus to Bluff, Diplomacy, and Insight checks when dealing with fey.

Intimidate
Wandering Duelist: You add Intimidate to your class skill list and give yourself a +3 bonus to Intimidate checks
Vet Who Can’t Let Go: You add History and Intimidate to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to History and Intimidate checks.
Street Urchin: You add Intimidate and Streetwise to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Intimidate and Streetwise checks.
Young Cutthroat: You add Intimidate and Thievery to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Intimidate and Thievery checks.
Luruar (Shifter): You add Chondathan to your list of languages known, you add Intimidate to your class skills list, and you gain a +2 bonus to Perception while you are shifting.
The Dalelands (Shifter): Add Stealth and Nature to your class skill list. While shifting, you gain a +2 bonus to Intimidate checks.
Windrise Ports: You add one additional skill to your list of class skills when you select this background. You also gain one additional language of your choice.

Nature
Dalelands: You can reroll any Nature check, but you must keep the second result, even if it is worse. You also gain a +1 bonus on initiative checks.
The Great Dale (Shifter): You can reroll any Nature check, but you must use the second result. Add Elven to your list of known languages.
Gray Vale: You gain one additional language of your choice, you add Nature to your class skill list, and you gain a +2 bonus to Nature checks.
Great Dale: You add Arcana and Nature to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Arcana checks and Nature checks.
Elfharrow: You add Athletics and Nature to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Athletics checks and Nature checks.
Forest Warden: You add Nature and Perception to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Nature and Perception checks.
The Dalelands (Shifter): Add Stealth and Nature to your class skill list. While shifting, you gain a +2 bonus to Intimidate checks.
Rashemen (Shifter): You add Damaran to your list of languages known, you add Nature to your class skills list, and you gain a +2 bonus to Bluff, Diplomacy, and Insight checks when dealing with fey.
Adventurer's Scion: you may roll Monster knowledge checks twice but must take second result.
Monster Hunter: +2 to Monster knowledge checks

Perception
On the Run from the Devil: You add Bluff and Perception to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Bluff and Perception checks.
Last of the Breed: You add Endurance and Perception to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Endurance and Perception checks.
Detective: You add Perception and Insight to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Perception and Insight checks.
Forest Warden: You add Nature and Perception to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Nature and Perception checks.
Silent Hunter: You add Stealth and Perception to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Stealth and Perception checks.
Luruar (Shifter): You add Chondathan to your list of languages known, you add Intimidate to your class skills list, and you gain a +2 bonus to Perception while you are shifting.
Aglarond: You add Elven to your list of languages known, you add Perception to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Perception checks.
Windrise Ports: You add one additional skill to your list of class skills when you select this background. You also gain one additional language of your choice.

Religion
Cloistered Priest: You add Religion to your class skill list, and you gain a +3 bonus to Religion checks.
Traveling Missionary: Learn an extra language of your choice, add Religion to your class skill list, and gain a +2 bonus to Religion checks.
Adventurer's Scion: you may roll Monster knowledge checks twice but must take second result.
Monster Hunter: +2 to Monster knowledge checks

Stealth
Luskan (Shifter): You can reroll any Stealth check, but you must keep the second result. Add Shou to your list of known languages.
Tethyr (Shifter): Add Stealth to your class skill list. You gain a +2 bonus to Stealth checks. Add Chondathan or Draconic to your list of known languages.
Assassin: You add Arcana and Stealth to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Arcana and Stealth checks.
Luskan: You add Stealth and Thievery to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Stealth checks and Thievery checks.
Silent Hunter: You add Stealth and Perception to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Stealth and Perception checks.
Fugitive from a Vengeful Rival: You add Bluff and Stealth to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Bluff and Stealth checks.
The Dalelands (Shifter): Add Stealth and Nature to your class skill list. While shifting, you gain a +2 bonus to Intimidate checks.
Windrise Ports: You add one additional skill to your list of class skills when you select this background. You also gain one additional language of your choice.

Streetwise
Prison Conversion: You add Streetwise to your class skill list, and you gain a +3 bonus to Streetwise checks.
Baldur's Gate: You know one additional language of your choice, you add the Streetwise skill to your class skill list, and you gain a +2 bonus to Streetwise checks.
River Smuggler: You add Athletics and Streetwise to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Athletics and Streetwise checks.
Political Rebel: You add Diplomacy and Streetwise to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Diplomacy and Streetwise checks.
Street Urchin: You add Intimidate and Streetwise to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Intimidate and Streetwise checks.
Amn: You add Streetwise and Thievery to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Streetwise checks and Thievery checks.

Thievery
Cormyr (Wheloon): add Thievery to your class skill list, gain a +2 bonus to Thievery checks, and gain a +2 bonus to saving throws against charm effects.
Cat Burglar: You add Athletics and Thievery to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Athletics and Thievery checks.
Con Artist: You add Bluff and Thievery to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Bluff and Thievery checks.
Young Cutthroat: You add Intimidate and Thievery to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Intimidate and Thievery checks.
Luskan: You add Stealth and Thievery to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Stealth checks and Thievery checks.
Amn: You add Streetwise and Thievery to your class skill list, and you gain a +1 bonus to Streetwise checks and Thievery checks.
Windrise Ports: You add one additional skill to your list of class skills when you select this background. You also gain one additional language of your choice.
Insulting someones grammar on a forum is like losing to someone in a drag race and saying they were cheating by having racing stripes. Not only do the two things not relate to each other (the logic behind the person's position, and their grammar) but you sound like an idiot for saying it (and you should, because its really stupid )
Top
Dec 06, 2012 18:21:08
captpike
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Insulting someones grammar on a forum is like losing to someone in a drag race and saying they were cheating by having racing stripes. Not only do the two things not relate to each other (the logic behind the person's position, and their grammar) but you sound like an idiot for saying it (and you should, because its really stupid )
Top
Dec 07, 2012 7:00:14
Matyr
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Since you already included it in the list of character builds you might want to color code things like a normal guide.

Glad you feel motivated enough to work on it, now if you would like acceptance you should probably go through the motions of following conventions. 
Currently working on making a Dex based defender. Check it out here
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Need a few pre-generated characters for a one-shot you are running? Want to get a baseline for what an effective build for a class you aren't familiar with? Check out the Pregen thread here If ever you are interested what it sounds like to be at my table check out my blog and podcast here Also, I've recently done an episode on "Refluffing". You can check that out here
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Dec 07, 2012 9:17:17
captpike
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Since you already included it in the list of character builds you might want to color code things like a normal guide.

Glad you feel motivated enough to work on it, now if you would like acceptance you should probably go through the motions of following conventions. 



I would have done so if it had been mentioned anywhere that I should have done that, it was not. if your not going to write your rules down dont be surprised when they are not followed.

as for color coding, I honestly dont see the point, the backgrounds do too many different things to rate useing the same system, (what is better +2 nature, or +1 nature +1 steath, or forest walk?)
the point of the list is to give people who look at it the ablity to see what the options are at a glance
Insulting someones grammar on a forum is like losing to someone in a drag race and saying they were cheating by having racing stripes. Not only do the two things not relate to each other (the logic behind the person's position, and their grammar) but you sound like an idiot for saying it (and you should, because its really stupid )
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Dec 07, 2012 15:40:41
GelatinousOctahedron
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This isn't really a guide, its more of an index of variant backgrounds.   So it doesn't need color coding.

The only thing it might need is source notation, but even that is not essential because the compendium will give that info if people want it.

Edit: And you should add windrise ports under skills since that is a generic skill background.

my handbooks & builds
Holy Smoke! A Cleric’s Handbook

Spirited Away A Shaman Handbook

Shooting for the Moon: A Miniguide to Bow Clerics

Master of My Domain: A Miniguide to Warpriests

Ginzu Items: A Guide to Dual Purpose Implements & Weapons

Night at the Roxbury: Tricks for Parties With Multiple Defenders

 Shaman Spirit Companion FAQ

This Party is Off the Hook! A Miniguide to Party Optimization

My Fun builds:

Exemplars of the Faith: A Cleric Build Handbook

Defender, Set Hammers to Stun: 8.5 Stuns an Encounter at level 23

Swampthing: Earthforger Lifespirit Warden Verdant Lord

St. Elmo's Fire: Satyr Monk/Chaladin, Challenge, Slide, and Shift!

Don't Come Around Here No More: A Catch 22 WorldSpeaker

Bear Trap: Polearm Momentum Protector Shaman Disciple of Winds

Boo The Ghostrager: Golaith Barbarian Ghostwalker

Raging Teleporter: Genasi Barbarian/Assault swordmage Ghostblade

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Dec 07, 2012 15:56:34
RenZhe
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I find this reasonably useful enough of an index to nominate sticky'ing on the complete list of guides page. Two major relevant categories that seem missing:

HP Subsitution Section:
Born Under a Bad Sign, Auspicious Birth, Impiltur, Thay

Free Weapon Proficiency:
Gritty Sergeant, Noble Bred for War
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Dec 07, 2012 16:06:18
captpike
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I find this reasonably useful enough of an index to nominate sticky'ing on the complete list of guides page. Two major relevant categories that seem missing:

HP Subsitution Section:
Born Under a Bad Sign, Auspicious Birth, Impiltur, Thay

Free Weapon Proficiency:
Gritty Sergeant, Noble Bred for War




Gritty Sergeant, Noble Bred, Auspicious Birth for War are all there.  Auspicious Birth is at the top (in misc), Gritty Sergeant, and Noble Bred are in their own section in the middle of the first entry.

I did not include Born Under a Bad Sign, Impiltur, or Thay because Auspicious Birth either is the same or better then them, there is no need to include them.



Edit: And you should add windrise ports under skills since that is a generic skill background.



windrise ports is included in those skill that dont have something better (its at the bottom) many skills have backgrounds that are always better then windrise ports, such as Waterdeep for Diplomacy

Insulting someones grammar on a forum is like losing to someone in a drag race and saying they were cheating by having racing stripes. Not only do the two things not relate to each other (the logic behind the person's position, and their grammar) but you sound like an idiot for saying it (and you should, because its really stupid )
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Dec 07, 2012 16:10:29
RenZhe
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I did not include Born Under a Bad Sign, Impiltur, or Thay because Auspicious Birth either is the same or better then them, there is no need to include them.



It's more relevant than you think because DMs that restrict background sources do occasionally exists. Plus it's just good to have knowledge of the fact that these backgrounds are all available, because the expectation of having an index is that it's completely comprehensive.
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Dec 07, 2012 16:13:31
captpike
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I did not include Born Under a Bad Sign, Impiltur, or Thay because Auspicious Birth either is the same or better then them, there is no need to include them.



It's more relevant than you think because DMs that restrict background sources do occasionally exists. Plus it's just good to have knowledge of the fact that these backgrounds are all available, because the expectation of having an index is that it's completely comprehensive.



good point, I will add them


EDIT: I added the rest of the HP backgrounds, added Windrise Ports to some skills that need to have them listed their. I put the monster knowlage check backgrounds under the skill to which they can apply. I also put every background that can effect more then 2 skill at the same time under the skills header.

tell me if I missed something
Insulting someones grammar on a forum is like losing to someone in a drag race and saying they were cheating by having racing stripes. Not only do the two things not relate to each other (the logic behind the person's position, and their grammar) but you sound like an idiot for saying it (and you should, because its really stupid )
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Dec 07, 2012 16:37:40
meleeeci
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This is great, I will go here to reference things when I am making a new character.
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Dec 07, 2012 16:47:17
Scatterbrained
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I did not include Born Under a Bad Sign, Impiltur, or Thay because Auspicious Birth either is the same or better then them, there is no need to include them.



It's more relevant than you think because DMs that restrict background sources do occasionally exists. Plus it's just good to have knowledge of the fact that these backgrounds are all available, because the expectation of having an index is that it's completely comprehensive.

Some of the FR backgrounds also have other elements attached. I know Impiltur at least is a prereq. for a couple feats.  They're generally not necessarily CharOp material, but might make a difference to someone.

And I agree that "Use X for HP" is worthy of a category if only because it's used so much.
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Dec 07, 2012 16:50:59
captpike
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I did not include Born Under a Bad Sign, Impiltur, or Thay because Auspicious Birth either is the same or better then them, there is no need to include them.



It's more relevant than you think because DMs that restrict background sources do occasionally exists. Plus it's just good to have knowledge of the fact that these backgrounds are all available, because the expectation of having an index is that it's completely comprehensive.

Some of the FR backgrounds also have other elements attached. I know Impiltur at least is a prereq. for a couple feats.  They're generally not necessarily CharOp material, but might make a difference to someone.

And I agree that "Use X for HP" is worthy of a category if only because it's used so much.



it has been added at the top
Insulting someones grammar on a forum is like losing to someone in a drag race and saying they were cheating by having racing stripes. Not only do the two things not relate to each other (the logic behind the person's position, and their grammar) but you sound like an idiot for saying it (and you should, because its really stupid )
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Dec 07, 2012 17:01:31
meleeeci
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Cormyr is a prereq for the War wizard of Cormyr PP and that is a pretty cool PP considering it allows you to use any single enemy at-will as a basic attack. I coupole that with a charging build and it is pretty good.
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Dec 07, 2012 18:23:03
Jugulator007
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I'd call it mildly useful, for those folks new to building characters and unable to use the search function of the compendium (or without access to it).
Elysian Fields: Resting Place of Heroes and Timeless Builds Musashi Miyamoto, Legendary Swordsman (Paragon Hybrid Ranger|Fighter/Eternal Seeker
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Dec 07, 2012 19:03:01
ThatWasTotallyNinja
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I'm not affiliated with WotC at all, nor am I a lawyer. But I think you might be publishing a bit too much here, in the sense that you're including the exact wording for a lot of these, so no one will ever need to use a book/the compendium in order to choose backgrounds.

I think you might want to avoid using the exact wording; so Trained from Birth... would be "1/day, reroll initiative" and anyone who thinks "that sounds awesome!" would then need to look up the exact wording to know what restrictions there are (like that you must use the second roll).

Maybe it's not a big deal...
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Dec 07, 2012 19:06:56
captpike
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I'm not affiliated with WotC at all, nor am I a lawyer. But I think you might be publishing a bit too much here, in the sense that you're including the exact wording for a lot of these, so no one will ever need to use a book/the compendium in order to choose backgrounds.

I think you might want to avoid using the exact wording; so Trained from Birth... would be "1/day, reroll initiative" and anyone who thinks "that sounds awesome!" would then need to look up the exact wording to know what restrictions there are (like that you must use the second roll).

Maybe it's not a big deal...



I might have to do that, but I can easily re-word them in such a way that they are still clear (the resistance ones are my own wording for example and are perfectly clear). to do otherwise would defeat the purpose, you might as well just use the compendium.

one of the reasons I made this rather then use the old one is that the old one would say something like "Bob's town: a big bonus to stealth" that tells me nothing, a "big" bonus could be anything.
Insulting someones grammar on a forum is like losing to someone in a drag race and saying they were cheating by having racing stripes. Not only do the two things not relate to each other (the logic behind the person's position, and their grammar) but you sound like an idiot for saying it (and you should, because its really stupid )
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Jan 08, 2013 21:23:36
bajatmerc
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There are two seperate issues when checking into copyright issue brought up above.

The first you are clear from, and that is whether it is legal. Through the Fair Use section of the Copyright act of 1976 you can reproduce the content for 
non-profit purposes.

The second factor is that this is on the WotC forums, and they can choose arbitrarily what to allow. They haven't taken down anything on the premise that it revealed too much content that I am aware of.
Write first if it is non-profit. You can always apologize later. 

I like your list. I plan on checking both guides when I look at backgrounds in the future to make a character.

 I want a system where players don't have to pick between mechanics and roleplaying. I hope 5E fails asap so a better system can be made asap.

I can't believe what they did to the forums and website. The sterile lack of color is rather depressing and navigation is hard.

I can be contacted here.

 

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Jan 08, 2013 21:28:54
Naflem
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When breaking the law, always make sure and apologize afterwards.
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Jan 09, 2013 6:48:29
Fardiz
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Why do you assume that the internet is covered by American copyright laws?
Back to Basics - A Guide to Basic Attacks You might be playing DnD wrong if... "Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." Albert Einstein
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Jan 09, 2013 17:17:22
awaken_D_M_golem
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Parentage - Cult Raised: you may learn Abyssal
 



Wait-a-minute ... doesn't everybody get this background (sometimes) ??

And where was your sig 6 years ago?
(wink)


*** Wizards will be shutting down the forums and deleting information/threads, effective October 29, 2015. ***

 

 

Pray for my-kitty-avatar's Tail , and the tail MIGHT pray for you.

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Jan 12, 2013 7:59:44
bajatmerc
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Why do you assume that the internet is covered by American copyright laws?


I do not assume it of the entire internet. Do not put words into my posts please. 
Wizards is a US company. You signed their ToS. That makes you non-exempt from US copyright laws, though I doubt you would do something worthy of extradition. So you could in theory get away with more legally. However, Wizards could edit whatever.

 I want a system where players don't have to pick between mechanics and roleplaying. I hope 5E fails asap so a better system can be made asap.

I can't believe what they did to the forums and website. The sterile lack of color is rather depressing and navigation is hard.

I can be contacted here.

 

Show

Baja's Collaborative List of the Best Heroic Powers 2013

Baja's Collaborative List of the Best Heroic Powers

Checking on Thread Reviewing Rules

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Jan 12, 2013 8:46:15
Fardiz
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Why do you assume that the internet is covered by American copyright laws?


I do not assume it of the entire internet. Do not put words into my posts please. 
Wizards is a US company. You signed their ToS. That makes you non-exempt from US copyright laws, though I doubt you would do something worthy of extradition. So you could in theory get away with more legally. However, Wizards could edit whatever.



Again, not necessarily true. Where a company is registered does not necessarily have any bearing on which copyright laws are used to enforce their website. That has more to do with where the servers are based and a myriad of other factors.
Back to Basics - A Guide to Basic Attacks You might be playing DnD wrong if... "Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." Albert Einstein
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