A Heartbreaker of My Very Own: Backgrounds I

 First, a disclaimer: although they’re called “Backgrounds”, the following options could equally be called ‘Careers’, ‘Vocations’, ‘Kits’ or something similar. They’re really a combination of talents, ‘feats’ and skills, elastically defined and bundled under convenient headings. Some of them are quite powerful, others – at least at first blush- next to useless. Superficially, at least, it’s better to be a Grandee than a Fuller, a Mercenary rather than a Spinner. However, there are a number of factors that make up a Background. A Magic-User with a Fuller’s Background will cast a more potent version of stinking cloud, and a Spinner’s Background will enhance their web spells. Certain classes, thanks to their Fuller Background are able to run in shallow water and on some other surfaces far better than others.

Players select three Backgrounds for their character: the first is their Aptitude Background (rolled randomly at no cost or purchased with Luck points). The second is their chosen Background from the Advances list associated with their chosen Aptitude Background. Players mostly have control over this, but must roll to qualify for their Advance Background. The player rolls a d20 and adds the appropriate ability bonus. If they equal or exceed the target number, they confirm their selection of that Background. If they don’t manage to do so, they may attempt to roll for a different Background with a +1 bonus to the roll. If this too is unsuccessful, they then roll for yet another Background with a +2 bonus. The process continues, with an increasing bonus until a Background is attained. Note that players may automatically select Backgrounds where there is no qualifying number.

The third and final Background is the player’s choice and no roll is required, but it is limited to those Backgrounds on the list associated with the character’s class (some of which are quite extensive, others not so much).

The system – hopefully - has a considerable payoff in terms of character depth for a reasonably small increase in complexity. It also helps flesh out NPCs (although it works a little differently for NPCs, who are given an equivalent level in each skill to measure their talent, but remain 0-level in class terms - unless of course they are members of a character class, in which case they are treated as normal). 

Thus, one could have a 0-level Human who has the following skills: Blacksmith (Experienced), Militiaman (Practiced). Generally, one would wish to keep 0-level NPCs to one or two skills, but exceptional individuals might exceed this: for example, one could have a 0-level Human who possesses Barber (Practiced), Gossip (Practiced), Phrenologist (Familiar), Infiltrator (Familiar). As a general rule, an NPC a high Intelligence or Wisdom score (whichever is higher) achieve so wide a range tof Backgrounds. The Barber in the example above would need an INT or WIS score of at least 15 to qualify for all the Backgrounds they possess. They would be easy enough to kill but would have a host of minor skills with which to aid or confound the players. 

For player characters, the system is also useful because it contains elements of a backstory, around which players may build - should they desire - a deeper narrative. Characters automatically receive 10 skill points in their Backgrounds, and may then choose to add 1d8, 1d6 or 1d4 to one of their three Backgrounds (each dice may only be used once). Thus, most characters rolling checks using their Backgrounds will roll on the Practiced column of the Skills Matrix (and adding the relevant ability score and any applicable modifiers – such as Synergies). Note that Background skill point totals may be increased like any other skill (i.e., with Freebie points at level 1, or using the points gained whilst levelling up), but this must represent in-game efforts - if your character doesn’t spend any time at the loom, they cannot increase their Weaver Background’s skill point total.

The character’s first Background is either rolled randomly on the Artisan, Knave, Priest, Scholar or Warrior tables (as determined by your choice of character class and culture), or purchased using Luck points. If you purchase a Background not normally available to your class, you must add 1 Luck point to the cost: thus, a Warrior selecting the Acolyte Background would spend 3 Luck Points instead of the usual 2).

Most Backgrounds represent standard crafts, occupations, and roles, but some have been accorded a special, almost semi-divine (or thoroughly profane) status. These are detailed below: 

THE SEVEN SACRED ARTS

Calligrapher, Dyer, Glassblower, Illuminator, Mosaicist, Painter, Potter. 

It is said that these are the arts most pleasing to the Gods, that those well-versed in them cannot fall into evil and are protected from all harm. Although this ‘rule’ has produced several devastating exceptions, it does often seem to be the case that those who practice them are generally calm, mindful, concerned for the common weal and the cultivation of holiness. As to why these seven arts are more holy than some others in the eyes of the Gods is not known and, perhaps, unknowable.

THE NINE NOBLE ARTS

Apothecary, Astronomer, Cartographer, Chandler, Gardener, Herbalist, Sculptor, Poet, Weaver.

The so-called Noble Arts are regarded as next most sanctified and virtuous after the Seven Sacred Arts. Although they do not confer spiritual and moral excellence in the manner of those most exalted and holy Arts, they are said to grant ‘nobility of character’ and a ‘glimpse of the divine law’.

THE FIVE FALLEN ARTS

Actor, Astrologer, Mesmerist, Phrenologist, Writer. 

The fallen Arts were once held in high favour, but this has long changed: as these arts seem to breed troublemakers and apostates, it is felt that the shadow of dark Gods lie across those who pursue them. All that can be said of the fallen Five is that, where there is a proclivity for evil, these Arts will intensify and give powerful expression to such impulses.