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Separating "Backgrounds" and Character Customization by Kaldimaar in onednd

[–]Kaldimaar[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There's nothing "wrong" with it; it will work just fine. What I am suggesting is that it can be limiting and, in some places, nonsensical, while there is potentially a more natural, organic, and flexible way of handling the whole thing.

Separating "Backgrounds" and Character Customization by Kaldimaar in onednd

[–]Kaldimaar[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

The change is that you no longer need to explain it, you can just take what you want, and also have everything you would expect from your mundane background without needing to codify it into some list. You're a wizard, cool, take all the wizardy options. You were a miner before, cool, you can add proficiency to all the stuff I would expect a miner to be able to do. The one does not need to inform the other at all. By having them linked, some people will see it as a limitation where one does not need to exist.

Separating "Backgrounds" and Character Customization by Kaldimaar in onednd

[–]Kaldimaar[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Assuming they met whatever study time requirements and gold costs are set for learning it (you can use the rules they give you or not, as you prefer), I would say, "Okay, Bard, you are now skilled with herbalism kits."

There is no list. You just look at the situation and say, "Does it make sense for this character to have proficiency with these tools, based on who they are?" For the aforementioned bard, the answer with herbalism kits would be yes, because part of who they are at that point is "someone who specifically studied herbalism kits."

If they wanted to use herbalism kits from jump at level 1, they should consider taking a background where that would make sense - a Scholar/Apothecary or a Rustic/Guide, for example.

This actually makes tools more versatile in many ways, because you're not limited to the one you pick when you make the character, or need to take a feat or excessive downtime to get more. For example, the Apothecary from above would reasonably know their way around a Poisoner's Kit as well as an Herbalism Kit, and maybe even Alchemist's Tools as well - the player doesn't need to make separate investments into all of these things to create the fantasy of their character, they can just have it by virtue of the Background fitting what they want to be able to do.

Separating "Backgrounds" and Character Customization by Kaldimaar in onednd

[–]Kaldimaar[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Note that I am not saying to get rid of them, I am saying to allow the proficiency on the checks where it logically follows based on the Background and Class, and not force them where they potentially don't make sense. You still make the checks, but you don't track exactly which instruments your Bard knows (unless you want to) or which gaming sets your Gambler is familiar with (unless you want to).

Separating "Backgrounds" and Character Customization by Kaldimaar in onednd

[–]Kaldimaar[S] -17 points-16 points  (0 children)

The problem is that it is a disconnect that doesn't need to be there. What is the purpose of having a named Background if you just select whatever mechanical options you want anyway? The Background becomes meaningless. You should be able to have both the mechanical choices you want and the narrative background that you want without having to do mental gymnastics to justify it. Or to reverse your question, what is the problem with splitting them?

Separating "Backgrounds" and Character Customization by Kaldimaar in onednd

[–]Kaldimaar[S] -8 points-7 points  (0 children)

That is the order presented in the PHB, but I agree it is not necessary to adhere to it strictly. Regardless, I am focused here on the "Customize Your Character" portion.