To go along with the new modern skill and tool lists I came out with, I figured a modern setting also needed some modern backgrounds. Modern no longer sounds like a word anymore, modern, modern, thrust.
Alright, that joke is only for me, but if you haven't seen the incomparable show Miranda, you are doing yourself a disservice.
Onward.
Since there are so many backgrounds, and I so dearly want to pad out these homebrew Mondays, I'm only going to release a few at a time. Now, be warned, most of them are based on the occupations from modern d20, but in the 5e style. Remember, if you don't like my take on their skills and tools, feel free to come up with your own, because this is just my own take on it. You'll notice the the benefits of many of them are similar, and for that I'm sorry. I had a hard time coming up with new benefits for occupations especially when so many in the PHB feel so similar. And no, I didn't add the traits...I'm much too lazy for that and I feel like there is plenty out there on how to make your character an individual.
Academic
Librarians, archaeologists, scholars, professors, and teachers are all academics. Academics make their living from acquiring and spreading knowledge. They work to stay up to date in their field and keep close ties with other academic colleagues. Are you a researcher or a teacher? What is your field of study? Do you have an academic rival with whom you battle for relevance?
Skill Proficiencies: Pick any two from Humanities, Investigation, Science, and Mystery
Languages: Two of your choice
Equipment: A set of pens, a book, a set of professional clothes, $500
Feature: Researcher
If you fail a knowledge check, you know where you can go to learn that information.
Adventurer
Daredevils, big-game hunters, relic hunters, explorers, extreme sports enthusiasts, field scientists, thrill-seekers, and others called to face danger are adventurers. Adventurers aren’t content staying at home or working a regular 9-5 job. They need to be out in the field discovering new places, unearthing secrets, and taking on challenges. Do you work with a company or are you a freelancer? Do you have some companions or are do you work alone? Do you do it for the risk or the rewards?
Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, Survival
Tool Proficiencies: Vehicles (Land)
Languages: One language of your choice
Equipment: A small knife, a set of athletic clothes, a bungee cord, a lighter, a day of rations, and $250.
Feature: Wanderer
You cannot lose your way naturally; you have wandered all across the world and can quickly get a sense of the landscape.
Athlete
Professional athletes, personal trainers, and anyone else who directly relies on their fitness and fitness knowledge are all athletes. Athletes spend their time getting healthy, strong, and flexible and in general perfecting their bodies. Do you focus on your own fitness, or help others as well? What sport do you specialize in?
Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, Acrobatics
Tool Proficiencies: Vehicles (Land) and one gaming set
Equipment: A set of athletic clothes, a water bottle, a day of rations, and $500.
Feature: Gauge Fitness
You can tell the relative strength and dexterity scores of humanoid creatures in comparison to you by observing them for a minute. You can also tell the difficulty of completing an acrobatics or athletics check when you have a round to consider it.
Blue Collar Worker
Factory workers, waiters, construction workers, bussers, taxi drivers, postal workers, and other service industry jobs where you're away from a desk fall into this background. Blue collar workers are often down-to-earth and are what most people would call the common man. What is your job? Is it a career or a stop-gap while you work towards something else? Are you close to your coworkers?
Skill Proficiencies: Pick two from Persuasion, Intimidation, Deception, and Athletics
Tool Proficiencies: One set of artisan’s tools and one gaming set
Equipment: A set of comfortable clothes, a work uniform, a gaming set, a set of artisan’s tools, and $500.
Feature: Workers Unite
Other blue collar professionals can tell you are part of the same class and know the same struggles. They will help you find work or lodging for a while and will assist you in any small way.
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