Each background provides a number of skill proficiencies, and a type of Kit. A PC’s Kit includes the basic supplies they use when adventuring. It’s exact contents are undefined, but include anything the DM agrees it is reasonable you may have at hand in a particular occasion. For more details see Gear.
If a skill proficiency you gain from your background is the same as from your race, you may instead pick a different skill proficiency of your choice.
Choose one of the following backgrounds.
Mercenary
There’s always work for soldiers in the Icereach states. Perhaps you were part of a mercenary band, or in the employ of one royal army or another, but for now you are a free lance.
Skills: You gain proficiency in the Athletics and Intimidation skills.
Soldier’s Kit: Such as a crowbar, sledgehammer, or block and tackle. When not fighting, soldiers may be tasked with breaking things open, or hauling objects. The Kit also contains the supplies you need to maintain your gear, such as a whetstone and basic leather working tools, and a bottle of hooch to share with comrades.
Forester
Village hunters, royal foresters, and poachers all develop a similar set of skills. You are comfortable surviving in the wilderness, and do not rely heavily on the comforts of civilisation.
Skills: You gain proficiency in the Survival and Medicine skills.
Survivor’s Kit: Such as traps, lures, and herbs and game gathered on your latest travels. Your equipment is generally well made and carefully selected to fit your exact requirements.
Thief
Legitimately or otherwise, you have honed the skills necessary to move unseen and enter uninvited. However these skills were gained, they are certainly useful when delving into ancient ruins or bypassing hostile sentries.
Skills: You gain proficiency in the Deception and Stealth skills.
Thief’s Kit: Such as lockpicks, loaded dice, a small hammer, drill, and wire saw, spare sacks, irritate powders, and a tub of grease. Your clothing is likely nondescript, and may have hidden pockets.
Entertainer
Court bard or tavern minstrel, you are a master of story and song. Although some might question the utility of your skills while adventuring, you know your capacity for misdirection and daring stunts has many uses.
Skills: You gain proficiency in the Acrobatics, Performance, and Sleight of Hand skills.
Entertainer’s Kit: Including the supplies for your performances, such as a musical instrument or fire-eater’s fuel, as well as kit for creating a costume or disguise.
Scholar
You have pursued knowledge, perhaps under a tutor, or perhaps in monastic training. You may have worked as an archivist, caring for and restoring documents, or as an academic, studying lore incomprehensible to the layman.
Skills: You gain proficiency in the History and Investigation skills. You may learn one additional language, and can read and write any language you know.
Scholar’s Kit: Such as ink, parchment, quills, and some tools for preserving and restoring ancient documents to a legible state.
Mystic
As a priest or village wise one, you have provided care for your community that (rightly or wrongly) convinced them that you possessed mystic powers.
Perhaps they were mistaken, or perhaps you do have an arcane talent, or are the chosen instrument of a higher power.
Skills: You gain proficiency in the Medicine and Religion skills.
Mystic’s Kit: Such as salves, ointments, and herbs.