Playtest Recap: Background and Theme

I love the 5e concept of backgrounds and themes, both of which have their origins in 4e. Backgrounds were a rather modest feature, and many players didn't bother with them. Some players opted for the "Restless Dead" background because it provided a +1 damage bonus against all undead foes, and a lot of optimizers selected the "Auspicious Birth" background because it allowed the player to substitute his or her highest ability score in place of Constitution when determining starting hit points. Otherwise, backgrounds just
offered some basic story hooks. The theme, introduced in the Dark Sun campaign setting and expanded thereafter, had more of an impact on a character because it involved goodies like free Encounter powers or theme-specific features (such as a sidekick or pet...and let's face it, I'm a sucker for 4e sidekicks, which is probably why I still love the horrifically under-powered 4e shaman class). Both of these concepts were intended to help the player establish his or her character's place -- beyond the traditional dyad of race and character class -- in the game world, althouth even now, late in the 4e era, neither feels integral to a 4e character.

Judging from what we've seen so far, 5e is going to enhance these concepts considerably. Background and theme (although still optional -- you can skip them and just go with race and class for a more "old school" game experience) will help you flesh out your character's identity. Background describes what your character did before becoming an adventurer. For example, Amy's cleric had the "Priest" background, meaning that her character worked at a temple. (We swapped out Pelor for one of the Druid Cycle deities.) In terms of game mechanics, the background indicated the skills in which she had training (a +3 bonus in each); she also had a background feature that allowed her to obtain free healing and other services from temples aligned with her character's faith. Theme, meanwhile, is a narrative expression of character class -- so you may be a fighter, but what kind of fighter are you? Amy's cleric had the Healer theme, which was loaded with good stuff, particularly the powerful Herbalism feat.

Beyond the game mechanics, though, background and theme provide a lot of inspiration for roleplaying. Amy used them as a springboard for defining key aspects of her characer's history, as well as her character's ambitions for the future. Expect to see a shop in Caer Arfordir selling healing potions and healer's kits!