Jeivar
2013-12-09, 03:12 PM
I am building a viking-themed campaign for D&D Next and I've designed four new backgrounds to fit the setting.
What do you guys think?
*Merchant
The vikings were great explorers and traders upon the waves.
Skills: Persuasion, Insight, Sailing
Tools: Navigator’s tools
Languages: Two of your choice
Trait: Pidgin language. You are adept at making yourself understood to just about everyone regarding trade. You can bargain and inquire about products with people you don’t share a language with, but not discuss any more complicated matters.
Gear: Block and tackle, fine clothes, traveller’s clothes, abacus, navigator’s tools, merchant’s scales, two tents, 50 gp worth of fine stones to trade, 40 gp of other trade goods, 31 gold pieces.
*Viking
Your archetypal sea raider.
Skills: Athletics, Intimidation, Sailing
Tools: Navigator’s tools, gaming set.
Languages: One of your choice
Trait: Fame – Your exploits in raids has brought you a certain amount of fame and recognition. Fellow Norsemen will respect you and your celebrity can easily get you invited to a lord’s hall to tell of your exploits. No one will demand you prove yourself because you already have.
Gear: Traveler’s clothes, navigator’s tools, potion of healing, fishing tackle, five days worth of rations, grappling hook and a hempen rope, bedroll, gaming set, decorated knife made to commemorate a famous raid, backpack, pouch, 40 gp worth of jewelry taken as loot. 44 gold pieces, 5 silver pieces.
*Wiseman
Skills: History, Medicine, Insight,
Tools: Healer’s Kit, Herbalism Kit,
Languages: One of your choice
Trait: Voice of wisdom. Whenever people gather or lords make important decision, custom demands you be allowed to voice your thoughts on the matter at hand.
Gear: Healer’s kit, herbalism kit, robe, tome, fine clothes, ink, ink pen, paper (ten sheets), ten candles, 80 gold pieces, 18 silver pieces, 8 copper pieces
*Shieldmaiden
Women devoted to the care and protection of temples to the goddess Freyja. Often orphans raised in a temple, these semi-priestesses often strike out into the world to bring glory to their goddess.
Skills: Persuasion, Religion, Athletics
Tools: Musical instrument, Healer’s Kit
Languages: one of your choice
Trait: I'm a bit torn on this one. I want to give them +1 to AC when using a shield to go with the name and their role, but maybe a combat-related trait is too powerful.
I might also go with Freyja's Temple: Allowing the Shieldmaiden to find shelter and support at any temple to Freyja, provided she join in the ceremonies and aid in the temple's defense.
I could use some input on this one.
Gear: Healer’s kit, musical instrument, shield painted with the symbol of Freyja, common clothes, a temple ring, pouch, ceremonial dagger, ceremonial robe, two jars of war paint, decorated helmet. Potion of healing. 54 gold pieces.
What do you guys think?
*Merchant
The vikings were great explorers and traders upon the waves.
Skills: Persuasion, Insight, Sailing
Tools: Navigator’s tools
Languages: Two of your choice
Trait: Pidgin language. You are adept at making yourself understood to just about everyone regarding trade. You can bargain and inquire about products with people you don’t share a language with, but not discuss any more complicated matters.
Gear: Block and tackle, fine clothes, traveller’s clothes, abacus, navigator’s tools, merchant’s scales, two tents, 50 gp worth of fine stones to trade, 40 gp of other trade goods, 31 gold pieces.
*Viking
Your archetypal sea raider.
Skills: Athletics, Intimidation, Sailing
Tools: Navigator’s tools, gaming set.
Languages: One of your choice
Trait: Fame – Your exploits in raids has brought you a certain amount of fame and recognition. Fellow Norsemen will respect you and your celebrity can easily get you invited to a lord’s hall to tell of your exploits. No one will demand you prove yourself because you already have.
Gear: Traveler’s clothes, navigator’s tools, potion of healing, fishing tackle, five days worth of rations, grappling hook and a hempen rope, bedroll, gaming set, decorated knife made to commemorate a famous raid, backpack, pouch, 40 gp worth of jewelry taken as loot. 44 gold pieces, 5 silver pieces.
*Wiseman
Skills: History, Medicine, Insight,
Tools: Healer’s Kit, Herbalism Kit,
Languages: One of your choice
Trait: Voice of wisdom. Whenever people gather or lords make important decision, custom demands you be allowed to voice your thoughts on the matter at hand.
Gear: Healer’s kit, herbalism kit, robe, tome, fine clothes, ink, ink pen, paper (ten sheets), ten candles, 80 gold pieces, 18 silver pieces, 8 copper pieces
*Shieldmaiden
Women devoted to the care and protection of temples to the goddess Freyja. Often orphans raised in a temple, these semi-priestesses often strike out into the world to bring glory to their goddess.
Skills: Persuasion, Religion, Athletics
Tools: Musical instrument, Healer’s Kit
Languages: one of your choice
Trait: I'm a bit torn on this one. I want to give them +1 to AC when using a shield to go with the name and their role, but maybe a combat-related trait is too powerful.
I might also go with Freyja's Temple: Allowing the Shieldmaiden to find shelter and support at any temple to Freyja, provided she join in the ceremonies and aid in the temple's defense.
I could use some input on this one.
Gear: Healer’s kit, musical instrument, shield painted with the symbol of Freyja, common clothes, a temple ring, pouch, ceremonial dagger, ceremonial robe, two jars of war paint, decorated helmet. Potion of healing. 54 gold pieces.