A new background as a feat

[mictrepanier]

Since backgrounds are like the free 1st level feat from 3.0/3.5,
do you think a new background is an alternative to multiclassing
for those who want to explore new professions without changing class ?
It is only slightly more than a "skilled" feat.

ex: Litterature character Conan, the barbarian smith, thief, reaver, pirate, corsair, bandit, mercenary, etc then king and explorer...

[Amnoriath]

Since backgrounds are like the free 1st level feat from 3.0/3.5,
do you think a new background is an alternative to multiclassing
for those who want to explore new professions without changing class ?
It is only slightly more than a "skilled" feat.

ex: Litterature character Conan, the barbarian smith, thief, reaver, pirate, corsair, bandit, mercenary, etc then king and explorer...
Something like that, in 5e 1st level characters are considered to be somewhat exceptional in relation to everyone else so this helps give each character depth before becoming a class. Though why are you asking this in the Homebrew forum?

[mictrepanier]

Though why are you asking this in the Homebrew forum?

Because the rule is to get 1 background only. More is a house rule.

[Amnoriath]

Because the rule is to get 1 background only. More is a house rule.

The only way this would be acceptable if said backgrounds were integral in the campaigns. Feats are no longer that specific so picking them up could easily represent what you have done actively and in general conduct giving you a set of abilities to represent them. Backgrounds though have a precedent of having more time and specific affiliations to develop their perks and their personality traits. The personality traits and ideals become particularly problematic into making a coherent character when juggling multiple backgrounds.

[mictrepanier]

The personality traits and ideals become particularly problematic into making a coherent character when juggling multiple backgrounds.

True. But please remember feats are rare and too many backgrounds will just block access to ability raises or better feats. Maybe 1 extra feat or CHANGING background.

In my Conan example, background changed from outlander to wandering outlaw for example...