Background List
list: API endpoint for returning a list of backgrounds.
retrieve: API endpoint for returning a particular background.
GET /v2/backgrounds/?format=api&ordering=-desc&page=2
{ "count": 54, "next": null, "previous": "https://api-beta.open5e.com/v2/backgrounds/?format=api&ordering=-desc", "results": [ { "url": "https://api-beta.open5e.com/v2/backgrounds/tdcs_recovered-cultist/?format=api", "key": "tdcs_recovered-cultist", "benefits": [ { "name": "Equipment", "desc": "Vestments and a holy symbol of your previous cult, a set of common clothes, a belt pouch containing 15 gp.", "type": "equipment" }, { "name": "Languages", "desc": "One of your choice.", "type": "language" }, { "name": "Skill Proficiencies", "desc": "Religion and Deception.", "type": "skill_proficiency" }, { "name": "Suggested Characteristics", "desc": "Use the tables for the Acolyte background in the Player’s Handbook as the basis for your traits and motivations, modifying the entries when appropriate to match your ties to your intent on fleeing your past and rectifying your future. Your bond is likely associated with those who gave you the insight and strength to flee your old ways. Your ideal probably involves your wishing to take down and destroy those who promote the dark ways you escaped, and perhaps finding new faith in a forgiving god.", "type": "suggested_characteristics" }, { "name": "Wicked Awareness", "desc": "Your time worshipping in secrecy and shadow at the altar of malevolent forces has left you with insight and keen awareness to those who still operate in such ways. You can often spot hidden signs, messages, and signals left in populated places. If actively seeking signs of a cult or dark following, you have an easier time locating and decoding the signs or social interactions that signify cult activity, gaining advantage on any ability checks to discover such details.", "type": "feature" } ], "document": { "name": "Tal'dorei Campaign Setting", "key": "tdcs", "display_name": "Tal'dorei Campaign Setting", "publisher": { "name": "Green Ronin Publishing", "key": "green-ronin", "url": "https://api-beta.open5e.com/v2/publishers/green-ronin/?format=api" }, "gamesystem": { "name": "5th Edition 2014", "key": "5e-2014", "url": "https://api-beta.open5e.com/v2/gamesystems/5e-2014/?format=api" }, "permalink": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_Role%3A_Tal'Dorei_Campaign_Setting" }, "name": "Recovered Cultist", "desc": "Dark deities whisper and promise great power to those who listen. Their cults are scattered and separated, with little to no unity between the greater evils. Hidden hierarchies of power-hungry mortals corrupt and seduce, promising a sliver of the same power they had been promised when the time comes to reap their harvest.\r\nYou once belonged to such a cult. Perhaps it was brief, embracing the rebellious spirit of youth and curious where this path may take you. You also may have felt alone and lost, this community offering a welcome you had been subconsciously seeking. It’s possible you were raised from the beginning to pray to the gods of shadow and death. Then one day the veil was lifted and the cruel truth shook your faith, sending you running from the false promises and seeking redemption.\r\nYou have been freed from the bindings of these dangerous philosophies, but few secret societies find comfort until those who abandon their way are rotting beneath the soil." }, { "url": "https://api-beta.open5e.com/v2/backgrounds/tdcs_elemental-warden/?format=api", "key": "tdcs_elemental-warden", "benefits": [ { "name": "Elemental Harmony", "desc": "Your upbringing surrounded by such strong, wild elemental magics has attuned your senses to the very nature of their chaotic forces, enabling you to subtly bend them to your will in small amounts. You learn the _Prestidigitation_ Cantrip, but can only produce the extremely minor effects below that involve the element of your chosen elemental tribe: \r\n* You create an instantaneous puff of wind strong enough to blow papers off a desk, or mess up someone’s hair (Wind). \r\n* You instantaneously create and control a burst of flame small enough to light or snuff out a candle, a torch, or a small campfire. (Fire). \r\n* You instantaneously create a small rock within your hand, no larger than a gold coin, that turns to dust after a minute (Earth). \r\n* You instantaneously create enough hot or cold water to fill a small glass (Water).", "type": "feature" }, { "name": "Equipment", "desc": "A staff, hunting gear (a shortbow with 20 arrows, or a hunting trap), a set of traveler’s clothes, a belt pouch containing 10 gp.", "type": "equipment" }, { "name": "Languages", "desc": "One of your choice.", "type": "language" }, { "name": "Skill Proficiencies", "desc": "Nature, plus your choice of one between Arcana or Survival.", "type": "skill_proficiency" }, { "name": "Suggested Characteristics", "desc": "Use the tables for the Outlander background in the Player’s Handbook as the basis for your traits and motivations, modifying the entries when appropriate to match your ties to your upbringing. Your bond is likely associated with those you respect whom you grew up around. Your ideal probably involves your wanting to understand your place in the world, not just the tribe, and whether you feel your destiny reaches beyond just watching the rift.", "type": "suggested_characteristics" }, { "name": "Tool Proficiencies", "desc": "Herbalism Kit", "type": "tool_proficiency" } ], "document": { "name": "Tal'dorei Campaign Setting", "key": "tdcs", "display_name": "Tal'dorei Campaign Setting", "publisher": { "name": "Green Ronin Publishing", "key": "green-ronin", "url": "https://api-beta.open5e.com/v2/publishers/green-ronin/?format=api" }, "gamesystem": { "name": "5th Edition 2014", "key": "5e-2014", "url": "https://api-beta.open5e.com/v2/gamesystems/5e-2014/?format=api" }, "permalink": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_Role%3A_Tal'Dorei_Campaign_Setting" }, "name": "Elemental Warden", "desc": "Away from the complex political struggles of the massive cities, you’ve instead been raised to revere and uphold the protection of the natural world, while policing, bending, and guiding the elemental powers that either foster life or destroy it. Living among smaller bands of tribal societies means you have stronger ties to your neighbors than most, and the protection of this way of life is of cardinal importance. Each elemental warden is tethered to one of the four elemental tribes and their villages. You must select one: Fire, Water, Earth, or Wind.\r\nYour upbringing may have prepared you to be a fierce warrior, trained in combat to defend your culture and charge as protectors of the rifts. It’s possible your meditation on the balance of the elements has brought you peace of mind with strength of body as a monk. Perhaps you found strength in bending the elements yourself, joining the ranks of the powerful elemental druids. Regardless, your loyalties ultimately lie with the continued safety of your tribe, and you’ve set out to gather allies to your cause and learn more about the world around you." }, { "url": "https://api-beta.open5e.com/v2/backgrounds/toh_occultist/?format=api", "key": "toh_occultist", "benefits": [ { "name": "Equipment", "desc": "A book of obscure lore holding clues to an occult location, a bottle of black ink, a quill, a leather-bound journal in which you record your secrets, a bullseye lantern, a set of common clothes, and a belt pouch containing 5 gp", "type": "equipment" }, { "name": "Languages", "desc": "Two of your choice", "type": "language" }, { "name": "Skill Proficiencies", "desc": "Arcana, Religion", "type": "skill_proficiency" }, { "name": "Strange Lore", "desc": "Your passions for forbidden knowledge, esoteric religions, secretive cults, and terrible histories brought you into contact with a wide variety of interesting and unique individuals operating on the fringes of polite society. When you're trying to find something that pertains to eldritch secrets or dark knowledge, you have a good idea of where to start looking. Usually, this information comes from information brokers, disgraced scholars, chaotic mages, dangerous cults, or insane priests. Your GM might rule that the knowledge you seek isn't found with just one contact, but this feature provides a starting point.", "type": "feature" }, { "name": "Suggested Characteristics", "desc": "Occultists can't resist the lure of an ancient ruin, forgotten dungeon, or the lair of some mysterious cult. They eagerly follow odd rumors, folktales, and obscure clues found in dusty tomes. Some adventure with the hope of turning their discoveries into fame and fortune, while others consider the answers they uncover to be the true reward. Whatever their motivations, occultists combine elements of archaeologist, scholar, and fanatic.\r\n\r\n| d8 | Personality Trait |\r\n|---|---|\r\n| 1 | I always ask questions, especially if I think I can learn something new. |\r\n| 2 | I believe every superstition I hear and follow their rules fanatically. |\r\n| 3 | The things I know give me nightmares, and not only when I sleep. |\r\n| 4 | Nothing makes me happier than explaining some obscure lore to my friends. |\r\n| 5 | I startle easily. |\r\n| 6 | I perform a host of rituals throughout the day that I believe protect me from occult threats. |\r\n| 7 | I never know when to give up. |\r\n| 8 | The more someone refuses to believe me, the more I am determined to convince them. |\r\n\r\n| d6 | Ideal |\r\n|---|---|\r\n| 1 | **Domination.** With the power I will unearth, I will take my revenge on those who wronged me. (Evil) |\r\n| 2 | **Mettle.** Each nugget of hidden knowledge I uncover proves my worth. (Any) |\r\n| 3 | **Lore.** Knowledge is never good or evil; it is simply knowledge. (Neutral) |\r\n| 4 | **Redemption.** This dark knowledge can be made good if it is used properly. (Good) |\r\n| 5 | **Truth.** Nothing should be hidden. Truth is all that matters, no matter who it hurts. (Chaotic) |\r\n| 6 | **Responsibility.** Only by bringing dark lore into the light can we eliminate its threat. (Lawful) |\r\n\r\n| d6 | Bond |\r\n|---|---|\r\n| 1 | One or more secret organizations are trying to stop me, which means I must be close to the truth. |\r\n| 2 | My studies come before anything else. |\r\n| 3 | No theory, however unbelievable, is worth abandoning without investigation. |\r\n| 4 | I must uncover the truth behind a particular mystery, one my father died to protect. |\r\n| 5 | I travel with my companions because I have reason to believe they are crucial to the future. |\r\n| 6 | I once had a partner in my occult searches who vanished. I am determined to find them. |\r\n\r\n| d6 | Flaw |\r\n|---|---|\r\n| 1 | When stressed, I mutter theories to myself, sometimes connecting seemingly unconnected or random events, to explain my current predicament. |\r\n| 2 | It's not paranoia if they really are out to get me. |\r\n| 3 | I have a habit of lying to hide my theories and discoveries. |\r\n| 4 | I see secrets and mysteries in everything and everyone. |\r\n| 5 | The world is full of dark secrets, and I'm the only one who can safely unearth them. |\r\n| 6 | There is no law or social convention I won't break to further my goals. |", "type": "suggested_characteristics" }, { "name": "Tool Proficiencies", "desc": "Thieves' tools", "type": "tool_proficiency" } ], "document": { "name": "Tome of Heroes", "key": "toh", "display_name": "Tome of Heroes", "publisher": { "name": "Kobold Press", "key": "kobold-press", "url": "https://api-beta.open5e.com/v2/publishers/kobold-press/?format=api" }, "gamesystem": { "name": "5th Edition 2014", "key": "5e-2014", "url": "https://api-beta.open5e.com/v2/gamesystems/5e-2014/?format=api" }, "permalink": "https://koboldpress.com/kpstore/product/tome-of-heroes-for-5th-edition/" }, "name": "Occultist", "desc": "At your core, you are a believer in things others dismiss. The signs abound if you know where to look. Questions beget answers that spur further questions. The cycle is endless as you uncover layer after layer of mystery and secrets. Piercing the veil hiding beyond the surface of reality is an irresistible lure spurring you to delve into forgotten and dangerous places in the world. Perhaps you've always yearned toward the occult, or it could be that you encountered something or someone who opened your eyes to the possibilities. You may belong to some esoteric organization determined to uncover the mystery, a cult bent on using the secrets for a dark purpose, or you may be searching for answers on your own. As an occultist, you ask the questions reality doesn't want to answer." }, { "url": "https://api-beta.open5e.com/v2/backgrounds/toh_former-adventurer/?format=api", "key": "toh_former-adventurer", "benefits": [ { "name": "Equipment", "desc": "A dagger, quarterstaff, or shortsword (if proficient), an old souvenir from your previous adventuring days, a set of traveler's clothes, 50 feet of hempen rope, and a belt pouch containing 15 gp", "type": "equipment" }, { "name": "Languages", "desc": "One of your choice", "type": "language" }, { "name": "Old Friends and Enemies", "desc": "Your previous career as an adventurer might have been brief or long. Either way, you certainly journeyed far and met people along the way. Some of these acquaintances might remember you fondly for aiding them in their time of need. On the other hand, others may be suspicious, or even hostile, because of your past actions. When you least expect it, or maybe just when you need it, you might encounter someone who knows you from your previous adventuring career. These people work in places high and low, their fortunes varying widely. The individual responds appropriately based on your mutual history, helping or hindering you at the GM's discretion.", "type": "feature" }, { "name": "Skill Proficiencies", "desc": "Perception, Survival", "type": "skill_proficiency" }, { "name": "Suggested Characteristics", "desc": "Former adventurers bring a level of practical experience that fledgling heroes can't match. However, the decisions, outcomes, successes, and failures of your previous career often weigh heavily on your mind. The past seldom remains in the past. How you rise to these new (or old) challenges determines the outcome of your new career.\r\n\r\n| d8 | Personality Trait |\r\n|---|---|\r\n| 1 | I have a thousand stories about every aspect of the adventuring life. |\r\n| 2 | My past is my own, and to the pit with anyone who pushes me about it. |\r\n| 3 | I can endure any hardship without complaint. |\r\n| 4 | I have a list of rules for surviving adventures, and I refer to them often. |\r\n| 5 | It's a dangerous job, and I take my pleasures when I can. |\r\n| 6 | I can't help mentioning all the famous friends I've met before. |\r\n| 7 | Anyone who doesn't recognize me is clearly not someone worth knowing. |\r\n| 8 | I've seen it all. If you don't listen to me, you're going to get us all killed. |\r\n\r\n| d6 | Ideal |\r\n|---|---|\r\n| 1 | **Strength.** Experience tells me there are no rules to war. Only victory matters. (Evil) |\r\n| 2 | **Growth.** I strive to improve myself and prove my worth to my companions—and to myself. (Any) |\r\n| 3 | **Thrill.** I am only happy when I am facing danger with my life on the line. (Any) |\r\n| 4 | **Generous.** If I can help someone in danger, I will. (Good) |\r\n| 5 | **Ambition.** I may have lost my renown, but nothing will stop me from reclaiming it. (Chaotic) |\r\n| 6 | **Responsibility.** Any cost to myself is far less than the price of doing nothing. (Lawful) |\r\n\r\n| d6 | Bond |\r\n|---|---|\r\n| 1 | I will end the monsters who killed my family and pulled me back into the adventuring life. |\r\n| 2 | A disaster made me retire once. Now I will stop it from happening to anyone else. |\r\n| 3 | My old weapon has been my trusted companion for years. It's my lucky charm. |\r\n| 4 | My family doesn't understand why I became an adventurer again, which is why I send them souvenirs, letters, or sketches of exciting encounters in my travels. |\r\n| 5 | I was a famous adventurer once. This time, I will be even more famous, or die trying. |\r\n| 6 | Someone is impersonating me. I will hunt them down and restore my reputation. |\r\n\r\n| d6 | Flaw |\r\n|---|---|\r\n| 1 | It's all about me! Haven't you learned that by now? |\r\n| 2 | I can identify every weapon and item with a look. |\r\n| 3 | You think this is bad? Let me tell you about something really frightening. |\r\n| 4 | Sure, I have old foes around every corner, but who doesn't? |\r\n| 5 | I'm getting too old for this. |\r\n| 6 | Seeing the bad side in everything just protects you from inevitable disappointment. |", "type": "suggested_characteristics" }, { "name": "Tool Proficiencies", "desc": "No additional tool proficiencies", "type": "tool_proficiency" } ], "document": { "name": "Tome of Heroes", "key": "toh", "display_name": "Tome of Heroes", "publisher": { "name": "Kobold Press", "key": "kobold-press", "url": "https://api-beta.open5e.com/v2/publishers/kobold-press/?format=api" }, "gamesystem": { "name": "5th Edition 2014", "key": "5e-2014", "url": "https://api-beta.open5e.com/v2/gamesystems/5e-2014/?format=api" }, "permalink": "https://koboldpress.com/kpstore/product/tome-of-heroes-for-5th-edition/" }, "name": "Former Adventurer", "desc": "As you belted on your weapons and hoisted the pack onto your back, you never thought you'd become an adventurer again. But the heroic call couldn't be ignored. You've tried this once before—perhaps it showered you in wealth and glory or perhaps it ended with sorrow and regret. No one ever said adventuring came with a guarantee of success. Now, the time has come to set off toward danger once again. The reasons for picking up adventuring again vary. Could it be a calamitous threat to the town? The region? The world? Was the settled life not what you expected? Or did your past finally catch up to you? In the end, all that matters is diving back into danger. And it's time to show these new folks how it's done.\r\n\r\n### Reason for Retirement\r\nGiving up your first adventuring career was a turning point in your life. Triumph or tragedy, the reason why you gave it up might still haunt you and may shape your actions as you reenter the adventuring life. Choose the event that led you to stop adventuring or roll a d12 and consult the table below.\r\n\r\n| d12 | Event |\r\n|---|---|\r\n| 1 | Your love perished on one of your adventures, and you quit in despair. |\r\n| 2 | You were the only survivor after an ambush by a hideous beast. |\r\n| 3 | Legal entanglements forced you to quit, and they may cause you trouble again. |\r\n| 4 | A death in the family required you to return home. |\r\n| 5 | Your old group disowned you for some reason. |\r\n| 6 | A fabulous treasure allowed you to have a life of luxury, until the money ran out. |\r\n| 7 | An injury forced you to give up adventuring. |\r\n| 8 | You suffered a curse which doomed your former group, but the curse has finally faded away. |\r\n| 9 | You rescued a young child or creature and promised to care for them. They have since grown up and left. |\r\n| 10 | You couldn't master your fear and fled from a dangerous encounter, never to return. |\r\n| 11 | As a reward for helping an area, you were offered a position with the local authorities, and you accepted. |\r\n| 12 | You killed or defeated your nemesis. Now they are back, and you must finish the job. |" } ] }