Bonus Backgrounds The following are specific backgrounds meant to expand on those found within the Player's Handbook and other official sources. These are general-concept backgrounds taken from non-European cultures to better cater a given character's story to the style the player wants to establish for them, rather than those meant to be specific to a given setting. Palace Guard The Palace Guard is a specific kind of servant found in any great home large enough to be its own enclosed community with hierarchy, self-sustaining services, and sometimes even economies that establish who will live a certain way within it. As a Palace Guard, your job was to protect your charges, whomever or whatever they might have been. It may have been the singular sovereign of the great palace, it may have been all their family or a specific relative of the owner, it may have been simply a prized possession or post. Consider what you were protecting, how you protected it, and how and why you left to become an adventurer? Did you guard using pure skill and might? A keen mind? Powerful magic? Did it mean anything to you beyond the post? If not, why? If it did, why did you leave? Skill Proficiencies: Insight, Perception. Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set. Languages: One of your choice. Equipment: A set of fine clothes, your guard uniform, a mark of station (badge, brooch, or ring), and a purse containing 25 gp. Feature: Master of Security You have an innate sense of how defenses are typically set up from your training doing so yourself, allowing you to always have an insight into how anyone may be defending a given objective you and your comrades are after. In addition, you never find yourself lost in grandiose structures, always able to find your way in indoor areas and keep people on the proper paths. If you ever seek to have a specific object or person from an enemy you already understand the abilities of, you can come up with an effective strategy to take away the enemy's greatest advantages over you. Suggested Characteristics Palace guards are raised from a young age to do little beyond protect as their duty denotes. Few will leave the Palaces in their life if they are raised there, and many are far more used to the stricter rules which govern their lives there, yet some others rebel and find themselves becoming far more unruly due to their newfound freedom as an adventurer. d8 Personality Trait 1 I never let my guard down, and am constantly on edge. Some call me paranoid, but I simply like to keep my senses open and my mind ready. 2 I am very sheltered and ignorant of the outside world, as I spent my life training in the high palace. 3 Alcohol is not something I was permitted to drink, and the habit stuck. If I need to unwind, I would prefer a smoke of some kind. 4 I have a very strong sweet-tooth, as a baker from the kitchen would bring us pastries after training every day. 5 When something needs to be done, it is best to ask the person I think know best before doing anything. This can cause me to hesitate. 6 Standing is preferable to sitting when I am at rest. Long watches conditioned me to prefer it so I can stretch. 7 I reflexively try to protect and constantly help people when they appear weaker than me or unable to complete a task fast enough. 8 I have two modes: at-attention and free-and-wild. When at-attention I keep a stern face, ready hand, and watchful eye, but as soon as I feel I can be free to be myself I cut loose and become the most wild and reckless person in any given group. d6 Ideal 1 Peace. The serene nature of the palace was my favourite part about it, and I want to help make more of the world as calming as my home. (Good) 2 Duty. I was raised to act a certain way and to protect order within the palace, I continue to do so because it is both my obligation and I will not risk any other way. (Lawful) 3 Class. We are all born into different stations, just as mine is to be of use to those above me, all who I consider below me are nothing but tools to meet my ends. (Evil) 4 Leisure. Training and attention are important, however everyone needs a break from time to time to pursue what they want more than what others want. (Chaotic) 5 Self-Control. Letting your guard down in any capacity makes you an easy target, if everyone paid more attention the world would be a safer place. (Lawful) 6 Honour. I have my own idea of what constitutes the right way to do things and it is difficult for anyone else to push me away from it. (Any)

d6 Bond 1 I am on a secret mission on behalf of my patron, no one can know of it until I complete it and am in the clear. 2 One of my party members is now my charge, if I had to pick between them and the rest of the party, I would pick them. 3 I continue to train every single day to ensure my skills. I tell people it is out of habit but in reality there is something I am preparing to face. 4 I am in love with one of my charges from the palace, but am not high-born enough to mention or act on it. 5 Any guards or bodyguards I meet I instantly relate to, and will do what I can to get on good terms with them. 6 Protecting people from the harsh realities of the world is a habit I refuse to give up. d6 Flaw 1 I can not take a joke. This sometimes only helps the comedy routine directed at me. 2 I view a specific type of weapon or fighting style as inferior and underestimate anyone using it. 3 Magic represents too much uncertainty for me to stop being suspicious of those who use it. 4 I rely on my reflexives too much and am rarely able to follow tactical plans to the letter. 5 If there's any opportunity to do something more efficient I will take it, even if it means making it harder for someone else. 6 Unwinding is difficult for me to such a point that I sometimes experience panic attacks from my stress.

Mahout (Elephant Keeper) Elephants represent a strength of both body and mind, as well as being a general symbol of prosperity for a kingdom or city to be based around. Typically serving as great mounts for nobility, or as massive transports for trade routes, owning an elephant is a sign of great power, and those who keep such great beasts are the gateway to said power. A mahout is considered a sacred position to many, and is typically passed down through hereditary lines. The amount of care the animals require showcases how much of one's life a mahout must devote simply to giving their position the respect it needs. More so than any other animal tamer or keeper, mahouts must be emotionally available for their elephants, must be able to adapt to changing issues, and must even be able to protect their elephants from thieves and saboteurs. Skill Proficiencies: Animal Handling, Nature. Tool Proficiencies: Vehicles (land), Herbalism kit. Equipment: A set of common clothes, an herbalism kit, a piece of ivory (worth 5gp), a purse containing 10gp.



Feature: Beast Keeper You understand conventional animals better than anyone, having raised one of the most emotionally complex types in your life. As long as you are not attacking an animal or being ambushed by a predator, no animal starts out hostile or afraid of you, instead only weary at the most. When dealing with elephants specifically, you can always tell what temperment they are and what emotions they are feeling. You also know the trails of the Mahouts, and any you meet on your roads will share what they have with you within reason if you only request it. Suggested Characteristics Mahouts live in a constant emotional balancing act where they have beasts they must care for that may kill them accidentally in a tantrum. As a response, they tend to focus on establishing relationships with no toxicity to counter this, or learn to become manipulative towards their companions. d8 Personality Trait 1 What matters most is a good rapport. I may hate you but I will always smile and be polite, because one wrong move can sometimes end a life. 2 The best comfort is always close contact. I tend to lay my hands on others when they are upset, and will always be willing to cuddle. 3 It is always important to eat together, no matter what is between you and what stands in your way, it is a great affront to me if you refuse to sit and eat with me. 4 I express myself in bestial ways sometimes. I like to nuzzle things with my head, move around on all fours, and/or have a tendency to yell. 5 I immediately attach myself to pets and other tame beasts, and when someone mistreats one it as if they are mistreating myself. 6 I have trouble accepting people who do not protect those around them. Protection is symbiosis and if it goes only one way I have no respect for the one being protected. 7 I like to fiddle with and craft from things that most people were consider useless, accessorizing myself or my companions with trinkets. 8 I become incredibly aggressive to anyone who I think is treating my companions badly.

d6 Ideal 1 Family. Everyone I grow close to is a part of my family, and I will do anything to protect them. (Good) 2 Servitude. I live to serve my place in the scheme of things. Whether I'm a guard, a caretaker, or a subject of protection, my role is integral to me. (Lawful) 3 Power. It does not matter how kind one is if they are weak, the world will kill you if you do not get stronger, and having that strength lets you do anything. (Evil) 4 Independence. I raise my beasts to be as self-sustaining as possible, and believe everyone should strive for such. (Chaotic) 5 Caring. Everyone matters, everyone is helpful, everyone deserves to be their best self. I'm going to help them get to that point. (Good) 6 Sociability. Without engaing others you can never learn anything new. If you want to progress and evole, you need to interact with as many others as possible. (Any) d6 Bond 1 Someone stole the prized baby elephant from the herd I helped care for, it is my duty to return it. 2 I have collaborated with bandits often to prevent my herd from being targeted and still have some old friends amongst outlaws. 3 My training is not solely in caring, but in guarding. I must become a better combatant to defeat those who would take my livelihood away. 4 My family's herd died of a terrible plague and we were left with nothing. I seek to make a fortune adventuring to buy enough elephants for a new herd. 5 I was very well-respected amongst other mahouts, and as such have a form of fame when i encounter others from my profession. 6 I fell in love with someone who turned out to be a bandit, using my emotions to sabotage my herd. Now I seek revenge for their actions. d6 Flaw 1 When I am even the least bit upset, I become very loud and aggressive. 2 If someone is bad with animals, I tend to talk down to them as if they were stupid. 3 I tend to hoard valuables and will rarely pass one by without trying to get it. 4 My forgiveness is often very conditional. 5 I would rather hold to tradition than learn more efficient or quicker ways to do something. 6 Sometimes I treat my companions the way I would treat my pets, it can be demeaning. Cartographer Maps are incredibly important to life in general, and many take those who map such things for granted, grouping them with any other guild artisans or scholars. However, they are a whole different breed, typically enthusiastic explorers who will ford any river and climb any mountain to forward their craft. Without them, many societies would be forced to isolate themselves from the rest of the world. Cartographers work for guilds, universities, and even armies to keep consistent maps for use by travelers, traders, soldiers, and adventurers. They are incredibly important to most kingdoms as they allow them to plan around terrain and not be caught unawares. Cartographers often become adventurers or associate with them so that they can explore areas and get the leg-up on rivals. Though typically overlooked by most, those who rely on a cartographer's work immediately notice when their services are gone. Due to this, though patronage for a cartographer can be tricky to secure, it is hard for one to lose it. Skill Proficiencies: History, Nature. Tool Proficiencies: Cartographer's Tools. Languages: One of your choice. Equipment: A set of traveler's clothes, Cartographer's Tools, a ink pen, an inkwell, five pieces of blank parchment, five regional maps, a badge of your patron, a purse containing 5gp. Feature: Precious Patronage You have worked hard and managed to acquire the patronage of a wealthy individual who will grant you a fraction of their authority, influence, and possibly even wealth in exchange for your diligence in the field. You are expected to send a map of a region they want mapped to your patron every month, though they will be lenient with a few months missed if you include a letter later that explains your absence. In exchange, you will be able to present your patron's badge to local authorities as a showcase of your influence. Unless the region is deadly you will never be blocked from entering a specific territory, and if you are, your patron will take it as a slight and grant you aid in entering the region. Suggested Characteristics Cartographers need to appease those whom they trade their work for patronage, less they lose their livelihood from it. Those with silver tongues may constantly procrastinate and only truly deliver when necessary, whilst others focus on due diligence to a neurotic extent if need be. d8 Personality Trait 1 I am paranoid of losing everything and as a result overdo anything asked of me. 2 My stutter can sometimes demean my points. 3 I am forever moving on to the next target, trying to view the next horizon, and scope out a new thing. 4 I hate being indoors or in enclosed spaces, preferring fresh and open air at any opportunity. 5 Whenever I cross a ruin or structure, I have an interesting story about it. 6 I am extremely picky about where I sleep, and will not trust others to find my campsites for me. 7 I constantly look over my shoulder and worry I'm being followed; maybe by hostiles, or by my patron. 8 My promises are only kept if I am called on them, and I freely give such commitments without thinking them through first.

d6 Ideal 1 Safety. My maps help keep others safe, instructing them on the best paths so they can avoid the dangers I face on their behalf. (Good) 2 Diligence. I will ensure my work is not only fine but also always punctual, lest I begin to earn a reputation of sloth. (Lawful) 3 Exclusivity. My skills are worth a fortune and I will accept nothing less. If people want a cheap map they can die on the wrong trail for all I care. (Evil) 4 Exploration. The map is not the important thing, it's the things I find along the way and the bits of knowledge I can sell. Something new is always exciting! (Chaotic) 5 Fame. I want my maps to be famed as the best or most interesting around. If my craft does not get my name known by all then what, exactly, is the point? (Chaotic) 6 Knowledge. Knowing where to go helps everyone everywhere. Directions are underrated. (Any) d6 Bond 1 I earned my patronage with a partner of mine, but we had a falling out on the road. I want to find them and apologize. 2 When I was young I read an incredible map while visiting a university. I want to make one as beautiful. 3 My craft matters more to me than my life. 4 Whether or not my patron is pleased matters little to me, they were simply the first person who offered to fund me, I have no affection for them. 5 In the past, I and some colleagues tried to form a Cartographer's Guild and were stamped out by a larger organization. My comrades from then are still close. 6 My patron sent me into the field after we had a sordid affair followed by a break up. I still love them. d6 Flaw 1 I run far ahead of the group at first sign of something I am interested in. 2 People with loud voices annoy me and I will tell them immediately that I dislike them. 3 Despite being used to the great outdoors, I am terrified of animals. 4 I do not pay attention to my surroundings when I am surveying something in particular. 5 I become immediately jealous of anyone with more wealth than my own. 6 Out of habit I can forget to share information I collected outloud, being too used to putting it to the page to differentiate my work from my fellows'. Slave ( Variant of: https://www.dndbeyond.com/backgrounds/321-slave ) One of the great evils of the world is the continued use of slave markets as a means of commodifying labour. Indeed, pervasive and abusive slave trade exists in many worlds and even across planes, and those born into it as little more than chattle are shaped by it to such an extent that they cannot prevent it from seeping through in what they do. Slaves vary from being general laborer positions to high positions that could be mistaken for being nobles or noble-servants in their own right. What truly sets them apart from those who work normally in these poisitions is that the slave is always made accutely aware that they are owned by their master. Perhaps you escaped from your captors? Or you were sent by your master to become an adventurer to suit some specific end? Or you managed to earn your freedom through some great action. Whatever the case, you are not in chains anymore, and may just value your freedom more than normal people would. Skill Proficiencies: Choose two from; Acrobatics, Animal Handling, Athletics, Investigation, Medicine, Performance. Tool Proficiencies: One specific to your position. Languages: One of your choice. Equipment: A set of common clothes, a pouch with 5gp, and a small but valuable item, stolen from, or gifted to you by your former master, worth 25gp. Feature: Solidarity You have an unspoken kinship with all people who live in servitude, a shared understanding of what it means to serve a master, as you once did. Speaking socially coded language, you can gain the trust of other servants, find welcome in their company, shelter in their midst, and sometimes even gaining access to places of power through the back doors. Speaking with other slaves and servants you can easily glean from them rumors and information regarding their masters. Suggested Characteristics The greater part of a slave's life has revolved around the wants and needs of another person and they are not used to caring too much about themselves. Their newfound freedom offers broader horizons, which can be exhilarating, challenging or nerve-wracking. d8 Personality Trait 1 I hide my disdain for others, especially powerful people, beneath a mask of servility. 2 I have endured great suffering, but it only made me stronger. There is very little that can hurt me now. 3 I am grateful for every day that I am free and am determined to live life to the fullest. 4 Regardless of one's birth or station in life, good manners are essential. 5 As a slave, when I wasn't sleeping, I was toiling. Even now that I'm free, I must always be busy and cannot be idle. 6 I will never work for free again; I demand to be paid fairly for my labour. 7 I have exaggerated memories about the splendor of the homeland I was taken from as a child, and I share them with whoever will listen. 8 I accept that life is not fair, but I despise bullies and will not tolerate cruelty.