#5e background

So since the newest adventure for 5e now includes feats with backgrounds, something WotC has previously started to introduce with the more recent UAs, I wanted to look at the PHB backgrounds and see which feats (also from the PHB) which make sense to attach them to which background! So here's my quick attempt at this where I limited myself to three options which seemed to me to make the most sense. Enjoy!

Also as a sidenote: if a feat were to involve an ability score increase, that would not be granted.

ACOLYTE

Healer

Magic Initiate (Cleric, Druid, or Warlock)

Ritual Caster (Cleric, Druid, or Warlock)

CHARLATAN

Actor

Lucky

Skilled

CRIMINAL/SPY

Alert

Keen Mind

Skulker

ENTERTAINER

Actor

Inspiring Leader

Magic Initiate (Bard, or Wizard)

FOLK HERO

Inspiring Leader

Tavern Brawler

Tough

GLADIATOR

Inspiring Leader

Mobile

Weapon Master

GUILD ARTISAN/GUILD MERCHANT

Keen Mind

Linguist

Skilled

HERMIT

Keen Mind

Linguist

Ritual Caster (Cleric, Druid, or Warlock)

NOBLE

Inspiring Leader

Mounted Combatant

Shield Master

OUTLANDER

Dungeon Delver

Keen Mind

Mobile

SAGE

Healer

Linguist

Magic Initiate (any)

SAILOR/PIRATE

Athlete

Durable

Savage Attacker

SOLDIER

Charger

Durable

Martial Adept

URCHIN

Alert

Skulker

This is something completely different to my usual content, but I'm trying to branch out more in what kinds of homebrew I make so hopefully you guys can get behind it.

The backgrounds in the Player's Handbook are all well designed, however I often find them to be too limited (I've lost count of the amount of times I've tried to design a character but can't quite find the right background to "fit" for them). I don't think solving this problem requires whole new backgrounds, however, because I felt the existing backgrounds wouldn't feel nearly as limited if they were just a little more customisable. So, I made this list of variant background features with the intention of making the background-choosing process feel more personal to a character.

Another aim of mine with this list was to make background features that were actually useful. Some of the original background features (like researcher, for example) are flavourful but too restricted to actually be useful, so a character could potentially go an entire campaign without ever actually using it. I wanted these variant background features to therefore give characters abilities or skills that would be valuable, and I also wanted them to be distinct, as I think having a noticable background feature is just as important as having a useful one. Caravaneer and falconry in particular are designed to play a very active role in a character's campaign, rather than just giving them skills that could be easily forgotten or overlooked.

¯\_(ヅ)_/¯

First stab at a background. Like if you stepped out of a sitcom, family drama, or Norman Rockwell painting. Hate it? Just remember: you didn’t ask for it!

As usual, PDF Link!

The Ishtari are a group of wandering nomads who travel across the broken sands desert with ease. Amongst the Ishtari there are many of the peoples of Bris'Talamh, dragonborn work side by side with half-elves and gnomes, as they are not a race but a culture.

The Ishtari thrive in the barren environment, skirting the edges of the ocean and journeying beneath the harsh sun. The Ishtari see themselves as the guardians of the desert and the cities it has claimed. They will trade small relics they come across within the lost cities for food and other tools. However, if others attempt to breach into the sacred ruins of the desert, the Ishtari will often use words or force if necessary to compel the intruders to leave.

You were raised in these desert tribes. Your tribe is your family and the sand is your home. You've watched the dunes of the broken wastes shift like waves, and can read the movements of the wind. Adventurers brave and bold have succumbed to conditions less harsh than your everyday environment. Whether you were one of your clans crafters, warriors, or shamans, the desert burns in your heart and warms your spirit. Skill Proficiencies: Persuasion, Survival. Tool Proficiencies: One type of Artisan's tools. Languages: None. Equipment: A set of loose tan clothes including a light scarf, a set of artisan's tools to match your chosen tool proficiency, a belt containing 10gp.

I've toyed with the idea of having a PC be the familiar of another character, or even the emissary of a sponsor NPC. In order to make it at least a little fair, I figured it would be easiest to put together an appropriate character, then just use this background. I originally was trying to develop an ioun wyrd race to go with it, but it's proving a challenge, especially since rules for characters smaller than Small are basically nonexistent.

Proficiencies: 

Skills- Arcana, Stealth

Languages: one known by current master

Tools- none

Feature: Master's Refuge

 Share senses and communicate telepathically with your master within 100 feet.

 You may use your reaction to deliver spells to targets within touch range that are cast by your master within 100 feet.