Improved Background

Improved Background

Improved Background offers options for a starting character to have a history of involvement with an organization, financial resources, or improved equipment. This benefit may only be taken at Character Creation. Rank 1 grants 2 points among Status, Fame, Income, Equipment, or Language with a 1 Rank maximum. Rank 2 grants 2 additional points among the listed benefits with a 2 Rank maximum.

Status

Status grants standing in an Organization or group. Status is may be used to influence people (Diplomacy/Intimidate) or Gather Information gaining Rank dice on applicable skill checks. Improved Background points may be spent in multiple Organizations if desired.

Fame

Fame (or Infamy) functions similarly to Status granting bonuses to Social skills where applicable. The higher the Rank of Fame the more widespread the rumors or legends of the character.

Income

Income provides a starting player with higher initial gold, which may be spent on better starting equipment (see Starting Equipment), and a stipend they receive monthly. This income may represent a royalties, allowance, or inheritance, but generally offer the ability to have a character who is more well off financially than other starting characters.

• Rank 1: +150 Initial Gold / 30 Gold Monthly stipend
• Rank 2: +400 Initial Gold / 70 Gold Monthly stipend

Artifact

This option allows a player to begin play with a minor magical artifact. The exact nature of the artifact is always determined by the DM, and must fit the story. In many cases a DM may deny the use of this starting benefit altogether as access to magical equipment of any kind breaks the intended atmosphere for the campaign. In general one rank in Artifact may grant an item with a single daily use of a Rank 1 power, while two ranks may grant an item with either a single daily use of a Rank 2 power, or 3 daily uses of a Rank 1 power.

Language

Language Ranks are treated the same way as the benefit when purchased otherwise, just at a lower rate.