Allowed Backgrounds

The following backgrounds are available for Zoetrope characters.

Each background provides a feature, some of which are unique but most of which can be sorted based upon the general kind of benefit they provide. Refer to each background in the cited source book to get the exact mechanics of that background's feature, but this chart loosely categorizes the features to simplify quickly narrowing down the choices during character creation.

Additionally, some clarification is provided below as to the relevant utility a player might expect to get from features that depend upon DM discretion.

Some backgrounds explicitly offer a character a way to make some money "off screen" during down time. Such features tend to become less useful as characters gain treasure through adventuring, but can be very useful early on. They can also come in handy if a character suffers a financial set back later in their career, and even a well-off character might appreciate having something specific to do during extended down times even if they don't really need the income.

Some backgrounds allow a character to forage for supplies for themselves and potentially others. The utility of such features depends largely upon the enforcement of logistical details such as tracking of provisions and the mundane concern of requiring sustenance in a given campaign. For this setting the expectation is that sustained lack of sustenance will cause exhaustion and prevent gaining the benefits of long rests. Thus, such features are useful.

Some backgrounds allow a character to trivially know or notice things that they otherwise would not, could not, or would have to go through some amount of discussion / resolution to achieve. The utility of such features depends upon the DM; personally I view them as built-in opportunities to provide hooks and / or clues to players and encourage their usage.

Many backgrounds grant privileged treatment, assistance, access, acceptance, and / or membership in a particular subculture or group. This type of feature is situational and the utility depends upon the DM's interpretation. Personally, I encourage players to proactively attempt to leverage these types of backgrounds so long as it is not egregiously disruptive.

Some backgrounds provide a feature that helps with travel in some way, ranging from finding passage on a ship, to knowning shortcuts and secret routes within a city, to being better able to withstand forced marches. These are very niche options and it is possible that they might never be applicable in a given campaign, however they can be very impactful in the right circumstances. Consider the tradeoffs carefully when selecting such a background.