Backgrounds, Occupations, and Professions - Revision history

Andi at 01:54, 4 August 2025

2025-08-04T01:54:52Z

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	=== Starting Equipment ===		=== Starting Equipment ===
	Each background specifies how much wealth you start with. In addition, all ~~backgrounds also grant you~~ the following ~~starting gear. Note~~: ~~Your profession and background may specify that you gain additional equipment.~~		Each background specifies how much wealth you start with. In addition to any equipment you gain from your profession and background, all adventurers get the following:

	1. A) 2 one-handed melee weapons, or B) 1 two-handed or hand-and-a-half melee weapon, or C) 1 one-handed melee weapon and a buckler		1. A) 2 one-handed melee weapons, or B) 1 two-handed or hand-and-a-half melee weapon, or C) 1 one-handed melee weapon and a buckler
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	5. 2 trinkets		5. 2 trinkets

			6. Your profession and background may specify that you gain additional equipment.

	Check out Weapons [[Weapons\|here]].		Check out Weapons [[Weapons\|here]].

Andi at 21:03, 6 March 2025

2025-03-06T21:03:31Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:03, 6 March 2025
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	In addition to fighting monsters and exploring wondrous locales, adventurers will need to maintain and cultivate their reputation in the various towns and cities that they frequent.		In addition to fighting monsters and exploring wondrous locales, adventurers will need to maintain and cultivate their reputation in the various towns and cities that they frequent.

	Goodwill is a mechanic that ~~tracks a community’s sentiment towards~~ an ~~individual. Any action~~ a ~~party or player takes may generate positive or negative Goodwill~~. ~~Professions have a particularly strong effect on~~ Goodwill.		Goodwill is a mechanic that represents how well liked an adventurer is in a given settlement. Goodwill can range from -20 to +20, and the higher a hero’s goodwill, the better the community receives them.

	~~Goodwill is tracked across several spheres of the community, roughly correlated~~ to ~~occupations: academic~~, ~~aristocratic~~, ~~layfolk, mercantile, militant, religious, underworld. Certain Professions are written with this in mind and specify which spheres of~~ the community ~~you gain Goodwill in~~.

	If your MC wants to streamline this process, they can simply track Goodwill per town or city, instead of tracking Goodwill for individual community spheres in each urban area. If they do this, then any feature that gives you +1 Goodwill in a particular sphere gives you +1 Goodwill overall.		If your MC wants to streamline this process, they can simply track Goodwill per town or city, instead of tracking Goodwill for individual community spheres in each urban area. If they do this, then any feature that gives you +1 Goodwill in a particular sphere gives you +1 Goodwill overall.

	Goodwill is tracked privately by your MC ~~and can range anywhere on a scale from -20 to +20~~.		Goodwill is tracked privately by your MC, but the player should know how they are perceived by the public.
	{\| class="wikitable"		{\| class="wikitable"
	!Goodwill		!Goodwill
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	\|-		\|-
	\| -20 to -15		\| -20 to -15
	\|'''Villain.''' You are hated and feared by your community~~. Community~~ resources will be levied towards your arrest ~~and~~ destruction.		\|'''Villain.''' You are intensely hated and feared. If your presence is known, all community resources will be levied towards your arrest or destruction.
	\|-		\|-
	\| -14 to -10		\| -14 to -10
	\|'''Hated.''' The community is hostile to ~~your presence~~ and will refuse ~~your~~ trade and lodging. ~~Angry mobs might attempt to exile~~ you.		\|'''Hated.''' The community is openly hostile to you and will refuse you trade and lodging. Every day spent in this community could result in an angry mob with the intent of driving you out.
	\|-		\|-
	\| -9 to -4		\| -9 to -4
	\|'''Disliked.''' ~~Goods and services often~~ cost ~~more for you and merchants are unlikely to haggle~~.		\|'''Disliked.''' Your reputation is such that any service offered to you comes at double the standard cost.
	\|-		\|-
	\| -3 to 3		\| -3 to 3
	\|'''Neutral.''' You are unknown to the community ~~overall~~.		\|'''Neutral.''' You are unknown to the community.
	\|-		\|-
	\|4 to 9		\|4 to 9
	\|'''Liked.''' ~~Citizens usually go out of~~ their ~~way~~ to accommodate you and ~~give~~ you ~~good deals~~.		\|'''Liked.''' Your reputation is such that citizens always try their best to accommodate you and you receive the most favorable trades possible.
	\|-		\|-
	\|10 to 14		\|10 to 14
	\|'''Beloved.''' ~~Citizens rejoice to see you~~ and you ~~can~~ always find friends and allies ~~in town~~.		\|'''Beloved.''' The community rejoices at your presence and you are always able to find friends and allies to your cause. You receive a discount at every inn and tavern.
	\|-		\|-
	\|15 to 20		\|15 to 20
	\|'''Hero.''' You are idolized by your ~~community~~ and ~~can get virtually any good or service for free~~. ~~Local~~ authorities will overlook ~~minor crimes that you commit~~ and ~~will help you when they reasonably can~~.		\|'''Hero.''' You are idolized by the community and your very presence inspires hope and cheer. Citizens will seek you out with gifts and offerings and local authorities will overlook small slights and offenses.
	\|}		\|}
	=== Core Profession List ===		=== Core Profession List ===

Andi at 20:57, 6 March 2025

2025-03-06T20:57:33Z

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	! colspan="3" \|Additional Backgrounds		! colspan="3" \|Additional Backgrounds
	\|-		\|-
	\|[[Haunted]] *''Harker's Guide to Vampire Hunting''		\|'''[[Haunted]]''' *''Harker's Guide to Vampire Hunting''
	\|''All''		\|''All''
	\|Once upon a time, your eyes fell upon the visage of a ghost, and it hasn’t left you alone ever since.		\|Once upon a time, your eyes fell upon the visage of a ghost, and it hasn’t left you alone ever since.

Andi at 20:57, 6 March 2025

2025-03-06T20:57:21Z

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	\|''None''		\|''None''
	\|You've grown up on the streets, always fending for yourself.		\|You've grown up on the streets, always fending for yourself.
			\|-
			! colspan="3" \|Additional Backgrounds
			\|-
			\|[[Haunted]] *''Harker's Guide to Vampire Hunting''
			\|''All''
			\|Once upon a time, your eyes fell upon the visage of a ghost, and it hasn’t left you alone ever since.
	\|}		\|}

Andi at 20:55, 6 March 2025

2025-03-06T20:55:43Z

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	!Source		!Source
	\|-		\|-
	\|'''[[Archivist]]~~: Librarian~~'''		\|'''[[Archivist: Librarian]]'''
	\|You are passionate about preserving the past and uncovering the secrets of the ages. Through weeks upon weeks of research sifting through dusty tomes, you are always seeking to expand your understanding of the world and to bring new knowledge to light.		\|You are passionate about preserving the past and uncovering the secrets of the ages. Through weeks upon weeks of research sifting through dusty tomes, you are always seeking to expand your understanding of the world and to bring new knowledge to light.
	\|[[Backgrounds#Student\|Student]]		\|[[Backgrounds#Student\|Student]]

Andi at 20:55, 6 March 2025

2025-03-06T20:55:20Z

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	\|Harker's		\|Harker's
	\|}		\|}
			''*Updated to v1.2''

Andi at 20:54, 6 March 2025

2025-03-06T20:54:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:54, 6 March 2025
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	Your background provides narrative and mechanical information about who you are, what walk of life you come from, and where you might be headed. When you create a character at level 1, you choose your background from the following list. Seven of the nine backgrounds grant you additional skills if you take a profession with the corresponding occupation tag.		Your background provides narrative and mechanical information about who you are, what walk of life you come from, and where you might be headed. When you create a character at level 1, you choose your background from the following list. Seven of the nine backgrounds grant you additional skills if you take a profession with the corresponding occupation tag.

	=== Starting ~~Equiptment~~ ===		=== Starting Equipment ===
	Each background specifies how much wealth you start with. In addition, all backgrounds also grant you the following starting gear. Note: Your profession and background may specify that you gain additional equipment.		Each background specifies how much wealth you start with. In addition, all backgrounds also grant you the following starting gear. Note: Your profession and background may specify that you gain additional equipment.

Andi at 20:54, 6 March 2025

2025-03-06T20:54:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:54, 6 March 2025
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	\|'''[[Backgrounds#Born Warrior\|Born Warrior]]'''		\|'''[[Backgrounds#Born Warrior\|Born Warrior]]'''
	\|''Militant''		\|''Militant''
	\|Blood, toil, and sweat have marked you a proven [[soldier]].		\|Blood, toil, and sweat have marked you a proven soldier.
	\|-		\|-
	\|'''[[Backgrounds#Criminal\|Criminal]]'''		\|'''[[Backgrounds#Criminal\|Criminal]]'''
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	\|'''[[Backgrounds#Noble Title\|Noble Title]]'''		\|'''[[Backgrounds#Noble Title\|Noble Title]]'''
	\|''Aristocratic''		\|''Aristocratic''
	\|By birth or deed, you are a minor [[noble]] in a nation.		\|By birth or deed, you are a minor noble in a nation.
	\|-		\|-
	\|'''[[Backgrounds#Outlander\|Outlander]]'''		\|'''[[Backgrounds#Outlander\|Outlander]]'''
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	= Professions =		= Professions =
	When creating a character, in addition to your background, you gain one profession of your choice. There are two exceptions: If you are a Knave, you gain two professions (you cannot pick the same profession twice). If you are an ~~urchin~~, you do not gain any profession.		When creating a character, in addition to your background, you gain one profession of your choice. There are two exceptions: If you are a Knave, you gain two professions (you cannot pick the same profession twice). If you are an Urchin, you do not gain any profession.

	Each profession has one or more occupation tags, so be sure to check and see if this gives you any additional bonuses based on your background. When you gain a professional rank, you may choose to gain a rank in the same profession or get the 1st rank of a new profession.		Each profession has one or more occupation tags, so be sure to check and see if this gives you any additional bonuses based on your background. When you gain a professional rank, you may choose to gain a rank in the same profession or get the 1st rank of a new profession.

	This decision should reflect your character’s advancement in the campaign world. For example, if you began the game as a Nomad, but became involved in a particular community and took care of a lot of problems for them, you might choose to gain a rank in Knight or Guard instead of ranking up in Nomad when you gain a second professional rank.		This decision should reflect your character’s advancement in the campaign world. For example, if you began the game as a Nomad, but became involved in a particular community and took care of a lot of problems for them, you might choose to gain a rank in Knight or Guard instead of ranking up in Nomad when you gain a second professional rank.

	Professional ranks range from 1 to 5~~, and it is unusual for a character to ever acquire more than 5 total professional ranks~~. The profession that you choose will grant you access to specific narrative benefits throughout the game. The higher your rank in a given profession, the more power and influence you have within that profession. For example, if you have 1 rank in Soldier, you are able to secure lodging and free meals from other members of your military institution. If you have 5 ranks in Soldier, then you can levy other soldiers into your service when they are in your vicinity.<blockquote>'''Note to MCs: Professional Advancement'''		Professional ranks range from 1 to 5. The profession that you choose will grant you access to specific narrative benefits throughout the game. The higher your rank in a given profession, the more power and influence you have within that profession. For example, if you have 1 rank in Soldier, you are able to secure lodging and free meals from other members of your military institution. If you have 5 ranks in Soldier, then you can levy other soldiers into your service when they are in your vicinity.<blockquote>'''Note to MCs: Professional Advancement'''

	Over the course of the game, a PC should gradually gain ranks in their profession, representing ~~the PC’s~~ slow increase in power and influence over time. A PC should gain one new rank in their profession for every 6 character ~~ranks~~ that they have, on average. Note, however, that professions are specifically intended to reflect a character’s roleplaying and narrative-based decisions, so you should give out profession ranks more frequently when it makes sense to do so as a narrative reward. They also make excellent quest rewards. ~~PCs~~ might also get ranks in multiple professions, such as a rank 2 Soldier being awarded an honorable title (rank 1 Honorable) after completing a quest for a viscount. Such a character would then have 3 professional ranks: 2 ~~Soldier~~, and 1 ~~Honorable~~.</blockquote>		Over the course of the game, a hero should gradually gain ranks in their profession, representing their slow increase in power and influence over time. A hero should gain one new rank in their profession for every 6 character levels that they have, on average. Note, however, that professions are specifically intended to reflect a character’s roleplaying and narrative-based decisions, so you should give out profession ranks more frequently when it makes sense to do so as a narrative reward. They also make excellent quest rewards. Heroes might also get ranks in multiple professions, such as a rank 2 Soldier being awarded an honorable title (rank 1 Honorable) after completing a quest for a viscount. Such a character would then have 3 professional ranks: Soldier rank 2, and Honorable rank 1.</blockquote>

	=== Goodwill ===		=== Goodwill ===
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	\|'''Hero.''' You are idolized by your community and can get virtually any good or service for free. Local authorities will overlook minor crimes that you commit and will help you when they reasonably can.		\|'''Hero.''' You are idolized by your community and can get virtually any good or service for free. Local authorities will overlook minor crimes that you commit and will help you when they reasonably can.
	\|}		\|}
	=== Profession List ===		=== Core Profession List ===
	{\| class="wikitable"		{\| class="wikitable"
	\|+		\|+
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	\|-		\|-
	\|'''[[Charlatan]]'''		\|'''[[Charlatan]]'''
	\|You use your silver tongue and quick wit to deceive and manipulate others. You move from town to town, using your skills of deception to sell false remedies, perform illusions, or simply con unsuspecting marks out of their hard-earned coin. Whether ~~you’re~~ a traveling swindler or a confidence trickster, you always have a new scam up your sleeve, and you revel in the thrill of fooling others and getting away with it.		\|You use your silver tongue and quick wit to deceive and manipulate others. You move from town to town, using your skills of deception to sell false remedies, perform illusions, or simply con unsuspecting marks out of their hard-earned coin. Whether you are a traveling swindler or a confidence trickster, you always have a new scam up your sleeve, and you revel in the thrill of fooling others and getting away with it.
	\|[[Backgrounds#Entrepreneur\|Entrepreneur]] or [[Backgrounds#Criminal\|Criminal]]		\|[[Backgrounds#Entrepreneur\|Entrepreneur]] or [[Backgrounds#Criminal\|Criminal]]
	\|''Mercantile, Underworld''		\|''Mercantile, Underworld''
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	\|[[Backgrounds#Born Warrior\|Born Warrior]]		\|[[Backgrounds#Born Warrior\|Born Warrior]]
	\|''Militant''		\|''Militant''
	\|-
	~~\|'''[[Trader]]'''~~
	\|You are constantly on the move, traveling from town to town and village to village in search of new markets and opportunities. With a keen eye for profit and a talent for negotiation, you buy low and sell high, always seeking out the best deals and the most valuable merchandise to trade. Whether you are trading in exotic spices, rare herbs, precious gems, or any other commodity that you can get your hands on, you are always seeking to turn a profit and to grow your wealth and influence in the world.
	~~\|[[Backgrounds#Entrepreneur\|Entrepreneur]]~~
	~~\|''Mercantile''~~
	\|-		\|-
	\|'''[[Thief]]'''		\|'''[[Thief]]'''
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	\|-		\|-
	\|'''[[Thug]]'''		\|'''[[Thug]]'''
	\|You are no stranger to the brutal struggle of urban life, outside the eyes of the law where the strong take from the weak and the sharpness of a blade says more than a written decree. Perhaps your actions come from necessity or maybe they come from a desire for power, but either way you are not afraid to use your cunning, strength, and wits to take what you want when you want it. You claim your territory through brute force or intimidation and ~~don’t~~ let anything stand in your way.		\|You are no stranger to the brutal struggle of urban life, outside the eyes of the law where the strong take from the weak and the sharpness of a blade says more than a written decree. Perhaps your actions come from necessity or maybe they come from a desire for power, but either way you are not afraid to use your cunning, strength, and wits to take what you want when you want it. You claim your territory through brute force or intimidation and do not let anything stand in your way.
	\|[[Backgrounds#Criminal\|Criminal]] or [[Backgrounds#Born Warrior\|Born Warrior]]		\|[[Backgrounds#Criminal\|Criminal]] or [[Backgrounds#Born Warrior\|Born Warrior]]
	\|''Underworld, Militant''		\|''Underworld, Militant''
			\|-
			\|'''[[Trader]]'''
			\|You are no stranger to the brutal struggle of urban life, outside the eyes of the law where the strong take from the weak and the sharpness of a blade says more than a written decree. Perhaps your actions come from necessity or maybe they come from a desire for power, but either way you are not afraid to use your cunning, strength, and wits to take what you want when you want it. You claim your territory through brute force or intimidation and do not let anything stand in your way.
			\|[[Backgrounds#Entrepreneur\|Entrepreneur]]
			\|''Mercantile''
			\|}

			=== Additional Professions ===
			{\| class="wikitable"
			!Profession
			!Description
			!Background Needed for Bonus
			!Tags
			!Source
			\|-
			\|'''[[Archivist]]: Librarian'''
			\|You are passionate about preserving the past and uncovering the secrets of the ages. Through weeks upon weeks of research sifting through dusty tomes, you are always seeking to expand your understanding of the world and to bring new knowledge to light.
			\|[[Backgrounds#Student\|Student]]
			\|''Academic''
			\|Harker's
			\|-
			\|'''[[Bartender]]'''
			\|You’ve always had your finger on the pulse of gossip and events in your local haunts, so much so that people make it a habit to seek you out for your knowledge. Your constant dealings with folk of every sort has left you a unique ability to read people and seek information, not to mention you can serve up the occasional party favor. You make for a fine conversationalist, so long as no one is stirring up trouble.
			\|[[Backgrounds#Entrepreneur\|Entrepreneur]]
			\|''Mercantile''
			\|Harker's
			\|-
			\|'''[[Blacksmith]]'''
			\|Your crafts experience makes you an invaluable member to any community, forging everything from horseshoes to blades. Whether it be maintaining metalworks, creating items of utility and use, or arming soldiers from local militias to state-funded militaries, you can always find work with your your skills. You are a centerpoint for adventurers, ensuring their arms are ready for the challenges that await them.
			\|[[Backgrounds#Entrepreneur\|Entrepreneur]]
			\|''Mercantile''
			\|Harker's
			\|-
			\|'''[[Courtesan]]'''
			\|You hail from what is often cited as the oldest of all professions. While the term “creature of the night” might make some think of vampires and their ilk, your profession is something quite different. As a prostitute, you are no stranger to the difficulties and hardships of life. You are also far more resilient than many may realize, as your daily life constitutes countless struggles as you service difficult clientele. You survive by your wits, your charms, and your gut instinct, and you have a knack for turning risky situations to your advantage.
			\|[[Backgrounds#Noble Title\|Noble Title]], [[Backgrounds#Entrepreneur\|Entrepreneur]], or [[Backgrounds#Criminal\|Criminal]]
			\|''Aristocratic, Mercantile, Underworld''
			\|Harker's
	\|}		\|}

Andi at 20:42, 6 March 2025

2025-03-06T20:42:28Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:42, 6 March 2025
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	Each background specifies how much wealth you start with. In addition, all backgrounds also grant you the following starting gear. Note: Your profession and background may specify that you gain additional equipment.		Each background specifies how much wealth you start with. In addition, all backgrounds also grant you the following starting gear. Note: Your profession and background may specify that you gain additional equipment.

	1. A) 2 one-handed melee weapons, or B) 1 two-handed or hand-and-a-half melee weapon, or C) 1 one-handed melee weapon and a ~~shield (~~buckler)		1. A) 2 one-handed melee weapons, or B) 1 two-handed or hand-and-a-half melee weapon, or C) 1 one-handed melee weapon and a buckler

	2. A) 1 shortbow and 20 arrows, or B) 1 crossbow and 20 bolts, or C) 3 javelins		2. A) 1 shortbow and 20 arrows, or B) 1 crossbow and 20 bolts, or C) 3 javelins

	3. or you can forego equipment in both 1. and 2. for an amethyst wand		3. or you can forego equipment in both 1. and 2. for an amethyst wand

	4. A) 1 quarterstaff, or B) 1 hatchet, or C) 2 daggers, or D) 2 knives, or E) 1 cestus, or F) 1 brass knuckles		4. A) 1 quarterstaff, or B) 1 hatchet, or C) 2 daggers, or D) 2 knives, or E) 1 cestus, or F) 1 brass knuckles

	5. 2 trinkets		5. 2 trinkets

Andi at 20:34, 6 March 2025

2025-03-06T20:34:27Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:34, 6 March 2025
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	__NOAUTOLINKS__		__NOAUTOLINKS__

	While you are an adventurer, there is much more to your life than just battling beasts, hoarding treasure, and going on quests. When ~~you’re~~ not actively adventuring, you enjoy indulging in your personal interests and hobbies. Maybe ~~you’re~~ an avid reader and love nothing more than curling up with a good book in the local library or university. Or perhaps ~~you’re~~ a skilled blacksmith and spend your downtime creating intricate pieces of armor or weapons. Maybe you have a talent for playing music, and can often be found entertaining your fellow adventurers with songs on your lute. Whatever it may be, you find that having a hobby or interest outside of adventuring helps you to relax, unwind, and forget about the dangers and hardships of the road. Downtime between adventures also provides you with an opportunity to cultivate your reputation and manage a business.		While you are an adventurer, there is much more to your life than just battling beasts, hoarding treasure, and going on quests. When you are not actively adventuring, you enjoy indulging in your personal interests and hobbies. Maybe you are an avid reader and love nothing more than curling up with a good book in the local library or university. Or perhaps you are a skilled blacksmith and spend your downtime creating intricate pieces of armor or weapons. Maybe you have a talent for playing music, and can often be found entertaining your fellow adventurers with songs on your lute. Whatever it may be, you find that having a hobby or interest outside of adventuring helps you to relax, unwind, and forget about the dangers and hardships of the road. Downtime between adventures also provides you with an opportunity to cultivate your reputation and manage a business.

	= Backgrounds and Occupations =		= Backgrounds and Occupations =
	Every background allows you to gain a profession, except for the urchin background. [[Backgrounds]] also specify that if you pick a profession with a certain occupation tag, then you gain additional Skill Points. Skills can be found organized by both attributes and tags on [[Skills]].		Every background allows you to gain a profession, except for the urchin background. [[Backgrounds]] also specify that if you pick a profession with a certain occupation tag, then you gain additional Skill Points. Skills can be found organized by both attributes and tags on [[Skills]].

	Your background provides narrative and mechanical information about who you are, what walk of life you come from, and where you might be headed. When you create a character at level 1, you choose your background from the list ~~below~~. Seven of the nine backgrounds grant you additional skills if you take a profession with the corresponding occupation tag~~. Note that your background also determines your starting wealth~~.		Your background provides narrative and mechanical information about who you are, what walk of life you come from, and where you might be headed. When you create a character at level 1, you choose your background from the following list. Seven of the nine backgrounds grant you additional skills if you take a profession with the corresponding occupation tag.

	=== Starting ~~Gear~~ ===		=== Starting Equiptment ===
	Each background specifies how much wealth you start with. In addition, all backgrounds also grant you the following starting gear. Note: Your profession and background may specify that you gain additional equipment.		Each background specifies how much wealth you start with. In addition, all backgrounds also grant you the following starting gear. Note: Your profession and background may specify that you gain additional equipment.