Does the +1 rule for source books in Adventurer's League also apply to background selections? Specifically:
I am doing up a Warlock using one of the subclasses from XGE. The character will be starting in ToA... can I use the background options from ToA (anthropologist or archaeologist) even though my +1 is XGE or does that apply to backgrounds as well? I know that custom backgrounds are doable in AL, so I'm assuming it doesn't matter much as long as the background feature is printed somewhere, but figured I'd ask the question so I knew the "right" answer... Thanks.
There are no AL restrictions on backgrounds. Since the "custom" background where you choose 2 skills and one of 2 languages or 1 tool+1 language or 2 tools is AL legal. This means that any background can be pretty much created ad hoc. However, as far as I know, you can still choose the quirk from any of the available backgrounds.
There are no AL restrictions on backgrounds. Since the "custom" background where you choose 2 skills and one of 2 languages or 1 tool+1 language or 2 tools is AL legal. This means that any background can be pretty much created ad hoc. However, as far as I know, you can still choose the quirk from any of the available backgrounds.
The only issue ATM is to use the custom background is you have to have homebrew turn on. Or am I mistaken? If true, then I hope this is something that will be looked at when/if they do AL filtering.
I suspect there will still be need to have homebrew cababilities for AL play. While it is done much less frequently (compared to a homebrew game), there are a variety of monsters and rewards that are AL specific that won't nessicarily be in official sources available on DDB. For example, all (or at least a lot of the pets and such) of the stuff available through Fai Chan's market.
In summary: I agree that homebrew will be needed for AL players to and I do not think they are mutually exclusive.
There are no AL restrictions on backgrounds. Since the "custom" background where you choose 2 skills and one of 2 languages or 1 tool+1 language or 2 tools is AL legal. This means that any background can be pretty much created ad hoc. However, as far as I know, you can still choose the quirk from any of the available backgrounds.
I hate to be the contrarian, especially when there's a general consensus, but in the AL Player's Handbook it says:
Step 4: Describe Your Character Describe your character and choose a background from the Player’s Handbook, pages 121 – 141, or if you’ve selected an additional resource as described above, you can select a background presented there.
I don't think I'm reading it wrong, but that says to me, I can pick a background either from the PHB or the +1 source I've chosen. In the case of the OP that's Xanathar's Guide to Everything, which I don't think has any backgrounds.
This has prompted a lot of confusion. The AL admins have often confirmed (via the FB forums) that the PHB+1 does not apply to backgrounds. So you can create a Cleric with the Arcane Domain and the Dragon Scholar background. Unfortunately, the FAQ doesn't call this out specifically.
If you ask me (which you didn't), I *think* that because the ALPG and the FAQ call out the things which it *does* apply to, they don't feel the need to call out the things that it does not apply to. (The initial description of the PHB+1 rule mentions class options and race options, and later it mentions that it includes spells...I can't think of any other player options in the books other than those...)
But yes, generally the +1 rule applies only to race and class options for character creation and leveling up. Class options include spells and feats. Backgrounds fall under neither category.
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In Adventure's League, when you create a custom background, do you get any gear/gold to go with the proficiencies, or are you losing the starting equipment for choosing proficiencies?
You take an Equipment package from one of the existing backgrounds. So if you were going to make a character who was an aide for a noble, maybe you'd take the Equipment listed for the Sage...or maybe the Equipment listed for the Noble makes more sense.
But you take one set...no mixing or matching between them. (Although you can always sell stuff which has a price listed for half price...)
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Does the +1 rule for source books in Adventurer's League also apply to background selections? Specifically:
I am doing up a Warlock using one of the subclasses from XGE. The character will be starting in ToA... can I use the background options from ToA (anthropologist or archaeologist) even though my +1 is XGE or does that apply to backgrounds as well? I know that custom backgrounds are doable in AL, so I'm assuming it doesn't matter much as long as the background feature is printed somewhere, but figured I'd ask the question so I knew the "right" answer... Thanks.
For backgrounds no - the AL PHB Guide should have info on the source restriction (and lack there of when it comes to backgrounds).
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There are no AL restrictions on backgrounds. Since the "custom" background where you choose 2 skills and one of 2 languages or 1 tool+1 language or 2 tools is AL legal. This means that any background can be pretty much created ad hoc. However, as far as I know, you can still choose the quirk from any of the available backgrounds.
I suspect there will still be need to have homebrew cababilities for AL play. While it is done much less frequently (compared to a homebrew game), there are a variety of monsters and rewards that are AL specific that won't nessicarily be in official sources available on DDB. For example, all (or at least a lot of the pets and such) of the stuff available through Fai Chan's market.
In summary: I agree that homebrew will be needed for AL players to and I do not think they are mutually exclusive.
I hate to be the contrarian, especially when there's a general consensus, but in the AL Player's Handbook it says:
I don't think I'm reading it wrong, but that says to me, I can pick a background either from the PHB or the +1 source I've chosen. In the case of the OP that's Xanathar's Guide to Everything, which I don't think has any backgrounds.
This has prompted a lot of confusion. The AL admins have often confirmed (via the FB forums) that the PHB+1 does not apply to backgrounds. So you can create a Cleric with the Arcane Domain and the Dragon Scholar background. Unfortunately, the FAQ doesn't call this out specifically.
If you ask me (which you didn't), I *think* that because the ALPG and the FAQ call out the things which it *does* apply to, they don't feel the need to call out the things that it does not apply to. (The initial description of the PHB+1 rule mentions class options and race options, and later it mentions that it includes spells...I can't think of any other player options in the books other than those...)
DDAL FAQ 7.1 p6
"Can I Make a Custom Background?
Yep. You can create a custom background for your character by following the rules in the PHB. You can’t use custom background features, however."
The FAQ and other materials are a free download from the DMsGuild website.
http://www.dmsguild.com/product/208179/DD-Adventurers-League-DM-Pack
I use that custom background option a lot in AL.
But yes, generally the +1 rule applies only to race and class options for character creation and leveling up. Class options include spells and feats. Backgrounds fall under neither category.
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In Adventure's League, when you create a custom background, do you get any gear/gold to go with the proficiencies, or are you losing the starting equipment for choosing proficiencies?
You take an Equipment package from one of the existing backgrounds. So if you were going to make a character who was an aide for a noble, maybe you'd take the Equipment listed for the Sage...or maybe the Equipment listed for the Noble makes more sense.
But you take one set...no mixing or matching between them. (Although you can always sell stuff which has a price listed for half price...)