Backgrounds are passive bonuses characters have. These bonus can be a game mechanic, a buff or simply something for Roleplay (with unknown effects ingame)

Backgrounds

SKILLS

Name: Animal Affinity
Effect: +10 taming (does not count towards cap)
Description: Animals domestic or otherwise have always trusted you

Name: Career Criminal
Effect: +10 stealing (does not count towards cap)
Description: You have adapted to a life of crime and find it hard to live any other way

Name: Chef
Effect: +10 cooking (does not count towards cap)
Description: —

Name: Chemist
Effect: +10 alchemy (does not count towards cap)
Description: —

Name: Engineer
Effect: +10 tinkering (does not count towards cap)
Description: —

Name: Escape Artist
Effect: +10 lockpicking (does not count towards cap)
Description: They haven't made a prison you couldn't escape

Name: Iron Willed
Effect: +10 magic resist (does not count towards cap)
Description: For whatever reason you naturally repel supernatural energies

Name: Keen Eyed
Effect: +10 detect hidden (does not count towards cap)
Description: For whatever reason you have always been naturally perceptive

Name: Light Step
Effect: +10 stealth (does not count towards cap)
Description: You are practiced at leaving little to no trace behind you

Name: Metallurgist
Effect: +10 blacksmith (does not count towards cap)
Description: —

Name: Nomad
Effect: +10 camping (does not count towards cap)
Description: —

Name: Physician
Effect: +10 apothecary (does not count towards cap)
Description: —

Name: Scribe
Effect: +10 inscription (does not count towards cap)
Description: —

Name: Seamstress
Effect: +10 tailoring (does not count towards cap)
Description: —

Name: Woodwright
Effect: +10 carpentry (does not count towards cap)
Description: —

STATS

Name: Gifted
Effect: +5 int (cap)
Description: You are naturally brilliant

Name: Graceful
Effect: +5 dex (cap)
Description: You move with the grace of a cat

Name: Strong
Effect: +5 str (cap)
Description: Either naturally large or surprisingly strong, you never have an issue with pickle jars

MISC

Name: Blessed
Effect: Social interactions with deities tend to go a bit smoother for you
Description: Your creation was noticed by the powers that be and as such you are allowed some modicum of consideration when dealing with deities

Name: Branded
Effect: You bear the mark of a certain group or faction
Description: While the law may look at you with less favor your Markings open up doors and allow you conversations with those that may otherwise avoid interaction

Name: Chosen
Effect: Unlock Spirit speak
Description: Your devotion to the faith has attuned your soul

Name: Conditioned
Effect: Thirst/Hunger levels decrease at half speed
Description: You have conditioned yourself to go days without food or water

Name: Connected
Effect: Start with a small collection of gear and 5000 gold
Description: You have friends in low places that took care of you while you were in jail

Name: Cursed
Effect: —
Description: You give off an unnatural eeriness that tends to upset those around you. While this does you no favors in casual socializing, your ability to intimidate others is second nature

Name: Dwarf (short)
Effect: +5% Defense chance increase
Description: Your small size allows you to remain elusive

Name: Entitled
Effect: +1 Contact
Description: Your family was quite influential and commanded a large stretch of land. As such you are accustomed to finding others that owe allegiance or have sworn some measure of fealty to your family's name

Name: Giant
Effect: +20 max HP
Description: Your enormous size has always made you stand out

Name: Haggler
Effect: Vendors will offer you a discount on your purchases
Description: Nothing but the best deals for you

Name: Hauntingly Beautiful
Effect: —
Description: Your stunning looks draws the admiration of those around you. But also the jealousy of envious eyes

Name: Lucky
Effect: +100 Luck score (permanent)
Description: Who needs skill when you have luck?

Name: Natural Leader
Effect: +2 follower slots
Description: Man nor beast can resist your charm

Name: Pain Tolerance
Effect: +10 physical resistance (permanent)
Description: Whether by choice or because of your lifestyle, you have become accustomed to pain

Name: Party Animal
Effect: Drugs and liquor have no ill effects on you
Description: PARTYYYYY!!!

Name: Pragmatic
Effect: Once per scene you may ask the GM for a hint
Description: My common sense is tingling! Your intuitions seldom lead you astray

Name: Scarred
Effect: —
Description: Dangerous work or a history of violence has left you with many scars. This has translated into a measure of respect from certain crowds and a level of unease from another

Name: Strong Back
Effect: +75 stone carry limit
Description: The life of a laborer or the practice of a soldier, you are used to carrying heavy loads long distances.

Name: The Old Ways
Effect: —
Description: When the world reinterpreted the Faith and moved on from old ways you remained loyal. Your faith remains true to the ancient rituals and rites of Osien. Some may look upon your beliefs as barbaric, fanatical, or even paganistic but you know the truths of the faith as they were created

Name: Very Ugly
Effect: —
Description: By birth defect, terrible accident, or disease you are a pity to behold. Your looks may invoke a sense of nausea in some but also may inspire a sense of empathy in others

Name: Well Traveled
Effect: —
Description: You have experienced many lands and cultures