Athlete

Source: Mythic Odysseys of Theros (SCAR Version)

You strive to perfect yourself physically and in execution of everything you do. The Thrill of competition lights fire in your blood, and the roar of the crowd drives you forward. Tales of your exploits precede you and might open doors or loosen tongues. In some instances your team may carry more recognition than you as an individual.



NOTE: Some backgrounds have options to choose from. Please read carefully. You may not get every proficiency listed below, as some may be a choice between one or the other.

  • Stat Options (choose either +2 in one stat and +1 in another, OR +1 in all three): Constitution, Dexterity, Strength
  • Skill Proficiencies (your choice of TWO): Acrobatics, Athletics, or Intimidation
  • Tool Proficiencies: Vehicles (Land) or Vehicles (Water)
  • Languages: Two Standard languages of choice.
  • Weapons: Your choice of one between Greatclub, Handaxe, or Spear.

  • Background Keepsake: A lucky charm you kept with you for every competition, a trophy from a victory, or an old uniform from your team.
  • Background Gold: 10gp.

Origin Feat

Origin Physique

You gain +5 feet to your walking speed.


Suggested Characteristics

Favored Event

While many athletes practice various games and events, most excel at a single form of competition. Common sporting events include, but are not limited to: racing (on foot, horseback, carts/chariots/wagons, or boat), sparing (wrestling, boxing, or another martial art), target sports (archery, ax throwing, etc.), or some other sport local to a city or culture (like goat ball for goliaths). Choose one event in which you excelled.


Team Colors and Mascot

If you played on a team, you may have worn a jersey and had a mascot that unified the team and interacted with your fans. For example, athletes from the Sea Ward of Waterdeep wear blue and gold and their mascot is a Sea Lion (a fanciful combination of a fish and a feline), while athletes from the North Ward wear green and orange and their mascot is a white dove. If you are from a different city or culture, adjust these ideas to fit your context or create your own.


Other

Variant: Trainer

You had your time as an athlete in competitions, but you spent most of your time as a coach or trainer. You may have worked in a gymnasium or dojo, but still share in the same fame as the athletes or team that you worked with. You use the Echoes of Victory feature, but may replace one of the skill proficiencies of Acrobatics or Athletics for either Deception or Persuasion. You have spent time encouraging your students or teams and know how to motivate them in every situation.

Personality

Please select TWO from the list below.

d8 Personality Trait
1 I feel most at peace during physical exertion- be it exercise or battle.
2 I don't like to sit idle.
3 I have a daily exercise routine that I refuse to break.
4 Obstacles exist to be overcome.
5 When I see others struggling- I offer to help.
6 I love to trade banter and gibes.
7 Anything worth doing is worth doing best.
8 I get irritated if people praise someone else and not me.

Ideal

Please select one from the list below.

d6 Ideal Trait
1 Competition. I strive to test myself in all things.
2 Triumph. The best part of winning is seeing my rivals brought low.
3 Camaraderie. The strongest bonds are forged through struggle.
4 People. I strive to inspire my spectators.
5 Tradition. Every game has rules- and the playing field must be level.
6 Growth. Lessons hide in victory and defeat.

Bond

Please select one from the list below.

d6 Bond Trait
1 My teammates are my family.
2 I will overcome a rival and prove myself as the better.
3 My mistake got someone hurt. I'll never make that mistake again.
4 I will be the best for the honor and glory of my home.
5 The person who trained me is the most important person in my world.
6 I strive to live up to a specific hero's example.

Flaw

Please select one from the list below.

d6 Flaw Trait
1 I indulge in a habit that threatens my reputation or my health.
2 I'll do absolutely anything to win.
3 I ignore anyone who doesn't compete and anyone who loses to me.
4 I have lingering pain from an old injury.
5 Any defeat or failure on my part is because my opponent cheated.
6 I must be the captain of any group I join.