POKEMON 5E BACKGROUNDS
Many D&D backgrounds don't work well set in a Pokemon
‘world. When starting your journey, you might choose one of
the following backgrounds for your character instead.
[Any of the proficiencies or knowledge can be swapped out
for different ones. Ifyou change your Item Knowledge, you
also change the Bonus Equipment to one related to your Item
Knowledge.
OPTIONAL RULE CHANGES:
While everyone knows basic items like Pokeballs or Potions,
‘brand new Trainer won't know about every item.
‘Tool and Language proficiencies have been replaced with
Item Knowledge, You have advantage on checks when it
comes to the specified items,
‘Your DM might let you replace some of your Starting
equipment with Bonus Equipment. These are items related
to the character's Item Knowledge,
ATHLETE (THE Brawn)
sports are your forte. Maybe you grew up playing alongside
the local Pokemon. You know the neatby lake of cliffside like
the back of your hand Always taking charge of the situation,
the neighborhood Kids all look up to you. But now you know
that you're ready to leave the litle leagues behind and start a
Pokemon journey of your own.
Talk to your DM about the local adventures you've been a
part of. What was your role?
‘Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, Survival
Item Knowledge: X Items, Vitamins
Bonus Equipment: X Items totalling less than P1,200
Connorssrur (THe Cum)
‘You spend more time admiring the beauty of moves rather
than their effectiveness. Becoming a Pokemon Master ist
the biggest priority for you. A Pokemons happiness and
‘wellbeing is more important. It's about the friends you make
along the way!
Talk to your DM about why you embarked on your journey.
‘What motivates you?
‘Skill Proficiencies: Medicine, Performance
tem Knowledge: Medicines
Bonus Equipment: Restorative items worth less than
P1,200
Hicusorn (Tue SNos)
Born witha silver spoon in your mouth, you are used to the
finer things in life. The best education, the finest furnishings,
the latest fashion, the strongest Pokemon. It's all so boring.
You're ready to take off wherever the road takes you. Well
prepared, of course.
Talk to your DM about what kind of ife you left behind,
Why did you leave?
‘Skill Proficiencies: History, Persuasion
Item Knowledge: Held Items
Bonus Equipment: A Held Item worth P1,200 or less. Your
starting equipment includes the max amount of Pokedollas.
Hoop.um (THE Epce)
You always seem (o find trouble, Every side isthe wrong side
of the tracks. Its not your fault, you just want Pokemon to
reach their full potential! Somedays you seem to think no one
understands you. Especially since all of your pals left to join
‘Team Whatever,
‘Talk to your DM about some of the trouble you've been in
Was it your fault?
‘Skill Proficiencies: Sleight of Hand Stealth
Item Knowledge: Evolution Items
Bonus Equipment: One Evolution Stone
Poxe-Frrenp (THE Witp)
You are closer to the local Pokemon population than your
classmates. Your parents could be Pokemon breeders or
maybe you grew up caring for wild Pokemon, Your friends
think its time to go see the world and meet new people.
‘Talk to your DM about having one of your Pokemon friends
as your starter. Why do they travel with you?
‘Skill Proficiencies: Survival, Nature
Item Knowledge: Berries
Bonus Equipment: Berries totalling less than P1,200
Rrvat (THE Fire)
You put everything you've got into beating your rival Perhaps.
youive been rivals your whole lives. Maybe you happened to
show up to choose starters atthe same time. They could even
bbe a close friend. No matter, you're gonna win the next badge
first.
Talc to your DM about your history with your chosen rival
Are they a friend or foe?
‘Skill Proficiencies: Perception, Intimidation
Item Knowledge: Rare Pokeballs
Bonus Equipment: Pokeballs totalling less than P1,200
Sruprous (THE Bratn)
You've spent more time reading up on Pokemon than actually
interacting with them. Maybe you went toa prestigious
academy, or just studied in the brary. Your fascination,
knows no bounds.
‘Talk to your DM about where you got your knowledge. Do
you have any experience to go with it?
‘Skill Proficiencies: Investigation, History
Item Knowledge: TMs
Bonus Equipment: One TM from the following list:
Calm Mind (TM 04)
Roar (TM 05)
Bulk Up (TM 08)
Sunny Day (TM 11)
1 11 Torment (TM 41)
2
3
4
5 Taunt (TM 12)
6
7
8
12 Rest (TM 44)
13 Attract (TM 45)
14 Embargo (7M 63)
15 Rock Polish (TM 69)
16 Psych Up (TM 77)
17 Swagger (TM 87)
18 Substitute (TM $0)
19 Trick Room (TM 92)
20 Confide (TM 100)
Light Screen (TM 16)
Rain Dance (TM 18)
Roost (TM 19)
9 Safeguard (TM 20)
10 Double Team (TM 32)