Stolen from Azure I've noticed there's a bit of confusion on how Backgrounds actually work
and which bonuses they provide. So, I'm here to explain it in a quick
little post and hopefully help peeps out. :) Here's the short version (from PHB2): "Regardless of how many background elements you use, when you create a character you can (with your DM’s consent) select one of the following background benefits: ✦ Gain a +2 bonus to checks with one skill associated with your background. ✦ Add one skill associated with your background to your class’s skills list before you choose your trained skills. ✦ Choose one language connected to your background. You can speak, read, and write that language fluently. ✦ If you are using a campaign setting that offers regional benefits (such as the FORGOTTEN REALMS setting), gain a regional benefit." ________________________________________________________ In more detail: A Background will have one of these in its write-up: - A list of associated skills - A list of associated languages - A special write-up/ability (which may include more or less anything, such as bonuses to skills) - A combination of the above However, you can only pick one thing. So, you must choose if you want: a) an associated skill (just one of them - see below) b) an associated language (again, just one) c) the background's special benefit If what you're picking is an associated skill, you must: 1) Pick ONE skill. You do not get bonuses from all the skills in the list, just one skill of your choice 2) Choose whether you get: +2 bonus to your chosen skill, OR your chosen skill counts as a class skill for you (YOU MUST STILL SPEND ONE OF YOUR TRAINED SKILL SLOTS ON IT) EXAMPLE 1: The general background Accursed Lineage offers three associated skills: History, Intimidate, and Religion. It
also offers the following special: "You gain a +2 bonus to Diplomacy
and Intimidate checks when interacting with undead creatures." If I pick this Background for my character, he/she can gain one ( just one! ) of the following benefits: a) +2 to History checks b) +2 to Intimidate checks c) +2 to Religion checks d) History is a class skill e) Intimidate is a class skill f) Religion is a class skill g) A +2 bonus to Diplomacy and Intimidate checks when interacting with undead creatures. EXAMPLE 2: The general background Blademaster offers two associated skills: Acrobatics, Insight It also offers an associated language: Elven. If I pick this Background for my character, he/she can gain one ( just one! ) of the following benefits: a) +2 to Acrobatics checks b) +2 to Insight checks c) Acrobatics is a class skill d) Insight is a class skill e) The character can speak, understand, read and write Elven