Athlete

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.   Whether in one of the cities, between them, or among the nonhuman races, physical contests and those who pursue them command respect bordering on reverence. Athletes arise from all walks of life and all cultures and quite often cross paths with one another.

Favored Event

While many athletes practice various games and events, most excel at a single form of competition. Roll or choose from the options in the Favored Event table to determine the athletic event in which you excel.
d8Favored Event
1Marathon
2Long-distance running
3Wrestling
4Boxing
5Chariot or horse race
6Mixed Martial Arts
7Hoplite race (racing in full armor with a unit)
8Pentathlon (running, long jump, discus, javelin, wrestling)

Feature: Echoes of Victory

You have attracted admiration among spectators, fellow athletes, and trainers in the region that hosted your past athletic victories. When visiting any settlement within 100 miles of where you grew up, there is a 50 percent chance you can find someone there who admires you and is willing to provide information or temporary shelter.   Between adventures, you might compete in athletic events sufficient enough to maintain a comfortable lifestyle, as per the “Practicing a Profession” downtime activity in chapter 8 of the Player’s Handbook.

Suggested Characteristics

Competition can forge strong bonds between teammates and rivals or ignite bitter feuds that burn outside the arena. Athletes often apply lessons from their training to their lives in general.

Backgrounds & Professions

Skill Proficiencies

Acrobatics, Athletics

Tool Proficiencies

Vehicles (Land)

Languages

One of your choice

Starting Equipment

A bronze discus or leather ball, a lucky charm or past trophy, a set of traveler’s clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gp

Suggested Lifestyle

Comfortable