Background

Remarkable individuals from all walks of life seek their destinies among the lands of Theros, from devout servants of the gods, to triumph-hungry athletes.
While the heroes of Theros might come from any of the backgrounds presented in the Player’s Handbook, the gods have a way of interceding in the lives of those meant for greatness. When determining your character’s backstory, consider how the gods have influenced your life. The gods are pervasive in the stories and cultures of Theros, and even their devout followers shouldn’t feel bound to choose a faith-focused background like acolyte. The gods’ followers come from all walks of life, and any heroic soul might find themselves thrust into the midst of divine schemes.
Whether or not your character is exceptionally devout, consider reviewing the deities presented in chapter 2 and see if you gravitate toward one. Perhaps this god has a special interest in you, is the deity your family has hailed as a patron for generations, or embodies values you hold close. Based on this, consider that chapter’s possibilities for how you might have earned that immortal’s favor (if indeed you have) and alternate background ideals related to their worship—along with other boons that might entice you into their service.
Your character doesn’t need to be a follower of any of the gods, but if you’re not, there’s likely a reason why you’ve avoided them.
In addition to the gods, the supernatural gifts presented earlier in this chapter might influence your background. Consider what story emerges from your combination of supernatural gift, background, and other choices.
Beyond these options, the athlete background presented here provides a new way to seek glory through discipline and physical prowess.

MYTHS OF THE IROAN GAMES
Competitors seeking a place among the athletes of legend endlessly push themselves to claim victory during Akros’s world-renowned annual contest, the Iroan Games. The deeds of past victors set a high bar for those who follow.
In recent memory, the famed wrestler Lanathos bested all rivals and, after a day-long struggle, a wild Akroan bull.
When the pankratiast Nymosyne had her contest interrupted by a cyclops attack, she threw her rival at the creature, then snapped the brute’s neck with her bare hands.
Perhaps most dramatically, though, was the recent victory of the Akroan hunter Arissa. While waiting to claim her second place award, Arissa witnessed a Nyxborn bat-creature snatch an infant from the crowd. The hunter threw her javelin an impossible distance, skewered the bat-thing, then caught the child as it fell. Collectively, the other assembled competitors gave Arissa their awards, and the hunter claimed her citizenship among the Akroan lektoi.
Who knows what legends will unfold during next year’s Iroan Games?

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 poleis, between them, or among the nonhuman peoples of Theros, 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.
Skill Proficiencies: Acrobatics, Athletics
Languages: One of your choice
Tool Proficiencies: Vehicles (land)
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

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.
Favored Event

1 Marathon
2 Long-distance running
3 Wrestling
4 Boxing
5 Chariot or horse race
6 Pankration (mixed unarmed combat)
7 Hoplite race (racing in full armor with a unit)
8 Pentathlon (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.
Athlete Personality Traits

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.

Athlete Ideals

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

Athlete Bonds

1 My teammates are my family.
2 I will overcome a rival and prove myself their 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.

Athlete Flaws

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 old injuries.
5 Any defeat or failure on my part is because my opponent cheated.
6 I must be the captain of any group I join.