Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 Bob_no_Oni May 07, 2015 2:47:30	Question for everyone. If I make a custom background that includes Acolyte, do I have to pick a deity for me to follow? I want some of the background idea of the Acolyte mixed with a Sage (character idea is a Tiefling Necromancer descendant from Orcus that wishes to worship him). I know the AL rules state that Acolyte must pick a deity and it has to be in the book, but if I build custom based on this idea, do I have to choose a deity and does it have to be in the book?
#2 imaginaryfriend May 07, 2015 3:12:17	If you plan to use the mechanical benefits of the Acolyte, Yes. And yes, it always needs to be in an allowed rules source.
#3 Kalani May 07, 2015 3:49:39	You can't actually build a custom background in AL. You pick one of the published backgrounds which determines your starting gear and lifestyle.    You can then customize your chosen background; selecting any 2 skills; 2 languages/tool proficiencies; and one of the background features from any background in your allowed rules.    Your hybrid safe/acolyte must be built as either a customized acolyte, sage or another published background (eg outlander or hermit).   Which background you choose ultimately depends upon what starting gear you want (and your starting lifestyle). If you want priestly mantles and incense - start acolyte and customize from there.    While it does not state it in the ALPG - the acolyte benefit is tied directly to the "shelter the faithful" background benefit. If you don't have this benefit - you cannot get discounted spell casting at a temple (the ALPG doesn't consider the fact that players can customize backgrounds, which is weird)
#4 Kalani May 07, 2015 4:07:22	While you cannot make a custom background from scratch (as your background determines your starting gear and lifestyle) - you can refluff your background.    If you do - make certain to list the original name of your background, background feature, and any refluffed equipment prominently. I recommend using brackets. Keep in mind that re fluffing is purely cosmetic. It does not alter mechanics in any way.    For example: I play a Leprecaun (forest gnome) "bard".   Mechanically - he is a Forest gnome wizard (conjuror) with the entertainer background - but he styles himself as a bard, and sees his magic as innate to his species (even though it is identical to a wizards magic - right down to the spellbook).    Malkyn (my Leprecaun) dresses in a lime green suit and tophat (fine clothes) and wears a matching vest with 100 tiny pockets (trinket).   Race - Leprecaun (forest gnome) Class/Background - "Bard" (wizard entertainer) Gear: Lime green suit and tophat (fine clothes)