Criminal 5e background
2024 (SRD 5.2): Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence · Alert · Sleight of Hand and Stealth
Criminal in the 2024 rules (SRD 5.2)
- Ability scores
- Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence
- Feat
- Alert
- Skill proficiencies
- Sleight of Hand, Stealth
- Tool proficiency
- Thieves' Tools
Equipment. Choose A or B: (A) 2 Daggers, Thieves' Tools, Crowbar, 2 Pouches, Traveler's Clothes, 16 GP; or (B) 50 GP
How the 2024 background works
Increase one of the three listed ability scores by 2 and another by 1, or all three by 1 (none above 20). The feat is an Origin feat you take at level 1.
Alert (Origin feat)
You gain the following benefits.
Initiative Proficiency. When you roll Initiative, you can add your Proficiency Bonus to the roll.
Initiative Swap. Immediately after you roll Initiative, you can swap your Initiative with the Initiative of one willing ally in the same combat. You can't make this swap if you or the ally has the Incapacitated condition.
Thieves' Tools
- Ability
- Dexterity
- Checks
- Pick a lock (DC 15); Disarm a trap (DC 15)
- Crafts
- —
Compared with the other SRD backgrounds
| Background | Ability scores (2024) | Feat (2024) | Skills | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acolyte | Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma | Magic Initiate | Insight, Religion | Calligrapher's Supplies |
| Criminal | Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence | Alert | Sleight of Hand, Stealth | Thieves' Tools |
| Sage | Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom | Magic Initiate | Arcana, History | Calligrapher's Supplies |
| Soldier | Strength, Dexterity, Constitution | Savage Attacker | Athletics, Intimidation | a gaming set |
Try a background’s 2024 ability score increases in the point buy calculator, or roll a set of scores with the 4d6 ability score roller.