The most recent crossover between D&D and Magic: The Gathering is Mythic Odysseys of Theros. This sourcebook is full of interesting character options like new Theros subclasses. One are that has gotten less attention is the new background that comes with this release. Learn more about it with our Athlete 5E background guide.
Table of Contents
Athlete 5E Background for Theros
The athlete strives to perfect every aspect of their physical self. they are driven by competition and love to stand before an adoring audience. Athletes are not afraid to take advantage of the warm welcome their celebrity can bring.
It should come as no surprise that these individuals often long for a life of adventure.
Traits
Skill Proficiencies: Acrobatics (Dexterity), Athletics (Strength)
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.
Feature: Echoes of Victory
The word of your victories inside the arena has spread, to the point that you have adoring fans. If you are visiting a settlement within 100 miles of your hometown, there is a 50 percent chance that you can find an admirer that will provide you with shelter or information.
In between adventures, you can also compete in athletic events that provide income as a profession.
Favored Event
While most athletes compete in a variety of events, they typically have one the excel in. You can randomly select an event from the table below.
| d8 | 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) |
Suggested Characteristics
Given the importance of competition in the arena, athletes commonly form strong friendships and rivals among their competitors. Their struggles in the arena also frequently guide their attitude in the outside world.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 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
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 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
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 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
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 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. |
Wrapping Up or Athlete 5E Guide
That’s our Athlete 5E Guide. While not for every campaign, this background is a nice fit for a variety of characters based in Theros. Want to share your thoughts? Leave us a comment below! And for more backgrounds, check out our rundown of the Volstrucker Agent.
The bronze discus.
What weapon stats do I use for it?
Is it essentially an improvised thrown weapon like a tankard?
I would assume treat it like any other improvised ranged weapon.