Tombstone Backgrounds


Howdy Folks!

We are busy working on the Tombstone Gazetteer, a kind of quick start guide for playing games in the world of Tombstone. I wanted to share a preview of some of our new backgrounds made specifically for Tombstone, so here are five new backgrounds. There will be more in the gazetteer!

Core Rulebook Backgrounds

All of the backgrounds from the Pathfinder Core Rulebook (Second Edition) work well in Tombstone with the exception of the gladiator background. It doesn’t really fit conceptually with the setting, but if you can think of a plausible reason your character would be a gladiator, and the GM agrees, go for it!

Western-Themed Backgrounds

Here are some western-themed backgrounds designed specifically for the world of Tombstone.

Cowboy Background

You have worked on the range, driving cattle from the ranch to market and perhaps even on a long cattle drive moving a herd to an entirely new territory.  Such a lifestyle requires you to know all there is to know about cattle and to live in the saddle.

Choose two ability boosts. One must be to Strength or Dexterity, and one is a free ability boost.

You’re trained in the Athletics skill and the Ranching Lore Skill. You gain the Ride general feat. 

Doctor Background

You have trained as a doctor at a university either back east or perhaps even in Europe. Folks out west have a mighty need for the services that you can provide. You do so either out of a desire to help your fellow man or to make your fortune.

Choose two ability boosts. One must be to Intelligence or Wisdom, and one is a free ability boost.

You’re trained in the Medicine skill and the Academia Lore Skill. You gain the Assurance skill feat with Medicine.

Freed Slave Background

You are a slave freed as a result of the Emancipation Proclamation. Your former life was incredibly harsh but you have shown the resourcefulness to survive and make the journey west to a new life.

Choose two ability boosts. One must be to Constitution or Wisdom, and one is a free ability boost.

You’re trained in either the Crafting skill or the Survival skill and the Labor Lore Skill. You gain either the Quick Repair skill feat if you chose Crafting or the Forager skill feat if you chose Survival.

Tinkerton Agent Background

You have been highly trained by the Tinkerton Private Security Agency. You showed potential for either their investigator or security guard position. Unfortunately, things did not work out as expected and you are no longer with the agency.

Choose two ability boosts. One must be to Charisma or Intelligence, and one is a free ability boost.

You’re trained in either the Diplomacy skill or the Intimidate skill and the Underworld Lore Skill. You gain either the Hobnobber skill feat if you chose Diplomacy,  or the Quick Coercion skill feat if you chose Intimidate.

Traveling Salesman Background

You have lived the life of a peddler traveling from town to town and having your next meal depend on how many sales you can make to the yokels. You have learned the value of a dollar and how to make a good impression on a group of potential customers all at the same time. 

Choose two ability boosts. One must be to Dexterity or Charisma, and one is a free ability boost.

You’re trained in the Diplomacy skill and the Merchantile Lore Skill. You gain the Group Impression skill feat.

Final Thoughts

I hope you have enjoyed this peek behind the curtain to the upcoming Tombstone Gazetteer. Let us know what you think, either here or on our Facebook or Twitter accounts!

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