[RPG] n engineering background

backgrounddnd-5e

The PHB refers to engineers in the Gnome race description, however, I find no other reference to engineers as a background. It seems like it would fall into the Guild Artisan category, but none of the business options seem very 'engineery.' Is there a more specific engineering background/ guild business?

Best Answer

There is not an Engineer Background explicitly, no.

However....

The sample backgrounds in this chapter provide both concrete benefits and roleplaying suggestions

PHB p. 125

And...

You might want to tweak some of the features of a background so it better fits your character or the campaign setting. To customize a background, you can replace one feature with any other one, choose any two skills, and choose a total of two tool proficiencies or languages from the sample backgrounds.

You can either use the equipment package from your background or spend coin on gear as described in chapter (If you spend coin, you can’t also take the equipment package suggested for your class.)

Finally, choose two personality traits, one ideal, one bond, and one flaw. If you can’t find a feature that matches your desired background, work with your DM to create one. PHB p. 125-127

In short, backgrounds are flexible, and players are encouraged to work with their DMs to invent new ones if the ones listed in the book don't meet a player's wishes. After all, you cannot possibly cover every 'backstory' of an adventurer with only 13 (25 if you count SCAG) categories.

So, pick a background that is close to what you're going for, then work with your DM to customize it into exactly what you had in mind with your character.