Planar Philosopher 5E Background Guide
Planescape is here, and this book has brought with it a handful of fun new character options. One of those new backgrounds – the Planar Philosopher – involves seeking hidden truths in the multiverse. Hang with us as we do a deep dive with our Planar Philosopher 5E Guide.
Table of Contents
Discover the Planar Philosopher Background
The Planar Philosopher is driven to understand the nature of the planes and the hidden truths of the multiverse. They draw their strength from their conviction to discover these secrets, and they are known to work within a network of like-minded adventurers.
Like with most new backgrounds from Wizards of the Coast, the Planar Philosopher is anchored by a new feat: Scion of the Outer Planes. Thematically, you are a nomad with a broad organization of like-minded friends that is willing to help you on your way. As part of the character creation process, you will choose a faction in Sigil to align with. It goes without saying this background is tailored Planescape campaigns.
Planar Philosopher Traits
The basic traits for the Planar Philosopher are about what you might expect. Where this background differs from other options, including the Gate Warden background, is that one of your skill proficiencies is linked to the faction in Sigil you are aligned with.
- Skill Proficiencies: Arcana, and a skill linked to your faction (See table below)
- Languages: Two of your choice
- Equipment: A portal key (such as a bag of golden tea leaves or the tooth of a planar beast), a manifesto of your guiding philosophy, a set of common clothes in your faction’s style, and a pouch containing 10 gp worth of coins from different worlds and planes
Sigil Faction Affinities
| Faction | Skill |
|---|---|
| Athar | Religion |
| Bleak Cabal | Insight |
| Doomguard | Nature |
| Fated | Intimidation |
| Fraternity of Order | History |
| Hands of Havoc | Stealth |
| Harmonium | Perception |
| Heralds of Dust | Medicine |
| Mercykillers | Survival |
| Mind’s Eye | Persuasion |
| Society of Sensation | Performance |
| Transcendent Order | Athletics |
These factions are all prominent part of life in Sigil. Your choice of faction is more than just a choice of a skill proficiency, as each faction’s motivations and influence are very different.
Conviction Feature
In keeping with WOTC’s new approach to backgrounds, the Planar Philosopher is a meatier option than some of the 2014 Players Handbook backgrounds. Its primary feature, Conviction, does little more than hand you a new feat. That said, the feat has some options that are useful for countless character builds.
Before we get to the feat, there is a small additional benefit we’ll look at first. As a Planar Philosopher, members of your organization provide you free, modest lodging and food at any of their holdings or the homes of other faction members. This feels like something that would be the primary feature of a traditional background.
The primary function of this background is the Scion of the Outer Planes feat. You gain it as soon as you take the background, and you have some choices to make right away. This feat does two things out of the box: it gives you a damage resistance and your choice of a cantrip. Your resistance and cantrip depend on the specific Outer Plane you select from the following table.
| Plane | Damage Resistance | Cantrip |
|---|---|---|
| Chaotic Outer Plane | Poison | Minor illusion |
| Evil Outer Plane | Necrotic | Chill touch |
| Good Outer Plane | Radiant | Sacred flame |
| Lawful Outer Plane | Force | Guidance |
| The Outlands | Psychic | Mage hand |
Like many of the modern feats, this one gives you additional options at higher levels. When you reach Level 4, you have the option to take an additional feat based on the outer plane you chose. These provide additional benefits that are themed to the plane of your choosing. You will have to give up an ASI to get these benefits, however.
How to Build a Planar Philosopher
While each of the factions of Sigil is unique, their membership is fairly diverse. The character you build can largely fit in with any of these factions so long as you further their beliefs and are not hostile to their interests. That said, the following tables provide you with suggested traits and trinkets to help you flesh out your character.
| d6 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I don’t venerate any gods. With time, we can be as powerful as them or greater. |
| 2 | Experience is everything; live in the moment. |
| 3 | When things crumble, I find meaning in the dust. |
| 4 | Life thrives through order, and I seek to maintain that order. |
| 5 | When others make plans, the multiverse laughs and so do I. |
| 6 | I know what’s right, and none will stand in my way. |
Planar Philosopher Trinkets. When you make your character, you can roll once on the Planar Philosopher Trinkets table for a starting trinket. This is an alternative to selecting a starting trinket from the Player’s Handbook.
| d6 | Trinket |
|---|---|
| 1 | Locket with a picture of my mentor and an inscription I can’t read |
| 2 | Bleached cranium rat skull with colored glass beads in its eye sockets |
| 3 | Torn parchment with half a rebus painted on it |
| 4 | Bracelet of twisted razorvine stems |
| 5 | Fragment of a bronze blade covered in verdigris |
| 6 | Broken holy symbol of a forgotten god |
Final Thoughts: Is the Planar Philosopher Any Good?
Is this background going to be right for your campaign? Your mileage may vary. Ultimately, how useful it is will boil down to two issues: are you playing a Planescape campaign, and are you interested in the Scion of the Outer Planes feat? This feat gives you damage resistance and a free cantrip, so it is broadly useful across most classes. Thinking about trying it out? Let us know how it goes in our comment section!
