Are you a Dungeons and Dragons (DND) player looking for inspiration to customize your character’s background? DND 5e backgrounds provide players with a rich variety of options to personalize their characters’ stories, providing unique traits, features, and abilities. In this article, we will explore the different types of dnd backgrounds available, how to customize them, and the special traits and features they offer.
What are DND 5e Backgrounds?
Before we dive into the different types of backgrounds, it’s essential to understand what they are. DND 5e backgrounds are a set of character options that allow players to add more depth and flavor to their characters. A character’s background provides a backstory that defines their origins, skills, and life experiences before they became adventurers.
How to Customize a Character Background
DND 5e backgrounds are fully customizable, allowing players to tailor them to their character’s unique story. Here are some steps to follow when customizing your character’s background:
- Choose a background that best fits your character’s story.
- Choose two skills to gain proficiency in.
- Choose two languages or tool proficiencies.
- Choose a feature that represents a unique aspect of your character’s background.
- Work with your DM to add specific details to your character’s backstory.
Types of DND 5e Backgrounds
Now that we know what backgrounds are and how to customize them, let’s explore the different types of DND 5e backgrounds available. Here are the most common types:
Acolyte
Acolytes are characters who have spent their lives serving a temple, church, or similar religious institution. They have gained proficiency in Insight and Religion, and can speak additional languages. They also have a feature that represents their connections to the religious institution.
Charlatan
Charlatans are characters who have perfected the art of deception and trickery. They have gained proficiency in Deception and Sleight of Hand, and can speak additional languages. They also have a feature that represents their skill in forgery and deception.
Criminal
Criminals are characters who have a history of breaking the law. They have gained proficiency in Stealth and Thieves’ Tools, and can speak additional languages. They also have a feature that represents their connections to criminal organizations.
Entertainer
Entertainers are characters who have spent their lives performing for audiences. They have gained proficiency in Acrobatics and Performance, and can speak additional languages. They also have a feature that represents their ability to earn a living as a performer.
Folk Hero
Folk Heroes are characters who have become heroes through their deeds and actions. They have gained proficiency in Animal Handling and Survival, and can speak additional languages. They also have a feature that represents their popularity among the common folk.
Guild Artisan
Guild Artisans are characters who have trained in a specific trade. They have gained proficiency in Insight and one tool of their choice, and can speak additional languages. They also have a feature that represents their connections to their trade guild.
Hermit
Hermits are characters who have lived a solitary life in seclusion. They have gained proficiency in Medicine and Religion, and can speak additional languages. They also have a feature that represents their unique skills and knowledge gained from living alone.
Noble
Nobles are characters who come from a wealthy and influential family. They have gained proficiency in History and Persuasion, and can speak additional languages. They also have a feature that represents their connections to their ancestral home and their social status.
Outlander
Outlanders are characters who have lived in the wild, away from civilization. They have gained proficiency in Athletics and Survival, and can speak additional languages. They also have a feature that represents their ability to survive in the wilderness.
Sage
Sages are characters who have dedicated their lives to learning and knowledge. They have gained proficiency in Arcana and History, and can speak additional languages. They also have a feature that represents their vast knowledge and expertise.
Sailor
Sailors are characters who have spent their lives at sea. They have gained proficiency in Athletics and Perception, and can speak additional languages. They also have a feature that represents their experience and knowledge of the sea.
Soldier
Soldiers are characters who have served in a military organization. They have gained proficiency in Athletics and Intimidation, and can speak additional languages. They also have a feature that represents their military training and connections.
Urchin
Urchins are characters who have grown up on the streets, surviving through their wits and cunning. They have gained proficiency in Sleight of Hand and Stealth, and can speak additional languages. They also have a feature that represents their street smarts and connections to the criminal underworld.
Custom Backgrounds
In addition to the pre-made backgrounds listed above, DND 5e allows players to create their own custom backgrounds. Custom backgrounds can be a combination of existing background features or entirely new features created by the player and approved by the DM.
Special Traits and Features of Backgrounds
Each background in DND 5e provides special traits and features unique to that background. These traits and features add flavor and depth to a character’s backstory and can be used during gameplay to enhance the character’s abilities.
Conclusion
DND 5e backgrounds offer players a vast array of options to create a character’s backstory. Players can choose from pre-made backgrounds or create their own custom background to tailor their character’s story to their liking. Each background provides unique traits and features that add depth and flavor to a character’s abilities and backstory.
