Every adventurer started somewhere, whether they started out as a shop owner selling goods or as a priest spreading the word and teachings of their patron. Choosing a background for your character will not only flesh out a bit of their backstory but can also give their stats some perks.
So, let's dive into the different backgrounds listed in the Player’s Handbook so you can find the right path for your character.
ACOLYTES
First up is Acolytes. They spend their lives in service of a temple to a particular patron or god. Though this background may seem like it fits very well for a Cleric, this background can fit most any class. Your acolyte can choose to worship a singular god or divine being or a pantheon of gods if it fits their story. Work with your DM to determine what your role was in your temple. Perhaps you were a lesser functionary whose job was to assist the priests, or instead you were a high priest themselves given a calling by your god to serve them in some divine plan.You can flavor your acolyte and their practices in a number of ways, giving a very versatile approach to a religion based character.
CHARLATANS
That takes us to Charlatans. These are skilled talkers that can sell just about the most worthless piece of junk as the most valuable item in all the land. They know what people want and employ schemes for their own personal gain with little to no regard for the person they are selling to. It is always a game of how to cheat someone out of their wealth. Most Charlatans have a false identity and a favorite scam they like to play.
CRIMINAL
Up next, that’s right, you can be a Criminal! You can have a lot of fun flavoring the story of why your character broke the law. You could imbed a long history of crime such as running operations to smuggle illegal goods across the country or being a part of the local thieves guild. Alternatively you could be framed for a crime you never committed which can lead you to fearing local authorities or wanting to avoid cities altogether. You can have a lot of fun with your DM planning out the crazy scheme that got you into this mess in the first place!
ENTERTAINER
If you want to make your character the life of the party, then the Entertainer background may be the right one for you. This background pairs very well with a bard but don’t let that deter you from having a rogue that loves to show off their juggling skills or the Barbarian who loves karaoke. No matter the case, you have no problem finding a place to perform. You’re an Entertainer! There is no doubt your character has talent. Your party will have a blast cheering you on as you perform for a bustling crowd or an empty tavern.
FOLK HERO
The Folk Hero is a fun background to sculpt your backstory on. Your character could have defeated the beast that has been attacking your hometown for decades or they may be known as Wolfsbane for that run in with the dire wolf in the middle of winter. Whatever you and your DM decide, you know there’s songs being sung about you in your local taverns. Wherever you go, the local common folk find it easy to be around you. Your humble background helps you connect with the people and they are willing to lend an ear or a hand from time to time. So if you’re someone with a bit of a story for the songs, then check out the folk hero.
GUILD ARTISAN
In our next background, your character could have spent their pre-adventuring life working under a master learning a particular skill making them a Guild Artisan. They could be the best blacksmith in the area, making fine weapons and armor for other adventurers. Or you could have been a humble woodcarver that was called to action when a Vampire came to town and now you arm the locals with wooden stakes. There are so many different ways you could flavor your character’s artisan skills and if you want to be really fun, you can try being that painter with no real talent, or the blacksmith who’s blades always seem to break.
HERMIT
Up next, the Hermits. These characters live a life of seclusion away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. You could be living alone out in nature, exiled from the place you grew up in, or your character could live in a monastery practicing an old way of life with like minded people. Some hermits even choose to live a secluded life in order to protect a powerful object from getting into the wrong hands. Whatever the case, hermits who take up adventuring have a reason for returning to the world, some great discovery or knowledge that forces them to answer the call to action. What this reason is, is up to you, and leaves a great deal of creative freedom to truly make a one of a kind character.
NOBLE
Not all adventurers come from humble beginnings. Your character could be a Noble who is seeking their great fortune, or maybe they wanted to get away from high society and get their hands dirty for once. Maybe you were cut off from the family inheritance until you prove yourself worthy, or lost everything in a disaster. Whatever the reason your noble chose to become an adventurer, your position of privilege seems to radiate from you, making it effortless to fit in with people of higher status and the common folk always seem to want to make sure you’re being accommodated to the best of their abilities.
OUTLANDER
That brings us to the Outlander. Outlanders are people who never felt comfortable inside the walls of cities. They much prefer living deep in nature. The forest floor is much more comfortable for you than a big fancy bed in a nice inn. Your time out in the wilds has taught you much. From being a skilled hunter and tracker, to being able to endure the harshest of climates. There is no such thing as being lost when you’re around. You have a natural talent for remembering maps and geography, or knowing the layout of the terrain. Though you may not be the most personable adventurer in your party, you know that when it comes to surviving in the wilds, you’ve got their back.
SAGES
Sages spend their lives pouring over ancient tomes and scrolls. For them the thrill of life comes from the discovery of new knowledge. This background is paired very well with wizards who are always updating and growing their spell books, though you could create a Druid who has spent time learning everything there is to know about all the different beasts and plants across all the planes. Likewise you can create a Rogue who has deep knowledge in all things of great value, looking constantly to find items that will sell at the highest price. All sages know exactly where to find the information they are looking for in any library and will know the best ways to acquire the right information or where to get it from.
SAILOR
If you’ve ever wanted to create a pirate then the Sailor background would be the perfect fit for your character. As a sailor you spent your life on the seas, whether you were a sailor on a Navy fleet, or you made your living as a freebooter. You could also have grown up fishing and supplying food for your local town . There are many ways for you and your DM to explain your occupation for being a sailor. Every sailor has experience working a sea vessel and if your party needs transportation you can get them free passage with ease.
SOLDIER
Likewise, in our next background, your character could have spent their life as a Soldier. Whether you are a commander leading battalions to the front lines of a war between your nation and the neighboring one, or simply a mercenary for hire, you and your DM can have a lot of fun deciding why your character is a soldier and also the rank of your character's position. Your natural leadership and unmatched skill with martial weapons makes it easy for you to get others to follow your command. So if your character is a natural leader, then the soldier class might fit them well.
URCHIN
Maybe your character grew up an orphan in a big city, living off the streets and only having themself to depend on for survival. If this sounds like the character you want to create then the Urchin background is right for you! For you, life hasn’t been easy. You’ve learned a lot of hard lessons from scavenging for food, sleeping in sewers and always ready to protect what little you have. Though there are some perks to living on the streets. Thanks to your upbringing, you know the streets like the back of your hand. It doesn’t matter if you have been to this city or not, you know it’s basic layout and how to find the quickest route to your desired destination. With the Urchin class, it pays to be the street smart one of the group.
There is your breakdown of all the backgrounds in the Player’s Handbook. If you are having a hard time coming up with an interesting backstory for your character, each background has a table of possible reasons for why your character chose this life that you can roll for.
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