How To Homebrew A Character Background in Dungeons & Dragons

By
Angel Marquez
2024-10-15 19:54:30



Today we bring you an explanatory guide on How To Homebrew A Character Background in Dungeons & Dragons with precise details.



Since your character's life experiences, rather than their species, are now related to their ability scores, the 2024 update to the Dungeons & Dragons Player's Handbook puts an emphasis on backgrounds. What if your character doesn't work with any of the possibilities provided in the Player's Handbook?



Thankfully, your DM is more likely to approve of homebrewing a background because it is simpler and more lenient than homebrewing a class or species. An original backdrop that doesn't ruin the game is within your reach with enough planning and work.


Backgrounds: What Are They?


The origins and past experiences of your character are reflected in their backgrounds. Wizards of the Coast emphasized backgrounds more in the 2024 rules update to show that your character's species isn't the most important thing about them.



While some orcs may be physically weak, not all dwarves acquire the skill of wielding a warhammer during their childhood in the mines. It is possible for a young orc to reach the same level of intelligence as a magically trained elf, and for a halfling to have the same level of meticulous attention to detail as the most discriminating dwarf craftsman.


How To Homebrew A Character Background in Dungeons & Dragons

Background Pieces


Included in a background are five features: equipment, two skill proficiency, an Origin feat, three ability scores, and a tool proficiency.



There are three ability scores listed in each background. Your ability scores can be increased by two points for one item on this list, or by one point for all three items.



In addition, each background has an Origin accomplishment that represents a quality of your character that is both shared and distinctive from other characters with the same background.



One way to think about a character's skill proficiency is as an area of expertise or knowledge that they would have acquired through their background. Even if they aren't great, they can do decently.



A tool proficiency is available to all backgrounds. This may be anything from being an expert card gamer to being able to concoct basic potions using a herbalist's equipment.



By the end of the day, regardless of your class, you'll have a set of starting equipment regardless of your history. This initial setup gear is always worth around 50 GP, however it does fluctuate.


Concocting Your Base



When brewing at home, the first rule is to use the official alternatives for scaling. While it's tempting to boast that your Knight background grants access to free spells, a warhorse, numerous weapon proficiencies, and full plate armor, it would unfairly disadvantage those with standard backgrounds. Keep your balance and put your energy on making a tasty backdrop instead.



Providing a brief overview of your background should be your first step. Approximately one paragraph outlining your character's background, including their upbringing and prior experiences, before embarking on the quest. All of the background mechanics will be able to use this as fuel.



This approach is known as top-down design in the gaming industry. The flavor or outcome comes first ("My character is a runaway."), while the mechanics are filled in afterwards ("What ability scores would fit for someone running from her past?").



Then, think about the kind of skills a person from your background would likely acquire and choose three of them. Charismatic characters tend to be individuals who spend a lot of time chatting with other people, whereas physically demanding characters tend to have stronger constitutions and stronger hands.



You can now select your Origin feat once you've locked up your ability scores. This achievement stands for a unique skill or character attribute that you've cultivated over time. For instance, a person from a barbarian tribe would have Savage Attacker, whereas someone from a gambling background might have Lucky.



Next, select two skill proficiencies after you've decided on the feat. You want to maintain parity with the official backgrounds, but there may be a lot of talents that are appropriate for your background, so this might be challenging.



The next step is to select your tool proficiency, which indicates how well you can handle a certain item, be it a deck of cards or a hammer for blacksmithing. In the next stage, this competence will also fuel your machinery.



The last step is to select your tools. Include on this list not just the proficiency tool you choose, but also a set of clothes, accessories, and anything else you would need. Set a budget of 50 GP, deduct the cost of the tool kit, and stick to it. You can include basic weapons, but no armour or magical things.


Revamping Background Images


Think about using one of the older Fifth Edition books' backgrounds instead of the one in the Player's Handbook if the one there doesn't suit your needs. You can easily change these backgrounds.



Given that ancient backgrounds may not have had ability scores or feats at all, all you have to do is choose an Origin feat, add two points to one ability score, add one point to another, or three points to three. You can keep your current level of competence and tool proficiency while eliminating most languages.


Background Examples


One example background is the original, and the other is a modified version of the Feylost setting from Beyond the Witchlight: The Wild that adheres to the new regulations.


Dwarf Adventure

Ability Scores: 


  • Dexterity
  • Wisdom
  • Intelligence



You've spent your life navigating treacherous environments, honing your skills as a skilled explorer. Whether you were a treasure hunter, a hired hand for adventurers, or simply a curious soul, you've mastered the art of navigating underground labyrinths and ancient ruins.



  • Feat: Skilled
  • Skill Proficiencies: Investigation, Perception
  • Tool Proficiency: Thieves' Tools
  • Equipment: Choose (A) or (B): (A) Thieves' Tools, Traveler's Clothes, Crowbar, Rope, Hooded Lantern, Oil (2 flasks), 15 GP; or (B) 50 GP


Feylost: Jaheira's Respite


  • Ability Scores: 
  • Dexterity
  • Charisma
  • Wisdom



Background: You spent your formative years in the enchanting realm of the Feywild, whether by accident or fate. This otherworldly upbringing has imbued you with a subtle magic that can make others uneasy, yet it also grants you a deep connection to the Feywild's inhabitants.



  • Feat: Magic Initiate (Druid)
  • Skill Proficiencies: Deception, Survival
  • Tool Proficiency: One kind of Musical Instrument
  • Equipment: Choose one:
  • Option A: Musical Instrument (matching your Tool Proficiency), Traveler's Clothes, three Trinkets (randomly selected from the Player's Handbook), 2 Pouches, 8 GP
  • Option B: 50 GP



Finally, now that we know How To Homebrew A Character Background in Dungeons & Dragons, all we have to do is do it to get the most out of this busy game.




Tags:
D&D Dark Alliance
Platform(s): Microsoft Windows PC, PlayStation 4 PS4, PlayStation 5 PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Genre(s): Action role-playing
Developer(s): Tuque Games
Publisher(s):Wizards of the Coast
Release date: June 22, 2021
Mode: Single-player, multiplayer
age rating (PEGI): 16+





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