Summary
Backstories are one of the most fundamental aspects of creating aDungeons & Dragonscharacter. Whether you’re a first-time player or a longtime veteran, this part of a character concept can often prove elusive. But if you’ve been around the block a few times, it can prove especially challenging, as it’s easy to run out of new ideas.
So, if you’re an expert DND player looking to come up with a unique and captivating backstory for your character, look no further than this list. We’ve assembled some of the best tips and tricks for creating engaging and singular backstories for expert DND players.
10Subvert Expectations
Surprise, Surprise!
The best thing you can do as an expert player when it comes to curating a backstory is to subvert expectations. For example, if you’re playing a shadowy rogue, why not subvert expectations by having your character be an unbridled optimist!
Every class and background has certain expectations that come with it, and the best way to create unique backstories is to undermine those expectations. This will surprise not only your DM but your whole table.
9Create Oddball Combinations
One-Man Odd Couple
On the subject of class, species, and background combinations, another thing you can do to make your backstory stand out as an expert player is to combine unlikely character options. For example, you might not think that druid and wayfarer go well together as a class and background combination, but having these two options join forces can inspire interesting backstories.
For example, if you combine wayfarer with druid, you can come up with a unique character concept like an ‘urban druid,’ a master of plant life that grows in sewers, city parks, or even in between cobblestones. Try combining backgrounds, species, and classes that seem like odd fits and see where it takes you!
8Give Your DM A Mystery
Let Fate Decide
Sometimes, letting your Dungeon Master have a say in your backstory can actually create fascinating wrinkles in your character concept. As you’re coming up with your backstory, consider leaving a blank spot for your DM to fill in as you play through your campaign.
For example, if you’re playing a warlock witha mysterious, shadowy patron, consider letting your DM fill in the identity of this strange benefactor. That way, you not only have a surprise in store for your whole table, but also for yourself as a player.
7Collaborate With Another Player
Teamwork Makes The Dream Work
Just because it’s your backstory doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. One of the best ways you can sharpen and improve a backstory as an expert player is by giving yourself specific ties to another player in the party. Consider working with another player to create a shared backstory rather than a solo one.
Additionally, you’re able to also create shared backstories that aren’t necessarily amicable. For example, it can prove interesting to have two characters who feature in one another’s backstories, but in a negative way. Perhaps these two characters are old rivals who are now forced to work together.
6Connect Your Backstory To A Previous Character
Plenty Of Baggage To Unpack
If you’re having a tough time coming up with an initial character concept, you can also consider tying your new character’s backstory in with your old character. This can keep the continuity feeling engaging and interesting between longer campaigns, and can give you a strong jumping-off point in terms of roleplay as a high-level player.
If you decide to take this route, there are a couple of questions you’ll want to ask yourself. First, what is your new character’s relationship like with your old character? Did your new character know them personally, or do they just look up to them from afar? Conversely, is their relationship adversarial? Perhaps your new character seeks revenge on your old character for an act committed in your previous campaign.
5Roleplay Your Backstory
Use A Session Zero
While it’s always great to come into a campaign with a good idea of what your character’s life was like before they pursued a life of adventure, you may also figure out your character’s backstory more organically. Talk to your DM about roleplaying your character’s backstory throughout a session zero.
For example, if you want to play a cleric, but aren’t sure what kind of deity or domain you want to use for this character, consider playing a session zero with your DM in which your character not only meets their deity, but gains their cleric powers. This can allow for organic exploration of your new character, and also leaves some of your backstory up to the fate of various d20 rolls, which can be immensely exciting.
4Don’t Overlook Backgrounds
Not Just An Afterthought
With the release of the 2024 Player’s Handbook,backgrounds became a lot more importantin shaping character concept. Now, backgrounds not only grant proficiencies but also ability score improvements. So, when it comes to fleshing out your character, it’s important not to just tack on a background as an afterthought.
Remember, your background represents your life before becoming an adventurer. If you select merchant, for example, spend time coming up with exactly what kind of merchant you were. What was your trade of choice? Did you make enemies in your profession? Or, are you well-liked? Diving deep into these questions is essential for singular backstories.
3Incorporate Worldbuilding
In And Of The World
It’s important to make sure that your character doesn’t feel stuck out of place in the world they’re playing in. After all, everyone comes from somewhere and is likely to have opinions about the world they live in. If you’re feeling stuck or just want to take your backstory skills to the next level as an expert player, sit down with your DM and talk about the worldbuilding of the campaign you’re about to embark on.
From there, try to find ways to tie your backstoryinto the worldbuilding. For example, if part of the lore of the world is that there was a great war between rival nations, ask yourself: ‘How did my character feel about this war?’ Did they lose someone in the war? Did they fight in the war themselves? Asking these questions can help sharpen a character’s backstory.
2Refer To Modules And Supplements
Dig Deep
Beyond just the 2024 Player’s Handbook and Dungeon Master’s Guide, there are so many different modules and supplements available for Dungeons & Dragons. While some of these supplements contain legacy content and may need to be homebrewed or updated to work in a newer campaign, you should dive deep into other sourcebooks to find new and interesting character elements you may use to help sharpen your character concept.
For example, many modules and supplements have new subclasses and backgrounds that can define your character in interesting ways. Some modules, like Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft, even have lineages instead of species that can allow your character to become undead or even vampiric, which can prove highly singular, even in a non-horror campaign.
1Play Against Type
Challenge Yourself
Lastly, every expert DND player worth their salt tends to know exactly what kind of player they are. Some players are more combat-focused, for example, while others are more interested in roleplay. Or, perhaps you’re used to playing high-Intelligence or Charisma-based characters.
Whatever your normal ‘type’ is, when it comes to crafting a new backstory, consider playing against your own type. For example, if you’re usually one to play high-intelligence spellcasters, consider playing more of a brutish strongman and tailoring your backstory to that concept. This will help challenge you as an expert player, particularly in terms of roleplay.
