Character Background "20 Questions" [Archive] - Wizards Community

Character Background "20 Questions" [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Androminous
01-20-04, 12:30 PM Hi!

FASA's Shadowrun game had a section in the character generation chapter called "20 Questions" where each player should answer some questions about the character's background, familiy, relations and motivations.

My group is in a need for a similar tool for D&D, especially Forgotten Realms. I would be glad if anyone could help provide an excisting list of questions that are suitable for D&D characters or characters in the Forgotten Realms.

Thanks!
Androminous
01-20-04, 12:40 PM My web search turned up this (http://www.roleplayingtips.com/articles/character_questionnaire.asp) shortly after posting. But I would like to see if anybody had som similar and perhaps more manageable questionnaire also tailored for FR.
Sanchez
01-22-04, 12:46 AM Well, if you have a copy of the Shadowrun corebook, you can just modify the questions to fit your bid quite nicely.

But wait! There's more! Everone has heard of Hackmaster. The character generation options within that book include tables to roll up a core background (family, social status, etc.). From there, take some one-on-one time [player and GM] to brainstorm for the expansion of the background. If you're the GM, seed the players with open-ended questions that'll make them think of why they are doing what they are doing.

Example: A newbie is making a mage. What are the characters views on laziness? What is the reason the character picked up a spellbook and not a sword? Why did the character get chosen for apprenticeship?

I'll lay down my 'sure-fire' method of character background creation! [God, I wish that was true].

- First, before dice or anything, I think what I want the character to be, like an archetype. In this case, we'll do a thief.
- Next, do all the do-whats of character stats and the like.
- After that, we look @ personality. Let's make our thief an arrogant thief. He's full of himself, boasts all the time, but dodges the chances to prove it.
- Next, devise reasons as to WHY he'd do that. Boasting stories to get up-front job payment? After that, does he pay someone GOOD for the fraction of the price? Is he just a con-man.

See, just a few minutes here and there results in a great character background. Not only tedious, but fun too!

~ Sanchez

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Androminous 01-20-04, 12:30 PM	Hi! FASA's Shadowrun game had a section in the character generation chapter called "20 Questions" where each player should answer some questions about the character's background, familiy, relations and motivations. My group is in a need for a similar tool for D&D, especially Forgotten Realms. I would be glad if anyone could help provide an excisting list of questions that are suitable for D&D characters or characters in the Forgotten Realms. Thanks!
Androminous 01-20-04, 12:40 PM	My web search turned up this (http://www.roleplayingtips.com/articles/character_questionnaire.asp) shortly after posting. But I would like to see if anybody had som similar and perhaps more manageable questionnaire also tailored for FR.
Sanchez 01-22-04, 12:46 AM	Well, if you have a copy of the Shadowrun corebook, you can just modify the questions to fit your bid quite nicely. But wait! There's more! Everone has heard of Hackmaster. The character generation options within that book include tables to roll up a core background (family, social status, etc.). From there, take some one-on-one time [player and GM] to brainstorm for the expansion of the background. If you're the GM, seed the players with open-ended questions that'll make them think of why they are doing what they are doing. Example: A newbie is making a mage. What are the characters views on laziness? What is the reason the character picked up a spellbook and not a sword? Why did the character get chosen for apprenticeship? I'll lay down my 'sure-fire' method of character background creation! [God, I wish that was true]. - First, before dice or anything, I think what I want the character to be, like an archetype. In this case, we'll do a thief. - Next, do all the do-whats of character stats and the like. - After that, we look @ personality. Let's make our thief an arrogant thief. He's full of himself, boasts all the time, but dodges the chances to prove it. - Next, devise reasons as to WHY he'd do that. Boasting stories to get up-front job payment? After that, does he pay someone GOOD for the fraction of the price? Is he just a con-man. See, just a few minutes here and there results in a great character background. Not only tedious, but fun too! ~ Sanchez