How to write a Good Background [Archive] - Wizards Community

How to write a Good Background [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Cheesykees
06-07-05, 01:06 PM Well I Guess the Title says it all.

I don't really know how to write a background for my characters.
I could use an example, that would be nice.
CzarGarrett
06-07-05, 01:21 PM First, work with the basics.

Age, homeland, class, race, generic background- farmer/merchant/etc.

Once you have those general ideas, think of a reason as to why the character is adventuring.

Some ideas on that: money- save family's land, buy castle of own, start business, vengence- town attacked, family disgraced, sister raped, wanderlust- always wanted to see X town and went further, want to see Elves, etc.

You need not write a 3 page story (although I often do), but if everything works together well.

As a quick example. The character is a lizardfolk fighter/barbarian out of Q'Barra in Eberron.

Skerrit was born in the waning days of the Great War to an isolated tribe of lizardfolks deep in the swamps of Q'Barra. Under normal circumstances, Skerrit would have become a standard warrior of the tribe and defended his people against humans, other lizardfolks, and various denizens of the swamps. But Skerrit's father was blessed (or cursed) with wanderlust. He often disappeared from the village for weeks or months at a time, coming back with stories of adventure for Skerrit and his mother. Most of the other lizardfolk were not thrilled by this and shunned Skerrits family. Once Skerrit was old enough, he decided to follow in his father's footsteps. The Great War was over, but there were plenty of adventures to be had. Now, Skerrit searches out new adventures and excitement in hopes that one day he can return to his tribe and tell them of the wonders of the outside world.

With a background like that, there's the basic information- axp age, family background, race. Then a cause for adventuring- wanderlust. There's material for a DM to use for side quests and other adventures that tie directly to a PC. And it's short and simple enough.

Hope that helps some.
Cheesykees
06-07-05, 01:45 PM thank you :)

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Cheesykees 06-07-05, 01:06 PM	Well I Guess the Title says it all. I don't really know how to write a background for my characters. I could use an example, that would be nice.
CzarGarrett 06-07-05, 01:21 PM	First, work with the basics. Age, homeland, class, race, generic background- farmer/merchant/etc. Once you have those general ideas, think of a reason as to why the character is adventuring. Some ideas on that: money- save family's land, buy castle of own, start business, vengence- town attacked, family disgraced, sister raped, wanderlust- always wanted to see X town and went further, want to see Elves, etc. You need not write a 3 page story (although I often do), but if everything works together well. As a quick example. The character is a lizardfolk fighter/barbarian out of Q'Barra in Eberron. Skerrit was born in the waning days of the Great War to an isolated tribe of lizardfolks deep in the swamps of Q'Barra. Under normal circumstances, Skerrit would have become a standard warrior of the tribe and defended his people against humans, other lizardfolks, and various denizens of the swamps. But Skerrit's father was blessed (or cursed) with wanderlust. He often disappeared from the village for weeks or months at a time, coming back with stories of adventure for Skerrit and his mother. Most of the other lizardfolk were not thrilled by this and shunned Skerrits family. Once Skerrit was old enough, he decided to follow in his father's footsteps. The Great War was over, but there were plenty of adventures to be had. Now, Skerrit searches out new adventures and excitement in hopes that one day he can return to his tribe and tell them of the wonders of the outside world. With a background like that, there's the basic information- axp age, family background, race. Then a cause for adventuring- wanderlust. There's material for a DM to use for side quests and other adventures that tie directly to a PC. And it's short and simple enough. Hope that helps some.
Cheesykees 06-07-05, 01:45 PM	thank you :)