Creating a memorable Dungeons & Dragons character goes beyond picking a class and rolling stats. Your character’s DND background plays a crucial role in shaping their personality, skills, and place in the world. The right background not only adds depth to your roleplaying but also provides mechanical benefits that can complement your class abilities.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best background options for each D&D class. We’ll show you how to create a character with a rich history that meshes seamlessly with their chosen path. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, these insights will help you craft a character that’s both compelling and effective.
Remember, while these suggestions are optimized for gameplay, the most important thing is to choose a background that excites you and fuels your creativity. Let’s dive in and discover the perfect background for your next adventure!
Barbarian: Tapping into Primal Instincts
Barbarians are known for their raw strength and connection to nature. The right background can enhance these traits, creating a character with a truly wild heart.
Outlander: A Perfect Fit for the Wild
The Outlander background is tailor-made for Barbarians. It represents a character who grew up in the wilderness, far from civilization. This background grants proficiency in Athletics and Survival, skills that a Barbarian often relies on.
An Outlander Barbarian might be a nomadic hunter or a tribal warrior. They could have a deep understanding of natural dangers and the ability to guide others through harsh terrain. This background also provides the ability to recall the general layout of terrain features and settlements, which can be invaluable during wilderness adventures.
Soldier: The Combat Veteran
While it might seem counterintuitive at first, the Soldier background can add an interesting layer to a Barbarian’s character. It suggests a more disciplined approach to combat, which can create an intriguing contrast with the Barbarian’s rage.
A Soldier Barbarian might be a former mercenary or a tribal warrior who served in a organized military campaign. They bring a tactical mind to their primal fury, making them a formidable force on any battlefield. The Soldier background grants proficiency in Athletics and Intimidation, both useful skills for a Barbarian.
Bard: Weaving Tales and Magic
Bards are the ultimate jack-of-all-trades, blending magic with performance and knowledge. Their backgrounds often reflect their varied experiences and charismatic nature.
Entertainer: The Obvious Choice
The Entertainer background is a natural fit for many Bards. It represents a character who has spent years honing their craft as a performer. This background grants proficiency in Acrobatics and Performance, two skills that Bards often excel in.
An Entertainer Bard might be a traveling musician, a circus performer, or a renowned storyteller. They know how to work a crowd and can always find a place to perform. The “By Popular Demand” feature allows them to find a place to perform in any settlement, which can be a great source of both income and information.
Noble: Adding a Touch of Class
For a different take on the Bard, consider the Noble background. This creates a character who combines their artistic talents with political savvy and social grace.
A Noble Bard might be a courtier skilled in diplomacy and intrigue, using their performances to sway political opinions. They could be the younger child of a noble family, using their bardic talents to make a name for themselves. The Noble background provides proficiency in History and Persuasion, adding to the Bard’s already impressive social skills.
Cleric: Guided by Faith and Duty
Clerics are the embodiment of their deity’s will, channeling divine power to heal, protect, and sometimes smite. Their backgrounds often reflect their devotion and the path that led them to their calling.
Acolyte: A Life of Devotion
The Acolyte background is a perfect match for many Clerics. It represents a character who has spent their life in service to a temple or religious order. This background grants proficiency in Insight and Religion, two skills that are central to a Cleric’s role.
An Acolyte Cleric might be a lifelong devotee who has risen through the ranks of their faith. They have a deep understanding of religious texts and rituals, and they can call upon the support of their religious organization. The “Shelter of the Faithful” feature allows them to seek aid from others who share their faith, which can be a valuable resource during adventures.
Hermit: Wisdom Through Solitude
For a more contemplative take on the Cleric, the Hermit background offers interesting possibilities. It suggests a character who has spent time in seclusion, seeking spiritual enlightenment or grappling with divine mysteries.
A Hermit Cleric might have received a vision during their solitude that set them on their current path. They could be returning to society with newfound purpose and insight. The Hermit background provides proficiency in Medicine and Religion, reflecting the character’s self-reliance and spiritual focus.
Druid: One with Nature
Druids are the guardians of the natural world, wielding primal magic and shapeshifting abilities. Their backgrounds often emphasize their connection to nature and their role as protectors of the wild.
Hermit: Seeker of Natural Mysteries
The Hermit background aligns perfectly with a Druid’s quest to understand the deeper mysteries of nature. It suggests a character who has spent significant time in isolation, communing with the natural world.
A Hermit Druid might have lived alone in a sacred grove, studying the ebb and flow of natural energies. They could have undergone a spiritual journey, guided by animal spirits or ancient tree beings. This background grants proficiency in Medicine and Religion, skills that complement a Druid’s natural focus and spiritual connection.
Outlander: The Wilderness Wanderer
The Outlander background is another excellent choice for Druids, reinforcing their role as masters of the wild. It represents a character who has spent most of their life in the wilderness, far from civilization.
An Outlander Druid could be a nomadic shepherd, moving with the seasons and protecting both their flock and the land they traverse. Or they might be a tribal sage, versed in reading the signs of nature and guiding their people through harsh environments. This background provides proficiency in Athletics and Survival, enhancing the Druid’s ability to thrive in natural settings.
Fighter: The Battle-Hardened Warrior
Fighters are masters of combat, skilled in a wide array of weapons and fighting styles. Their backgrounds often reflect their martial training and the experiences that shaped them into formidable warriors.
Soldier: The Veteran of Many Wars
The Soldier background is a natural fit for many Fighters, representing years of military service and battlefield experience. It suggests a character who has been forged in the crucible of war.
A Soldier Fighter might be a retired army officer, bringing tactical knowledge and leadership skills to their adventuring party. They could be a battle-scarred mercenary, hardened by years of conflict. This background grants proficiency in Athletics and Intimidation, both valuable skills for a Fighter in and out of combat.
Folk Hero: The People’s Champion
For a Fighter with a more heroic bent, the Folk Hero background offers an inspiring origin story. It represents a character who rose from humble beginnings to become a champion of the common people.
A Folk Hero Fighter might have stood up against a tyrannical lord or single-handedly defended their village from a monster attack. They bring not only combat skills but also a strong connection to ordinary people and a sense of social justice. This background provides proficiency in Animal Handling and Survival, adding some versatility to the Fighter’s skill set.
Monk: Discipline and Inner Peace
Monks are masters of martial arts, harnessing their inner energy to perform extraordinary feats. Their backgrounds often reflect their disciplined lifestyle and spiritual pursuits.
Acolyte: Devotion and Discipline
The Acolyte background complements the Monk’s spiritual and disciplined nature. It suggests a character who has spent time in a religious order, possibly the same monastery where they learned their martial skills.
An Acolyte Monk might have started as a temple guardian before embarking on a journey of self-discovery. They could be on a quest to spread their monastery’s teachings or to right a great wrong. This background grants proficiency in Insight and Religion, reinforcing the Monk’s role as a seeker of wisdom.
Urchin: A Life of Struggle
For a different take on the Monk, the Urchin background adds a layer of hardship and resilience to their story. It represents a character who grew up on the streets, learning to survive through wit and agility.
An Urchin Monk might have been taken in by a monastery after a life of poverty, finding purpose and discipline in martial arts. Their street smarts and agility complement their monastic training, creating a unique and versatile character. This background provides proficiency in Sleight of Hand and Stealth, skills that can be surprisingly useful for a Monk.
Paladin: The Oathbound Warrior
Paladins are holy warriors, bound by sacred oaths to uphold their ideals. Their backgrounds often reflect their sense of duty, honor, and the path that led them to take their solemn vows.
Noble: A Knight of Honor
The Noble background aligns well with the Paladin’s sense of duty and code of honor. It suggests a character who comes from a privileged background but has chosen a life of service and righteousness.
A Noble Paladin might be a young knight, setting out to prove their worth and uphold their family’s honor. They could be the scion of a noble house, dedicating their life to a holy cause. This background grants proficiency in History and Persuasion, enhancing the Paladin’s ability to navigate social situations and recall important lore.
Soldier: Sworn to Protect
The Soldier background reinforces the Paladin’s role as a protector and their experience in organized combat. It represents a character who has served in a military capacity before taking their sacred oath.
A Soldier Paladin might have witnessed atrocities in war that led them to seek a higher purpose. They could be a veteran who found faith on the battlefield and now fights for a divine cause. This background provides proficiency in Athletics and Intimidation, useful skills for a warrior of faith.
Ranger: The Lone Hunter
Rangers are skilled hunters and trackers, at home in the wilderness and experts at surviving in harsh environments. Their backgrounds often emphasize their connection to nature and their ability to thrive far from civilization.
Outlander: Master of the Wilds
The Outlander background is a perfect match for many Rangers, representing a life spent in the wilderness. It suggests a character who has honed their survival skills in the harshest of environments.
An Outlander Ranger might be a skilled tracker from a nomadic tribe or a solitary hunter who’s more at home in the forest than in any town. They bring unparalleled wilderness knowledge to their party. This background grants proficiency in Athletics and Survival, further enhancing the Ranger’s expertise in navigating and surviving in the wild.
Urban Bounty Hunter: The City Stalker
For a unique twist on the Ranger, consider the Urban Bounty Hunter background. This creates a character who applies their tracking and hunting skills to urban environments.
An Urban Bounty Hunter Ranger might be a former city guard who now uses their skills to track down criminals. They could be an investigator who specializes in finding people who don’t want to be found. This background provides proficiency in two skills of your choice from Deception, Insight, Persuasion, and Stealth, allowing you to customize your Ranger’s urban skillset.
Rogue: The Master of Stealth and Deception
Rogues are cunning and skilled, excelling at stealth, trickery, and precision attacks. Their backgrounds often reflect a life of adventure, intrigue, or crime.
Criminal: The Shadowy Past
The Criminal background is a natural fit for many Rogues, representing a history of lawbreaking and underworld connections. It suggests a character with a wealth of experience in less-than-legal activities.
A Criminal Rogue might be a former cat burglar looking for bigger scores or a con artist seeking redemption through adventure. They bring valuable underworld contacts and a knack for illegal operations to the party. This background grants proficiency in Deception and Stealth, two crucial skills for any Rogue.
Charlatan: The Trickster
The Charlatan background adds a layer of charisma and deception to the Rogue’s persona. It represents a character who has made a living by outwitting others.
A Charlatan Rogue could be a skilled forger, a master of disguise, or a silver-tongued swindler. They excel at manipulating social situations to their advantage. This background provides proficiency in Deception and Sleight of Hand, perfect for a Rogue who relies on trickery and fast-talking.
Sorcerer: Power from Within
Sorcerers are innate spellcasters, their magic flowing from some extraordinary event in their past or a quirk of their bloodline. Their backgrounds often hint at the origin of their powers or how they’ve learned to control them.
Noble: The Privileged Spellcaster
The Noble background complements a Sorcerer’s potential for a powerful, aristocratic lineage. It suggests a character born into privilege, perhaps as part of a family known for its magical bloodline.
A Noble Sorcerer might be struggling to balance their innate powers with the responsibilities of their station. They could be using their magic and social standing to pursue political ambitions. This background grants proficiency in History and Persuasion, useful skills for navigating high society.
Hermit: Solitude and Self-Discovery
The Hermit background can reflect a Sorcerer’s journey of discovering and mastering their innate powers. It represents a period of isolation and introspection.
A Hermit Sorcerer might have retreated from society to learn control over their volatile magic. They could have spent years meditating on the source of their power. This background provides proficiency in Medicine and Religion, suggesting a holistic approach to understanding their abilities.
Warlock: Pact and Power
Warlocks gain their magic through a pact with a powerful entity. Their backgrounds often hint at the circumstances that led to this pact or how it has shaped their lives.
Charlatan: The Deal-Maker
The Charlatan background enhances the Warlock’s role as a manipulative and cunning pact-maker. It suggests a character skilled in deception and negotiation, traits that may have led to their pact.
A Charlatan Warlock might have tricked their way into a pact, or perhaps they use their patron’s power to become an even more effective con artist. They bring a mix of arcane power and social manipulation to the party. This background grants proficiency in Deception and Sleight of Hand, useful for a Warlock who relies on trickery as much as magic.
Sage: Knowledge Seeker
The Sage background aligns well with a Warlock’s thirst for arcane knowledge and power. It represents a character who has spent years studying the mysteries of the universe.
A Sage Warlock could be a former scholar who made a pact to gain knowledge beyond mortal understanding. They might use their academic background to research ways to expand their magical abilities. This background provides proficiency in Arcana and History, reinforcing the Warlock’s role as a seeker of hidden lore.
Wizard: The Scholar of the Arcane
Wizards are the quintessential magic-users, gaining their power through dedicated study and practice. Their backgrounds often reflect their pursuit of knowledge and their approach to magic.
Sage: The Arcane Scholar
The Sage background naturally aligns with the Wizard’s quest for knowledge and magical mastery. It represents years spent in study and research.
A Sage Wizard might be a former professor at a magical academy or a lifelong student of the arcane arts. They bring a wealth of knowledge and research skills to the party. This background grants proficiency in Arcana and History, further enhancing the Wizard’s role as a repository of magical lore.
Guild Artisan: The Magical Craftsman
For a unique take on the Wizard, consider the Guild Artisan background. This creates a character who approaches magic as a craft to be honed and perfected.
A Guild Artisan Wizard might specialize in creating magical items or approach spellcasting with the precision of a master craftsman. They could bring a practical, methodical approach to magic that contrasts with more academic Wizards. This background provides proficiency in Insight and Persuasion, along with proficiency with artisan’s tools, allowing for interesting roleplay opportunities.
D&D Backgrounds for All Classes
Choosing the right background for your D&D character is about more than just optimizing skills and abilities. It’s about creating a rich, compelling persona with a history that informs their actions and decisions.
While we’ve suggested some optimal pairings, remember that any background can work with any class if it fits your character concept. The most important thing is to choose a combination that inspires you and helps you tell the story you want to tell.
Whether you’re playing a Noble Sorcerer struggling with the responsibilities of power, an Urchin Monk who found purpose in discipline, or a Charlatan Warlock always looking for their next big score, your background adds depth and nuance to your character’s journey.
So as you prepare for your next adventure, consider how your character’s past has shaped them. Let their background inform their motivations, their strengths, and their flaws. With the right combination of class and background, you’ll have a character that’s not just powerful, but truly unforgettable.
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