What Elements Should be Included in a Dark Heresy Character Back Story?

Their alignment is an element. A lawful good character might have a back story where they were taught strict moral values by a priest. Their dreams and aspirations matter. Maybe they dream of becoming a great knight. And any secrets they hold. For instance, they might be secretly part of a long - lost royal bloodline.

First, think about your character's origin. Were they born into a noble family or in the slums? For example, if from the slums, they might have a gritty backstory of survival against crime and poverty. Second, consider their motivation. Maybe they witnessed a heretical act and are now driven to root out heresy. Finally, add some personal quirks, like a fear of the dark due to a past encounter in a dark alleyway.

One important element is the character's home. If it's a dwarven character, their home in the mountains, with its mines and forges, would play a big role. Their family members, like a strict father who taught them mining skills or a mother who told them stories of the clan's past. Another element is their education. A bard might have learned from a famous master in a grand academy or from traveling minstrels on the road.

A cyberpunk back story should feature the character's skills and how they acquired them. If they're a hacker, they might have learned their trade in the underground hacking dens while trying to avoid the authorities. Their back story could also include a past trauma related to the omnipresent technology. For instance, a malfunctioning cybernetic limb that nearly killed them, leading to a distrust of advanced tech, yet also a drive to master it to prevent such things from happening again.

Character's goals. It could be something like finding a lost treasure or avenging a family member.

Typically, important events from the past should be in 'them back story'. For example, if it's about a family, it could be things like a big move they made or an illness a family member had.

You should include an initial hook. It could be something like a rumor or a small discovery that makes the protagonist start to question things. There should be a hidden force or forces at work, whether it's a secret organization or a group of corrupt individuals. And to create a sense of foreboding, use details like shadows, whispers, or things that seem to be watching. Also, give the main character some motivation for getting involved in the mystery, such as a sense of justice or a personal connection to the events.

Cultural elements are important. This means the values, traditions, and religions of the different groups in the world. For instance, in a fantasy world, one group might worship the sun while another worships the moon. And the back story should explain how these beliefs came to be. Social structures like the class system also need to be part of the back story. How did the nobles come to power? What rights do the commoners have?

A good DND back story should also have some sort of conflict in the past. It could be an internal conflict, like struggling with a dark secret, or an external conflict, such as being persecuted for their race or abilities. This conflict can drive the character's development throughout the game. For example, a half - elf who was always bullied for their heritage might strive to prove themselves in the world of humans and elves, which adds an interesting layer to their story.

The front cover of a short story should typically have a visually appealing design that relates to the story. This could be an illustration or a relevant image. Along with the title and author name. The back cover is a great place to provide more in - depth information. A concise summary of the story is essential. It can highlight the most interesting parts, like the conflict or the climax. You might also find the publisher's logo and information on the back cover.