What Elements Should be Included in a DND Character Back Story?

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

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.

Family or tribe. Maybe the barbarian was raised in a loving family or tribe that taught him kindness. For example, his mother was a healer in the tribe and always taught him to respect life.

A key element is the character's family. If they come from a family of psykers, that would be a huge part of their back story as psykers are both feared and respected in the Dark Heresy world. Another element is their education. Were they trained in a scholam or self - taught? If self - taught, they might have some unorthodox skills. Also, their first encounter with the supernatural should be included.

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.

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.

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 back story checklist could include elements like character's origin, their family background, significant events in their past that shaped them, their past relationships, and any traumas they might have experienced.

It should include the school building layout, like where the classrooms are. Also, the daily schedule matters, such as recess and class times.