Character backgrounds have long been a fun part of creating a
character in Dungeons & Dragons, but the 2024 Player's Handbook
makes them way more mechanically important than before.
In the 2024 edition backgrounds have undergone significant changes,
enhancing their importance in character creation. Each background
now grants ability score improvements based on three specified ability
scores, allowing players to choose either a +2/+1 distribution or a +1 for
all three.
In addition to this, players receive an Origin Feat, further customizing
their characters. While backgrounds still provide skill proficiency, one
tool proficiency and starting equipment, they no longer include traits,
ideals, bonds, flaws, or language proficiency.
These updates mean that backgrounds are now a critical decision point
in character building, as they will be tied to specific class choices, much
like races/species in previous editions.
There are 16 backgrounds in the Player’s Handbook.
Acolyte
Ability Scores: Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma
Feat: Magic Initiate (Cleric)
Skill Proficiencies: Insight and Religion
Tool Proficiency: Calligrapher’s Supplies
Equipment: Choose A or B: (A) Calligrapher’s Supplies, Book (prayers),
Holy Symbol, Parchment (10 sheets), Robe, 8 GP; or (B) 50 GP
The Acolyte offers players a rich narrative of devotion and service
within a temple setting. Characters with this background have practical
experience in religious practices, rituals, and a basic understanding of
channeling divine power. This background is ideal for players seeking to
incorporate clerical themes and flavor into their characters without
fully multiclassing into the Cleric class.
Artisan
Ability Scores: Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence
Feat: Crafter
Skill Proficiencies: Investigation and Persuasion
Tool Proficiency: Choose one kind of Artisan’s Tools
Equipment: Choose A or B: (A) Artisan’s Tools (same as above), 2
Pouches, Traveler’s Clothes, 32 GP; or (B) 50 GP
The Artisan reflects a character's foundational experience in a trade,
whether they’ve honed their skills as a blacksmith, potter, or cook. This
background not only grants proficiency in relevant tools and skills but
also enhances their conversational abilities through customer service
experience.
Charlatan
Ability Scores: Dexterity, Constitution, Charisma
Feat: Skilled
Skill Proficiencies: Deception and Sleight of Hand
Tool Proficiency: Forgery Kit
Equipment: Choose A or B: (A) Forgery Kit, Costume, Fine Clothes, 15
GP; or (B) 50 GP
The Charlatan background emphasizes a character's knack for
manipulation and deception. With a history of performing dazzling
tricks or swindling unsuspecting victims, Charlatans are adept at
bending situations to their advantage. This background equips
characters with skills in persuasion and deception, allowing them to
navigate social situations with cunning.
Criminal
Ability Scores: Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence
Feat: Alert
Skill Proficiencies: Sleight of Hand and Stealth
Tool Proficiency: Thieves’ Tools
Equipment: Choose A or B: (A) 2 Daggers, Thieves’ Tools, Crowbar, 2
Pouches, Traveler’s Clothes, 16 GP; or (B) 50 GP
The Criminal background portrays characters who have lived a life on
the fringes of society, often involved in illegal activities. Unlike
Charlatans, who rely on charm and deception, Criminals are often
cunning cutpurses and skilled in navigating the dangerous underbelly of
urban life. They possess a keen sense for spotting danger and can think
quickly to evade serious trouble.
Entertainer
Ability Scores: Strength, Dexterity, Charisma
Feat: Musician
Skill Proficiencies: Acrobatics and Performance
Tool Proficiency: Choose one kind of Musical Instrument
Equipment: Choose A or B: (A) Musical Instrument (same as above), 2
Costumes, Mirror, Perfume, Traveler’s Clothes, 11 GP; or (B) 50 GP
The Entertainer background is an excellent fit for characters who thrive
on performance and showmanship, particularly Bards, but it's versatile
enough to suit various character types. Whether through music, dance,
storytelling, or other memorable skills, entertainers have a knack for
captivating audiences and forging connections with others.
Farmer
Ability Scores: Strength, Constitution, Wisdom
Feat: Tough
Skill Proficiencies: Animal Handling and Nature
Tool Proficiency: Carpenter’s Tools
Equipment: Choose A or B: (A) Sickle, Carpenter’s Tools, Healer’s Kit,
Iron Pot, Shovel, Traveler’s Clothes, 30 GP; or (B) 50 GP
The Farmer background while perhaps lacking the excitement of more
glamorous backgrounds, provides valuable traits that can significantly
benefit adventurers. Farmers are characterized by their resilience,
practical knowledge of the land, and a strong bond with animals. This
connection grants them unique insights into nature and survival,
allowing them to navigate the challenges of the wild more effectively
than other characters.
Guard
Ability Scores: Strength, Intelligence, Wisdom
Feat: Alert
Skill Proficiencies: Athletics and Perception
Tool Proficiency: Choose one kind of Gaming Set
Equipment: Choose A or B: (A) Spear, Light Crossbow, 20 Bolts, Gaming
Set (same as above), Hooded Lantern, Manacles, Quiver, Traveler’s
Clothes, 12 GP; or (B) 50 GP
A character with a Guard background has valuable skills that make
them adept at handling danger and maintaining order. This background
provides a strong foundation for characters who have served as
protectors or peacekeepers, equipping them with the physical abilities
needed to handle threats effectively. Guards are trained to remain
vigilant and disciplined, capable of holding their posts and responding
to potential dangers with speed and skill.
Guide
Ability Scores: Dexterity, Constitution, Wisdom
Feat: Magic Initiate (Druid)
Skill Proficiencies: Stealth and Survival
Tool Proficiency: Cartographer’s Tools
Equipment: Choose A or B: (A) Shortbow, 20 Arrows, Cartographer’s
Tools, Bedroll, Quiver, Tent, Traveler’s Clothes, 3 GP; or (B) 50 GP
A character with a Guide background is deeply connected to the
wilderness, making them an invaluable asset for any adventuring party
that seeks to navigate dangerous terrains. Their lifelong immersion in
natural environments equips them with essential survival skills such as
pathfinding, foraging, and understanding wildlife, similar to those
possessed by Druids.
Hermit
Ability Scores: Constitution, Wisdom, Charisma
Feat: Healer
Skill Proficiencies: Medicine and Religion
Tool Proficiency: Herbalism Kit
Equipment: Choose A or B: (A) Quarterstaff, Herbalism Kit, Bedroll,
Book (philosophy), Lamp, Oil (3 flasks), Traveler’s Clothes, 16 GP; or (B)
50 GP
Hermits are characters who have chosen a life of solitude, retreating
from the hustle and bustle of civilization to explore their own thoughts
and beliefs. Unlike guides, who focus on aiding travelers, hermits
prioritize introspection and personal enlightenment. This lifestyle
allows them to develop unique wisdom and insights, often resulting in a
deep understanding of the world around them.
Merchant
Ability Scores: Constitution, Intelligence, Charisma
Feat: Lucky
Skill Proficiencies: Animal Handling and Persuasion
Tool Proficiency: Navigator’s Tools
Equipment: Choose A or B: (A) Navigator’s Tools, 2 Pouches, Traveler’s
Clothes, 22 GP; or (B) 50 GP
A character with a Merchant background possesses valuable skills
honed through experience in selling wares rather than crafting them.
This background reflects a character's familiarity with trade,
negotiation, and commerce, allowing them to effectively manage
transactions and navigate social interactions. Merchants are often
charismatic, making them ideal party faces who can charm and
persuade others.
Noble
Ability Scores: Strength, Intelligence, Charisma
Feat: Skilled
Skill Proficiencies: History and Persuasion
Tool Proficiency: Choose one kind of Gaming Set
Equipment: Choose A or B: (A) Gaming Set (same as above), Fine
Clothes, Perfume, 29 GP; or (B) 50 GP
A character with a Noble background is familiar with a life of privilege
and comfort. Growing up in affluent circumstances, they have access to
education and experience in leadership, making them well-versed in
various fields. This background equips them with skills in etiquette,
influence, and social interaction, which can be advantageous for
navigating the complexities of high society and gaining favor in political
matters.
Sage
Ability Scores: Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom
Feat: Magic Initiate (Wizard)
Skill Proficiencies: Arcana and History
Tool Proficiency: Calligrapher’s Supplies
Equipment: Choose A or B: (A) Quarterstaff, Calligrapher’s Supplies,
Book (history), Parchment (8 sheets), Robe, 8 GP; or (B) 50 GP
Characters with a Sage background are distinguished by their extensive
travels and self-directed studies across various centers of knowledge.
Unlike nobles who often receive their education in a singular or
privileged setting, sages are driven by an insatiable curiosity, seeking
wisdom from diverse cultures and traditions.
Sailor
Ability Scores: Strength, Dexterity, Wisdom
Feat: Tavern Brawler
Skill Proficiencies: Acrobatics and Perception
Tool Proficiency: Navigator’s Tools
Equipment: Choose A or B: (A) Dagger, Navigator’s Tools, Rope,
Traveler’s Clothes, 20 GP; or (B) 50 GP
Characters with a Sailor background are well-versed in navigating the
seas, making them invaluable for parties embarking on maritime
adventures. Their experience is not limited to sailing; they are also
skilled in the rugged life of tavern brawls, learned from encounters in
various ports.
Scribe
Ability Scores: Dexterity, Intelligence, Wisdom
Feat: Skilled
Skill Proficiencies: Investigation and Perception
Tool Proficiency: Calligrapher’s Supplies
Equipment: Choose A or B: (A) Calligrapher’s Supplies, Fine Clothes,
Lamp, Oil (3 flasks), Parchment (12 sheets), 23 GP; or (B) 50 GP
A party member with a background as a scribe is more experienced in
the art of the pen than the sword, whether simply copying down
documents or writing some works of their own. A keen eye is a natural
talent of a good scribe, and they're likely to have picked up a good bit
of learning along the way.
Soldier
Ability Scores: Strength, Dexterity, Constitution
Feat: Savage Attacker
Skill Proficiencies: Athletics and Intimidation
Tool Proficiency: Choose one kind of Gaming Set
Equipment: Choose A or B: (A) Spear, Shortbow, 20 Arrows, Gaming Set
(same as above), Healer’s Kit, Quiver, Traveler’s Clothes, 14 GP; or (B)
50 GP
Characters with a Soldier background are seasoned combatants who
have honed their skills in the chaos of battle. Unlike guards who might
focus on vigilance and security, soldiers are trained for aggressive
engagements and possess the experience necessary to confront
formidable foes. Their time on the battlefield has equipped them with
tactical knowledge and proficiency in various weapons, making them a
valuable asset in any adventuring party.
Wayfarer
Ability Scores: Dexterity, Wisdom, Charisma
Feat: Lucky
Skill Proficiencies: Insight and Stealth
Tool Proficiency: Thieves’ Tools
Equipment: Choose A or B: (A) 2 Daggers, Thieves’ Tools, Gaming Set
(any), Bedroll, 2 Pouches, Traveler’s Clothes, 16 GP; or (B) 50 GP
Wayfarers are characters who have adapted to life on the streets, often
living without a permanent home or a reliable support network. Unlike
criminals, who may actively pursue a life of deceit and theft, wayfarers
tend to embrace a more survivalist approach, relying on their skills and
resourcefulness when necessary.
