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.