Let's Talk Backstory

Who are you? Why do you matter? Why are you an adventurer?

Answering Questions gives you a great way to get to know your character. The most common trap players fall into, is have a 2 Dimensional character. Lets look at ways to make our character stand out!


Where were you born?

• In a hamlet of about 40 people. I'm related to everyone here, and everyone works hard. We have to. 
• In a coastal city. The people here are as varied as the ships that land. Illness is found in these cities, but it's better than the monsters and bandits in other places!
• In a large city. There is a social "Elite" here. Order is everywhere, with a thin veneer of chaos under every surface. Games of intrigue, crime, and patience abound. 
• In the wilderness. My family lives off the wild. Food is here, danger keeps me sharp. This is the way life is intended. Walls feel like traps. I'll stay in the trees.
• On a river town. There is an inn, and we deal in lots of trade. The river is our lifeblood. Without it, our town would die. With it, our cattle have drink, our larders stay full, and our trade route is secure.
• In a small town. Our family stayed here after traveling. I've been here most of my life (Or all of it). I know everyone here, though we aren't all close. Farmers, Merchants, workers, Laborers, and an inn comprise our town. 
• In solitude. I was given to a church at a young age. / I left my life to study with a monastic tradition or mages guild. / I was sacrificed to a group or cause. / I am an orphan. I live in a state of rigorous rules. I live in fear or awe of the place I live. I know little of the outside world. I do what I must to continue my existence. 

How do you fit in?

•   I am happy with my family's place in this society. If nothing had changed, I would have lived there forever.
  
• I Cannot stand it here. The wait is unbearable. When do I get to leave?
• The person that I love is here. I spend my free time waiting for our time together.
• I don't belong here. The people are odd. And I don't feel welcome.
• I am a bit eccentric, but overall I love it here, I could find better, but I don't really want to.
• My family belongs here. We have been here for generations, and it is my duty to uphold this tradition!

What do you do?

• I am one of the laborers my society depends on to make, grow, or provide for our community. I provide basic needs. (Farming, hunting, tailor, construction)
• I am a leader, or destined to become one. My people are my responsibility.
• I am a student. I have much to learn, and no time to do it in. 
• I am a protector. Without me and those I serve with, our settlement would be overrun. My life for others.
• I am a creator. I make things to provide convenience to others. I might be a blacksmith, herbalist, brewer, mason, or writer. 

Why do you do it?

• I work hard so no one has to carry me. 
• I aim to attract love in my life. 
• I provide for my family.
• I want to be the very best, like no one ever was. 
• This is the only life I have ever known. Why would I do anything different?
• The people of my town deserve it. 

What changed?

• My town was ravaged by Orcs with a bloodlust!
• I have seen an omen. The gods speak to me, I must listen.
• I learned I have a power that I did not ask for. I will use it.
• My family died to an illness. I am alone now.
• My family was murdered. The town survived, but I no longer feel at home.
• The King has declared war!
• I survived the last war, and I aim to stop the next one.
• I learned a secret. I am looking for answers.
• I made it big with my last job! Now I can be who I want!
• I've realized that I hate my life. I must change this!

How did this change lead you to adventuring?

• I seek revenge against those that wronged me. 
• I will stop this from happening in the future.
• I am taking odd jobs to fill the void in my life. 
• Are you joking? I get to be an adventurer! What else could I ask for?!
• I have seen too many dead. It's time I did something about that.
• The answers I seek are hidden from me. I must find them. 
• I'm in it for the MONEY!
• I have family out there somewhere. I will find others of my line.

Who did you leave behind to begin adventuring?

• I have one sibling that survived with me. I send money back to help support!
• I left everything behind. I don't look back.
• Only the graves of those I will avenge.
• My entire family. Whether they support me or not, I have to do this.
• My order. They are blind to the signs, but I must do this. 
• Everything. This calling is too great for me to pass up.
• Nothing. I didn't have anything there for me. I will create a new life!

Who came with you?

• No one, I must forge new allies in this quest!
• My friends. We have been through much together, our bond is unshakable. 
• My sibling, child, or significant other. Family matters.
• My pet. A steadfast ally of years, I can't imagine life without this friend!
• My God. No matter what, I feel the presence of my Deity in all my actions.
• A token of my former life. If I ever lost it, my heart would break. 

These are launching points for your character. Use these ideas to come up with others! And remember to take these decisions into account in the future for your character.