Background Design Checklist (5e Guideline)

This is a TLDR version of Background Design (5e Guideline).

1. Does my background concept root the character into the setting?

• The concept should associate the PC with a faction, organization, trade, person, event or location.

2. Does my background have the correct number of proficiencies?

• The background should have two specific skill proficiencies; and two tool proficiencies or languages in any combination.

3. Is the starting equipment modest and flavourful?

Starting equipment should include:

• A small amount of money so the player can customize their starting adventuring gear
• Items that the character would have acquired prior to becoming an adventurer
• One or two unique items related to the background

4. Does the background feature open up new options for roleplaying, exploring or interacting with the world?

• Background features should not have strict game benefits.
  • But if it does, is the benefit flavourful; and should a proficiency be removed to balance it?
• The feature should not give the player an ability or interaction that the PC could reasonably do anyway, even without your background.
• Don't be afraid to simply copy and tweak the background features from the Player's Handbook.

5. Personality Traits

• Traits should not be so obnoxious that they disrupt the game.

6. Ideals

• Does the ideal give the PC a motivation or overarching goal?

7. Bonds

• Does the bond link the PC to the game setting?

8. Flaws

• Does the flaw provide roleplaying opportunities?

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