When I read through the Player’s Handbook I was struck by how much story could be behind and around the different races and classes. I don’t know anything about 3rd or 4th edition so maybe it’s been like this for awhile though did read somewhere that 5e lends itself more to story and less to game mechanics than previous versions.
For example, reading through the PHB I immediately thought up a half-elf bard with a charlatan background that always imagined he got his charm and wit from his absent elf father, who he built up in his mind as a wise and noble person. That the bard was more crafty than wise, and duplicitous than noble doesn’t occur to him at the start of his adventures. Throughout the campaign, I thought it would be cool to have him discover his father’s not nearly as ideal and good as he thought and that causes him to reexamine his own assumptions about himself, resulting in a character by the end that is more like the ideal father he thought he was going to find one day – at the very least a more humble character.
I really liked that story and, independent of any campaign, want to play it. The sorcerer, wizard and warlock all gave me similar inspirations to think of cool back stories and personal story arcs that could be interwoven into a campaign.
So… if you can approach it that way – and I know Jonathan can! – give it a shot and we’ll talk how to make it work. I wouldn’t worry about game mechanics but rather what could tell a good story.
There are also pre-generated characters on the Dungeons and Dragons site that you can use (click here). Tony had considered a paladin at one point some time ago so I thought up a role that would work well in the story – still up for playing that, Tony? If not, maybe he’ll be an NPC. Hmmm…
Warlock, sorcerers and wizards would also fit nicely into the larger story. Let me know if you’re interested in the first two – I’ll have some stuff for your backstory.
So… when thinking about character generation, think what would be a good background and story to play. Here are some questions to think about. You can mull them over on your own or we, as a group, can come up with some good stuff for each other. I have the start of a game in mind and several end points but it really can go in any direction after a bit and I’m very interested in a collaborative story here. Tony’s paladin comment and Jonathan’s half-orc musings really do get me thinking.
- What backgrounds, classes and races appeal to you and why?
- Do you see yourself growing up in the city (upper class, lower class) or in a town or farming community?
- What is one significant event from your past that has helped shape you into the person you are today?
- What, if anything, feels unresolved from your past? A missing friend/family member/lover, a mysterious trinket, a strange visitor, a family secret that is kept from you…
- What would get you out into the wide world to “go adventuring” rather than just stay home? What would prevent you from adventuring?