Backgrounds
Background is one of the defining early choices in the 2024 character-creation flow. It helps decide proficiencies, starting identity, and how the character enters play as a functioning person rather than only a class chassis.
Skill and tool fit. Make sure the background contributes useful coverage to the character instead of overlapping thoughtlessly with the class plan.
Story posture. Background tells the table what the character did before the campaign started and what kind of scenes they naturally belong in.
Build direction. It should feel like part of the same concept as the class, species, and ability priorities rather than a disconnected flavor tag.
Before Play
Use the background to explain why the character has their starting proficiencies, contacts, habits, and practical knowledge.
During Scenes
Let the background suggest when the character recognizes institutions, customs, tools, threats, or opportunities tied to their former life.
During Advancement
Treat the background as a baseline identity. The campaign can reinforce it, complicate it, or show how far the character has moved beyond it.