Character Backgrounds for Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) Fifth Edition (5e) - D&D Beyond (2024)

Name

Feature

Proficiencies

Tags

  • Acolyte

    Basic Rules

    Shelter of the Faithful

    Insight, Religion

    Social, Religious

  • Acolyte - Baldur’s Gate

    Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

    Shelter of the Faithful

    Insight, Religion

    Social, Religious

  • Anthropologist

    Tomb of Annihilation

    Adept Linguist

    Insight, Religion

    Social, Exploration

  • Archaeologist

    Tomb of Annihilation

    Historical Knowledge

    History, Survival

    Social, Exploration

  • Astral Drifter

    Spelljammer: Adventures in Space

    Divine Contact

    Insight, Religion

  • Athlete

    Mythic Odysseys of Theros

    Echoes of Victory

    Athletics, Acrobatics

    Utility

  • Azorius Functionary

    Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

    Legal Authority

    Insight, Intimidation

    Guild

  • Boros Legionnaire

    Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

    Legion Station

    Athletics, Intimidation

    Guild

  • Celebrity Adventurer’s Scion

    Acquisitions Incorporated

    Name Dropping

    Perception, Performance

  • Charlatan

    Player's Handbook

    False Identity

    Deception, Sleight of Hand

    Social, Deception

  • Charlatan - Baldur’s Gate

    Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

    False Identity

    Deception, Sleight of Hand

    Social, Deception

  • City Watch / Investigator

    Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

    Watcher’s Eye

    Athletics, Investigation, Insight

    Social, Detection, Combat

  • Clan Crafter

    Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

    Respect of the Stout Folk

    History, Insight

    Social, Utility

  • Cloistered Scholar

    Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

    Library Access

    History, Arcana, Nature, Religion

    Social, Utility

  • Courtier

    Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

    Court Functionary

    Insight, Persuasion

    Social

  • Criminal - Baldur’s Gate

    Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

    Criminal Contact

    Deception, Stealth

    Social, Exploration, Deception

  • Criminal / Spy

    Basic Rules

    Criminal Contact

    Deception, Stealth

    Social, Exploration, Deception

  • Dimir Operative

    Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

    False Identity

    Deception, Stealth

    Guild

  • Entertainer

    Player's Handbook

    By Popular Demand

    Acrobatics, Performance

    Social, Utility

  • Entertainer - Baldur’s Gate

    Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

    By Popular Demand

    Acrobatics, Performance

    Social, Utility

  • Faceless

    Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

    Dual Personalities

    Deception, Intimidation

  • Faction Agent

    Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

    Safe Haven

    Insight, Arcana, History, Investigation, Nature, Religion, Animal Handling, Insight, Medicine, Perception, Survival, Deception, Intimidation, Performance, Persuasion

    Social, Utility

  • Failed Merchant

    Acquisitions Incorporated

    Supply Chain

    Investigation, Persuasion

  • Far Traveler

    Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

    All Eyes on You

    Insight, Perception

    Social

  • Feylost

    The Wild Beyond the Witchlight

    Feywild Connection

    Deception, Survival

  • Fisher

    Ghosts of Saltmarsh

    Harvest the Water

    History, Survival

    Social, Utility

  • Folk Hero

    Basic Rules

    Rustic Hospitality

    Animal Handling, Survival

    Social, Utility

  • Folk Hero - Baldur’s Gate

    Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

    Rustic Hospitality

    Animal Handling, Survival

    Social, Utility

  • Gambler

    Acquisitions Incorporated

    Never Tell Me the Odds

    Deception, Insight

  • Gate Warden

    Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse

    Planar Infusion

    Persuasion, Survival

  • Giant Foundling

    Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants

    Strike of the Giants

    Intimidation, Survival

  • Gladiator

    Player's Handbook

    By Popular Demand

    Acrobatics, Performance

    Social, Combat

  • Golgari Agent

    Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

    Undercity Paths

    Nature, Survival

    Guild

  • Gruul Anarch

    Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

    Rubblebelt Refuge

    Animal Handling, Athletics

    Guild

  • Guild Artisan - Baldur’s Gate

    Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

    Guild Membership

    Insight, Persuasion

    Social, Utility

  • Guild Artisan / Guild Merchant

    Player's Handbook

    Guild Membership

    Insight, Persuasion

    Social, Utility

  • Haunted One

    Curse of Strahd: Character Options

    Heart of Darkness

    Arcana, Investigation, Religion, Survival, Arcana, Investigation, Religion, Survival

    Utility, Combat

  • Hermit

    Player's Handbook

    Discovery

    Medicine, Religion

    Healing, Social, Utility

  • Hermit - Baldur’s Gate

    Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

    Discovery

    Medicine, Religion

    Healing, Social, Utility

  • House Agent (Cannith)

    Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron

    House Connections

    Investigation, Persuasion

    Social, Utility

  • House Agent (Deneith)

    Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron

    House Connections

    Investigation, Persuasion

    Social, Utility

  • House Agent (Ghallanda)

    Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron

    House Connections

    Investigation, Persuasion

    Social, Utility

  • House Agent (Jorasco)

    Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron

    House Connections

    Investigation, Persuasion

    Social, Utility

  • House Agent (Kundarak)

    Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron

    House Connections

    Investigation, Persuasion

    Social, Utility

  • House Agent (Lyrandar)

    Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron

    House Connections

    Investigation, Persuasion

    Social, Utility

  • House Agent (Medani)

    Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron

    House Connections

    Investigation, Persuasion

    Social, Utility

  • House Agent (Orien)

    Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron

    House Connections

    Investigation, Persuasion

    Social, Utility

  • House Agent (Phiarlan)

    Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron

    House Connections

    Investigation, Persuasion

    Social, Utility

  • House Agent (Sivis)

    Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron

    House Connections

    Investigation, Persuasion

    Social, Utility

  • House Agent (Tharashk)

    Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron

    House Connections

    Investigation, Persuasion

    Social, Utility

  • House Agent (Thuranni)

    Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron

    House Connections

    Investigation, Persuasion

    Social, Utility

  • House Agent (Vadalis)

    Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron

    House Connections

    Investigation, Persuasion

    Social, Utility

  • Inheritor

    Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

    Inheritance

    Survival, Arcana, History, Religion

    Social

  • Investigator

    Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

    Official Inquiry

    Investigation, Insight, Perception, Investigation, Insight, Perception

    Social, Exploration

  • Izzet Engineer

    Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

    Urban Infrastructure

    Arcana, Investigation

    Guild

  • Knight

    Player's Handbook

    Retainers

    History, Persuasion

    Social, Utility

  • Knight of Solamnia

    Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen

    Squire of Solamnia

    Athletics, Survival

  • Knight of the Order

    Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

    Knightly Regard

    Persuasion, Arcana, History, Nature, Religion

    Social

  • Lorehold Student

    Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos

    Lorehold Initiate

    History, Religion

  • Mage of High Sorcery

    Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen

    Initiate of High Sorcery

    Arcana, History

  • Marine

    Ghosts of Saltmarsh

    Steady

    Athletics, Survival

    Exploration, Combat

  • Mercenary Veteran

    Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

    Mercenary Life

    Athletics, Persuasion

    Social, Utility

  • Noble

    Basic Rules

    Position of Privilege

    History, Persuasion

    Social, Utility

  • Noble - Baldur’s Gate

    Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

    Position of Privilege

    History, Persuasion

    Social, Utility

  • Orzhov Representative

    Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

    Leverage

    Intimidation, Religion

    Guild

  • Outlander

    Player's Handbook

    Wanderer

    Athletics, Survival

    Social, Utility

  • Outlander - Baldur’s Gate

    Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

    Wanderer

    Athletics, Survival

    Social, Utility

  • Pirate

    Player's Handbook

    Bad Reputation

    Athletics, Perception

    Social, Utility, Exploration

  • Plaintiff

    Acquisitions Incorporated

    Legalese

    Medicine, Persuasion

  • Planar Philosopher

    Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse

    Conviction

    Arcana

  • Prismari Student

    Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos

    Prismari Initiate

    Acrobatics, Performance

  • Quandrix Student

    Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos

    Quandrix Initiate

    Arcana, Nature

  • Rakdos Cultist

    Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

    Fearsome Reputation

    Acrobatics, Performance

    Guild

  • Rewarded

    The Book of Many Things

    Fortune’s Favor

    Insight, Persuasion

    Buff

  • Rival Intern

    Acquisitions Incorporated

    Inside Informant

    History, Investigation

  • Ruined

    The Book of Many Things

    Still Standing

    Stealth, Survival

    Buff

  • Rune Carver

    Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants

    Rune Shaper

    History, Perception

  • Sage

    Basic Rules

    Researcher

    Arcana, History

    Social, Utility

  • Sage - Baldur’s Gate

    Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

    Researcher

    Arcana, History

    Social, Utility

  • Sailor

    Player's Handbook

    Ship’s Passage

    Athletics, Perception

    Social, Utility, Exploration

  • Sailor - Baldur’s Gate

    Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

    Ship’s Passage

    Athletics, Perception

    Social, Utility, Exploration

  • Selesnya Initiate

    Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

    Conclave’s Shelter

    Nature, Persuasion

    Guild

  • Shipwright

    Ghosts of Saltmarsh

    I’ll Patch It!

    History, Perception

    Utility

  • Silverquill Student

    Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos

    Silverquill Initiate

    Intimidation, Persuasion

  • Simic Scientist

    Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

    Researcher

    Arcana, Medicine

    Guild

  • Smuggler

    Ghosts of Saltmarsh

    Down Low

    Athletics, Deception

  • Soldier

    Basic Rules

    Military Rank

    Athletics, Intimidation

    Social, Exploration, Combat

  • Soldier - Baldur’s Gate

    Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

    Military Rank

    Athletics, Intimidation

    Social, Exploration, Combat

  • Urban Bounty Hunter

    Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

    Ear to the Ground

    Stealth, Insight, Deception, Persuasion, Stealth, Insight, Deception, Persuasion

    Social, Utility

  • Urchin

    Player's Handbook

    City Secrets

    Sleight of Hand, Stealth

    Social, Utility, Deception

  • Urchin - Baldur’s Gate

    Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

    City Secrets

    Sleight of Hand, Stealth

    Social, Utility, Deception

  • Uthgardt Tribe Member

    Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

    Uthgardt Heritage

    Athletics, Survival

    Social, Utility

  • Waterdhavian Noble

    Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

    Kept in Style

    History, Persuasion

    Social

  • Wildspacer

    Spelljammer: Adventures in Space

    Wildspace Adaptation

    Athletics, Survival

  • Witchlight Hand

    The Wild Beyond the Witchlight

    Carnival Fixture

    Performance, Sleight of Hand

  • Witherbloom Student

    Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos

    Witherbloom Initiate

    Nature, Survival

Character Backgrounds for Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) Fifth Edition (5e) - D&D Beyond (2024)

FAQs

How to create a custom background in DNDBeyond? ›

To customize a background, you can replace one feature with any other one, choose any two skills, and choose a total of two tool proficiencies or languages from the sample backgrounds. You can either use the equipment package from your background or spend coin on gear as described in the Equipment section.

What is the best character sheet for D&D 5th edition? ›

Top 3 Free D&D 5e Character Sheets for Download

The Classic Character Sheet by Wizards of the Coast is the go-to choice for purists. Its straightforward and familiar layout ensures that players of all experience levels can track their progress without hassle.

Where do I get a DnD character sheet? ›

Available at your local game store, bookstores, or online retailers. Inside the pockets of this lavishly illustrated protective folder, you'll find a full set of fifth edition Dungeons & Dragons character sheets for use in any D&D campaign.

Where can I design a DnD character? ›

D&D Beyond's free character builder makes it quick and easy. Create a D&D character in minutes and jump into the action with your digital character sheet. Roll dice right from your sheet, track your spells, inventory, hit points, and more.

Can you make a custom DND character? ›

Your first step in playing an adventurer in the Dungeons & Dragons game is to imagine and create a character of your own. Your character is a combination of game statistics, roleplaying hooks, and your imagination. You choose a race (such as human or halfling) and a class (such as fighter or wizard).

Is there a site where I can make a DND character with all the material for free? ›

Is there a site where I can make a DnD character with all the material for free? Yes, DungeonMastersVault.com has a free option. The free version is advertising supported.

How long should a character's backstory be? ›

When it comes to a backstory, shorter is often better. As you write the backstory for a character, try to keep it as short and to the point as you can. Though it may be tempting to go on about a character's past, having a long backstory can often distract the reader from present events and bog down your narrative.

How old is 5th edition D&D? ›

The 4th edition was published in 2008. The 5th edition was released in 2014.

How to get Outlander background in D&D Beyond? ›

Not all backgrounds are available for free, Lis. Many will need to be purchased, including Outlander. Click on "Marketplace" near the top of the screen; that will apprise you of what content must be purchased.

How do I find homebrew content on D&D beyond? ›

You can access your Homebrew Collection from the profile menu or by visiting dndbeyond.com/homebrew/collection. All content that you create yourself is automatically added to your Homebrew Collection, although you can remove it if you don't want to see it there.

Why is echo Knight not showing up in D&D beyond? ›

Scroll down the the subclasses section; you can choose to purchase just the subclass there. Note that once you do, you will need to turn on Critical Role content on the first page of the builder to access the Echo Knight. Thank you very much!

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