When you dive into the world of role-playing, choosing the right background for your Dragonborn character is crucial for weaving a compelling narrative and enhancing your overall gameplay experience.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 5 backgrounds that not only complement the Dragonborn’s lore and abilities but also add depth to your character’s backstory.
Contents
What Are Backgrounds in D&D 5e?
Backgrounds are more than simple stat boosts in Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition. They reveal where your character came from, why you became an adventurer, and your place in the world.
Before choosing your Background, ask yourself a few questions:
- What was I before I became an adventurer?
- Why did I stop doing what my Background explains and become an adventurer?
- Where did I get the money to buy my starting equipment?
- Where did I learn the skills used in my class?
- What’s different about me compared to others with the same Background?
Best Backgrounds for Dragonborn
5. Folk Hero
Skill Proficiencies – Animal Handling, Survival
Tool Proficiencies – Vehicles (land), One type of Artisan’s tools
Languages – None
Equipment – One set of Artisan’s tools (you may choose), an iron pot, a set of common clothes, a shovel, and a pouch with 10GP.
Why the Folk Hero?
Rustic Hospitality will be your main ability as a Folk Hero, playing the role of people’s hero and an event that defines you as such.
With Rustic Hospitality, you gain the favor of common folk around you, shielding you from danger, though their lives will not be risked for your cause.
4. Acolyte
Skill Proficiencies – Religion, Insight
Tool Proficiencies – None
Languages – Choose two
Equipment – One holy symbol (gifted to you when you entered the priesthood), a set of common clothes, vestments, 5 sticks of incense, a prayer book or prayer wheel, and a pouch with 15GP.
Why the Acolyte?
Dragonborn already make excellent Paladins, and when combined with an Acolytle’s Shelter of Faith, you’ll never need a shelter again.
3. Gladiator
Skill Proficiencies – Performance, Acrobatics
Tool Proficiencies – Single type of musical instrument (or an inexpensive, unusual weapon like a net or trident), Disguise kit
Languages – None
Equipment – One musical instrument you choose (or unusual weapon), a costume, the favor of an admirer (trinket, love letter, or lock of hair), and a pouch with 15GP.
Why the Gladiator?
Since Dragonborn are adept warriors, the By Popular Demand feature can promise stay in almost any establishment that offers fighting as entertainment.
2. Soldier
Skill Proficiencies – Intimidation, Athletics
Tool Proficiencies – Vehicles (land), One type of gaming set
Languages – None
Equipment – A trophy you took from a fallen enemy (a piece of a banner, dagger, or broken blade), a set of common clothes, a deck of cards or a set of bone dice, an insignia of rank, and a pouch with 10GP.
Why the Soldier?
Soldiers are everywhere in D&D, and where there are soldiers, there are encampments.
With Military Rank, your party, accompanied by your Dragonborn, will be able to rest in secure military encampments and fortresses.
1. Outlander
Skill Proficiencies – Survival, Athletics
Tool Proficiencies – One type of musical instrument
Languages – One you choose
Equipment – A trophy from an animal you killed, a set of traveler’s clothes, a hunting trap, a staff, and a pouch with 10GP.
Why the Outlander?
There is always perilous terrain and bustling settlements requiring an expert to navigate through them.
With Wanderer, your Dragonborn will always know exactly where you’re going and where to find fresh water and food.
Final Thoughts
Each of the five backgrounds discussed – Folk Hero, Acolyte, Gladiator, Soldier, and Outlander – brings unique flavor and opportunities for role-playing.
Whether you seek recognition with commoners, spiritual enlightenment, a regal bearing of nobility, military discipline, or a connection to the wilderness, your choice of background can greatly enhance your Dragonborn’s narrative depth.