As you craft your Dwarf character’s backstory, the choice of background plays a pivotal role in shaping their identity and setting the stage for epic adventures.
In this guide, we’ll uncover the top 5 backgrounds tailored specifically for Dwarves, ensuring that your character not only stands firm against the challenges of the realm but also emerges with an interesting past.
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 Dwarves
5. Knight
Skill Proficiencies – Persuasion, History
Tool Proficiencies – One type of gaming set
Languages – Choose one
Equipment – A banner or token from a noble lord or lady to whom you’ve given your heart (the person can be your Bond), a signet ring, a set of fine clothes, a scroll of pedigree, and a purse with 25GP.
Why the Knight?
Dwarves already make good Paladins, and being a Knight is befitting of a Paladin.
Whether you have Retainers to help you with mundane tasks or use the Position of Privilege to be welcomed in high society, both are very good features to have on any Dwarven character.
4. Acolyte
Skill Proficiencies – Religion, Insight
Tool Proficiencies – None
Languages – Choose two
Equipment – One holy symbol (gift to you when you entered the priesthood), a set of common clothes, a prayer book or prayer wheel, 5 sticks of incense, vestments, and a pouch with 15GP.
Why the Acolyte?
Dwarves already make excellent Clerics and Paladins, so when combined with an Acolytle’s Shelter of Faith, you’ll never need a shelter again.
3. 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, especially when Dwarves are involved, and where there are soldiers, there are encampments.
With Military Rank, your party, accompanied by your Dwarf, will be able to rest in secure military encampments and fortresses.
2. 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 Dwarf, who already knows more than enough about traversing mines, will always know exactly where you’re going and where to find fresh water and food.
1. Guild Merchant
Skill Proficiencies – Persuasion, Insight
Tool Proficiencies – One type of Artisan’s tools or Navigator’s tools (your choice)
Languages – Choose one (add another language if you don’t want Navigator’s tools)
Equipment – A set of Artisan’s tools (choose one), a mule and a cart (if you don’t want the Artisan’s tools), a set of traveler’s clothes, a letter of introduction from your guild, and a pouch with 15GP.
Why the Guild Merchant?
Dwarves understand trade and love money, so they already fit the position of Guild Merchant perfectly.
Not only can Guild Merchants start with mule-pulled carts, Guild Business gives you proficiency with Artisan’s tools, and Guild Membership can guarantee safe lodging and food for your party.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the ideal background for your Dwarf character in Dungeons & Dragons 5e adds depth and nuance to their story.
Whether it’s the resilience of a Soldier, the marketing of a Guild Merchant, or the religious fury of an Acolyte, each background enriches your Dwarf’s narrative.