Making the perfect backstory for your Gnome character is not just about adding flair to your role-playing but also about embracing the essence of their inventive spirit.
Below, we will unveil the top 5 backgrounds tailored to underline the unique qualities of Gnomes, ensuring that your character’s narrative flickers with creativity and intrigue.
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 Gnomes
5. Clan Crafter
Skill Proficiencies – Insight, History
Tool Proficiencies – One type of Artisan’s tools
Languages – Dwarvish or one type if you can already speak Dwarvish
Equipment – A set of traveler’s clothes, a marker’s mark chisel used to mark your handiwork with the symbols of your clan of crafters you learned your skill from, a set of Artisan’s tools with which you’re proficient, and a pouch with 5GP and a gem with a value of 10GP.
Why the Clan Crafter?
Clan Crafter Gnomes have the Respect of the Stout Folk, making them excellent to have when there are a lot of Dwarves around.
This relationship often leads to the Dwarves providing free rooms and boarding space.
4. Sage
Skill Proficiencies – History, Arcana
Tool Proficiencies – None
Languages – Two you choose
Equipment – A set of common clothes, a letter from a dead colleague posing a question you haven’t been able to answer, a bottle of ink, a small knife, a quill, and a pouch with 10GP.
Why the Sage?
Sage Gnomes are sponges of information, working especially well for Artificer Gnomes.
The Researcher feature gives Sage Gnomes the ability to always know where to find information regarding certain topics, which can tend to be quite influential in many situations.
3. Rune Carver
Skill Proficiencies – Perception, History
Tool Proficiencies – One set of Artisan’s tools
Languages – Giant
Equipment – A set of common clothes, a set of Artisan’s tools (choose one), a whetstone, a small knife, and a pouch with 10GP.
Why the Rune Carver?
Rune Carver Gnomes have the Rune Shaper Feat, giving them access to much-needed spells, especially when playing spellcasting builds.
2. Guild Artisan
Skill Proficiencies – Persuasion, Insight
Tool Proficiencies – One type of Artisan’s tools
Languages – Choose one
Equipment – A set of Artisan’s tools (choose one), a set of traveler’s clothes, a letter of introduction from your guild, and a pouch with 15GP.
Why the Guild Artisan?
Gnomes are already master tinkerers, but as a Guild Artisan, their skills are heightened even further.
Guild Business gives you proficiency with Artisan’s tools, and Guild Membership can guarantee safe lodging and food for your party.
1. Entertainer
Skill Proficiencies – Performance, Acrobatics
Tool Proficiencies – One type of musical instrument, Disguise kit
Languages – None
Equipment – One musical instrument you choose, a costume, the favor of an admirer (trinket, love letter, or lock of hair), and a pouch with 15GP.
Why the Entertainer?
Using By Popular Demand allows Gnome Entertainers to perform in certain places like inns, theaters, or even courts.
Doing this will usually land him and his party with accommodation, as well as make him a public figure who can tend to draw attention in certain areas.
Final Thoughts
Tailoring a background for your Gnome character in Dungeons & Dragons 5e unveils a whimsical and inventive narrative canvas.
Whether engaging in tinkering as a Guild Artisan, exploring the arcane as a Sage, or embracing the chaos of an Entertainer’s life, each background amplifies the eccentric charm of Gnomish adventurers.