Selecting the perfect background is a pivotal step in shaping your Harengon adventurer’s story, and in this guide, we’ve curated a list that seamlessly integrates with their mystical and enigmatic nature.
Join us as we explore the realms of D&D, discovering backgrounds that will mold your Harengon into a force to be reckoned with.
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 Harengons
5. Feylost
Skill Proficiencies – Survival, Deception
Tool Proficiencies – One type of musical instrument
Languages – Choose one among Sylvan, Goblin, Gnomish, or Elvish
Equipment – A set of traveler’s clothes, a musical instrument (choose one), three trinkets (determined by rolling the Feywild Trinkets table), and a pouch with 8GP.
Why the Feylost?
Feylost characters have the Feywild Visitor feature, being visited by a creature of the Feywild whenever they take a long rest or are put in a deep trance.
Visits can last minutes or hours, and you remember each visit upon waking. These visits can bring messages, red herrings, nonsense, and insights controlled by the DM.
Conversations are always held in a language you can understand.
Harengons originate from the Feywild, so if you want your Harengon to be tied to the Feywild realm, then try choosing the Feylost background.
4. Courtier
Skill Proficiencies – Persuasion, Insight
Tool Proficiencies – None
Languages – Choose two
Equipment – Set of fine clothes and a pouch with 5GP.
Why the Courtier?
Courtiers have the Court Functionary feature, granting you knowledge of bureaucracies and access to records of governments and noble courts. You know who to ask for favors.
Harengons are naturally charismatic and quite a sight to behold, especially by nobles who like boasting.
Therefore, they make great company, and because of their Fey heritage, their knowledge of the multiverse is far greater than ordinary advisers.
3. Rewarded
Skill Proficiencies – Persuasion, Insight
Tool Proficiencies – One gaming set you choose (such as three-dragon ante cards or playing cards)
Languages – Choose one
Equipment – One set of fine clothes, a signet ring, a gaming set (matching your chosen proficiency), five sheets of paper, an ink pen, a bottle of black ink, and a pouch with 18GP.
Why the Rewarded?
Rewarded have the Fortune’s Favor feature, letting you choose between the Lucky, Magic Initiate, or Skilled feats.
The one you choose will signify the change you went through in your life, but what that is depends entirely on you.
Harengons are already lucky creatures, and so that luck can result in them becoming Rewarded.
2. Entertainer
Skill Proficiencies – Performance, Acrobatics
Tool Proficiencies – One type of musical instrument and a 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?
Entertainers have the By Popular Demand feature, allowing them to perform in places like taverns or courts for free lodging and food.
This stay can be lengthened by performing for the owners every night, and with each performance, your fame with the locals will increase.
Herengons are very charismatic, and with their appearance, they stand out compared to others, making them a spectacle to behold and an even better attraction once they start performing.
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?
Guild Merchants belong to a guild of shopkeepers, caravan masters, or traders, making a living buying and selling goods.
The way you trade is entirely up to you, but many merchants often become adventurers because of their nomadic lifestyle.
Harengons are already quite chatty and very lucky at that, so why shouldn’t they be good at trading, making tons of gold, and learning how to be an efficient merchant?
Final Thoughts
Each background serves as a narrative foundation, shaping a unique story for your Harengon character.
Whether immersing your character in the halls of nobles as a Courtier, coming from a far-off place as a Feylost, or performing at various taverns as an Entertainer, your selected background becomes the cornerstone upon which your character is built.