Crafting an evocative backstory for your Tiefling character is not only an opportunity to explore their devilish lineage but also a key element in immersing yourself in the rich, blood-stained tapestry of their existence.
In this guide, we unveil the top 5 backgrounds thoughtfully tailored to enhance the narrative of Tieflings, offering a perfect blend of diabolical charm and individuality to your character’s story.
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 Tieflings
5. 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?
Tieflings already make excellent Paladins, and when combined with an Acolytle’s Shelter of Faith, you’ll never need a shelter again.
Tiefligns might not seem like a good fit to be an Acolyte, but many of them are ashamed of their heritage and atone by becoming Acolytes.
4. Criminal
Skill Proficiencies – Stealth, Deception
Tool Proficiencies – Thieves’ tools, One type of gaming set
Languages – None
Equipment – A set of dark common clothes including a hood, a crowbar, and a pouch with 15GP.
Why the Criminal?
A criminal is essentially an espionage agent with a Criminal Speciality and Criminal Contacts that allow them to contact networks of other criminals.
This allows them to send messages over great distances. As you know, there are many illegal dealings in an area.
3. Haunted One
Skill Proficiencies – Choose two of Survival, Religion, Investigation, or Arcana
Tool Proficiencies – None
Languages – Choose two languages, one of which being an exotic language (Undercommon, Sylvan, Primordial, Infernal, Draconic, Deep Speech, Celestial, or Abyssal)
Equipment – A set of common clothes, a monster hunter’s pack, one trinket of special significance (you may choose one or roll for one on the Gothic Trinkets table), and 1SP.
Why the Haunted One?
Shaped by a Harrowing Event, Haunted One Tieflings usually have some of the best tragic tales among any characters.
Their Heart of Darkness fills your eyes with unimaginable horror, noticed by those who speak to you, understanding that you are no stranger to darkness.
Commoners might fear you, but they will also extend a helping hand, at times even fighting alongside you if you were to find yourself standing alone against an enemy.
2. 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 Tiefling 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.
1. Ruined
Skill Proficiencies – Survival, Stealth
Tool Proficiencies – One gaming set of your choice (like three-dragon ante cards or playing cards)
Languages – Choose one
Equipment – A set of traveler’s clothes, a gaming set (matching your chosen proficiency), a hunting trap, a half-empty bottle, a set of rusty manacles, a cracked hourglass, and a pouch with 13GP.
Why the Ruined?
Ruined Tieflings are followed by misfortune, yet they use it as a tool.
Still Standing gives you access to the Tough, Skilled, and Alert Feats, allowing you to choose one. Your choice will reflect how you’ve dealt with your ruin and also provide some great stats.
Final Thoughts
The selection of a background for your Tiefling character in Dungeons & Dragons 5e unveils a captivating journey through the realms of darkness and intrigue.
Whether disturbed by a past event as a Haunted One, navigating the lawless underworld as a Criminal, or serving a divine purpose as an Acolyte, each background adds layers to your Tiefling’s story.