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(→‎Entertainer: Adding Alfira (She does join the party briefly, and her Inspiration mechanics are fully functional for Entertainer, including the EXP boost and update to the Inspiration menu))
 
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{{ up to date | 2023-08-08 }} <!-- Date format is YEAR-MONTH-DAY, like 2023-08-07. -->
{{PageSeo
{{UnderConstruction}}
| description = Backgrounds define the past of a character, which grants them two skill Proficiencies and determines what inspires them.
The '''Background''' of a character defines what kind of past they have, which grants them two [[Skills|Skill Proficiencies]] and determines what [[Inspiration|inspires]] them.
| image = Background Acolyte Icon.png
}}
'''Backgrounds''' are a trait which describes a character's life outside of their career as an adventurer. Each background grants characters two [[Skills|skill proficiencies]] and determines what [[Inspiration|inspires]] them. Backgrounds also have narrative effects, including options in dialogue and the opinions or attitude of others towards the character.


== Acolyte ==  
Each [[Origin characters|origin character]], including the [[The Dark Urge (Origin)|Dark Urge]], has a pre-selected background that cannot be changed. Custom characters select a background on [[character creation]]. A character may only have one background, and it cannot be changed once the game is started.
[[File:Background Acolyte Icon.png|left|frameless|150x150px|link=Acolyte]]
__NOTOC__
== Acolyte ==
{{Main|Acolyte}}
{{Quote background|Acolyte|image-position=left}}
{{hlist|
* ''Skill proficiencies: [[Insight]], [[Religion]]''
* ''Characters: [[Shadowheart]], [[Zenith Feur'sel]]''
}}


{{Q|"You have spent your life in service to a temple, learning sacred rites and providing sacrifices to the god or gods you worship. Serving the gods and discovering their sacred works will guide you to greatness."}}
{{clear}}
''See also: [[Acolyte]]''
== Charlatan ==
 
{{Main|Charlatan}}
''Improves: [[Insight]], [[Religion]]''
{{Quote background|Charlatan|image-position=left}}
 
{{hlist|
== Charlatan ==  
* ''Skill proficiencies: [[Deception]], [[Sleight of Hand]]''
[[File:Background Charlatan Icon.png|left|frameless|150x150px|link=Charlatan]]
* ''Characters: [[Astarion]], [[Kree Derryck]]''
 
}}
{{Q|"You’re an expert in manipulation, prone to exaggeration and more than happy to profit from it. Bending the truth and turning allies against each other will lead to greater success down the road."}}
''See also: [[Charlatan]]''
 
''Improves: [[Deception]], [[Sleight of Hand]]''


== Criminal ==  
== Criminal ==  
[[File:Background Criminal Icon.png|left|frameless|150x150px|link=Criminal]]
{{Main|Criminal}}
 
{{Quote background|Criminal|image-position=left}}
{{Q|"You have a history of breaking the law and survive by leveraging less-than-legal connections. Profiting from criminal enterprise will lead to greater opportunities in the future." }}
{{hlist|
''See also: [[Criminal]]''
* ''Skill proficiencies: [[Deception]], [[Stealth]]''
 
* ''Characters: [[Ver'yll Wenkiir]]''
''Improves: [[Deception]], [[Stealth]]''
}}


== Entertainer ==  
== Entertainer ==  
[[File:Background Entertainer Icon.png|left|frameless|150x150px|link=Entertainer]]
{{Main|Entertainer}}
 
{{Quote background|Entertainer|image-position=left}}
{{Q|"You live to sway and subvert your audience, engaging common crowds and high society alike. Preserving art and bringing joy to the hapless and downtrodden heightens your charismatic aura." }}
{{hlist|
''See also: [[Entertainer]]''
 
''Improves: [[Acrobatics]], [[Performance]]''
''Improves: [[Acrobatics]], [[Performance]]''
''Characters: [[Brinna Brightsong]], [[Alfira]]''
}}


== Folk Hero ==  
== Folk Hero ==  
[[File:Background Folk Hero Icon.png|left|frameless|150x150px|link=Folk Hero]]
{{Main|Folk Hero}}
 
{{Quote background|Folk Hero|image-position=left}}
{{Q|"You’re the champion of the common people, challenging tyrants and monsters to protect the helpless. Saving innocents in imminent danger will make your legend grow." }}
{{hlist|
''See also: [[Folk Hero]]''
* ''Skill proficiencies: [[Animal Handling]], [[Survival]]''
 
* ''Characters: [[Minsc]], [[Wyll]], [[Danton]]''
''Improves: [[Animal Handling]], [[Survival]]''
}}


== Guild Artisan ==  
== Guild Artisan ==  
[[File:Background Guild Artisan Icon.png|left|frameless|150x150px|link=Guild Artisan]]
{{Main|Guild Artisan}}
 
{{Quote background|Guild Artisan|image-position=left}}
{{Q|"Your skill in a particular craft has earned you membership in a mercantile guild, offering privileges and protection while engaging in your art. Repairing and discovering rare crafts will bring new inspiration." }}
{{hlist|
''See also: [[Guild Artisan]]''
* ''Skill proficiencies: [[Insight]], [[Persuasion]]''
 
* ''Characters: [[Jacelyn]]''
''Improves: [[Insight]], [[Persuasion]]''
}}
 
== Haunted One ==
''NOTE: Only available to Dark Urge characters!''
[[File:Background HauntedOne Icon.png|left|frameless|150x150px|link=Haunted One]]
 
{{Q|"A wicked moment, person, or thing that cannot be slain by sword or spell haunts your mind and flickers in your peripheral vision. You carry it wherever your adventure takes you - or perhaps it carries you." }}
''See also: [[Haunted One]]''
 
''Improves: [[Medicine]] , [[Intimidation]]''
 
== Hermit ==
{{UnderConstruction|stub}}
[[File:Background Hermit Icon.png|left|frameless|150x150px|link=Hermit]]
 
{{Q|"Quote"}}
''See also: [[Hermit]]''


''Improves: , ''
== Haunted One (Dark Urge only) ==
{{Main|Haunted One}}
{{Quote background|Haunted One|image-position=left}}
{{hlist|
* ''Skill proficiencies: [[Medicine]], [[Intimidation]]''
* ''Characters: [[The Dark Urge]]''
}}


== Noble ==  
== Noble ==  
[[File:Background Noble Icon.png|left|frameless|150x150px|link=Noble]]
{{Main|Noble}}
 
{{Quote background|Noble|image-position=left}}
{{Q|"You were raised in a family among the social elite, accustomed to power and privilege. Accumulating renown, power, and loyalty will raise your status." }}
{{hlist|
''See also: [[Noble]]''
* ''Skill proficiencies: [[History]], [[Persuasion]]''
 
* ''Characters: [[Minthara]], [[Kerz]]''
''Improves: [[History]], [[Persuasion]]''
}}


== Outlander ==  
== Outlander ==  
[[File:Background Outlander Icon.png|left|frameless|150x150px|link=Outlander]]
{{Main|Outlander}}
 
{{Quote background|Outlander|image-position=left}}
{{Q|"You grew up in the wilds, learning to survive far from the comforts of civilisation. Surviving unusual hazards of the wild will enhance your prowess and understanding." }}
{{hlist|
''See also: [[Outlander]]''
* ''Skill proficiencies: [[Athletics]], [[Survival]]''
 
* ''Characters: [[Halsin]], [[Karlach]], [[Eldra Luthrinn]], [[Sina'zith]]''
''Improves: [[Athletics]], [[Survival]]''
}}
 
== Sage ==
[[File:Background Sage Icon.png|left|frameless|150x150px|link=Sage]]


{{Q|"You’re curious and well-read, with an unending thirst for knowledge. Learning about rare lore of the world will inspire you to put this knowledge to greater purpose." }}
== Sage ==
''See also: [[Sage]]''
{{Main|Sage}}
 
{{Quote background|Sage|image-position=left}}
''Improves: [[Arcana]], [[History]]''
{{hlist|
* ''Skill proficiencies: [[Arcana]], [[History]]''
* ''Characters: [[Gale]], [[Sir Fuzzalump]]''
}}


== Soldier ==  
== Soldier ==  
[[File:Background Soldier Icon.png|left|frameless|150x150px|link=Soldier]]
{{Main|Soldier}}
{{Quote background|Soldier|image-position=left}}
{{hlist|
* ''Skill proficiencies: [[Athletics]], [[Intimidation]]''
* ''Characters: [[Jaheira]], [[Lae'zel]], [[Varanna Sunblossom]]''
}}


{{Q|"You are trained in battlefield tactics and combat, having served in a militia, mercenary company, or officer corps. Show smart tactics and bravery on the battlefield to enhance your prowess." }}
== Urchin ==
''See also: [[Soldier]]''
{{Main|Urchin}}
 
{{Quote background|Urchin|image-position=left}}
''Improves: [[Athletics]], [[Intimidation]]''
{{hlist|
* ''Skill proficiencies: [[Sleight of Hand]], [[Stealth]]''
* ''Characters: [[Maddala Deadeye]]''
}}


== Sailor ==  
== Removed and unused ==
{{UnderConstruction|stub}}
{{hatnote|See [[Backgrounds (Legacy)]]}}
[[File:Background Sailor Icon.png|left|frameless|150x150px|link=Sailor]]


{{Q|"Quote"}}
Some backgrounds present in the pre-release versions of the game still exist in the game files, but are otherwise unusable without modifications.
''See also: [[Sailor]]''


''Improves: , ''
== Differences to the tabletop game ==
{{hatnote|See [[D&D 5e rule changes]]}}
Most of the backgrounds used in ''Baldur's Gate 3'' (including the removed Hermit and Sailor, above) are drawn from the 2014 ''Dungeons & Dragons'' ''Player's Handbook''. The exception is the Haunted One, which was introduced with the popular horror adventure ''Curse of Strahd'', and which is the only background to provide different skill proficiencies to the tabletop version.


== Urchin ==
In the tabletop game, backgrounds also provide additional benefits, including:
[[File:Background Urchin Icon.png|left|frameless|150x150px|link=Urchin]]
* If a background provides proficiency in an already chosen skill, language, or tool, you may choose any other proficiency of the same type to replace it;
* Non-skill proficiencies not used in ''Baldur's Gate 3'', like languages, tools, vehicles, games or musical instruments;
* Non-adventuring equipment, like clothing, trinkets or tools; and
* A "background feature" providing the character with one or more abilities usually not tied to mechanics, like an Acolyte being able to request shelter at a temple of their god or an Outlander being able to forage for food without a die roll, and having a very good sense of direction.


{{Q|"After surviving a poor and bleak childhood, you know how to make the most out of very little. Using your street smarts bolsters your spirit for the journey ahead." }}
These additional benefits are all replaced in ''Baldur's Gate 3'' by the specific inspiration conditions and special options in dialogue.
''See also: [[Urchin]]''


''Improves: [[Sleight of Hand]], [[Stealth]]''
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[[Category:Gameplay mechanics]]
 
[[Category:Character creation]]
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[[Category:Gameplay Mechanics]]
[[Category:Character Creation]]
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Latest revision as of 02:28, 12 January 2025

Backgrounds are a trait which describes a character's life outside of their career as an adventurer. Each background grants characters two skill proficiencies and determines what inspires them. Backgrounds also have narrative effects, including options in dialogue and the opinions or attitude of others towards the character.

Each origin character, including the Dark Urge, has a pre-selected background that cannot be changed. Custom characters select a background on character creation. A character may only have one background, and it cannot be changed once the game is started.

Acolyte[edit | edit source]

Main article: Acolyte
Background Acolyte Icon.png
“
You have spent your life in service to a temple, learning sacred rites and providing sacrifices to the god or gods you worship. Serving the gods and discovering their sacred works will guide you to greatness.
„

Charlatan[edit | edit source]

Main article: Charlatan
Background Charlatan Icon.png
“
You're an expert in manipulation, prone to exaggeration and more than happy to profit from it. Bending the truth and turning allies against each other will lead to greater success down the road.
„

Criminal[edit | edit source]

Main article: Criminal
Background Criminal Icon.png
“
You have a history of breaking the law and survive by leveraging less-than-legal connections. Profiting from criminal enterprise will lead to greater opportunities in the future.
„

Entertainer[edit | edit source]

Main article: Entertainer
Background Entertainer Icon.png
“
You live to sway and subvert your audience, engaging common crowds and high society alike. Preserving art and bringing joy to the hapless and downtrodden heightens your charismatic aura.
„

Improves: Acrobatics, Performance Characters: Brinna Brightsong, Alfira

Folk Hero[edit | edit source]

Main article: Folk Hero
Background Folk Hero Icon.png
“
You're a champion of the common people, challenging tyrants and monsters to protect the helpless. Saving innocents in imminent danger will make your legend grow.
„

Guild Artisan[edit | edit source]

Main article: Guild Artisan
Background Guild Artisan Icon.png
“
Your skill in a particular craft has earned you membership in a mercantile guild, offering privileges and protection while engaging in your art. Repairing and discovering rare crafts will bring new inspiration.
„

Haunted One (Dark Urge only)[edit | edit source]

Main article: Haunted One
Background Haunted One Icon.png
“
A wicked moment, person, or thing that cannot be slain by sword or spell haunts your mind and flickers in your peripheral vision. You carry it wherever your adventure takes you - or perhaps it carries you.
„

Noble[edit | edit source]

Main article: Noble
Background Noble Icon.png
“
You were raised in a family among the social elite, accustomed to power and privilege. Accumulating renown, power, and loyalty will raise your status.
„

Outlander[edit | edit source]

Main article: Outlander
Background Outlander Icon.png
“
You grew up in the wilds, learning to survive far from the comforts of civilisation. Surviving unusual hazards of the wild will enhance your prowess and understanding.
„

Sage[edit | edit source]

Main article: Sage
Background Sage Icon.png
“
You are curious and well-read, with an unending thirst for knowledge. Learning about rare lore of the world will inspire you to put this knowledge to greater purpose.
„

Soldier[edit | edit source]

Main article: Soldier
Background Soldier Icon.png
“
You are trained in battlefield tactics and combat, having served in a militia, mercenary company, or officer corps. Show smart tactics and bravery on the battlefield to enhance your prowess.
„

Urchin[edit | edit source]

Main article: Urchin
Background Urchin Icon.png
“
After surviving a poor and bleak childhood, you know how to make the most out of very little. Using your street smarts bolsters your spirit for the journey ahead.
„

Removed and unused[edit | edit source]

See Backgrounds (Legacy)

Some backgrounds present in the pre-release versions of the game still exist in the game files, but are otherwise unusable without modifications.

Differences to the tabletop game[edit | edit source]

See D&D 5e rule changes

Most of the backgrounds used in Baldur's Gate 3 (including the removed Hermit and Sailor, above) are drawn from the 2014 Dungeons & Dragons Player's Handbook. The exception is the Haunted One, which was introduced with the popular horror adventure Curse of Strahd, and which is the only background to provide different skill proficiencies to the tabletop version.

In the tabletop game, backgrounds also provide additional benefits, including:

  • If a background provides proficiency in an already chosen skill, language, or tool, you may choose any other proficiency of the same type to replace it;
  • Non-skill proficiencies not used in Baldur's Gate 3, like languages, tools, vehicles, games or musical instruments;
  • Non-adventuring equipment, like clothing, trinkets or tools; and
  • A "background feature" providing the character with one or more abilities usually not tied to mechanics, like an Acolyte being able to request shelter at a temple of their god or an Outlander being able to forage for food without a die roll, and having a very good sense of direction.

These additional benefits are all replaced in Baldur's Gate 3 by the specific inspiration conditions and special options in dialogue.

Retrieved from "https://bg3.wiki/w/index.php?title=Backgrounds&oldid=261020"