Ad placeholder

Backgrounds: Difference between revisions

From bg3.wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(Moved Hermit and Sailor to the bottom)
 
(34 intermediate revisions by 13 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{ up to date | 2023-08-08 }} <!-- Date format is YEAR-MONTH-DAY, like 2023-08-07. -->
{{PageSeo
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.
| description = Backgrounds define the past of a character, which grants them two skill Proficiencies and determines what 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]]''
}}


== 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]]''
== 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}}
{{hlist|
* ''Skill proficiencies: [[History]], [[Persuasion]]''
* ''Characters: [[Minthara]], [[Kerz]]''
}}


{{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." }}
== Outlander ==
''See also: [[Noble]]''
{{Main|Outlander}}
{{Quote background|Outlander|image-position=left}}
{{hlist|
* ''Skill proficiencies: [[Athletics]], [[Survival]]''
* ''Characters: [[Halsin]], [[Karlach]], [[Eldra Luthrinn]], [[Sina'zith]]''
}}


''Improves: [[History]], [[Persuasion]]''
== Sage ==
{{Main|Sage}}
{{Quote background|Sage|image-position=left}}
{{hlist|
* ''Skill proficiencies: [[Arcana]], [[History]]''
* ''Characters: [[Gale]], [[Sir Fuzzalump]]''
}}


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


{{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." }}
== Urchin ==
''See also: [[Outlander]]''
{{Main|Urchin}}
{{Quote background|Urchin|image-position=left}}
{{hlist|
* ''Skill proficiencies: [[Sleight of Hand]], [[Stealth]]''
* ''Characters: [[Maddala Deadeye]]''
}}


''Improves: [[Athletics]], [[Survival]]''
== Removed and unused ==
{{Legacy content|section}}


== Sage ==
The following backgrounds existed in Early Access, but were removed in the final version of the game. While their art and text can be found in the game files, the following are not selectable in the release version.
[[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." }}
=== Hermit ===
''See also: [[Sage]]''
{{Quote background|Hermit|image-position=left|nolink=yes}}


''Improves: [[Arcana]], [[History]]''
=== Sailor ===
{{Quote background|Sailor|image-position=left|nolink=yes}}


== Soldier ==  
=== Astral Zealot (Lae'zel) ===
[[File:Background Soldier Icon.png|left|frameless|150x150px|link=Soldier]]
{{Quote background|Astral Zealot|image-position=left|link=Lae'zel}}
In the release version of the game, Lae'zel has the [[Soldier]] background instead.


{{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." }}
=== Blade of Frontiers (Wyll) ===
''See also: [[Soldier]]''
{{Quote background|Blade of Frontiers|image-position=left|link=Wyll}}
In the release version of the game, Wyll has the [[Folk Hero]] background instead.


''Improves: [[Athletics]], [[Intimidation]]''
=== Blood War Veteran (Karlach) ===
{{Quote background|Blood War Veteran|image-position=left|link=Karlach}}
In the release version of the game, Karlach has the [[Outlander]] background instead.


== Urchin ==  
=== Cloistered Stray (Shadowheart) ===
[[File:Background Urchin Icon.png|left|frameless|150x150px|link=Urchin]]
{{Quote background|Cloistered Stray|image-position=left|link=Shadowheart}}
In the release version of the game, Shadowheart has the [[Acolyte]] background instead.


{{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." }}
=== Grove Tender (Halsin) ===
''See also: [[Urchin]]''
{{Quote background|Grove Tender|image-position=left|Link=Halsin}}
In the release version of the game, Halsin has the [[Outlander]] background instead.


''Improves: [[Sleight of Hand]], [[Stealth]]''
=== Legend of Baldur's Gate (Minsc) ===
{{Quote background|Legend of Baldur's Gate|image-position=left|link=Minsc}}
In the release version of the game, Minsc has the [[Folk Hero]] background instead.


= Removed =
=== Trickster Hedonist (Astarion) ===
{{Quote background|Trickster Hedonist|image-position=left|link=Astarion}}
In the release version of the game, Astarion has the [[Charlatan]] background instead.


The following are backgrounds that had existed beforehand, but was removed in later versions.
=== Underdark Exile (Minthara) ===
{{Quote background|Underdark Exile|image-position=left|link=Minthara}}
In the release version of the game, Minthara has the [[Noble]] background instead.


[[File:Background Hermit Icon.png|left|frameless|50x50px]] Hermit
=== Wizard of Waterdeep (Gale) ===
{{Quote background|Wizard of Waterdeep|image-position=left|link=Gale}}
In the release version of the game, Gale has the [[Sage]] background instead.


=== World-Wise Heroine (Jaheira) ===
{{Quote background|World-Wise Heroine|image-position=left|link=Jaheira}}
In the release version of the game, Jaheira has the [[Soldier]] background instead.


== 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.


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.


[[File:Background Sailor Icon.png|left|frameless|50x50px]] Sailor
These additional benefits are all replaced in ''Baldur's Gate 3'' by the specific inspiration conditions and special options in dialogue.


<!--{{BackgroundSkillsTable}}-->
{{NavGameplay}}


<!--{{BackgroundSkillsTable}}-->
[[Category:Gameplay mechanics]]
[[Category:Gameplay Mechanics]]
[[Category:Character creation]]
[[Category:Character Creation]]
{{GameplayNavbox}}

Latest revision as of 08:45, 6 October 2024

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

Charlatan[edit | edit source]

Main article: Charlatan

Criminal[edit | edit source]

Main article: Criminal

Entertainer[edit | edit source]

Main article: Entertainer

Improves: Acrobatics, Performance Characters: Brinna Brightsong

Folk Hero[edit | edit source]

Main article: Folk Hero

Guild Artisan[edit | edit source]

Main article: Guild Artisan

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

Main article: Haunted One

Noble[edit | edit source]

Main article: Noble

Outlander[edit | edit source]

Main article: Outlander

Sage[edit | edit source]

Main article: Sage

Soldier[edit | edit source]

Main article: Soldier

Urchin[edit | edit source]

Main article: Urchin

Removed and unused[edit | edit source]

The following backgrounds existed in Early Access, but were removed in the final version of the game. While their art and text can be found in the game files, the following are not selectable in the release version.

Hermit[edit | edit source]

Sailor[edit | edit source]

Astral Zealot (Lae'zel)[edit | edit source]

In the release version of the game, Lae'zel has the Soldier background instead.

Blade of Frontiers (Wyll)[edit | edit source]

In the release version of the game, Wyll has the Folk Hero background instead.

Blood War Veteran (Karlach)[edit | edit source]

In the release version of the game, Karlach has the Outlander background instead.

Cloistered Stray (Shadowheart)[edit | edit source]

In the release version of the game, Shadowheart has the Acolyte background instead.

Grove Tender (Halsin)[edit | edit source]

In the release version of the game, Halsin has the Outlander background instead.

Legend of Baldur's Gate (Minsc)[edit | edit source]

In the release version of the game, Minsc has the Folk Hero background instead.

Trickster Hedonist (Astarion)[edit | edit source]

In the release version of the game, Astarion has the Charlatan background instead.

Underdark Exile (Minthara)[edit | edit source]

In the release version of the game, Minthara has the Noble background instead.

Wizard of Waterdeep (Gale)[edit | edit source]

In the release version of the game, Gale has the Sage background instead.

World-Wise Heroine (Jaheira)[edit | edit source]

In the release version of the game, Jaheira has the Soldier background instead.

Differences to the tabletop game[edit | edit source]

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.