Backgrounds

This page was last confirmed to be up-to-date at: 2023-08-08

Backgrounds grant characters two skill proficiencies and determine what inspires them. Each origin character, including the Dark Urge, has a pre-selected background that cannot be changed. Custom origin characters select a background on character creation. A character may only have one background, and it cannot be changed after character creation.

Acolyte

“

"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."

„

See also: Acolyte

Improves: Insight, Religion

Characters: Shadowheart

Charlatan

“

"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

Characters: Astarion

Criminal

“

"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."

„

See also: Criminal

Improves: Deception, Stealth

Characters: None

Entertainer

“

"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."

„

See also: Entertainer

Improves: Acrobatics, Performance

Characters: None

Folk Hero

“

"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."

„

See also: Folk Hero

Improves: Animal Handling, Survival

Characters: Minsc, Wyll

Guild Artisan

“

"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."

„

See also: Guild Artisan

Improves: Insight, Persuasion

Characters: None

Haunted One

NOTE: Only available to Dark Urge characters!

“

"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, Dark Urge

Improves: Medicine, Intimidation

Characters: The Dark Urge

Noble

“

"You were raised in a family among the social elite, accustomed to power and privilege. Accumulating renown, power, and loyalty will raise your status."

„

See also: Noble

Improves: History, Persuasion

Characters: Minthara

Outlander

“

"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."

„

See also: Outlander

Improves: Athletics, Survival

Characters: Halsin, Karlach

Sage

“

"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."

„

See also: Sage

Improves: Arcana, History

Characters: Gale

Soldier

“

"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."

„

See also: Soldier

Improves: Athletics, Intimidation

Characters: Jaheira, Lae'zel

Urchin

“

"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."

„

See also: Urchin

Improves: Sleight of Hand, Stealth

Characters: None

Removed and Unused

This section is about content that isn't available in the current version of the game.

The following are backgrounds that had existed beforehand, but were removed in later versions. While their art and text can be found in the game files, the following are not selectable in the current version of the game.

• 

  Hermit

• 

  Sailor

There are icons in the game files for character specific backgrounds.

• 

  Astarion

• 

  Shadowheart

• 

  Lae'zel

• 

  Gale

• 

  Wyll

• 

  Karlach

• 

  Jaheira

• 

  Minsc

• 

  Minthara

• 

  Halsin