Background questions for PCs

[baradtgnome]

could be a good idea. probably useful for newbie players. myself I prefer just to "write my story", and give it to the DM. it does not fit into neat categories like the questionaire, but I hope that the DM is happy that I am 'fleshed' out.

I don't mind if the DM likes the story idea and shares it with the other players as ONE of the ways it can be done. questionaires strike me as cookie cutter, and my characters are very personal.

 

[Saeviomagy]

I think it's a good idea to have such a list of questions

HOWEVER

Don't force the players to answer them all. Make them read the questions, and ask them to answer the ones which they feel are important to their character. Otherwise some players may feel like this is some form of chore, and it reduces their enjoyment. Additionally, there are always characters for whom the answers to some of these questions are fairly unimportant, and therefore the player won't have answers to.

 

[Steverooo]

A couple of more questions...

How did your character survive/earn a living BEFORE becoming an adventurer?

Why did your character become an adventurer?

 

[Dirt]

Quote from Saeviomagy
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Don't force the players to answer them all. Make them read the questions, and ask them to answer the ones which they feel are important to their character. Otherwise some players may feel like this is some form of chore, and it reduces their enjoyment. Additionally, there are always characters for whom the answers to some of these questions are fairly unimportant, and therefore the player won't have answers to.

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That shouldn't be a problem. I intend to make up the list more as examples of questions that they could use to flesh out their character personalities. My experienced players have no problem with this. The less experienced players, on the other hand, could use some help.

Besides, I don't think that asking for a little bit of thought and effort is asking for too much anyway. I spend hours putting together interesting plots, characters, and campaigns....I say, share the wealth!