Personally, I do backstories on all my PCs, regardless of system. Thing is, I don’t care all that much what the GM thinks about it or uses it. Why?
Because- for me- the main function of the background is to give me a story that lays out certain character parameters. Quirks, formative events, motivations, etc. Those, in turn, help me make sure I am making character decisions in character. Think of it as a metaphorical helm.
Character backgrounds have helped me decide things like whether a PC would surrender or fight in a situation, whether or not a PC would participate in a challenge, and even the offensive spells, Feats or even classes a PC would choose.
To name but a few.
Because- for me- the main function of the background is to give me a story that lays out certain character parameters. Quirks, formative events, motivations, etc. Those, in turn, help me make sure I am making character decisions in character. Think of it as a metaphorical helm.
Character backgrounds have helped me decide things like whether a PC would surrender or fight in a situation, whether or not a PC would participate in a challenge, and even the offensive spells, Feats or even classes a PC would choose.
To name but a few.