Backgrounds--Does your PC have one? Does it get used?

[shilsen]

As a DM, I strongly recommend that PCs make up a background, and usually utilize much of it during the game. As a PC, I always have a background but the level of detail is partly dependent on the specific DM's needs. Whether the DM uses it or not, I usually work in a fair amount of the background myself, through personality and roleplying.

 

[MonsterMash]

As a player it depends on the DM, but I usually try and have something more than so-an-so is a <class name> from <town>, blah, blah as it can give the DM and player scope for creativity.

As a DM I try and encourage it and use the backgrounds to help generate adventure hooks.

 

[devilbat]

As the Dm, I always ask the players to provide a background for their characters. Those that provide one, get a small xp bonus. I always try to use the backgrounds within the campaign.

 

[wedgeski]

Detailed backgrounds have little relevance in the games I've played or the campaigns I DM... at least at the start of play. I do insist on a few words describing the general demeanour, outlook, and attitudes of the PC, and whatever has happened in their past which might have influenced them, as well as at least one player-created plot-hook. That's it. The rest of the character is built during the actual game and if a player wishes to drop a new piece of history in later-on, that's fine, within reason.

I can certainly see how detailed backgrounds may help a player more fully realise their PC during play, and will enjoy anything my players can come up with should they feel so inclined. I've never seen the need as either player or DM, and I don't think my own PC's have suffered for it.

 

[Odhanan]

So how about your group? Do you have PC backgrounds and do they get used by the DM?

Yes and yes. I use the PCs' backgrounds to create hooks and RP encounters during the game. To make the player part of the campaign design while keeping the surprise's effect intact.

 

[Ralif Redhammer]

Yes, we use backgrounds, but they have to be short. After all, the characters are just starting out in their careers. I hate when players hand me histories that are 1 - 2 pages long.

 

[Hammerhead]

Yes. And as a DM, I ruthlessly wring them for any amount of plot I can.

 

[Katcracker]

I love to write back stories... sometimes pages and pages if given the opportunity. But before I start I always talk to the DM, and go with what they seem to want. So far it seems to be working. This way I don't put a lot of time and thought into something that won't get used.

 

[Ethernaut]

So how about your group? Do you have PC backgrounds and do they get used by the DM?

Character backgrounds are my primary source of inspiration for adventures, so all my players have interesting backgrounds (though not all of them are fully fleshed out when the game begins... an organic approach works really well).

 

[diaglo]

I encourage players to have backgrounds because I will use it. But not all my players give backgrounds or at least as much as I would like.

ditto for me as a referee.

as a playa i always provide a background. and adjust it to the campaign.