D&D 5E Tying PC Backgrounds Together

[Jimbro]

Hey all, I had some ideas on how to bring PCs together before or during the first session of game play. I'm curious if there's any other methods out there people use. Read all about what I thought of here: http://worldbuilderblog.me/2014/09/25/tying-backgrounds-together/

 

[Crothian]

What I do is explain the start of the adventure and where the PCs are. I then tell them to explain to the group why their character is there and how they all know each other. As DM I have enough to do so decisions that involve the player characters I like to leave to them.

 

[Jimbro]

What I do is explain the start of the adventure and where the PCs are. I then tell them to explain to the group why their character is there and how they all know each other. As DM I have enough to do so decisions that involve the player characters I like to leave to them.

Throwing it to them is never a bad thing! Also saves a bunch of time.

 

[Thaumaturge]

For the Tyranny of Dragons, I used the alpha version of Backstory Cards. I backed them on kickstarter. The final cards should be done soon and available for purchase.

Our experience was fantastic. It tied the characters together in a very cool, collaborative, randomly generated, but still targeted for the adventure way.

I highly recommend them. And we only used the Alpha. The final product should be even better.

Thaumaturge.

 

[Jimbro]

For the Tyranny of Dragons, I used the alpha version of Backstory Cards. I backed them on kickstarter. The final cards should be done soon and available for purchase.

Our experience was fantastic. It tied the characters together in a very cool, collaborative, randomly generated, but still targeted for the adventure way.

I highly recommend them. And we only used the Alpha. The final product should be even better.

Thaumaturge.

Nice! Those seem really cool!!!

 

[Henrix]

We did what I usually do these days, a big relationship map.

Discussing how to tie the characters and important NPCs/places together gives a very solid ground to stand on.
The visual part brings forth new ideas, and seeing the other PCs relations inspires.
See to it that everyone brings their ideas to the map so it all belongs to everybody.

And bringing it forth from time to time and updating it with new connections (and perhaps more background things that evolve during play) keeps it alive and the campaign kicking.

 

[The Mirrorball Man]

I guess it wouldn't be that hard to come up with a system for Group Backgrounds (Escaped Prisonners, Family, Mercenaries, Bound by Prophecy, Common Enemy, etc.) which would grant small advantages to everyone.

 

[Jimbro]

I guess it wouldn't be that hard to come up with a system for Group Backgrounds (Escaped Prisonners, Family, Mercenaries, Bound by Prophecy, Common Enemy, etc.) which would grant small advantages to everyone.

WHOA!!!! THAT IS AN AWESOME IDEA!!!!!! I want to create that now! Let me know if you do!

 

[Jimbro]

I guess it wouldn't be that hard to come up with a system for Group Backgrounds (Escaped Prisonners, Family, Mercenaries, Bound by Prophecy, Common Enemy, etc.) which would grant small advantages to everyone.

That is a GENIUS idea. I really want to work on that now!!!! If you create something, let me know!!!

 

[Jimbro]

I guess it wouldn't be that hard to come up with a system for Group Backgrounds (Escaped Prisonners, Family, Mercenaries, Bound by Prophecy, Common Enemy, etc.) which would grant small advantages to everyone.

THAT IS GENIUS! If you work on this idea, let me know. I'd love to tackle it myself too!