this post was submitted on 14 Aug 2023
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Can't have conflicting backstories if you don't write a backstory. My latest character was Gruk the Orc. His backstory was one word, smash.
unironically, this has become my favorite approach to character background over the years. Build out what the character can do, first, maybe pick a theme too. But create the character you want to play when you're at the table. The first few encounters are a great forge to make a character from, and then you can extrapolate and improvise from there when necessary.
Honestly, I think it depends on the context.
When I played AL I put in the minimum effort. Playing with a random group every week means no one is really going to appreciate it.
On the other hand, my current group is my close friends. Not only did we have to up write a fairly comprehensive backstories, but we also create a bunch of NPCs specifically bonded to our characters that the DM weaves into the plot. It's really fun and engaging.
That's the kind of good backstory a DM can use in crafting the campaign, things like:
You'll be hard-pressed to find a DM who wouldn't love a trove of these for your character.
Conversely, stuff like inconsequential past deeds, unnecessarily detailed physical descriptions and personality traits are things that people can pick up on as you play and not something a DM can really use. Save your DM's time and cut that unnecessary fluff.