Backgrounds
Backgrounds in Baldur's Gate 3 add a layer of roleplaying depth and mechanical benefit to your character, providing them with a history and a set of skills that reflect their past experiences. Choosing a background is an integral part of character creation, influencing your character's proficiencies and offering unique dialogue options.
Each background is tied to a specific life path or profession, granting your character proficiency in two skills and a background feature. These features often provide unique ways to interact with the world or its inhabitants, reflecting your character's upbringing or former occupation. For example, a 'Criminal' might have an easier time dealing with shady characters, while a 'Sage' might have an advantage in deciphering ancient texts.
Here are some of the available backgrounds and their associated skills:
- Acolyte: Insight, Religion. Feature: Shelter of the Faithful.
- Charlatan: Deception, Sleight of Hand. Feature: False Identity.
- Criminal: Deception, Stealth. Feature: Criminal Contact.
- Entertainer: Acrobatics, Performance. Feature: By Popular Demand.
- Folk Hero: Animal Handling, Survival. Feature: Rustic Hospitality.
- Guild Artisan: Insight, Persuasion. Feature: Guild Membership.
- Hermit: Medicine, Religion. Feature: Discovery.
- Noble: History, Persuasion. Feature: Position of Privilege.
- Outlander: Athletics, Survival. Feature: Wanderer.
- Sage: Arcana, History. Feature: Researcher.
- Soldier: Athletics, Intimidation. Feature: Military Rank.
- Urchin: Sleight of Hand, Stealth. Feature: City Secrets.
When selecting a background, consider how it complements your chosen race and class. A 'Noble' background might fit well with a charismatic Paladin, while an 'Urchin' background could be perfect for a stealthy Rogue. The skill proficiencies granted by your background are crucial for passing skill checks throughout the game, whether in dialogue or during exploration. Don't underestimate the roleplaying potential; your background can inform your character's motivations, reactions, and how they perceive the world around them. It's a simple choice that adds significant flavor and utility to your character.