The Outlander background from the Player’s Handbook can give any character a unique feel and flavor. It is a distinct choice that offers players special features and traits. In this post, we’ll delve deep into the outlander background in D&D 5E and how it can be used to create exciting characters. We will also provide tips on creating an outlander backstory and using the background in campaigns.
But first, what is the Outlander Background?
The outlander background is one of several options for players when creating their character in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. This background comes with a narrative explanation that explains why your character has become an outlander and how they would act or react in various situations. In simple terms, the outlander is a traveler, someone moves from place to place and doesn’t stay in one location long. They are familiar with the wild and comfortable in the uncivilized places.
Here’s what you get with the Outlander Background:
“You grew up in the wilds, far from the comforts of town and technology. You’ve witnessed the migration of herds larger than forests, survived weather more extreme than any city-dweller could comprehend, and enjoyed the solitude of being the only thinking creature for miles in any direction. The wilds are in your blood, whether you were a nomad, an explorer, a recluse, a hunter-gatherer, or even a marauder. Even in places where you don’t know the specific features of the terrain, you know the ways of the wild.
Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, Survival
Tool Proficiencies: One type of musical instrument
Languages: One of your choice
Equipment: A staff, a hunting trap, a trophy from an animal you killed, a set of traveler’s clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gp”
The Player’s Hand Book
The outlander background offers many opportunities for roleplay. Your character could have been forced from their home by war or famine, or they may have left voluntarily due to curiosity or wanderlust. Whatever the reason, playing an outlander is a great way to explore different cultures and locations as you travel around the world, seeking adventure and fortune. You can also use your feature “Wanderer” to roleplay constantly being on the move as you search for something new or take advantage of every opportunity.
While the features and benefits of the Outlander remain the same, the narrative elements of the Outlander in 5e can shift from race to race. For example, the Outlander is used to living outdoors; they hunt, gather for their meals, and sleep under the stars. The flavor of an Elf Outlander is entirely different than the flavor of a Warforged Outlander. The two could even have the same class, but they still feel distinct and unique.
When creating your Outlander’s backstory, you should consider a few things: where did they come from? Why did they leave? What do they hope to achieve by traveling? Answering these questions can help you flesh out your character’s history and motivations, making them more exciting and engaging during playtime! Additionally, think about how your character’s past experiences inform their outlook on life; perhaps they are wary of strangers after being betrayed in their hometown, or maybe they embrace new people readily after having met so many during their travels!
The Outlander’s feature can be used in various ways within campaigns; one way is by having non-player characters (NPCs) interact differently with characters who possess this feature depending on where their travels had taken them before meeting said NPC! For example, suppose two adventurers meet at a tavern. In that case, an NPC may recognize one due to their travels elsewhere while not recognizing the other because they have never been there! This interaction helps make NPCs feel more dynamic instead of just being static figures within the world!
Combining this feature with other class features, such as Bardic Inspiration or Ranger Favored Enemy, can lead to unique combinations that can help round out any party composition! For instance, if you combine this feature with Bardic Inspiration, your character could use their experience traveling around various lands as inspiration when giving others advice or encouragement during tough times! Similarly, combining it with Ranger Favored Enemy could lead to some fun roleplaying scenarios, such as encountering foes they have fought against previously while exploring new lands!
Plenty of examples online showcasing how players have built characters using this particular background; one example is Teralynn Greymane, created by popular streamer AJ Lee (aka GeekandSundry). Teralynn was made using the Human and Druid class features allowing her access to powerful abilities such as Wild Shape. But more important than the examples out there are your examples. So what sort of character have you created? Comment your character below.
If you want something unique for your next D&D campaign, look no further than the Outlander Background from Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition Player’s Handbook. This distinct option allows players access to some fantastic features and traits that other backgrounds don’t offer while providing exciting opportunities for roleplay too! We hope this blog post helped explain what makes this background so unique and gave some valuable tips on incorporating it into campaigns successfully, too – now go forth, adventurers – time awaits no man nor orc either!!
Your character likely did not grow up in any particular place but instead traveled around various regions, experiencing different cultures and gaining knowledge. Narratively speaking, your character was always on the move and developed a slight aversion to staying in the same place for too long.
Generally, the only reason to become an Outlander is to gain the features and proficiencies. Speak with your DM about gaining these benefits based on your current situation and roleplaying.
Not included in The Outlander Background are class levels that must be chosen separately for particular abilities/skillsets available from classes such as bard or ranger, which become usable during gameplay. However, certain backgrounds do give additional bonuses when combined together.
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