General Backstory

A character’s story begins with determining the region where they were born, the job they had before becoming an adventurer, their social status, the settlement where they grew up, and their family relationships. As this backstory develops, the character will gain allies and rivals, as well as learn some of the fateful moments that set them on the path of adventure. All of the previously mentioned aspects of your backstory will be covered in this primer. To begin, start with the sections contained within this article.

Homeland

The known lands of Tyradiil are divided into five geographic regions. From west to east, these regions are the Casantian Islands, The Snøtårn Mountains, The Tvordorian Spread (which is further divided into the Weise Valley and the Immergrün Forests), The Great Dale, and the Planes of Phandal. The southernmost reaches of the continent—The Forgotten Islands—are not included in this section. Roll a d100 and consult the Homelands table to determine which region you were born in. If you were born in one region but grew up in another, roll twice on the table to determine your place of birth and the region you eventually settled in.

Background

In addition to granting you items, gold, and proficiencies, your background gives you a sense of belonging in the world. You can roll on the Backgrounds table to randomly determine your character’s background, or you can choose one that fits your character concept. This table includes new and adapted backgrounds from this setting, which are described later in this book (ZGtT), and backgrounds from the Player's Handbook (PH).

Social Status

Your background determines your place in the world. Most folk toil in the same profession from the day they’re old enough to work until the day they die, and few families ever rise to glory from obscurity. That’s just the way of things. You, however, are an adventurer. Though your social status is determined by your background and your country of origin, you have the power to rebel against the hierarchies of your land and change your fate. Your background doesn’t change, nor do the proficiencies and other benefits you gain because of it. But the social status associated with your background might shift over the course of your backstory—and over the course of your adventures.
While your background defines what you do or have done, your social status denotes where your occupation falls on the social ladder which varies between regions and cultures. Consider this when selecting your lifestyle expenses and use the following table to determine your rivals and allies.