The Outlander background in Dungeons and Dragons 5e represents a character who grew up in the wild, far from civilization. They are accustomed to living off the land, hunting for food, and navigating through rugged terrain. Outlanders are often seen as rugged and self-sufficient individuals who have a deep connection to nature. They are skilled in survival and are able to thrive in the wilderness where others would struggle to survive.
Outlanders are often loners, preferring the solitude of the wilderness to the hustle and bustle of city life. They are fiercely independent and value their freedom above all else. However, they are not necessarily anti-social; they simply prefer the company of nature to that of other people. Outlanders are often seen as mysterious and enigmatic, with a deep understanding of the natural world that sets them apart from others.
Key Takeaways
- The Outlander background in 5e is designed for characters who have lived a rugged and nomadic lifestyle, often in the wilderness.
- When roleplaying as an Outlander in 5e, players should emphasize their character’s self-sufficiency, resourcefulness, and connection to nature.
- Customizing Outlander background features in 5e allows players to tailor their character’s skills and abilities to fit their unique backstory and personality.
- Outlander backgrounds in 5e grant proficiency in specific skills such as Athletics and Survival, as well as knowledge of certain languages like Sylvan or Primordial.
- Characters with the Outlander background in 5e start with equipment such as a staff, hunting trap, and traveler’s clothes, as well as a modest amount of starting wealth.
Roleplaying as an Outlander in 5e
When roleplaying as an Outlander in Dungeons and Dragons 5e, it’s important to embody the rugged and self-sufficient nature of the character. Outlanders are often stoic and reserved, preferring to let their actions speak for them rather than engaging in idle chatter. They are fiercely independent and value their freedom above all else, often resisting any attempts to control or confine them.
Outlanders have a deep connection to nature and are often more comfortable in the wilderness than in a bustling city. They are skilled hunters and trackers, able to navigate through rugged terrain with ease. When roleplaying as an Outlander, it’s important to emphasize these skills and abilities, showcasing the character’s deep understanding of the natural world.
Customizing Outlander Background Features in 5e
The Outlander background features in Dungeons and Dragons 5e can be customized to better fit the specific character you have in mind. One way to customize the Outlander background is to choose a specific type of wilderness that your character is familiar with. For example, your character could be a mountain dweller, a forest hermit, or a desert nomad. This can help to add depth and specificity to your character’s background, allowing you to tailor their skills and abilities to better fit their environment.
Another way to customize the Outlander background features is to choose a specific reason why your character left the wilderness and entered civilization. Perhaps they were driven out by a natural disaster, or maybe they left in search of something they couldn’t find in the wild. This can help to add depth and motivation to your character, giving them a compelling reason for venturing into the wider world.
Outlander Background in 5e: Proficiencies and Languages
| Outlander Background in 5e | Proficiencies and Languages |
|---|---|
| Proficiencies | One type of musical instrument |
| Languages | One of your choice |
The Outlander background in Dungeons and Dragons 5e grants proficiency in Athletics and Survival skills. This reflects the character’s rugged nature and their ability to thrive in the wilderness. Athletics represents their physical prowess and ability to navigate through rugged terrain, while Survival reflects their skill in hunting, foraging, and navigating through the natural world.
In addition to these proficiencies, Outlanders also gain proficiency in one musical instrument of their choice. This reflects their connection to nature and their ability to find solace and comfort in music. It also adds an interesting layer to the character, showcasing a softer and more artistic side that may not be immediately apparent.
Outlanders also gain proficiency in one language of their choice, reflecting their ability to communicate with other creatures they may encounter in the wild. This language could be one spoken by a specific type of creature that they have encountered in their travels, adding depth and specificity to their background.
Outlander Background in 5e: Equipment and Starting Wealth
The Outlander background in Dungeons and Dragons 5e grants characters a set of equipment that reflects their rugged nature and self-sufficiency. This includes a staff, a hunting trap, a trophy from an animal you killed, a set of traveler’s clothes, and a belt pouch containing 10 gold pieces. This equipment reflects the character’s ability to survive in the wild, with tools for hunting and trapping, as well as practical clothing for rugged terrain.
In addition to this equipment, Outlanders also gain a set of starting wealth that reflects their ability to live off the land. This starting wealth can be used to purchase additional supplies or equipment that may be needed for survival in the wilderness. It also reflects the character’s self-sufficiency and ability to thrive without relying on the comforts of civilization.
Outlander Background in 5e: Ideal, Bond, and Flaw
The Outlander background in Dungeons and Dragons 5e comes with an ideal, bond, and flaw that help to shape the character’s personality and motivations. The ideal represents the character’s core beliefs and values, reflecting what they strive for in their actions and decisions. This could be something like “freedom,” “self-reliance,” or “harmony with nature,” reflecting the character’s deep connection to the natural world.
The bond represents a person, place, or thing that is important to the character and drives their actions. This could be a mentor who taught them survival skills, a sacred grove that they protect, or a specific animal that they have formed a deep bond with. This bond helps to add depth and motivation to the character, giving them something to fight for or protect.
The flaw represents a personal weakness or failing that hinders the character’s actions or decisions. This could be something like a fear of enclosed spaces, a distrust of authority figures, or a tendency to act impulsively. This flaw adds complexity to the character, giving them something to struggle against and overcome throughout their adventures.
Outlander Background in 5e: Sample Outlander Characters
Sample Outlander characters in Dungeons and Dragons 5e could include a mountain hermit who has spent their entire life living among the peaks, honing their survival skills and forming a deep connection with the rugged terrain. They could have an ideal of “self-reliance,” valuing their independence above all else, a bond with a family of mountain goats that they have protected for years, and a flaw of being fiercely distrustful of outsiders.
Another sample Outlander character could be a desert nomad who has roamed the dunes for as long as they can remember, surviving on scarce resources and forming a deep understanding of desert wildlife. They could have an ideal of “harmony with nature,” striving to live in balance with the harsh desert environment, a bond with an ancient oasis that they protect from harm, and a flaw of being quick-tempered and impulsive when faced with conflict.
These sample characters showcase the diverse backgrounds and personalities that can be found within the Outlander background in Dungeons and Dragons 5e. Each character has their own unique skills, motivations, and flaws that shape their actions and decisions throughout their adventures.
If you’re interested in learning more about the background of Outlander in the context of Dungeons and Dragons 5e, you might want to check out this article on thecottonsmith.com. This website offers a wealth of information on various aspects of D&D, including character backgrounds and world-building. It could provide valuable insights into how to incorporate the Outlander background into your 5e campaign.
FAQs
What is the background of an Outlander in D&D 5e?
In Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition, the Outlander background represents a character who grew up in the wilds, far from civilization. They are skilled in survival and have a deep connection to nature.
What skills and proficiencies does an Outlander have in D&D 5e?
An Outlander in D&D 5e is proficient in Athletics and Survival skills. They also have proficiency with one type of musical instrument and one type of artisan’s tools.
What feature does an Outlander background provide in D&D 5e?
The Outlander background provides the “Wanderer” feature, which allows the character to find food and fresh water for themselves and up to five other people each day, provided the land offers such things.
What personality traits, ideals, bonds, and flaws are associated with an Outlander in D&D 5e?
An Outlander in D&D 5e may have personality traits such as being fiercely independent, having a deep respect for nature, or being slow to trust others. Their ideals may revolve around freedom, self-reliance, or protecting the natural world. Their bonds could be with a specific tribe or family, or with the land itself. Flaws might include a lack of understanding of social norms or a deep-seated fear of civilization.
How does the Outlander background tie into roleplaying in D&D 5e?
The Outlander background provides a rich foundation for roleplaying a character who is at home in the wilderness and may struggle with the customs and expectations of civilized society. It also offers opportunities for storytelling and adventure related to the character’s connection to nature and their experiences in the wild.
