Perhaps the Warforged was originally built for war, but during a battle, it was exposed to a powerful magical artifact. This artifact infused it with magical abilities. Realizing the potential of magic, the Warforged started to study it. It found an old hermit wizard who was willing to teach it in exchange for protection. As it learned, it became more and more proficient in wizardry and now travels the world using magic for good.
A possible back story could be that the Warforged was created as a tool for a powerful wizard. Over time, it absorbed magical knowledge from its master. After the wizard's untimely death, the Warforged, now free, decided to continue the study of magic on its own, using the knowledge it had gained. It wandered the land, seeking more magical secrets and ways to improve its skills.
The Warforged could have been part of an experiment by an evil wizard. The wizard was trying to create the perfect magical servant. However, the Warforged had a will of its own and rebelled. It managed to escape with some of the wizard's spellbooks. Using these books, it taught itself magic. It now has a vendetta against evil wizards and uses its magic to fight against them and protect the innocent.
You can start by thinking about its origin. For example, if it was created in a dwarven forge, it might have been exposed to dwarven rune magic which influenced its path to wizardry. Then consider its motivation. Maybe it wants to prove that Warforged can be more than just soldiers. It could also have a mentor figure, like an elven wizard who saw potential in it and guided it in the ways of magic.
A Goliath's back story could be that they were exiled from their tribe. Maybe they broke an important tribal law, like failing to protect a sacred site during an attack. This led to them having to wander alone, facing many challenges and learning to rely on their own strength in the outside world.
A possible back story could be that the dragon was found as an egg by a powerful wizard. The wizard, having an interest in rare and powerful creatures, decided to raise the dragon. He used magic to influence the dragon's growth and trained it to be his loyal companion. Over time, the dragon learned to understand complex commands and even developed a bond with the wizard that allowed them to communicate telepathically.
Character's goals. It could be something like finding a lost treasure or avenging a family member.
First, think about your character's origin. Were they born in a small village or a big city? Then consider their family. Maybe they had a strict father or a loving mother. Also, important events in their past can shape the back story. For example, if they witnessed a great battle as a child, it could influence their view of the world.
A good DND back story can start with a simple concept like a tragic event in your character's past. For example, if your character is a wizard, maybe they accidentally caused a fire that destroyed their village. This gives a strong motivation for their actions, like a quest for redemption.
A Dragonborn might have a back story where they were born in a small, isolated clan. Their parents were fierce warriors who taught them the ways of combat from a young age. This Dragonborn grew up with a sense of loyalty to their clan, and as they got older, they set out to explore the wider world to prove their worth and bring honor to their clan. They might face challenges like hostile races and difficult terrains during their travels.
One common element is a connection to nature from a young age. For example, a druid might have grown up in a rural area surrounded by forests or fields. Another is an encounter with a powerful or wise natural being, like an ancient tree spirit or a magical animal. Also, many druid back stories involve some sort of event that makes them more committed to protecting nature, such as seeing their homeland deforested by invaders.
A good DND back story should also have some sort of conflict in the past. It could be an internal conflict, like struggling with a dark secret, or an external conflict, such as being persecuted for their race or abilities. This conflict can drive the character's development throughout the game. For example, a half - elf who was always bullied for their heritage might strive to prove themselves in the world of humans and elves, which adds an interesting layer to their story.
Their alignment is an element. A lawful good character might have a back story where they were taught strict moral values by a priest. Their dreams and aspirations matter. Maybe they dream of becoming a great knight. And any secrets they hold. For instance, they might be secretly part of a long - lost royal bloodline.