A character’s background has a lot of depth behind it, even if some players don’t regard it as too important.
Backgrounds usually contain two essential aspects that a character needs to consider: whether the stats are beneficial and what the background says about the character before becoming an adventurer.
For a full roleplaying Barbarian, you might look for backgrounds focusing on tribalism, fierce battle, and being an outcast.
Best Barbarian Backgrounds
5. Sailor
Description
Skill Proficiencies – Athletics, Perception
Tool Proficiencies – Navigator’s tools, vehicles (water)
Languages – None
Equipment
- Belaying pin club (Value: 1 SP Weight: 2lbs)
- 50 feet of silk rope (Value: 10 GP Weight: 5lbs)
- A lucky charm like a small stone with a hole in the middle or a rabbit foot (you may roll for a random trinket on the Trinkets table)
- A set of common clothes (Value: 5 SP Weight: 3lbs)
- Pouch (Value: 5 SP Weight: 1lb) containing 10 GP
Explanation
Sailor gives you two valuable Barbarian skills, as well as Navigator’s tools and vehicles (water) proficiency.
The only problem with Sailor is that it’s most useful in aquatic campaigns or campaigns that also include a lot of water-based travel.
Just note that Barbarians might not be too used to aquatic travel, but that would solely be determined by which tribe you were a part of, etc.
4. Uthgardt Tribe Master
Description
Skill Proficiencies – Athletics, Survival
Tool Proficiencies – One type of Artisan’s tools or musical instrument
Languages – One of your choice
Equipment
- Hunting trap (Value: 5 GP Weight: 25 lbs)
- Totemic token or set of tattoos marking your loyalty to Uthgar as well as your tribal totem
- Set of Traveler’s clothes (Value: 2 GP Weight: 4 lbs)
- Pouch (Value: 5 SP Weight: 1lb) containing 10 GP
Explanation
Uthgardt Tribe Master gives you access to two good Barbarian skills, which is a good start.
The only problem is that the language and tool proficiency you get won’t be of any use to you.
However, Uthgardt Tribe Master is probably the best background for roleplaying reasons.
3. Outlander
Description
Skill Proficiencies – Athletics, Survival
Tool Proficiencies – One type of musical instrument
Languages – One of your choice
Equipment
- Staff (Value: 2 SP Weight: 4 lbs)
- Hunting trap (Value: 5 GP Weight: 25 lbs)
- Trophy from an animal you killed
- Set of Traveler’s clothes (Value: 2 GP Weight: 4 lbs)
- Pouch (Value: 5 SP Weight: 1lb) containing 10 GP
Explanation
Many players default to Outlander when playing a Barbarian because it gives you two core Barbarian skills.
However, it also gives you a pretty interesting background that can be made to fit easily into a Barbarian’s backstory.
The only problem is that the rest of the background isn’t all too useful for the Barbarian.
2. Soldier
Description
Skill Proficiencies – Athletics, Intimidation
Tool Proficiencies – One type of vehicle (land), Gaming set
Languages – None
Equipment
- Insignia of rank
- A trophy that was taken from a fallen enemy (a dagger [Value: 2 GP Weight: 1 lb], broken blade, or piece of a banner)
- Set of bone dice (Value: 1 SP Weight: 0) or a deck of cards (Value: 5 SP Weight: 0)
- Set of common clothes (Value: 5 SP Weight: 3lbs)
- Pouch (Value: 5 SP Weight: 1lb) containing 10 GP
Explanation
Soldier has two good Barbarian skills, as well as a proficiency choice between a Gaming set and vehicles (land), the best being the vehicles (land).
The Gaming set isn’t entirely useful, though, and can be chosen if the campaign doesn’t require any long-distance travel using vehicles.
This background can also make for an interesting backstory. A Barbarian might’ve been exiled and decided to become a soldier due to his combat experience.
1. Folk Hero
Description
Skill Proficiencies – Animal Handling, Survival
Tool Proficiencies – One type of Artisan’s tools, vehicles (land)
Languages – None
Equipment
- Set of Artisan’s tools (one of your choice)
- Shovel (Value: 2 GP Weight: 5 lbs)
- Iron pot (Value: 2 GP Weight: 10 lbs)
- Set of common clothes (Value: 5 SP Weight: 3lbs)
- Pouch (Value: 5 SP Weight: 1lb) containing 10 GP
Explanation
Folk Hero has two excellent Barbarian skills, as well as a proficiency choice between Artisan’s tools and vehicles (land), the best being the vehicles (land).
The background also gives the Barbarians some pretty good equipment that can be used when traveling through the world.
Folk Hero itself also has a very good roleplaying aspect for the Barbarian, so don’t ignore it!
Final Thoughts
Barbarians might not be the most interesting class out there, but with a well-developed background, that can be changed.
Not only that, but all the minute benefits you get from taking backgrounds like the ones listed above can help your character progress, even if it’s slight.
