The choice of background for a Dungeons & Dragons character is crucial, shaping their connections and abilities, both past and present. For Monks whose training and upbringing are pivotal to their abilities, selecting the right background can add depth and versatility to their character. Whether they emerge from the shadows of the city streets, the seclusion of a monastery, or the exotic landscapes of distant lands, each background offers its blend of skills, features, and narrative possibilities for Monks seeking to carve their path in the world of adventure. These backgrounds provide mechanical benefits and serve as narrative anchors, enriching the storytelling experience and grounding the character in the vibrant tapestry of the campaign world.
Urchin
The life of an Urchin mirrors the resilience and resourcefulness often associated with Monks. Growing up alone on the streets, orphaned and destitute, an Urchin Monk learned to fend for themselves through sheer grit and cunning. Their skills in Sleight of Hand and Stealth and proficiency in tools like the disguise kit and thieves’ tools make them adept at navigating urban environments and evading danger. The City Secrets feature further enhances their mobility, allowing them to traverse cities with unmatched swiftness. While their background might be rooted in desperation, it also gives them tenacity and adaptability that serve them well on their adventures.
Criminal
For Monks with a darker past and no strangers to the underworld, the Criminal background offers a fitting narrative backdrop. Having spent time among criminals, they have honed their skills in Deception and Stealth, complementing their Monk abilities with a knack for deception. With a reliable Criminal Contact to facilitate communication and connections in the criminal underworld, these Monks can navigate morally gray situations and leverage their network for information and support.
Hermit
In contrast to the bustling streets and shadowy alleys, some Monks find their calling in solitude and introspection. The Hermit background suits those who have withdrawn from society, whether in a monastery or solitary seclusion, seeking enlightenment or answers to existential questions. Proficient in Medicine and Religion, they possess knowledge that extends beyond physical prowess and delves into the spiritual and philosophical realms. Their Discovery feature represents a profound revelation or insight gained during their seclusion, which may drive them back into the world or shape their quest for enlightenment.
Faction Agent
For Monks who maintain ties to a broader organization or cause, the Faction Agent background provides a framework for their involvement in political intrigue or covert operations. Serving as agents of various factions, they blend martial prowess with diplomatic finesse, leveraging their Insight and language skills to navigate complex social landscapes. The Safe Haven feature grants them access to a network of supporters and operatives, offering sanctuary and assistance in their adventures while reinforcing their allegiance to their faction’s goals.
Far Traveler
Hailing from distant lands unknown to most residents of the Sword Coast, the Far Traveler Monk brings an air of mystery and exoticism to their adventures. Proficient in Insight and Perception, they possess a keen awareness honed by their experiences in foreign lands. Their unique background, accentuated by unfamiliar customs and traditions, attracts curiosity and interest wherever they go. This attention can be both a boon and a burden, granting them access to influential figures and exotic locales while subjecting them to scrutiny and suspicion.
The best background for a Monk in Dungeons & Dragons depends on the character’s backstory, personality, and the thematic elements they wish to explore. Whether they emerge from the shadows of the city streets, the seclusion of a monastery, or the exotic landscapes of distant lands, each background offers its blend of skills, features, and narrative possibilities for Monks seeking to carve their path in a world of adventure.
