You read that title right. You don't have a backstory? I don't care. That's fine. Won't affect me a bit.
Recently I was involved in a discussion on Twitter about this. A GM (who's feed and tips I really enjoy) had put out a tweet speaking about backstories: "There are some tropes that deserve to be banned. Amnesiac PCs chosen to avoid writing a backstory is definitely one." First let me say this, I understand his sentiment and if that fits his style I back that idea 100%. The conversation touched on a few scenarios from other twitter users like new players not having a back story, amnesiacs that were just too lazy to write a BS (his original reasoning) and amnesiacs that actually wanted to give the DM that blank check and discover their story as they went etc. It was one of those discussions that I tend to like since you can see many different philosophies laid out quickly.
For me though, this whole thing is kind of a non-issue. (Of course now is the point of my discussion where I put out my disclaimer... I realize I'm a newer DM having only run 6 live sessions total and a couple solo text adventures for my friends. I fully welcome dissenting views. I hope I get some actually.)
Let's look at some of the scenarios:
The new player - I will argue that it may be better for them to not have a backstory. This could be a person that has an interest but has always been intimidated to try it. Why confirm their fears by loading them down with this? Sure a story is great. Role playing is great, it's one of the things that drew me back into the hobby in the last year and a half but... the RP side of it is what had me bounce off almost 30 years ago just because I was a self conscious kid that tried it with a heavy RP group. I just wanted to hit stuff, get stuff. Had that lined up better, I may have stuck around long enough to relax into RP and never left the hobby after a couple games.
The Active Amnesiac - This is the "blank check" example... the "DM, do with me as you will" player. This actually sounds like it could be really fun. It would allow both you and the player to create his/her story as you go. Flashbacks, NPCs, and hooks all inspiring both the DM and PC to bounce back and forth peeling layers, neither one having complete control over the outcome. Sounds like some extra potential work unless it is completely improvised but I think the reward would be well worth it. The downside would be if the discovery was left completely up to the DM to create then it could be a little taxing.
The Lazy Amnesiac - The I can't be bothered to write a backstory player. My first instinct is "SCREW THIS PLAYER" but in reality I still don't care. One of the arguments for banning this backstory that was given was "There needs to be something to tie a character to the setting and people. Character growth is also needed." Really? For whom? The DM? The player? The rest of the table? Can't the PC or the player just be someone traveling with the group? Does there really need to be more than that? A point was also made by the OP that "when it comes to the GM building a plot to draw the PC in. There is still no info to use." Good point but so? That player would just not be included in that part of the experience. If the player is still willing to go along and hit stuff and his lack of backstory does not affect his level of participation in the game itself, not hindering the other players at the table then who cares? "But they are not taking this game as seriously as me!" (not actually said this time but that is an argument I hear from time to time)... Again, so? That happens all the time in just about any endeavor. I'm fine with that as long as the player takes attendance and the game seriously enough once it starts.
Or... Someone that just doesn't feel like it. see above
I like backstories, I really do. My campaign and setting is completely home-brewed. Many of the facts and recent history of the setting are still being developed as needed so when the group of players was set, I gave them a general outline of the campaign and world history then gave them creative license to make their backstories fit into the world as they liked. Very few modifications were needed and they helped me to define a few new things early. Not everyone put the same effort forward though. Not out of spite or laziness, but more out of experience or lack thereof. The backstories ranged from just a couple sentences to several (and I mean 6+) pages. If I were to be honest, I can do more with the 2 sentences then I can with the multiple pages (but I did really enjoy reading it all).
So, what do I think I really need from the players to run a game? Not much actually. I need players that are willing to interact with the world and do stuff. That's it. Does every hook need to be tailored to a character's goals? Not if the player just wants to do stuff. In every game I've played in or run so far, the plot hooks have all been pretty obvious. So pick one and go. I'll admit this is very basic but I do believe that's all you really need.
To take this one step further, what would I like to know to run a game? (in order of importance)
1. What are my players looking for in a game/story and what genre and play style are they interested in.
2. What is the character's class and race, basic personality and motivations.
3. Background - to reinforce the characters personality and motivations.
4. Party - Who they are and why are they adventuring.
5. Backstory - fine tailor hooks and subplots to further draw in my players and enrich the overall experience for everyone.
Everything after #2 is basically fluff. Especially in the early levels. It's great to have and I'd love to have it all but it seems to me that I could easily run a game (especially a module) without knowing any of it. They can play without knowing any of it. Plus, you never know, once they start they might just get hooked and want to expand on who they are. There's plenty of time for that. Besides, that freedom could result in a much deeper, realistic and honestly developed character in the long run.
Well, there you have it. When it comes to backstories, I think they are great but if you don't have one, it doesn't matter to me.
Happy gaming
-TND
