Far Traveler 5e: The Complete Human Guide

If you’re browsing D&D backgrounds for your next adventure and want something a bit out of the ordinary, let’s talk about the Far Traveler 5e. Imagine stepping into the shoes of someone who’s arrived from halfway across the world or even further. You don’t share the accent, customs, or maybe even the same outlook on life as the people around you. That’s the special flavor this background brings, and it can open up entertaining or thoughtful moments in any campaign.

What Is the Far Traveler 5e?

In Far Traveler 5e, your character is from a distant land, almost a myth to local folk. Most commoners have never even heard of where you’re from, or at best can only recall wild stories. You stand apart the moment you enter a room a curiosity, sometimes an oddity, often a person everyone wants to hear stories from. This background comes from Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide but can fit into almost any setting.

You aren’t just someone who wandered a little too far from home. In Far Traveler 5e, you crossed mountains, seas, or even the darkness of the Underdark. Your reasons? Maybe you’re an exile, an emissary, a sightseer, or someone seeking to start a new life. The “why” is yours to decide.

Benefits and Mechanics

Let’s dig into the perks. On a practical note, this background gives you skill proficiencies in Insight and Perception making your character pretty good at spotting lies or catching quick glances others might miss. You also get proficiency with a musical instrument or gaming set that is likely unique to your homeland, showing off your roots in fun or meaningful ways.

Far Traveler 5e lets you pick any extra language, so you might know something rare like Undercommon or some obscure dialect, perfect for secret talks or understanding ancient texts.

Your equipment matches the theme: traveler’s clothes, a musical instrument or game, some coins, a small piece of jewelry crafted in your homeland’s style, and a rough map that never quite matches what the locals expect. Right from the start, it’s clear you’re not from around here.

All Eyes on You

Probably the most roleplay-heavy feature in Far Traveler 5e is “All Eyes on You.” Your accent, the way you carry yourself, and even how you dress make you stand out. People watch, sometimes with curiosity or kindness, other times with suspicion. This quirk means you get noticed, and often doors open that might otherwise stay shut.

Scholars, nobles, merchants, and everyday folk love a good story. They want to know about the far-off place you call home. Even though you might get tired of answering questions, you’ll be surprised at the friends and opportunities that attention brings.

Picking a Homeland

Far Traveler 5e isn’t tied to one faraway place. The background lists options like Evermeet, Halruaa, Kara-Tur, Mulhorand, Sossal, Zakhara, or the Underdark but it’s fine to invent your own mysterious home too.

• Evermeet: Elven paradise, unknown to most outsiders.
• Halruaa: A magical land where skyships float.
• Kara-Tur: Distant continent filled with unique customs.
• Sossal: Frozen homeland with pale-skinned people.
• Zakhara: Desert kingdom, full of heat and trade.
• The Underdark: Dark, alien, and dangerous.

Where you’re from shapes how others see you, and it gives you the chance to play up weird customs, unfamiliar foods, or sacred traditions your party never knew existed.

Reasons for Leaving

There’s a variety of prompts in Far Traveler: roll a dice or just pick what feels right. Maybe you are an exile, a wanderer, a fugitive, or just a curious sightseer. Each of these brings their own kind of tension, whether you’re being hunted, bringing an urgent message, or simply wide-eyed and eager.

Roleplaying a Far Traveler

The real fun in Far Traveler 5e is how your character reacts to the world. You might be fascinated or confused by something ordinary, like a handshake or a local dish. Maybe you follow a strict code, bow instead of shaking hands, or wince at the idea of eating beef.

Everyday things become an opportunity sometimes for laughs, sometimes for tension. Remember, you’re surrounded by customs you don’t know, and your own traditions might seem odd or even rude here.

Some will love the novelty you bring; others might not trust someone so different. How does your character cope? Do you try to blend in or do you double down on your customs?says a lot about your personality.

Adventure and Plot Hooks

Being a Far Traveler 5e opens an endless list of quests and stories. Your old enemies might chase you, or you could be a key piece in local politics because of your ties abroad. Maybe your homeland needs help, and only you can interpret a clue or carry a reply home.

You might catch things others missstrange ruins, odd magical practices, or hints of your homeland among local legends. Or your knowledge might get your party in the door where they’d otherwise be left out in the cold.

Party and NPC Dynamics

Far Traveler 5e creates great group moments. You might be the party’s translator, the voice of caution, or the friend who always knows a different way to solve the problem. Party members might tease or protect you, depending how alien you seem.

NPCs will want stories from you, sometimes trust you with news or rumors, or expect you to act as a go-between. There’s huge room for relationships that go deeper than gold or spells.

Making Far Traveler 5e Work

Before you leap in, chat with your Dungeon Master. Give hints about your homeland, and make sure your differences add fun to the table, not confusion or arguments.

Try not to make your character so odd or stubborn that they can’t join in. Balance uniqueness with team spirit. Your Far Traveler 5e should bring something new to the table, but also help the group shine.

Final Thoughts

Far Traveler 5e is one of the most open-ended and immersive backgrounds. It’s about seeing things through new eyes, bringing the world and your table new perspectives and stories. Use your differences accent, customs, knowledge to create moments everyone will remember.

Done well, your Far Traveler 5e will always be someone worth following, listening to, and sharing an adventure with.

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