TTRPG Character Challenge: Especially if you play campaigns in games like DnD, here's the challenge.

Next time you start a campaign, start with NO BACKSTORY. GMs, dont give them a backstory.

Let your character grow through the experiences you have on your adventure.

— DC | The Lore (@DungeonCommandr) January 27, 2019

The responses to this vary so wildly.

“OF COURSE, DUH.”
“How is that even possible?”
“Totally. I love it!”
“This makes no sense.”
“YOU CANT MAKE ME.”
“People ~dont~ do this?”

and many more. People have strong opinions about backstories. It’s so interesting! It was presented as a challenge, not a “decree”, & a fairly common way to play (one that most of my TTRPG experiences growing up were like). Yet, the vibrant defense of this “sacred cow” leads me to believe there is some degree of misunderstanding the message

— Matthew Mercer (@matthewmercer) January 27, 2019

I feel it might be an easier ask for people with initially little investment in story (and more in the “game”), or for very experienced role players who feel comfortable riding the winds of “let’s find where it takes us”. The fear of losing that security blanket is strong, hehe

— Matthew Mercer (@matthewmercer) January 27, 2019