Honestly, I think it depends on the context.
When I played AL I put in the minimum effort. Playing with a random group every week means no one is really going to appreciate it.
On the other hand, my current group is my close friends. Not only did we have to up write a fairly comprehensive backstories, but we also create a bunch of NPCs specifically bonded to our characters that the DM weaves into the plot. It’s really fun and engaging.
we also create a bunch of NPCs specifically bonded to our characters that the DM weaves into the plot.
That’s the kind of good backstory a DM can use in crafting the campaign, things like:
- Past friends and foes to bring in as impactful NPCs
- Things your character might want/love/hate/fear enough to drastically affect the way they’ll behave
- What your character wants to get or achieve as a basis for a personal quest
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a DM who wouldn’t love a trove of these for your character.
Conversely, stuff like inconsequential past deeds, unnecessarily detailed physical descriptions and personality traits are things that people can pick up on as you play and not something a DM can really use. Save your DM’s time and cut that unnecessary fluff.
