But... But... Why does one thing have to exclude the other? :| I think Malrith's idea is great, as long as it does not remove the option for those who prefer complete freedom. Hear me out!
Surely Larian could give us the OPTION to use pre-made backstories like those Malrith proposed, WHILE leaving us the option to simply write it ourselves? Just like they do in DnD Beyond! Super easy, super convenient.
It would be helpful for those who need it or just want it, but still wouldn't limit those who prefer a 100% custom-made story (like myself - I too very much prefer 100% custom-made).
These options could mean nothing more than few flavor texts in the game, at appropriate situations.
But why stop there? Heck - I'd even be delighted if warlocks had the opportunity to choose from pre-made patrons - like a small list of devils, demons, fae and whatnot that could be appropriate patrons (regardless if they are real to the FR universe or Larian homebrewed) - but with the option to pick something like "Custom-made devil" and "Custom-made fae" for those that already have an idea of their patron in mind - and just like the background, all information on the custom-made options are simply blank so the player can fill the information box themselves.
It would just be something simple like a character portrait (if they feel lazy they could just open for the community to design their own patrons and their stories and winners get to be implemented) and a small flavor text like:
"Asmodeus is the ruler of all devils who will stop at nothing on his quest towards multiverse domination. Although he appears to most mortals as very charismatic and reasonable, and perhaps even charming, should one ever provoke his wrath they'll soon know why he is the ruler of the Nine Hells."
Regarding warlock familiars, I'd gladly see them introduce something like the WoW familiars but better. I get that some will argue "But what if I want a sophisticated and intellectual imp, but end up with an impulsive and almost stupid example?" and yes, that is a valid option. But, speaking for myself only, if the characters say/do something that I disagree with for my personal story I usually just rewrite it in my head (or in a document on my computer if I am immersed at that level) and I would PERSONALLY easily be able to ignore flavor talk from a familiar without having my own idea of my character's companion being disturbed. For those who can't do that, they could just add a mute-button for warlock familiars so one can imagine their lines instead.
Alternatively, but that would really be stretching the limits, the warlock could get to select between a few personality option for their different familiars which affects their comments and/or flavor lines.
**Obviously, I am well aware of that Larian probably would not give each player class this amount of work and resources, but I hey - that won't stop me for bringing up the suggestion. c: I think one thing that many CRPGs has failed with is to properly include the PC's class in the game in a meaningful way, and hence, I just like to brain-storm some possibilities to make the class matter more than exclusively in combat and for certain one-liners. I feel like these kind of flavor things would make ones choice of class feel important from a roleplaying perspective and this in combination with the one-liners, could make the PC could feel completely emerged in not just their character's personality, but also their chosen class.**
