Personal Take:
I dont like the costum Origin at all because the character feels totally seperate from the world. Like, they are supposed to be from Baldurs Gate, but we dont even have any further Information besides that.
Here is my suggestion on how to fix the "Lack of Integration" of the Costum Character:
Use Solasta: "Crown of the Magister" as an Example!
You can select a Background, but it comes with a Background Quest. They are all small, and take no longer than 30 minutes to complete but they actually do a lot to make the Characters feel distinct.
Since we also have fixed Backgrounds in Baldurs Gate, it should be possible to add a "Fitting" little nod to every Background, just to include them in the World.
Ideas:
Soldier: You were a Member of the Flaming Fist, maybe you know a couple people in the Guard ? Should you trust them?
Charlatan: You impersonated a noble, to get into a party once in the past. You find his dead Body on the Street somewhere in game. You could take his identity now!
Criminal: You got a friend in that you used to run a scam with, he surely is trustworthy ?
Sage: You owned a strange arcane contraption that was incomplete, but you find other parts that look similar during your travels.
Noble: You have a long feuds with other noble houses. You eventually meet the other dukes, but some are infected with a tadpole now. Should you abuse this to your advantage?
Guildcrafter: You had a business in the City. You learn a college of yours has been taken by the Zhentarim and work off his debt. Will you help him?
Entertainer: There is this mysterious song only you seem to be able to hear at some locations. What does it mean?
Let me know what you think of the Base Idea: Backgrounds have stories attached, maybe 1 or 2 little encounters per act.
Also let me know what you think of my example Ideas
