Character Creation Steps
Eight steps: choose ancestry, class, generate ability scores, describe character, pick background, select equipment, calculate derived stats, and choose spells.
Building a character follows these steps in order:
Step 1 — Choose an Ancestry (Race): Pick a race such as Human, Elf, Dwarf, Halfling, etc. Your ancestry determines traits like size, speed, darkvision, and ability score increases.
Step 2 — Choose a Class: Your class defines combat abilities, spellcasting, and core features. It determines your hit die, saving throw proficiencies, armor/weapon proficiencies, and skill options.
Step 3 — Determine Ability Scores: Use one of three methods:
- Standard Array: 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8 — assign to any scores.
- Point Buy: 27 points to distribute, scores range from 8 to 15.
- Rolled: Roll 4d6, drop the lowest, repeat six times.
Apply racial ability score increases after assigning base scores.
Step 4 — Describe Your Character: Choose alignment, personality traits, ideals, bonds, and flaws. Name your character and define their appearance and backstory.
Step 5 — Choose a Background: Backgrounds grant two skill proficiencies, tool or language proficiencies, starting equipment, and a narrative feature.
Step 6 — Choose Equipment: Take the starting equipment from your class and background, or spend starting gold to buy gear.
Step 7 — Calculate Derived Stats:
- Hit Points: Hit die maximum + Constitution modifier at level 1.
- Armor Class: Depends on armor worn (10 + DEX if unarmored).
- Initiative: Dexterity modifier.
- Passive Perception: 10 + Wisdom modifier (+ proficiency if proficient in Perception).
- Proficiency Bonus: +2 at level 1.
- Spell Save DC / Spell Attack Bonus: If a spellcaster.
Step 8 — Choose Spells (if applicable): Spellcasting classes select cantrips and prepared/known spells based on their class features.