Character Creation Steps

PF2e character creation follows a structured sequence. Each step layers on ability boosts, skills, and features.

Step 1 — Concept: Decide on a character concept, personality, and role in the party.

Step 2 — Ancestry: Choose your ancestry (Human, Elf, Dwarf, Gnome, Goblin, Halfling, etc.). This grants ancestry HP, size, speed, ability boosts and flaws, senses, languages, and a heritage. Select a 1st-level ancestry feat.

Step 3 — Background: Choose a background representing your pre-adventuring life. This grants 2 ability boosts (1 limited, 1 free), training in a skill and a Lore skill, and a 1st-level skill feat.

Step 4 — Class: Choose your class (Alchemist, Barbarian, Bard, Champion, Cleric, Druid, Fighter, Monk, Ranger, Rogue, Sorcerer, Wizard, etc.). This grants your Key Ability boost, class HP per level, starting proficiencies in weapons/armor/saves/skills, and 1st-level class features and feats.

Step 5 — Ability Scores: Apply 4 free ability boosts to 4 different scores. All scores start at 10; boosts add +2 (or +1 if already 18+). By this step you have: ancestry boosts, background boosts, class boost, and 4 free boosts.

Step 6 — Record Details: Calculate starting HP (ancestry HP + class HP + CON modifier). Record AC, saves, Perception, skills, attacks, Speed, and class DC.

Step 7 — Equipment: Purchase starting gear with 15 gold pieces. Choose weapons, armor, adventuring gear, and class-specific items.

Step 8 — Finishing Touches: Define your edicts and anathema, deity (if applicable), age, personality, and backstory details.

Key Calculations at Level 1:

• HP = Ancestry HP + Class HP + CON modifier
• AC = 10 + Dex mod (up to armor cap) + armor item bonus + proficiency bonus
• Save = d20 + ability mod + proficiency bonus
• Skill = d20 + ability mod + proficiency bonus (+ level if trained)
• Attack = d20 + ability mod + proficiency bonus (+ level)