Step-by-Step Player Character Generation

Some players might like the thrill or challenge of rolling up abilities first, and then figuring out what kind of character they can make out of the numbers, but most players that join a D&D group, even those with no experience in the game, have a general idea of the type of character they want to play. "I want to play a gallant knight!" or "I want to be a half-elven bard." With that in mind, we will lay out the most logical sequence for generating characters that players want to play.

  1. Consult the Racial Class and Level Limits, and Multiclass Combinations table below to select a Class and Race
  2. Roll Ability Scores, ensuring they meet the minimums for the race and class you've chosen
  3. Adjust the abilities based on the Racial Ability Adjustments table below ( Scores too low? If your character's scores are too low to belong to the class that you've chosen after adjusting for race, you may raise any score 1 point by lowering another by 2 points, or by lowering 2 others by 1 point. )
  4. Choose an Alignment (Only strictly necessary if the class has alignment requirements. You can declare an intended alignment, but your actions will determine your actual alignment. )
  5. Record Saving Throws
  6. Record Beginning Hit Points
    • Clerics & Druids: 8 plus Constitution bonus
    • Fighters: 10 plus Constitution bonus
    • Paladins & Cavaliers: 10 plus Constitution bonus
    • Rangers & Monks: 13 plus Constitution bonus
    • Rogues: 7 plus Constitution bonus
    • Wizards: 6 plus Constitution bonus
  7. Record Base Movement
  8. Select Proficiencies
  9. Equip your character

The complete character class descriptions that follow give the specific, detailed information you need about each class. These are organized according to groups. Information that applies to the entire group is presented at the start of the section. Each character class within the group is then explained.

Racial Class and Level Limits, and Multiclass Combinations

Class Ability Minimum Score Requirements

Racial Ability Requirements

Racial Ability Adjustments

Make the adjustments on the Racial Ability Adjustments table after satisfying the requirements on the Racial Ability Requirements table above.