Dungeons and Dragons, also known as D&D, is a tabletop RPG. You and your friends will create unique and fantastic characters to experience unforgettable adventures with. However, before playing, you need to think about your character's basic qualities, such as gender, race, and class. You can then calculate ability scores, such as strength and wisdom, to determine the hero's natural abilities. Next, you will need to choose his skills and talents, as well as the weapons and armor with which to equip him. Complete the character creation by developing the hero's personality, then choose his alignment and you will be ready to play.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Establishing the Basics
Step 1. Decide what version of D&D to use
Over the years, the rules have changed for various reasons, such as balancing game modes, adding content and perfecting mechanics. This has led to the creation of various versions of D&D, some considered superior to others.
- Your entire playgroup should refer to the same rules for character creation and campaign development.
- The calculations used in the following examples are based on Pathfinder, an in-depth version of D&D available for free online, compatible with the official version 3.5 of D&D. For other editions the calculations will be different.
- The basic rules of D&D Fifth Edition were released in 2014, followed shortly after by the Starter Set, an adventure, the Player's Handbook and other volumes.
- On the internet you can find a lot of material for the various versions of D&D. Search for the most important books by writing "Pathfinder Rules".
Step 2. Print the character sheet if you wish
Within this module you can enter all the information necessary to create the character in an orderly manner. However, you can always decide to write the same information by hand on a white sheet or type it on the computer.
- On the internet you can find free character sheets. Search for "dungeons and dragons character sheet" and print the one you like best.
- On the Wizards of the Coast website you can find the official cards in the D&D section. Use them as inspiration or to make sure that nothing is missing from your custom forms.
- The digital version of the character sheet can help you always have the information you need on mobile devices, such as phones and tablets, always at hand.
Step 3. Choose your gender and race
Your character will be male or female. Once you have made this choice, you need to think about which race it belongs to. There are seven basic races in the world of D&D, although many DMs allow you to use others. Each of them offers unique characteristics and abilities, as well as strengths and weaknesses. The seven basic breeds are:
- Dwarfs. Short, stocky, tough and strong. They are very attached to the land and often live in the mountains or underground. Stat modifiers: +2 Constitution, +2 Wisdom, –2 Charisma.
- Elves. Tall, long-lived, they appear cold and detached, but they are very attached to nature. Elves live in harmony with the natural world around them. Stat modifiers: +2 Dexterity, +2 Intelligence, –2 Constitution.
- Gnomes. Mysterious, bizarre and looking for adventure. Gnomes are the smallest common breed. Stat modifiers: +2 Constitution, +2 Charisma, –2 Strength.
- Half-elves. Solitary but friendly, they are long-lived and have graceful movements. Half-elves are not very numerous and have a tendency to wander, because they have no real homeland. Stat modifiers: +2 to an ability score.
- Half-orcs. Independent, strong and frowned upon. Half-orcs are considered monsters by ordinary people, they are tall and muscular. Stat modifiers: +2 to an ability score.
- Halfling. Optimistic, cheerful, curious and short in stature. On average they are just under a meter tall, they are agile but do not have great strength. Stat modifiers: +2 Dexterity, +2 Charisma, –2 Strength.
- Human. Able to adapt to all situations, ambitious and balanced. Humans are the dominant race, with a great variety of cultures and physical characteristics. Stat modifiers: +2 to an ability score.
Step 4. Choose a class
A character's class is similar to a profession. If you are creating a top level hero, you will have a level in your chosen class. By completing adventures, you will receive experience points (XP), which you will use to level up, gain skills and powers. There are 11 basic classes:
- Barbarian. Strong and uncivilized. He is considered a fierce warrior.
- Bard. Charismatic and ingenious. Bards use their skills and spells to aid allies and strike enemies.
- Cleric. A devoted believer of a deity. Clerics heal wounds, resurrect the dead, and direct the wrath of their god.
- Druid. It is one with nature. Druids cast spells, interact with animals, and shape-shift.
- Warrior. Courageous and determined. Warriors are very skilled in the use of weapons and armor.
- Monk. Martial arts master. Monks train mind and body in attack and defense.
- Paladin. Defender of good and justice. Paladins are knights devoted to a deity.
- Ranger. Animal and nature expert. Rangers chase and hunt down enemies.
- Thief. Sneaky Assassin. Thieves are cunning criminals and skilled lookouts.
- Sorcerer. Born with the gift of magic. Sorcerers are able to control ancient and unusual energies.
- Magician. He has devoted his entire life to the study of magic. Years of study allow wizards to use incredible magical powers.
Step 5. Name your character
You can choose a name that represents your class, such as Jafar for an evil wizard. In classic D&D, the various races have names that reflect the culture and language of their ethnicity. On the internet you can find many examples and name generators by searching for a specific race, for example "gnome name generator" or "dwarf name list".
- Use a name generator to get an idea of the most common names for your breed, then come up with one yourself. Use the generator several times until you find the one you like.
- Borrow names from your favorite video games, books and comics. If you prefer, you can use that of a historical figure.
Part 2 of 4: Calculating Skill Scores
Step 1. Identify the main attributes of your character
All characters have six basic characteristics, represented by a score. Higher scores have bonuses, while low scores have penalties. 10 is considered the average. The six characteristics are:
- Strength (For). The measure of physical strength. It is important for characters who fight hand-to-hand, such as warriors, monks and paladins. Strength also determines how much weight you can carry.
- Dexterity (Des). The measure of agility, balance and reflexes. It is important for thieves, for characters who wear light or medium armor, and for those who attack from a distance (with bows and slings, for example).
- Constitution (Cos). The measure of health and temper. Increases the character's hit points which, when they reach zero, lead to unconsciousness or death.
- Intelligence (Int). The measure of knowledge. Important for mages and classes that need to learn information or have logical skills, such as paladins.
- Wisdom (Wis). The measure of common sense. Contributes to awareness and willpower. Important for clerics, druids and rangers.
- Charisma (Car). The measure of charm. A high score in this trait makes the character more likeable, more beautiful, and with better leadership skills. It is important to bards, paladins and sorcerers.
Step 2. Roll the dice to establish the score of the characteristics
To do this, you need four six-sided dice (4d6) or an online tool. Just search the internet for "dice simulator" to find one. Roll all four dice. Add the three highest scores and mark the result. Repeat the rolls until you have six scores.
Step 3. Assign the six numbers to the six main characteristics
You can do it however you like, but usually you have to use the highest scores for the attributes that are most useful for your class. Remember to add the racial modifier to the total.
- To give an example of a racial bonus: after rolling the ability scores, if your character is human, you can add 2 points to one of the attributes.
- Use fewer dice if you want to increase the difficulty of the game. The 3d6 version is often referred to as "classic", while the 2d6 solo version is "heroic".
Step 4. Alternatively, you can use the "Purchase Points" system
In this case, you have the option to increase the ability scores as you like. They all start at 10 and each point costs more than the previous one.
- You have a certain amount of points available to improve the characteristics, usually 10 for a low level of power, 15 standard, 20 for high power and 25 for epic characters.
- Below you will find a table of the cost of the features, with the negative values that allow you to acquire bonus points, provided you fall below the average:
- Feature score / Cost in points
- 8 / -2
- 9 / -1
- 10 / 0
- 11 / 1
- 12 / 2
- 13 / 3
- 14 / 5
- And so on…
Step 5. Generate random ability scores over the internet
Search for "score generator feature" and you will find many tools you can use. There are also calculators designed for the purchasing system with points.
Many online calculators and generators already consider racial bonuses
Step 6. Mark the modifier for each characteristic
This is the bonus or penalty that the scores assign to the character. For example, a score of 10 is medium, so neither bonus nor malus (+0) applies.
- Modifiers are added or subtracted to all activities that require the use of one of the main characteristics.
- In some cases, modifiers also grant extra spells per day. Below is an example of modifier calculation based on ability score:
- Score / Modifier
- 6 – 7 / -2
- 8 – 9 / -1
- 10 – 11 / +0
- 12 – 13 / +1
- 14 – 15 / +2
- 16 – 17 / +3
Part 3 of 4: Choosing Skills, Feats, Weapons and Armor
Step 1. Choose your character's skills
You can find the complete list of skills on the character sheet; some examples are Acrobatics, Climbing, Knowledge (History), Languages, Moving Silently and more. You will earn skill points as you level up with XP.
- At each level, your character earns skill points which you can spend on individual abilities, such as Bluff, Swift Hand, or Swim.
- Characters receive an automatic +3 bonus to class abilities they have spent at least one point on. These preferred skills should be listed in the class description.
- Ranks in a skill cannot exceed your character's number of hit dice (the number of dice rolled to determine your hit points).
Step 2. List your character's talents
Talents are abilities not related to race, class or skill. Examples include lightning fast reflexes, skill in fighting with sharp weapons, or a natural talent for crafting items. Some talents have prerequisites, such as a minimum skill score or a certain level. Many are meant to improve certain class skills or limit weaknesses. Here are the main categories of talents:
- Combat talents. They allow your character to perform feats in battle, such as Furious Assault, Arcane Armor Mastery, Precise Shooting, Pursue, Duel Mastery, and Improved Parry.
- Talents about critics. These abilities can only be used when your character scores a critical hit, usually when he rolls a natural wind on a 20-sided die.
- Item Creation Feats. They allow your character to create certain types of magical items, such as scrolls, potions, and wands. Materials usually need to be purchased separately.
- Metamagic feats. They affect the effect of spells or how they are cast. Some examples are Bouncing Spells, Concussive Spells, Endless Spells, and Toxic Spells.
Step 3. Roll for the starting gold coins
Gold Coins (MO), the primary currency in the D&D world, are usually awarded to players for completing missions and when defeating enemies. However, each character starts with a predetermined amount. Calculate the number of starting gold coins with the following formulas:
- Barbarian, 3d6 x 10 MO
- Bard, 3d6 x 10 MO
- Cleric, 4d6 x 10 gp
- Druid, 2d6 x 10 gp
- Warrior, 5d6 x 10 gp
- Monk, 1d6 x 10 gp
- Paladin, 5d6 x 10 gp
- Ranger, 5d6 x 10 gp
- Thief, 4d6 x 10 gp
- Sorcerer, 2d6 x 10 gp
- Mage, 2d6 x 10 gp
Step 4. Choose your character's equipment
Use gold coins to purchase weapons, armor, items (potions, torches) and equipment (tents, ropes). On the internet you can find the list of all available objects. In some settings, you may only have access to basic weapons and armor until you can find a shop that can sell you better products.
- Characters who are always in the center of the action, such as warriors and paladins, need heavy armor, such as plate armor and a shield, as well as a weapon, such as a sword or mace.
- Characters who take advantage of agility, such as gnomes, thieves, and rangers are more suited to light armor, such as mesh or padded leather, and prefer to attack from a distance or stealth with bows, slings and daggers.
- The more puny characters, such as wizards and bards, are able to wear only very light armor or robes. They have little choice even among weapons and must limit themselves to the lighter ones, such as wands, sticks, bows and whips.
Step 5. Calculate armor class (AC) and combat bonuses
Weapon and armor bonuses are listed along with their information. In some cases, for example for very heavy armor or weapons, penalties may also be provided. A high armor class makes the character harder to hit, while the attack bonuses help to hurt opponents more easily.
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Use the following calculations to determine armor class and attack bonus:
- AC = 10 + armor bonus + shield bonus + Dexterity modifier + other modifiers (racial or class for example)
- Melee attack bonus = base attack bonus + Strength modifier + size modifier
- Ranged attack bonus = base attack bonus + Dexterity modifier + size modifier + distance penalty (if any)
- Size modifiers are calculated using the following criteria: Colossal (-8), Gargantuan (-4), Huge (-2), Large (-1), Medium (+0), Small (+1), Tiny (+ 2), Minute (+4), Very small (+8). Smaller characters are usually more agile, while big ones are stronger.
Part 4 of 4: Complete the Character Creation
Step 1. Describe your character
You can do this with a drawing or with a paragraph of text. Include basic physical characteristics, such as age, weight, height, skin color, and more. Think about his personality, which will influence the decisions he makes during the game.
- Write your character's story. How did you spend your childhood? This will help you to see him as a separate entity from you and thus to better interpret his role.
- Goals, fears and desires can give your character more depth. Consider these details as you play, especially when interacting with other players and non-player characters (NPCs).
Step 2. Determine the alignment of the character
It is an assessment of moral aptitude. There are nine basic alignments that cover a wide range of personalities, philosophies and beliefs. The alignment consists of an order-related trait (Lawful, Neutral, Chaotic) and a moral (Good, Neutral, Evil), such as legal neutral, legal evil, neutral good, and chaotic good.
- Good characters are driven to protect the innocent and life. They sacrifice themselves for others and care about the dignity of other sentient creatures.
- Evil characters have no respect for the lives of others. They hurt, oppress and commit crimes, usually for fun or personal gain.
- Morally neutral characters avoid killing, but usually don't feel obligated to sacrifice or protect others.
- Legal characters respect order, truth, authority and tradition. They are often closed-minded, too rigid and presumptuous.
- Chaotic characters make decisions based on their conscience. They despise authority and love freedom, even though they can be irresponsible and reckless.
- Neutral people about order are often honest, but vulnerable to temptation. They feel neither the urge to obey orders nor the urge to rebel.
Step 3. Play your character in a campaign
Join other players in a campaign led by a dungeon master. You can find sample sources and campaigns on the internet, but to create a world of your own, all you need is basic rules books.
