How to Create a Character

Core Rulebooks do their best to outline the steps you need to make a character. However, the books don’t always order the steps in the best way and sometimes leave out useful information. Here is a more optimized step by step guide for character creation for most popular Tabletop RPGs like Dungeons and Dragons and Starfinder.

What you need to get started:

· Core Rulebook

· A Character Sheet

· 4 six-sided die

* Step 1 and 2 apply to all Tabletop RPGs.

Step 1: Know the Game Master’s expectations

Before you begin making your character, make sure you understand the Game Master’s campaign setting. The Game Master should let you know their campaign’s story, theme, location, and most importantly, which classes, races, and equipment you can choose from. Game Master’s have the power to omit, add, and change information you can find in the rulebook so as a player, it isn’t wise to assume you can freely use everything in the rulebook. You might be planning to play as a giant lizard but only humans are playable in your campaign. Avoid showing up to the first session with an ineligible character and having your hopes crushed. This is why many groups have a session 0 where everyone can discuss their expectations for the game.

Step 2: Create a Character Concept

Before you dive into choosing a class or race, try to have an idea of the type of character you would like to play. Remember, it’s a roleplaying game so you will be roleplaying your character. You want a concept that you find interesting and are willing to invest a lot of hours into. Feel free to base your character off an existing character from a movie, video game, or tv show or come up with something completely original. If you’re having trouble coming up with what you would like to play, head over HERE and take the quiz to help you out.

Step 3: Determine Base Ability Scores

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Often times there might be more than one method for determining your character’s base ability scores. This is why its important to talk to your Game Master as they will let you know which method you should use. Generally, point-buy and standard stat arrays are the more balanced methods. Rolling for abilities can lead to very high stats and low stats. It’s riskier but, if you enjoy rolling dice, it’s also more fun.

Rolling for ability scores:

1. Roll 4d6 (4 six-sided die)

2. Remove the dice with the lowest value

3. Add the remaining 3 values together

4. Repeat 1-4 until you have 6 stats

If you rolled your ability scores, make sure you write them all down somewhere but don’t distribute them yet. We will cover ability score distribution in a later step.

Step 4: Choose your class

Image Courtesy of Starfinder Core Rulebook by Paizo Inc.

Mechanically, your character class will be more impactful than your character race or background. Choose a class that will bring your character concept to life or one that simple looks fun. The beauty of steps 1-3 is they don’t lock you in to any one class so don’t be afraid to pick a class that doesn’t line up with your previous idea. Make sure you check out what each class has to offer. Once you pick a class, record the level 1 class features onto your character sheet and be sure to note of key abilities and proficiencies.

Step 5: Choose your race

Image Courtesy of Starfinder Core Rulebook by Paizo Inc.

Certain character races synergize well with certain classes which is why you generally want to choosing a race after choosing a class. Character races provide bonuses, and sometimes decreases, to some of your ability scores as well as unique racial features. After you choose a class, take note of any ability score bonuses and write down racial features on your character sheet.

Step 6: Choose a background theme

Image Courtesy of Starfinder Core Rulebook by Paizo Inc.

Background themes are a way to express your character’s lifestyle previous to the start of your campaign. Your background theme will generally provide you skill bonuses and in some cases a bonus to some of your ability scores so make sure you add them onto your character sheet.

Step 7: Finalize Ability Scores

Now that you have ability scores bonuses from your character’s race and background theme, you can start distributing the ability scores to your character sheet. While doing so, make sure to keep your class’s key ability scores in mind. Key ability scores are the scores your class makes the most use of so ideally you want them to be your highest scores. Be mindful not to raise an ability score above the game’s cap.

Step 8: Determine Ability Score Modifiers

Image Courtesy of Starfinder Core Rulebook by Paizo Inc.

Ability score modifiers are derived from your ability scores and are usually listed in a table that can be found in the rulebook. You will be using your ability score modifiers to calculate skill bonuses, armor class, and hit points.

How to calculate ability score modifiers:

1. Subtract 10 from your ability score

2. Divide your previous result by 2

3. Round down your previous result

Step 9: Skills

Image Courtesy of Starfinder Character Sheet by Paizo Inc.

Your character’s class provides a list of skills you may train in, as well as how many you may train at level 1. Keep your character concept in mind when choosing skills. Is your character really athletic? Are they really persuasive or are they sneaking? Choose skills that reflect how you would describe your character. After you have chosen your skills, factor in any bonuses and ability score modifies to your calculations.

Step 10: Fill in remaining stats

Calculate remaining stats such as your character’s hit points, initiative, and armor class. Hit points, armor class and saving throws are often augmented by specific ability score modifiers.

Step 11: Feats

If your race or class has made feats available to you at level 1, you may now take your feats. Many feats have prerequisites your character must meet before they can be taken. Be aware of all your character’s ability scores and proficiencies as you choose a feat. Some feats can make your character more proficient with certain equipment which can open up more possibilities in the next step.

Step 12: Buy Equipment

Image Courtesy of Dungeons and Dragons Player's Handbook by Wizards of the Coast

Now that all of your character’s ability scores and proficiencies have been determined it is time to gear up. Some classes provide you with your starting equipment in which case you should refer to the equipment tables and record any armor bonuses and weapon stats. If you must purchase all your equipment instead, make sure you keep your character’s weapon and armor proficiencies in mind. It’s a waste to buy armor you can use properly.

Step 13: Spells

This step is only for classes with access to spellcasting. Your character’s class outlines how many spells you make choose from your class’s spell list as well as which level the spells may be. Record the spells and all their effects on your character sheet.

Tip: Try to diversify your spells. Choose different damage spells and utility spells

Step 14: Fill in the blanks

At this stage, the remaining information on the character sheet is mostly optional unless its pivotal to your specific campaign. You can choose your character’s alignment and a deity if your character wishes to worship one. You can also write down more on your character’s backstory if you so choose.

Following this How-to guide should net you a more optimized character across many d20 systems like Dungeons and Dragons and Starfinder. Following the steps in this order should help you maximize your ability scores and keep track of your character’s proficiencies. Once you get the hang of the game and have a few characters under your belt, you’ll find the best method that works for you.

Leave a comment and let me know if this How-to guide was useful or if there is a guide you want to see done on a specific game.