Getting into D&D can be tricky for someone that hasn't played before! Although we definitely recommend sitting down with the rest of your group and DM to help create your character it can often help to be prepared before sitting down at the table. We have complied a quick guide on how to take the first steps in making a player character for Dungeons & Dragons! This isn't designed to replace any comprehensive character creation guides, but is a good way to familiarise yourself with the basic steps of creating a character!
Character Concept A great first step to take is to decide what sort of character you would want to play in broad strokes! Do you want to be a warrior or a spellcaster? Do you want to play someone old or young? Have a vague idea in mind can save you from analysis paralysis in the future when presented with the myriad of options!
Ability Scores Next you have to determine your ability scores! Ability scores are what determine how strong, intelligent and wise a character (or any creature for that matter) is. The six ability scores are: Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma. Every group is different in how these are generated, but they fall into two groupings of methods: rolling and arrays/point-buy. When you roll stats, you determine what your ability scores will be decided by rolling dice, usually a number of six sided dice. Arrays/point-buy, use a predetermined set of values that gives characters a more "balanced" and consistent set of scores. Make sure you talk to your Dungeon Master to find out which you should use.
Race The next step is to choose a race, also known as species or heritage, for your character. The Player's Handbook introduced some classic options such as Human, Elf, Dwarf and Halfling but newer books have added a myriad of options. Your choice of race gives you access to cool abilities and even affects your ability scores.
Background The next logical step is to choose a background. Broadly speaking, this defines what the character did before they became an adventurer and includes options such as soldier and noble. Backgrounds add tool proficiencies as well as extra languages and other proficiencies. You can even work with your DM to make a custom background!
Class Perhaps the most important step is choosing your character class. There are 13 official classes: Artificer, Barbarian, Bard, Cleric, Druid, Fighter, Monk, Paladin, Ranger, Rogue, Sorcerer, Warlock and Wizard! Each has its own strength and weaknesses and will give you access to most of your abilities and powers.
Finishing Touches The last step is to put any finishing touches on your character, such as purchasing any equipment or gear, deciding what they look like and giving them a name if you haven't already!
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