Dungeons and Dragons, also known as D&D, is a role-playing game (RPG). You and your friends can create unique fantasy characters to play this game. Before starting to play, you must create basic character information, such as gender, race (race), and class (class). After that, you can calculate the Ability Score to determine the basic status of the character, such as Strength and Wisdom. After determining the basic status of the character, you can set the Skill (character ability), Feat (talent or special skills of the character), weapon (weapon), and armor (armor). Finish your character by developing his personality and choosing Alignment (character principles, such as lawful good and neutral evil). After that, you can start playing.
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Part 1 of 4: Determining Basic Character Information
Step 1. Decide which version of D&D you want to play
Over time, some of the D&D rules changed. This is due to certain reasons, such as balancing the game system (gameplay), adding content, and improving the way the game is played. Therefore, D&D has many different versions. Some versions are considered a better version of D&D than others.
- We recommend that you and other players use the same version when creating a character or playing a campaign (a continuous storyline or set of adventures that usually involve the same characters).
- The Pathfinder counting system is used in the character creation guides listed in this article. Pathfinder is a D&D version compatible with D&D Version 3.5. Some versions of D&D may use different counting systems.
- D&D 5th Edition is a version of Dungeons and Dragons released in 2014. After that, several D&D core rulebooks were released, such as the Starter Set (adventure module or game rules), Player's Handbook, and others.
- You can find a lot of game information for different versions of D&D on the internet. Find the main rulebook for the desired version of D&D by searching the internet for certain keywords, such as "Pathfinder core rulebook".
Step 2. Print a character sheet if desired
The character sheet (character sheet or list of fields containing basic character information) will describe all the information needed to create a good character. If you don't want to print a character sheet, you can write the character information on a blank sheet or type it on a computer.
- Character sheets can be obtained free of charge on the internet. Use the keyword “dungeons and dragons character sheets” to search for and print character sheets.
- Sample character sheets can be found on the D&D Wizards of the Coast website. Use the character sheet for inspiration or check your character information.
- Digital versions of character sheets can help you record information and character development on gadgets, such as phones and tablets.
Step 3. Select the gender and race of the character
The character created will be male or female. Once you've determined the gender of your character, you'll need to choose their race. There are seven basic races that can be used. However, you can choose another race if other players allow it. Each race has its own characteristics, abilities, strengths and weaknesses. The following races can be used:
- Dwarves. Dwarves are a race that is short, stocky, strong and has a serious personality. The race has a strong emotional bond with the earth and often lives in the mountains or underground. Stat modifiers (additional stats that can be obtained if the player uses this race): +2 Constitution, +2 Wisdom, –2 Charisma.
- elves. Elves are a race of tall stature, live a solitary life, and have a strong emotional bond with nature. The race lives in harmony with the natural surroundings. Stat modifiers: +2 Dexterity, +2 Intelligence, –2 Constitution
- Gnomes. Gnomes are a mysterious, adventurous, and whimsical race. This race has the smallest stature than other races. Stat modifiers: +2 Constitution, +2 Charisma, –2 Strength.
- Half-elves. Half-elves are a solitary, long-lived and friendly race. This race does not have a large population and tends to be nomads because it does not have a homeland. Stat modifiers: +2 for a status of your choice
- Half-orcs. Half-orcs are a race that is independent, powerful, and distrustful of other races. People think of the race as monsters. This race is tall and has great strength. Stat modifiers: +2 for a status of your choice
- Halflings. Halflings are optimistic, curious, and small in stature. The average height of this breed is only 90 cm. The race is very agile, but has a weak physique. Stat modifiers: +2 Dexterity, +2 Charisma, –2 Strength
- Humans. Humans are an adaptable, ambitious, and balanced race of strength and intelligence. Humans are the dominant race and have diverse cultures and appearances. Stat modifiers: +2 for a status of your choice
Step 4. Select a character class
Classes have the same function as professions. If your character starts the adventure from the beginning and has level one, then the class level starts from level one as well. When a character completes an adventure, he or she will earn experience points (XP) which are used to level up and gain abilities and powers. Here are the 11 basic classes:
- Barbarian. Barbarians are a powerful and uncivilized class. This class is considered a brutal fighter class.
- bard. Bard is a charismatic and deceitful class. This class can use Skills and Spells (magic) to help other characters and attack enemies.
- Cleric. Clerics are a class that believes in gods. This class can heal other characters, resurrect dead characters, and direct the wrath of gods.
- Druids. Druids are a class that has an emotional bond with nature. This class can use Spells, interact with animals, and change their form.
- Fighters. Fighter is a class that is steadfast and brave. This class can use weapons well and is accustomed to wearing armor.
- Monk. Monk is a class that masters martial arts. This class trains the mind and body to attack and defend.
- Paladins. Paladins are a class that upholds truth and goodness. This class is made up of filial piety.
- Rangers. Ranger is a class that masters the wild and woodworking. This class can track and hunt enemies.
- Rogue. Rogue is a class of assassins who act clandestinely. This class also consisted of skilled thieves and accomplished scouts.
- Sorcerers. The Sorcerer was a class made up of talented magicians. This class controls ancient magical energy.
- Wizards. Wizard is a class of students who devote their lives to witchcraft. This class can use amazing magic.
Step 5. Name your character
It's a good idea to give it a name that reflects your character's class, like Jafar for the evil Wizard. In D&D games, each different race has a name that reflects its culture and language. You can find name pools and name generators on the internet. To find them, search for the race name using certain keywords, such as " gnome name generator" or " dwarf name pool ".
- Use the name generator tool to generate various names that match the character's race. After that, you can create your own character names using the names generated by the tool as inspiration. When using the name generator tool, search for names until you find a suitable name for the character.
- You can also use the names of video game, book, and comic characters. In addition, you can also use the name of your favorite historical figure.
Part 2 of 4: Calculating Ability Scores
Step 1. Find the main attribute of the character
Each character has six essential attributes. Attribute values are predefined by D&D rules. A high value reflects a positive bonus of the attribute, while a low value indicates a penalty. If one of the attributes has a value of 10, then the attribute has medium strength. The following are the six attributes found in D&D:
- Strength(Str). Strength measures the physical strength of a character. This attribute is very important for fighting characters, such as Fighter, Monk, and Paladin. Strength also determines how much weight the character can carry.
- Dexterity (Dex). Dexterity measures a character's agility, including Balance and Reflex. This attribute is especially important for Rogues, characters who wear medium-type armor, and characters who attack using ranged weapons, such as Bows and Slings.
- Constitution (Cons). Constitution measures health (a character's hit points) and Fortitude (a character's defense strength). This attribute increases the character's hit point. When a character's hit points run out, he or she can fail or die.
- Intelligence (Int). Intelligence measures character knowledge. This attribute is especially important for Wizards and classes that require reasoning or learning abilities, such as Paladins.
- Wisdom (Wis). Wisdom measures the accuracy of reasoning. This attribute increases common sense, awareness of the circumference of character, and determination. This attribute is very important to Clerics, Druids, and Rangers.
- Charisma (Cha). Charisma measures the attractiveness of a character. This attribute increases the character's ability to attract and lead other characters. In addition, these attributes can improve the appearance of the character. This attribute is very important to Bards, Paladins, and Sorcerers.
Step 2. Throw the dice to determine the Ability Score
You need four six-sided dice or a dice thrower program to determine Ability Score. You can find dice roll programs on the internet using the keyword "dice roller Dungeons & Dragons". Throw all four dice after getting them. Add the three dice with the highest number and record the sum. The result of the sum serves as a score. Repeat these steps until you get six scores.
Step 3. Enter the six scores into the six main attributes of the character
You can enter any score to the desired attribute. However, we recommend that you put a high score on the attributes that your character class needs most. For example, Strength is an attribute required by the Fighter class. As such, we recommend that you enter the highest score into the Strength attribute. Don't forget to add up the race modifier stats and attribute scores.
- An example of adding up stat modifiers and attribute scores: after rolling the dice, if you use the Human race, you'll get two additional scores for whatever attribute you want.
- Reduce the number of dice used when determining Ability Score to increase the difficulty level of the game. This can make the game even more stressful. The "3d6" system of rolling dice (3 6-sided dice) is often referred to as the "classic" roll system and the "2d6" type (2 6-sided) dice system is referred to as the "heroic" roll system.
Step 4. Use the "Point Buy" system as an alternative
The Point Buy system allows you to purchase attribute points for your character if you wish. All attributes start at a score of 10. The higher the Ability Score, the higher the cost of purchasing attribute points.
- The amount of fees used to purchase attribute points varies depending on the type of Campaign. The "Low Fantasy" type campaign requires you to spend 10 points; The "Standard Fantasy" type campaign requires you to spend 15 points; Campaign type " High Fantasy " requires you to spend 20 points; and Campaign type " Epic Fantasy " requires you to spend 25 points.
- You can see an overview of the "Point Buy" usage fees in the following chart. Note that you can earn additional points if you reduce your ability score to 9, 8, or 7 (negative numbers count as additional points that can be used to buy Ability Score points):
- Ability Score / Point Cost
- 8 / -2
- 9 / -1
- 10 / 0
- 11 / 1
- 12 / 2
- 13 / 3
- 14 / 5
- etc…
Step 5. Use the Ability Score calculator program
There are a variety of Ability Score calculator programs that you can find and use on the internet. To find it, search for the keyword "ability score generator". In addition, you can look for a Point Buy counter program that can help you keep track of the number of points you own and use when buying Ability Score.
Many Ability Score programs include bonus points that come from race stat modifiers that a character may earn
Step 6. Record the Ability Modifier for each Ability Score
Ability Modifier is a bonus or penalty for each character's Ability Score. For example, if the average Ability Score is 10, the character will not get a bonus or penalty(+0).
- The bonus or penalty derived from the Ability Modifier is added or subtracted for each activity that requires one of the main attributes.
- Ability Modifiers can also provide additional Spells per day for an Ability Score. The following list contains the Ability Score as well as the Ability Modifier:
- Score / Modifiers
- 6 – 7 / -2
- 8 – 9 / -1
- 10 – 11 / +0
- 12 – 13 / +1
- 14 – 15 / +2
- 16 – 17 / +3
Part 3 of 4: Using Skills, Feats, Weapons, and Armor
Step 1. Select the Skill for the character
Skill is an important basic ability. You'll find a list of abilities on the character sheet, including Acrobatics, Climb, Knowledge (history), Linguistics, Stealth, and more. Skills can be obtained by increasing the level. As previously explained, characters can level up by accumulating XP.
- Each time the character level up, he will get a Skill Rank (a number that indicates the skill level) which can be used to acquire certain Skills, such as Bluff, Sleight of Hand, or Swim.
- Characters automatically gain a +3 bonus for Class Skills that have at least a Skill Rank. The skills recommended by the D&D rules are outlined in the class description.
- Your Skill Rank level cannot exceed the character's Hit Dice value (the value of the dice used to determine the number of Hit Points).
Step 2. Create a character Feat list
Feats refer to a character's abilities that are not related to race, class, or skill. There are many Feats that can be used in D&D, including high reflexes when dodging enemy attacks, a tendency to fight using bladed weapons, and a talent for crafting items. Some Feats have limitations, such as the minimum Ability Score level or the minimum character level required to use a Feat. Many Feats serve to increase the class's ability or reduce the penalty earned by the class. The following are the main types of Feats:
- Combat Feats. These features allow characters to use martial arts-type features, such as All-consuming Swing, Ancestral Weapon Mastery, Bullseye Shot, Cleave, Dueling Mastery, and Improved Parry.
- Critical Feats. This feature can be used when the character successfully performs a Critical Hit attack (an additional attack that can be generated by the character if it meets certain criteria). The character can do a Critical Hit attack if the 20-sided dice you throw results in 20.
- Item Creation Feats. This feature allows characters to create various magic items, such as Scrolls, Potions, and Wands. To use this Feat, you usually need certain ingredients.
- Metamagic Feats. This feat affects the spell's effect or the way spells are generated. Metamagic Feats produces various Feats, such as Bounce Spell, Concussive Spell, Lingering Spell, and Toxic Spell.
Step 3. Roll the dice to determine the number of Gold Pieces you can have at the start of the game
Gold Piece (GP) is the currency of D&D. GP is usually awarded when a character completes a quest (a task that the character can complete) and defeats an enemy. However, each character gets a fixed amount of GP which is pre-determined by the D&D rules. The amount of GP a character can gain depends on its class. You can find out the amount of GP your character gets at the start of the game by using the following calculation method:
- Barbarian, 3d6 x 10 GP
- Bard, 3d6 x 10 GP
- Cleric, 4d6 x 10 GP
- Druids, 2d6 x 10 GP
- Fighter, 5d6 x 10 GP
- Monk, 1d6 x 10 GP
- Paladin, 5d6 x 10 GP
- Rangers, 5d6 x 10 GP
- Rogue, 4d6 x 10 GP
- Sorcerer, 2d6 x 10 GP
- Wizard, 2d6 x 10 GP
Step 4. Apply items to the character
Use GP to buy weapons, armor, items (Potions and Torch), and equipment (Tent and Rope) for characters. Lists of items, weapons and armor can be found on the internet. In some game sessions, you may only have modest armor or weapons until you find a shop that sells better quality items.
- Characters suitable for close combat, such as Fighter and Paladin, require Heavy armor, such as Plate Mail and Shield. In addition, the character also needs a Heavy type weapon, such as a Broadsword or Mace.
- Agile characters, such as Gnome, Rogue, and Ranger, are better suited to wearing Light type armor, such as Chainmail or Boiled Leather. In addition, the character also needs a weapon that can attack from a distance or be used for stealth attacks, such as the Bow, Sling, or Kukri.
- Weak characters, such as Wizard and Bard, may only be able to wear Light or Robe type armor. In addition, these characters can only use Light-type weapons, such as Rod (magic wand type), Staff (magic wand type), Bow, and Whip (whip).
Step 5. Determine Armor Class and Attack Bonus
The Attack Bonus and Armor Bonus are outlined in the weapon and armor information. In some cases, the character may receive a penalty if he wears armor or uses certain weapons, such as armor and Heavy type weapons, a high Armor Class (AC) will make the character stronger to withstand attacks. In addition, the Attack Bonus helps determine how much attack a character can generate.
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Use the following calculation method to determine AC and Attack Bonus:
- AC = 10 + Armor Bonus + Shield Bonus + Dexterity Modifier + Other Modifiers (such as stat modifiers derived from a race or class type)
- Attack Bonus for melee weapons = Basic Attack Bonus + Strength Modifier + Size Modifier (modifier determined by character size)
- Attack Bonus for ranged weapons = Basic Attack Bonus + Dexterity Modifier + Size Modifier + Range Penalty (the penalty that character gets when using ranged weapons)
- Size Modifier is determined by the modifier value contained in the following character size types: Colossal (-8), Gargantuan (-4), Huge (-2), Large (-1), Medium (+0), Small (+1), Tiny (+2), Diminutive (+4), Fine (+8). Smaller characters are usually more agile, while larger characters are usually stronger.
Part 4 of 4: Completing Characters
Step 1. Imagine the appearance of the character
You can describe a character's appearance by drawing it or by using words. Describe the basic appearance of the character, such as age, weight, height, skin color, and so on. Determine the character's personality. This can affect the decisions he makes in the game.
- Write the character's background. What was the character's youth like? This can help you see your character as being different from yourself. That way, you can role-play better.
- Life goals, fears, and desires can make the character's personality more detailed. Keep this in mind when playing characters and interacting with other players and Non-player Characters (NPCs). It is important for you to appreciate the character's personality when playing.
Step 2. Determine the Alignment of the character
Alignment is a principle barometer of character. There are nine basic alignments covering various personalities, philosophies, and beliefs. Alignment consists of an order characteristic (Lawful, Neutral, Chaotic) and a moral characteristic (Good, Neutral, Evil) held by the character, such as Lawful Neutral, Lawful Evil, Neutral Good, and Chaotic Good.
- Characters who have the moral characteristics of "Good" are driven to protect innocent people and the lives of others. These characters dare to sacrifice for others and care about the honor of living beings.
- Characters who have the moral characteristics of "Evil" are usually not afraid to hurt or take the lives of others. These characters are usually hurtful, destructive, and restrained for personal pleasure or gain.
- Characters possessing the order characteristic of "Neutral" avoid killing. However, these characters have no desire to sacrifice or protect others.
- Characters who have the characteristics of a "lawful" order like order, truth, power, and tradition. These characters usually have short-sighted views, are very rigid, and feel the most righteous.
- Characters who have the characteristics of the "Chaotic" order make decisions based on their conscience. The character hates power and loves freedom. However, he can also be reckless and irresponsible.
- Characters who have an "Order neutral" alignment are usually honest. However, the character is vulnerable to temptation so that his determination changes. Moreover, he also had no desire to resist or obey orders.
Step 3. Play the character on the Campaign
Play with other players so you can play a character in a Campaign (a continuous storyline or set of adventures usually involving the same characters) defined or created by the Dungeon Master. You can find examples and campaign information on the internet. However, as long as you have a master rulebook, you can create your own D&D world.
