D&D Edition
We play in D&D 5th Edition, though some tweaks from 2024 edition are occasionally brought in. In general, assume character creation follows 5th Edition unless otherwise mentioned.
Character Sheets
You can use whatever you prefer to make your character sheet (paper, DnDBeyond, etc.) as long as I can access it or you give me updated copies when asked.
Official D&D 5e Character Sheet (Fillable PDF)
Rolling Up Stats:
I do stats a little bit differently. This method guarantees that each character has one stat (usually their main class stat) that they are really good in, and one stat that they start with a negative modifier in, which by having a weakness helps emphasize the importance of varying strengths within the party.
- Roll 4d6 and re-roll any 1s, then add up the top 3 numbers. (ie 4, 5, 2, 6 > 4+5+6=15). Do this 7 times total, then drop the lowest number.
- If your highest number is not an 18, change it to 18.
- If your lowest number is higher than 9, change it to 9.
Free Feat:
Everyone gets a free feat at level 1.
Starting Wealth/Equipment:
Pick your usual starting gear as described by your class, then we’ll do a wealth roll. You and I (the DM) each roll 1d100, with my roll being secret. You can then choose if you want to take your wealth roll or take the risk and go with my secret roll (gambling!). The roll you choose is your starting wealth. Add the result of this roll to your starting gold amount, and then I will give you additional starting equipment and a magic item depending on your wealth roll. This could be in the form of better armor, a horse, cart, etc., all depending on your wealth roll and class/background. Starting magic items are customized and tailored to your specific character, and their power is determined by your wealth roll, though they won’t be anything too crazy.
Backstory:
For your backstory, you’re welcome to give as much or as little information as you’d like! Anything from a few sentences to a full prologue is welcome, and I love involving backstories into the game. That being said, I need a few specific things from you:
Three NPCs
- One friend/ally. This could be a family member, old war buddy, etc.
- One enemy/rival. This could be a childhood rival, an enemy from a previous conflict, etc.
- One of your choice. Choose a friend, family member, enemy, or any other significant person from your history.
The NPCs must all be alive, though your character doesn’t necessarily have to know they’re alive. This could be like “I thought I killed my rival in combat, but he’s still out there somewhere and I have no idea”. Whether or not your character knows the status on these NPCs is entirely up to you! You’re also welcome to include any definitely not-alive NPCs in your backstory, as long as you have at least these 3 living ones.
For each NPC, I just need their name, a basic description (race, age, profession, etc.), and how they fit into your character’s past. Again, feel free to give as much or as little info as you’d like as long as you include at least those basic things.
Home Town
Pick a town on the map for the campaign you are in and write it down as your home town. Large or small doesn’t matter, and if you’d like to be from a town/village/similar that isn’t on the map, just pick an area and we’ll figure something out!
Background Details
You don’t need to go crazy on this, but explain a little bit about why your character has your chosen background (soldier, outlander, etc.) If you took the soldier background and your character was a member of a town’s guard, that’s all I need.
Why You’re in the Starting Town
The game will be starting in a specific town (I’ll tell you which one during character creation). Let me know why your character would be in that town at this point in time! They don’t have to be from there initially, it could be anything from “I live nearby and was picking up supplies” to “I’m here studying magic”, whatever fits into your backstory!