Looking to give your artificer a bit of a nautical flare?

Here’s how to build a cartographer artificer using unearthed arcana.

What Level Should You Start At?

An artificer in a split image with a sailing ship in Dungeons & Dragons.

The most important step in building high-level characters is figuring out how topick the right level to start at.

If you start too low, there’s really no point in starting above level one.

However, if you start too high, there’s no sense of progression available in your campaign.

A group of improvised weapons, including saws, lanterns, nets, and mugs in Dungeons & Dragons.

Discuss with your DM and table what level character would be appropriatefor the campaign you’re about to play.

Here’s a breakdown of recommended level starting pointsdepending on your experience.

However,there are some pitfallsyou’ll want to avoid.

A split image of a player casting an elemental spell against a ship in a storm in DND.

This can prove tedious at times, sohere are some tips and tricks to streamline this process.

Tip

Details

Do Ability Scores Last

Your Ability Scores are going to change drasticallyas you build your character sheet.

This will save you time later.

Three high-level characters in Dungeons & Dragons in a split image.

Fill In Spells Later

Your spell slots and number of cantrips and prepared spells also change drastically.

A version of the below table can also be found in the 2024 Player’s Handbook.

Starting Level

Extra Starting Equipment And Gold

Magic Items

24

No additional equipment.

An owlin and two other students explore Strixhaven in Dungeons & Dragons.

Strixhaven Curriculum of Chaos via Wizards of the Coast

you’re able to tweak these as you see fit.

Encourage them to think flexiblyand make narrative-based choices.

Here are some examplesofhigh-tier multiclassesto consider when building a high-level character.

Adventurers brave the winds of the Pandemonium Plane wielding weapons in Dungeons & Dragons.

The Winds of Pandemonium by Chris Rallis

Any of the above options prove greatfor expert players, provided you’re starting at level ten or higher.

Got into a brawl in the tavern and not sure what to do next?

Use an improvised weapon to turn the tide of battle!

A spellbook and group of components in a pouch in Dungeons & Dragons.

Wizard Components by Jane Katsubo

An adventuring party climbs down a dark staircase in Dungeons & Dragons.

Exploration By William O’Connor

Tabletop

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