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A simple requirement inDungeons & Dragonsis a character sheet.
Crafting a character is like brewing a magical potion you need the right mix.
But what numbers go where, and how are they determined?
With even more explanations and examples than before, here’s how to fill out a character sheet.
Your priority is to have fun.
None of that, however, is big enough to warrant one species being better than another.
You’ll notice the line says race, but we’ve referred to it as species.
Perfect for stubborn players.
Great for those wanting to live out their D&D fantasy.
It’s suggested for more experienced players.
Choose Your Class
Another hard decision to make but an easy portion to fill out.
Probably the biggest decision, as your class will determine how you play through the session.
Choose your class wisely, as you’ll have much more to fill out based on this decision.
Your class choice will provideseveral benefits and featuresfor your character.
Once chosen, write your class on the line at the top that says class & level.
Calculate And Fill In Your Ability Scores
It’s time to work with numbers.
Ability
What It Measures
Classes That Utilize This Skill
Strength
Bodily power, athleticism
Barbarian, fighter, paladin.
Dexterity
Reflexes, balance, physical agility
Monk, ranger, rogue.
Constitution
Health, stamina, vital force
All classes.
Intelligence
Mental acuity, analytical skill, information recall
Wizard.
Wisdom
Awareness, insight, intuition
Cleric, druid.
Charisma
confidence, eloquence, leadership
Bard, sorcerer, warlock.
Place the numbers in the corresponding large box on the left of the sheet.
If you still can’t decide, look at the skills list next to the ability scores.
They have abilities in parentheses next to each skill.
While filling in your ability scores, remember toadd any bonuses you get from your species.
Each species has ability score improvements, for example, elves get +2 to their Dexterity score.
Alternatively, you’llincrease three ability scores by one.
Add Your Modifiers
These modifier numbers will be applied to your skills and other areas.
They’ll be placed in the little circle underneath your ability score.
For example, if your ability score is 14.
You’ll subtract 14 - 10, giving you 4.
Then divide 4 by 2, giving you 2.
Choose Your Background
Your background will allow you to fill out multiple portions of your character sheet.
In the Player’s Handbook, you’ll see asection for backgroundsyou can choose.
You’llfill out the top line with your background of choiceby writing in the title of the background you choose.
You’ll next see sections on the right forpersonality traits, ideals, bonds, and flaws.
Jot down your languages or choices in the lower left box.
Don’t forget to add any languages learned through your background.
Use this to your advantage when choosing languages.
So those proficiencies you get from your class should also be included.
Skill proficienciesare those skills your character is exceptionally good at.
They correspond to the skills you choose on the left side of your character sheet under “skills.”
Whichever fits best, write it out on the corresponding line at the top of the character sheet.
Be sure your DM doesn’t have any issues with any alignments.
Not everyone wants to run a campaign with a chaotic evil character.
Your speed is determined by your character species.
Fill in the corresponding number based on what the class says in the box near the top labeled speed.
Your speed can fluctuate depending on the weight you carry if your DM decides to use theencumbrance variant.
Initiative
Calculate your initiative by using your dexterity modifier.
Add Your Skills
You’ll notice a long box to the right of your ability scores for skills.
Your skills correspond to your ability scores.
Your background may give you additional skills; be sure to bubble those in, too.
Perception and Investigation are two very similar abilities in Dungeons & Dragons, but which should you use?
The number is static and tied to a set amount of levels.
These represent things your character is aptly proficient in based on their class.
The chart below represents the bonus given to skills your character is proficient in.
Calculate Your Saving Throws And HP
Your hit points come from your class.
At the beginning of each class section, you’ll see a section labeled hit points.
Each class has a hit dice, a number associated with the class.
Your hit points will be thehit dice number plus your constitution modifierat level one.
Place the result on the line that says hit point maximum and current hit points.
You’ll change the number of hit points as you take damage in battle.
For now, though, fill in your hit points at level one.
Your saving throws are also determined by your class.
First, you’ll write down your ability modifiers next to each saving throw.
Essentially, at level one, you’ll add +2 to each saving throw you’re proficient in.
This number will increase according to the corresponding levels.
The armor chart shows thedifferent values for different armor types.
If you’reunarmed, your base AC is ten plus your dexterity modifier.
Below, we will go over how to calculate the damage for these weapons.
Weapons use either your Strength or Dexterity modifier.
Whichever it uses, you’lltake that relevant modifier and add it to your proficiency bonus.
This number is the number you place in the section that saysATK bonus.
If the weapon isfinesse, you’re able to useyour Dexterity modifier instead of your Strengthmodifier.
The section that says damage/key in will use slightly different numbers.
So if it’s strength, you’ll fill in thedamage plus your strength modifier.
This damagedoes NOT add the proficiency bonusas the attack bonus does.
You’ll also add the throw in of damage next to this.
Yourspell attack bonuswill be yourspellcasting modifier plus your proficiency bonus.
You won’t add your proficiency bonus to spell damage unless the spell says otherwise.
To do so, they’ll need to beat your Spell Save DC.
Take that total, and write the number in the circle that says Spell Save DC.
On the lines provided,write the name of the spell.
If that spell is prepared, you’ll bubble in the circle next to it.
In the area labeled slots total,write the total number of spell slots availableat your current level.
Spell Slots, Explained
Spellcasting can get complicated.
Most spellcasting classes do things differently.
Certain classes will have more spells slots available to them than others and can utilize them differently.
These are recorded in the spellcasting chart for each class.
Spell slots are tied to the character’s spellcasting level.
You mustexpend a spell slot equal to the level of the spell you’re using.
A third-level spell will use a third-level spell slot, for example.
Too many weapons for only one character.
Read about every weapon throw in and choose your favorite one.
