Character Creation Guide

This page sets out the rules for building a new player character for Elysium D&D campaigns.

The Party is currently at Level 6! Ensure that your character is built with this in mind.

If you're not sure how to fill the sheet in, or are unsure about what you're doing, reach out to others as we're happy to help.

Character Sheet

Players may record their characters in whatever fashion is most comfortable for them. We recommend using this 5E Character Sheet. It can be edited in most web browsers or printed out and filled in.

Send your completed sheet and written background to your DM before the first session. You're also invited to create a page for your character on the wiki!

Class & Species

Begin by exploring and selecting a Class and Species from the 5etools page. Your class will dictate the abilities, features and bonuses you gain access to as you level up, while your species defines your racial features, traits and identity.

When choosing a class, remember to also choose a subclass from the top of the features list. These provide different pathways and options, such as a Fighter gaining access to magic through the Eldritch Knight subclass, or a Wizard becoming proficient with swords as a Bladesinger.

Record everything you have access to up to the level noted at the top of this page, except for Equipment which we will revisit shortly. You'll likely find it difficult to write down everything onto your character sheet; that's okay. If needed, just write down the important stuff like the name of the features and anything notable. During gameplay, these can be quickly referenced and reviewed from 5etools.

Background & Feats

Select a Background for your character. This should reflect their backstory as closely as possible, although you do not need to take a stereotypical option. A Cleric may have served as an upstanding Acolyte, or a bad-mouthing Sailor. Backgrounds will affect which skills you receive bonus points in, denotes proficiency in Skills, Tools and Languages, and may allow for roleplay opportunities. Record everything down, except Equipment which we will revisit shortly.

Your background may also provide you with a Feat. Regardless of if you receive a Feat from your background, you will have earned one at Level 4 so select this here. One common Feat if you're uncertain about what to take is Ability Score Improvement, which allows you to increase one ability score of your choice by 2, or increase two ability scores of your choice by 1.

Ability Scores

Characters use the standard array, with one house rule: the 15 becomes a 16. That gives you the following six values to assign:

Score	Modifier
16	+3
14	+2
13	+1
12	+1
10	+0
8	−1

Using the 5etools stat generator

The easiest way to do this is with the 5etools stat generator:

1. Open the stat generator and select the Standard Array tab.
2. Assign the array values to your abilities as normal.
3. In the User column, add 1 to whichever ability you gave the 15. It will now show as a 16.
4. Make sure you have selected your race and background to open up the +2 and +1 checkboxes. Select these accordingly.
5. Finally, make sure to select any Feats and Ability Score Increases you have access to from the current Party Level

Record the output of the Mod column into your ability scores on your character sheet using the big squares, and the Total column into the smaller squares

Equipment

Your Class and Background may have offered you a selection for equipment, granting either a set of various items or a lump sum of gold (GP). If you have chosen GP, visit the Items page and do some shopping!

There are countless options for items, so if this is your first game it is recommended to take at least one of the starting item sets to ensure you have a reasonable kit of equipment.

Character Story

Every character must arrive with the following written up. This doesn't need to be a novel — a few paragraphs is plenty — but all four elements must be present.

Backstory

Who your character was before the campaign begins. Where they're from, what they've done, and what shaped them.

Short-term goals

What your character wants right now. Something achievable within the opening arc of the campaign — a debt to settle, a person to find, a skill to learn.

Long-term goals

What your character is ultimately working towards. This gives your DM something to build towards over the life of the campaign.

Reason for joining the party

Why your character is travelling with the party. This may involve the death of Bahamut, the Selunite/Sharran conflict, or other story beats. If you're unsure, speak to your DM and discuss a natural way to be brought into the story.

See also

• Category:Player Characters
• Category:Campaigns