Variant: Streamline Character Creation

The characters that I find interesting to play, especially martial characters, all seem to need a feat or two to really get going. Additionally, I play with a lot of new players for whom the process of character creation seems to be extremely daunting, and the Player's Handbook is not organized well for the absolute beginner. This variant is my attempt at supporting people like myself who want to create interesting characters out of the gate without being stuck as a variant human, as well as allowing absolute beginners to make a character very quickly. It also removes the difficulty of race selection, so it can make it possible to play a dwarven wizard, an elven sorcerer, or a halfling fighter without having to make sacrifices.

Step 1: Choose a Class

The first and most important choice you have to make is what class you will play. Your class determines what your character can do, and their role within the party. Look at the table on Page 45 of the Player's Handbook, and pick whatever class appeals to you.

For your first character, you might want to avoid classes that use spells, since spellcasting can be complicated and D&D can be overwhelming to begin with. The Barbarian, Fighter, Ranger, and Rogue are all great choices for your first character.

Next, look at the section of the Player's Handbook that describes your class, and choose two skills from your class's skill list. You are proficient in these skills, so underline them on your character sheet. Your DM will help you understand what proficiency means later.

Step 2: Choose Ability Scores

The next step to creating your character is to determine your ability scores, which give the basic information about how strong, tough, agile, or smart your character is. Choose one of the following arrays of scores to use. No matter which array you choose, you can arrange your scores to your six abilities in any order. Place your highest score in the attribute the class table says is your "Primary Ability".

The Standard Array: 15, 14, 13,12, 10, 8

Choose the standard array if you want a character with a couple of strengths, as well as a weakness. This tends to make pretty interesting characters.

For your first character, choose the standard array.

The Dual Expert: 15, 15, 13, 10, 10, 8

This is a great stat-line for characters like monks who need both high wisdom and dexterity, barbarians who need both high strength and constitution, or paladins who need both high strength and charisma.

The All-Arounder: 14, 14 ,14, 10, 10, 10

This is a good stat line for characters who want to have some strong points, but also not have any significant drawbacks.

You can also use the "Variant: Customizing ability scores" described on page 13 of the Player's Handbook.

Step 3: Customize Ability Scores

Next, we're going to customize your character to make them a little different than the rest. Gain proficiency in one skill that your character has an innate knack for. As before, underline one of the skills on your character sheet.

You have 4 points you can use to customize your character, which you can spend in the following way:

For 2 points, you can gain a feat, which provides extra options for your character.

For 1 point, you may add 1 to any of your ability scores. You may only use a maximum of 2 points on any one score.

For 1 point, you may become proficient in any skill.

No matter what choices you make, your character may never have an ability score higher than 17 at level 1.

For your first character, add 2 to the "Primary Ability" listed on your class table. Then, look at the "Quick Build" section under your chosen class' description. It will tell you another ability which should be high. Add 2 to that ability as well.

Step 4: Choose a Race

Your race does not have any impact on your character's statistics, but will change the way that they act and interact with the world.

Choose a human if you are more comfortable playing a character who looks like you, or if you want to play a character who is less exotic

Choose a dwarf if you want to play a gruff, tough character

Choose an elf if you want to play a cultured character who has a connection to magic and nature

Choose a halfling if you want to be a fun-loving trickster who looks forward to second breakfast.

Choose a dragonborn if you want to be a 300 pound scaly dragon-man

Choose a gnome if you want to be a trickster and a tinkerer

You always break the racial stereotypes surrounding your chosen race, so if you want to be a dwarf trickster wizard, please do!