D&D 4e Character Creation Guide

This guide walks you through building a Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition character step by step.

Choose a Race

  • Pick a race from the Player’s Handbook or approved supplements.
  • Consider bonuses and traits:
    • Ability score bonuses (e.g., +2 Strength, +2 Dexterity)
    • Special abilities (e.g., darkvision, resistances)
  • Record your race on your character sheet.

Choose a Class

  • Classes determine powers and role.
  • Common classes:
    • Fighter, Rogue, Wizard, Cleric, Paladin, Warlock, Ranger, Warlord
  • Record your class features:
    • Hit points (HP)
    • Initial powers
    • Class skills
    • Armor and weapon proficiencies

Assign Ability Scores

  • There are 6 abilities: Strength, Constitution, Dexterity, Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma.
  • Use one of these methods:
    • Standard Array: 16, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10
    • Point Buy
    • Rolling Dice (e.g., 4d6 drop lowest)
  • Apply racial bonuses to abilities.
  • Calculate ability modifiers: (score - 10) / 2, rounded down.

Choose Skills

  • Each class grants skill proficiencies.
  • Assign ranks to skills, adding your ability modifier.
  • Examples:
    • Athletics (Strength)
    • Arcana (Intelligence)
    • Perception (Wisdom)

Choose Feats

  • Feats grant special abilities or bonuses.
  • First-level characters usually get 1 feat.
  • Common choices:
    • Weapon or armor specialization
    • Power enhancement
    • Skill bonuses

Select Powers

  • At-will powers: Can use anytime.
  • Encounter powers: Once per encounter.
  • Daily powers: Once per day.
  • Classes define how many you choose at each level.
  • Record attack rolls, damage, and effects.

Equipment

  • Start with class-based equipment:
    • Weapons, armor, and gear
  • Track gold for additional purchases.
  • Record AC (Armor Class), Fortitude, Reflex, Will.

Calculate Defenses

  • Armor Class (AC)
  • Fortitude: Physical resilience
  • Reflex: Agility and dodging
  • Will: Mental resistance
  • Use:
    Defense = 10 + ability modifier + class/racial bonuses + armor/shield bonus

Record Other Details

  • Hit Points (HP): Base HP + Constitution modifier
  • Initiative: Typically Dexterity modifier
  • Speed: Based on race
  • Languages: From race and background
  • Alignment: Optional role-playing guide
  • Background and story: Helps with roleplay

Final Checks

  • Verify all calculations.
  • Make sure you have:
    • Powers correctly recorded
    • Defenses calculated
    • Equipment and attack bonuses listed
    • Skill modifiers correct
  • Review your character concept and role in the party.

Ready to Play!

  • You are now ready to join your adventuring party.
  • Remember, D&D 4e emphasizes tactical combat and powers, so familiarize yourself with your abilities.