Character Generation - kostchei/Footfall_Players GitHub Wiki

Character Generation Wiki Page

1. Introduction

Welcome to the Character Generation guide! This page covers how to create a new character. The intention here is to increase the non-spellcasting options. This does not mean spellcasting classes are banned, rather they are rarer among Non-Player Characters. Players can be spellcasters, but it counts a thing that they are famous for. There is also list of backgrounds, and species. It also describes ability score generation methods (point buy plus rolling), alignment options, and recommendations for tying your character’s backstory into the group (connections).

House Rule Note
Classes and species are categorized into non-spellcasting or spellcasting. Spellcasting gives you a reputation and in a way counts as legacy. Legacy options from older 5e supplements are also included. You can access these by expending a legacy.

2. Choose Your Class

2.1 Non-Spellcasting Classes

You may choose from the following classes and subclasses:

  • Barbarian

    • Berserker
    • Juggernaut
    • Slayer-Foehammer
    • Slayer-The Rider

  • Captain

    • Thane
    • Chieftain

  • Courtier

    • Diplomat
    • Investigator

  • Fighter

    • Battle Master
    • Banneret
    • Cavalier
    • Champion
    • Scofflaw
    • Sharpshooter

  • Rogue

    • Assassin
    • Inquisitive
    • Mastermind
    • Scout
    • Swashbuckler
    • Thief
    • Treasure Hunter-Agent
    • Treasure Hunter-Burglar

  • Scholar

    • School of Lore
    • School of Healing

  • Wanderer

    • Hunter of Beasts
    • Hunter of Shadows

  • Warden

    • Bounder
    • Counsellor
    • Herald or Messenger

Note
A wider range of non-spellcasting classes have been provided. Non-spellcasting classes can swap one (1) class ability of the same level, for example, the College of Dance feature Level 3: Dazzling Footwork might be swapped out for a 3rd level Fighter or Rogue Class Feature.

2.2 Spellcasting Classes

Any class with prominent magic abilities falls in this category:

  • All remaining 2024 Player’s Handbook classes (e.g., Wizard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Bard, Druid, Cleric, Monk with Ki-based spells, Paladin, Ranger, Wild Heart Barbarian, Eldritch Knight, Arcane Trickster etc)
  • Legacy Classes (e.g., Wizard-Necromancy specialisation). From older supplement options, you may include “legacy” classes.

3. Choose Your Background

3.1 Non-Spellcasting Backgrounds

These are flavor-focused backgrounds without inherent magical training:

  • Artisan
  • Charlatan
  • Criminal
  • Entertainer
  • Farmer
  • Guard
  • Hermit
  • Custom (PHB24 excluding Magic Initiate origin feat)

3.2 Spellcasting Backgrounds

These backgrounds include spellcasting:

  • Acolyte
  • Guide
  • Sage
  • Custom (PHB24 with Magic Initiate origin feat)

3.3 Legacy Backgrounds

Use these options if your table allows background features from older supplements. For instance:

  • Custom with a non-player’s 2024 handbook feat (e.g., Magic Initiate Warlock, etc.)

Tip
For “Custom Backgrounds,” always clarify with DM how skill proficiencies, tools, languages, and features are selected or combined.

4. Choose Your Species

4.1 Non-Spellcasting Species

  • Humans
  • Dwarves
  • Orcs
  • Halflings
  • Legacy Non-Spellcasting Species (e.g., Goblins from Volo’s Guide or older expansions)

Important
Use the background-based stat approach as per the DMG or your table’s rules. You typically don’t stack species and background bonuses. Check with the DM to avoid double-dipping on ability score increases.

4.2 Spellcasting Species

  • Aasimar
  • Dragonborn
  • Elf
  • Gnome
  • Goliath
  • Tiefling
  • Legacy Spellcasting Species (Fairy, Githyanki, etc.)

5. Generate Ability Scores

You have two steps to generate your ability scores: Point Buy (27 points) plus 4d6 rolls applied on top.

5.1 Base Point-Buy Table (27 Points)

You begin by assigning each ability score a floor based on the 27-point buy. The costs or refunds are shown below:

Score Cost (Points)
3 -2
6 -1
8 0
9 1
10 2
11 3
12 4
13 5
14 7
15 9
  • You cannot exceed 15 or go below 3 at this stage.
  • If you run out of points before setting each ability, consider dropping one score’s point-buy floor to free up points.

Example
If you want a character with 15 Strength (9 points), 14 Dexterity (7 points), and 13 Constitution (5 points), that’s already 21 points. You have 6 points left for your other three ability floors.

5.2 Rolling 4d6 (Drop Lowest)

After setting each ability’s floor, roll 4d6 and drop the lowest die, doing this six times total. Each total is then applied over the top of the floor you set with your point buy:

  • Random Allocation: Assign each of the six rolls to whichever ability score you like. If the roll is lower than the floor, the floor remains. If the roll is higher than the floor, you get the higher result.
  • Ordered Allocation: Sort your point-buy floors in order (lowest to highest or highest to lowest). Then roll your six 4d6 sets (dropping the lowest die each time). Apply the results in order over your floors.

Note
We roll dice for character generation at the table.

6. Alignment

6.1 Non-Evil Characters

  • Good: Choose 2 virtues (traits like kindness, honor, generosity, bravery) and 1 vice (e.g., impatience, pride, gluttony). Those virtues and vices should fall in the 15 to 18 range of importance to your character’s personality.
  • Neutral: Choose 1 or 2 virtues and an equal number of vices.

6.2 Evil Characters

  • Evil: Choose 2 vices and 1 virtue.

note Reflect these choices in your roleplay to renew your Inspiration

7. Connections

  • Pick how you know 3 other characters.
    Did you adventure together before? Serve in the same militia? Grow up in the same town?

  • Describe what your character likes most about 2 other characters.
    Do you admire someone’s bravery, like the cut of their jib or are you intrigued by their skills?

  • Consider what binds the character to the group.
    Shared goals, a debt to repay, loyalty, respect for a skill or subsistence necessity?

  • Consider what group or people your character values or is influenced by.
    Is it an order of knights, the people of your hometown, a network of sagacious penpals, an esoteric order of tinkers, a tattooed criminal gang, an old faith that meets for bacchanalia in the woods, or a fencing school?

Tip
Anchoring your character in the world and to other PCs can create compelling plot hooks and deeper roleplay experiences.

To Footfall!