Introduction

This technical document outlines the standardized process for creating a character in Dungeons & Dragons 5.5e. The procedure consists of eight core steps, with the first three being interchangeable in order. Follow each section sequentially after determining your preferred order for the first three steps. For more traditional instruction, you can refer to chapter 2 of the Player's Handbook.

Primary Character Elements

1. Pick a species and record:
• Size category
• Base speed
• Racial traits
2. Pick a class and record:
• These proficiencies:
  • Saving throws
  • Skills
  • Weapons
  • Armor training
• Starting equipment
3. Pick a background and record:
   • Ability score increases. You can choose between:
     • Increasing one listed ability score by 2 AND a different one by 1
     • Or increasing all three listed ability scores by 1
   • Background feat
   • Skill proficiencies (you get two)
   • Tool proficiency (you get one)
   • Starting equipment

Ability Score Generation

4. Generate and assign ability scores You need six numbers. Pick one of these methods to obtain them (hover over each for instructions):
   • Standard Array

     Your six numbers are: 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8.
   • Random Rolls

     Roll four d6s and record the total of the highest three dice. Do this five more times, so you have six numbers.
   • Point Buy

     You have 27 points to spend on your ability scores. The cost of each score depends on how high the score is. Because this one is a bit more complex, you can click to follow the link that leads to a calculator.
   Then, once you have your six numbers:
   • Assign each number to an ability of your choice
   • Apply any ability modifiers
   • Apply background bonuses

Character Definition

5. Alignment Selection Choose from:
• Lawful Good, Neutral Good, Chaotic Good
• Lawful Neutral, Neutral, Chaotic Neutral
• Lawful Evil, Neutral Evil, Chaotic Evil
6. Class Features
• Record all level 1 features
• If starting above level 1, record features up to starting level
• There might be features that improve at higher levels, note these for future reference (more on this later in the documentation)

Combat Statistics

7. Calculating Combat Values Calculate and record:
• Health points
  • At Level 1: Class hit die maximum + Constitution modifier
  • At Higher Levels: Add (hit die roll + Constitution modifier) per level
• Core Combat Stats
  • Initiative = Dexterity modifer
  • Base AC = 10 + Dexterity modifier (adjust for armor/shield)
• Spellcasting (if applicable)
  • Spell save DC = 8 + spellcasting ability modifier + proficiency bonus
  • Spell attack modifier = spellcasting ability modifier + proficiency bonus

Final Details

8. Character Details
   • You get 3 languages:
     • Common (automatic)
     • Two additional languages from the standard languages table
   • Origin details
   • Physical characteristics
   • Personality traits
   • Ideals
   • Bonds
   • Flaws
   • Appearance description

Conclusion

It is strongly recommended to maintain a dedicated section in your character sheet (or anywhere else) for tracking features that improve at higher levels. Many class abilities, spells, and other features scale or change as your character advances, and writing these down somewhere during character creation will make future level ups easier and ensure you don't miss any changes/improvements to abilities. Here is an example of a "level-up" section for a newly created first-level Wood-Elf Ranger.

As you gain levels, you would continuously adjust these notes, adding new abilities or removing old ones based on information you might need for future level ups.

Reference

- 5e.tools