Character Creation
The 2024 SRD character-creation flow is built around a small number of meaningful choices: class, background, species, ability scores, and equipment. This page maps the order of those decisions and the rules each choice is meant to support.
Choose a Class
Your class sets hit die, saving throws, skill options, spellcasting access, and the basic shape of the character.
Browse ClassesPick a Background
Backgrounds shape ability score expectations, skill and tool proficiencies, equipment flavor, and your starting origin feat.
The 2024 SRD currently includes Acolyte, Criminal, Sage, and Soldier.
Choose a Species
Species grants movement, senses, and foundational traits. It defines how the character enters play, not just cosmetics.
Browse SpeciesBackgrounds and ability scores work together. In the 2024 SRD, your background is part of the core build package rather than pure flavor. If you are building from the four SRD backgrounds, check that your class plan and your background’s strengths are pointed in the same direction.
Origin feats matter at level 1. A first-level feat is not garnish. It often helps define the play pattern of the character from the start, so it is worth checking feats early instead of treating them as an afterthought.
Species is foundation, subclass is specialization. Species gives the chassis-level traits you begin with, while subclass is usually the first big later choice that narrows the class into a more specific identity.
Use the reference pages in build order. Class, species, feats, equipment, and spells all reinforce one another. Reading them in that order usually makes the character’s early choices clearer.