Step 1: Choose a Class

Choose a class, and write it on your character sheet. The Class Overview table summarizes the classes. See Classes for the classes' details.
Class Overview | | Class
| Likes ...
| Primary Ability
| Complexity

| Barbarian
| Battle
| Strength
| Average

| Bard
| Performing
| Charisma
| High

| Cleric
| Gods
| Wisdom
| Average

| Druid
| Nature
| Wisdom
| High

| Fighter
| Weapons
| Strength
or Dexterity
| Low

| Monk
| Unarmed combat
| Dexterity
and Wisdom
| High

| Paladin
| Defense
| Strength
and Charisma
| Average

| Ranger
| Survival
| Dexterity
and Wisdom
| Average

| Rogue
| Stealth
| Dexterity
| Low

| Sorcerer
| Power
| Charisma
| High

| Warlock
| Occult lore
| Charisma
| High

| Wizard
| Spellbooks
| Intelligence
| Average

Write Your Level
Write your character's level on your character sheet. Typically, a character starts at level 1 and advances in level by adventuring and gaining Experience Points (XP).
Write Your XP. Also record your Experience Points. A level 1 character has 0 XP.
Starting at a Higher Level. Your GM might start you at a higher level. If you start at level 3 or higher, write your chosen subclass on your character sheet. See the Starting at Higher Levels section in Character Creation for more information.
Note Armor Training
Your class might give you training with certain categories of armor. Note your armor training on your character sheet. Armor training with a kind of armor means you can wear that armor effectively, gaining defensive bonuses from it. The categories of armor are described in Equipment.