Character Creation Wizard

TL;DR: The Character Creation Wizard guides you through creating a complete, D&D 5e-compliant character in 10 easy steps.

Available in:

• Scrollbook web app (full wizard)
• Discord bot (simplified version)

Time to complete: 5-15 minutes (depending on complexity)

Overview

What is the Character Creation Wizard?

The wizard is an interactive, step-by-step tool that helps you:

• Build D&D 5e characters from scratch
• Choose species, class, and background
• Allocate ability scores correctly
• Select starting equipment
• Add personality and backstory

Why Use the Wizard?

Benefits:

• No mistakes: Validates all choices against D&D 5e rules
• Complete: Doesn't skip important details
• Guided: Explanations for each choice
• Fast: Much quicker than manual creation
• Integrated: Character instantly available in Discord and web app

Starting the Wizard

Web App (Recommended)

1. Go to scrollbook.app/characters
2. Click "New Character" button
3. Select "Step-by-Step Wizard"
4. Begin!

Discord Bot (Quick Create)

/character-create

Follow the interactive prompts.

Pro Tip: Use the web app for full control, Discord for quick character creation during sessions.

The 10 Steps

Step 1: Basic Information

What you provide:

• Character name
• Player (yourself or another player)
• Campaign to join

Example:

Name: Thorin Ironforge
Player: @YourUsername
Campaign: Lost Mines of Phandelver

Tips:

• Choose a name that fits your campaign setting
• Can always change name later
• Character automatically linked to chosen campaign

Step 2: Select Species

What you choose:

• Species (Race) from SRD or homebrew

Available SRD species:

• Dwarf (Hill, Mountain)
• Elf (High, Wood, Drow)
• Halfling (Lightfoot, Stout)
• Human
• Dragonborn
• Gnome (Forest, Rock)
• Half-Elf
• Half-Orc
• Tiefling

What you see:

• Species description
• Ability score increases
• Traits and features
• Languages

Example: Choosing Dwarf (Mountain)

Ability Scores: +2 Constitution, +2 Strength
Size: Medium
Speed: 25 ft. (not reduced by armor)
Darkvision: 60 ft.
Dwarven Resilience: Advantage on saves vs poison
Dwarven Combat Training: Proficiency with axes and hammers
Tool Proficiency: Choose one artisan tool
Stonecunning: +2 to History checks on stonework
Languages: Common, Dwarvish

Validation:

• Must choose species before proceeding
• Homebrew species only shown if campaign allows

Step 3: Select Class

What you choose:

• Class from 13 SRD options

Available classes:

• Barbarian
• Bard
• Cleric
• Druid
• Fighter
• Monk
• Paladin
• Ranger
• Rogue
• Sorcerer
• Warlock
• Wizard
• Homebrew (if enabled)

What you see:

• Class description
• Hit Die (d6, d8, d10, d12)
• Primary ability
• Saving throw proficiencies
• Armor/weapon proficiencies
• Skills (choose X from list)

Example: Choosing Fighter

Hit Die: 1d10
Primary Ability: Strength or Dexterity
Saving Throws: Strength, Constitution
Armor: All armor, shields
Weapons: Simple and martial weapons
Skills: Choose 2 from Acrobatics, Animal Handling, Athletics, History, Insight, Intimidation, Perception, Survival

Skill Selection:

• Pick 2 skills from Fighter list
• Example: Athletics, Intimidation

Validation:

• Must choose correct number of skills
• Can't choose same skill twice

Step 4: Select Background

What you choose:

• Background from SRD options

Available backgrounds:

• Acolyte
• Criminal
• Folk Hero
• Noble
• Sage
• Soldier
• More...

What you get:

• Skill proficiencies (2)
• Tool/language proficiencies
• Starting equipment (added later)
• Background feature

Example: Choosing Soldier

Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, Intimidation
Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set, vehicles (land)
Equipment: Insignia of rank, trophy from fallen enemy, set of bone dice, common clothes, belt pouch with 10 gp
Feature: Military Rank - soldiers defer to your authority

Validation:

• Background skills stack with class skills
• If overlap, you can choose replacement skill

Step 5: Ability Scores

Choose allocation method:

Option A: Standard Array

15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8

Assign these 6 values to your 6 abilities.

Best for: Balanced characters, new players

Option B: Point Buy (27 points)

Start with all 8s
Buy improvements:
8→9: 1 point
9→10: 1 point
...
14→15: 2 points

Best for: Min-maxing, experienced players

Option C: Roll 4d6 Drop Lowest

Roll 6 times: 4d6, drop lowest die, sum remaining 3.

Best for: Random, potentially powerful/weak characters

Option D: Manual Entry

Enter scores directly (DM approval may be required).

Example allocation (Standard Array for Fighter):

Strength: 15 (+2 racial) = 17
Dexterity: 12
Constitution: 14 (+2 racial) = 16
Intelligence: 8
Wisdom: 10
Charisma: 13

After racial modifiers:

STR: 17 (+3)
DEX: 12 (+1)
CON: 16 (+3)
INT: 8 (-1)
WIS: 10 (+0)
CHA: 13 (+1)

Validation:

• Standard array values must match exactly
• Point buy can't exceed 27 points
• Minimum score: 8, Maximum: 15 (before racials)
• Racial modifiers applied automatically

Step 6: Select Subclass (if applicable)

When:

• Some classes choose subclass at level 1 (Cleric, Warlock)
• Others at level 2-3 (Fighter, Rogue, etc.)

Example: Cleric choosing Divine Domain

Life Domain:
- Heavy armor proficiency
- Bonus spells: Bless, Cure Wounds
- Disciple of Life: +2+spell level healing

Validation:

• Only shown if class chooses subclass at level 1
• Can change later if choosing at higher level

Step 7: Starting Equipment

Choose method:

Option A: Class Starting Equipment (Recommended)

Pre-selected equipment package for your class.

Fighter example:

- (a) Chain mail OR (b) Leather armor, longbow, 20 arrows
- (a) Martial weapon and shield OR (b) Two martial weapons
- (a) Light crossbow and 20 bolts OR (b) Two handaxes
- (a) Dungeoneer's pack OR (b) Explorer's pack

You make choices (a) or (b) for each.

Result:

- Chain mail (AC 16)
- Greataxe (martial weapon)
- Light crossbow + 20 bolts
- Dungeoneer's pack

Option B: Starting Gold

Roll for gold and buy equipment.

Fighter: 5d4 × 10 gp

Validation:

• Can't exceed starting gold
• Must buy at least one weapon
• Weight tracked (encumbrance warning if applicable)

Step 8: Select Spells (if applicable)

For spellcasters only

Wizards:

• Choose 3 cantrips
• Choose 6 level 1 spells for spellbook

Clerics:

• Prepare spells = WIS modifier + Cleric level
• Choose from Cleric spell list + Domain spells

Warlocks:

• Choose 2 cantrips
• Choose 2 level 1 spells known
• Choose 2 Invocations (at level 2+)

Example: Wizard Spell Selection

Cantrips:
- Fire Bolt
- Mage Hand
- Prestidigitation

1st Level Spells (spellbook):
- Magic Missile
- Shield
- Mage Armor
- Detect Magic
- Identify
- Find Familiar

Validation:

• Can only choose from class spell list
• Can't exceed maximum spells known/prepared
• Spell level appropriate for character level

Step 9: Personality & Backstory

Optional but recommended:

Personality Traits (choose 2)

- I'm always polite and respectful
- I have a joke for every occasion

Ideals (choose 1)

Freedom: Everyone should be free to pursue their own path

Bonds (choose 1)

I owe my life to the priest who took me in as a child

Flaws (choose 1)

I can't resist a pretty face

Backstory (freeform)

Born in the mountains of Ironforge, Thorin trained as a
soldier before adventuring called...

Tips:

• Use background suggestions as inspiration
• Keep it concise (1-3 paragraphs)
• Leave room for development
• Tie to campaign setting

Validation:

• All fields optional
• Can edit anytime after creation

Step 10: Review & Create

Final review:

• Character summary
• Stats and modifiers
• Equipment list
• Spells (if applicable)
• Proficiencies

Example summary:

THORIN IRONFORGE
Mountain Dwarf Fighter (Soldier)
Level 1 | HP: 13 | AC: 16

STR 17 (+3) | DEX 12 (+1) | CON 16 (+3)
INT 8 (-1)  | WIS 10 (+0) | CHA 13 (+1)

Proficient: Athletics, Intimidation, Perception, Survival
Languages: Common, Dwarvish
Equipment: Chain mail, Greataxe, Light crossbow...

Actions:

• Create Character: Finalize and save
• Edit: Go back to change something
• Save as Draft: Save and finish later

After creation:

• Character appears in Discord
• Accessible via /character-sheet
• Can be edited in Scrollbook anytime

Advanced Options

Multiclassing

At creation:

• Not available (must start as single class)

After creation:

• Level up → Choose to multiclass
• Must meet ability score prerequisites

Example:

Fighter 5 → Fighter 5 / Rogue 1
Requires: DEX 13+

Homebrew Content

If campaign allows:

• Homebrew species appear in species list
• Homebrew classes in class list
• Clearly labeled as "Homebrew"

Validation:

• DM must approve homebrew characters
• Balance considerations

Importing Characters

Coming Q1 2025:

• Import from D&D Beyond
• Import from Roll20
• Import from character sheet PDF

Current workaround:

• Manually recreate using wizard

Character Sheet After Creation

What you get:

Discord Access

/character-sheet character_name: Thorin Ironforge

Shows full character sheet in Discord.

Web App Access

scrollbook.app/characters/thorin-ironforge

Features:

• Interactive character sheet
• Clickable skill checks
• Inventory management
• Spell tracking
• Leveling up
• Notes and backstory

Real-Time Sync

Changes in Discord ↔ Scrollbook sync instantly.

Validation & Error Prevention

The wizard prevents:

Invalid ability scores

• Can't have STR 20 at level 1
• Can't have negative modifiers below -1 (with standard array/point buy)

Wrong proficiencies

• Can't choose proficiencies not in class list
• Can't double up on same proficiency

Incorrect equipment

• Can't equip heavy armor without proficiency
• Can't wield martial weapons without proficiency

Spell errors

• Can't prepare more spells than allowed
• Can't choose spells from wrong class list

Multiclass prerequisites

• Must have minimum ability scores

What it allows:

Unusual builds

• Low intelligence Wizard (not optimal but legal)
• Charisma-based Fighter

House rules

• DM can override validation
• Custom ability score methods

Tips for New Players

1. Start Simple

For your first character:

• Choose Fighter, Rogue, or Cleric (simpler classes)
• Use Standard Array (easier than point buy)
• Take suggested equipment (don't worry about gold)

2. Match Campaign

Ask your DM:

• What tone is the campaign? (Affects personality)
• What's the setting? (Affects species/background)
• What role is needed? (Tank, healer, damage, support)

3. Don't Overthink

• You can level up and improve
• Backstory can develop in play
• "Good enough" is fine for first character

4. Ask for Help

• DM can guide you
• Discord community available
• Tutorial videos coming soon

Tips for Experienced Players

1. Min-Max with Point Buy

Point buy example (optimized Fighter):
STR: 15 (+2 racial) = 17
CON: 15 (+2 racial) = 17
DEX: 14
WIS: 10
CHA: 8
INT: 8

Total: 27 points spent
Result: Two 17s (+3 modifier)

2. Plan Multiclass

Consider level progression:

Paladin 6 / Warlock 2
- Paladin 6: Extra Attack, Aura
- Warlock 2: Eldritch Blast, short rest spell slots
- Synergy: Smites with warlock slots

3. Optimize Spell Selection

Wizard spell selection priorities:

1. Utility: Detect Magic, Identify, Find Familiar
2. Defense: Shield, Mage Armor
3. Offense: Magic Missile, Sleep
4. Rituals: As many as possible (cast without slots)

4. Leverage Backgrounds

Background for RP + Mechanics:

• Soldier: Athletics + Intimidation (martial classes)
• Sage: Arcana + History (spellcasters)
• Criminal: Stealth + Deception (rogues)

Troubleshooting

Can't Select Class

Problem: Class list is empty or missing classes

Solutions:

1. Check campaign settings - homebrew enabled?
2. Refresh page
3. Try different browser

Ability Scores Invalid

Problem: "Invalid ability score allocation"

Solutions:

1. Verify standard array used exactly once each
2. Check point buy total = 27
3. Don't include racial modifiers in base scores

Spells Not Appearing

Problem: Spell list is empty

Solutions:

1. Ensure you selected spellcasting class
2. Check class level (some classes get spells at level 2+)
3. Verify spell level matches character level

Character Not in Discord

Problem: Created character but can't see it in Discord

Solutions:

1. Wait 30 seconds for sync
2. Use /character-list to verify
3. Check you're in correct Discord server/campaign
4. Use /sync-character to force sync

Related Resources

• Character Management (Discord) - Using characters in Discord
• Character Sheets (Web) - Web app character features
• Multiclassing Guide - Advanced multiclassing
• D&D 5e SRD - Official rules reference

Last Updated: 2025-12-05 Version: 1.0 Maintained by: Documentation Team