Mastering Character Creation in Pathfinder 2e

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Character Creation in Pathfinder
   1. Starting with a Concept
   2. Ancestry, Background, and Class
   3. Ability Scores and Proficiencies
   4. Class Abilities and Feats
   5. Equipment and Languages
3. Step-by-Step Character Creation Process
   1. Step 1: Ancestry Selection
   2. Step 2: Background Selection
   3. Step 3: Class Selection
   4. Step 4: Ability Score Allocation
   5. Step 5: Ability Score Dependent Factors
   6. Step 6: Choosing Feats
   7. Step 7: Equipment Selection
   8. Additional Calculations
4. Conclusion

Character Creation in Pathfinder

Pathfinder is a role-playing game where creating a character is an essential part of the gameplay experience. In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of character creation in Pathfinder, from starting with a concept to selecting your ancestry, background, class, abilities, feats, equipment, and more.

Starting with a Concept

When creating a character in Pathfinder, it's important to start with a concept in mind. This concept can be based on a certain theme, personality, or a combination of both. Even if you don't have prior knowledge of the game, you can still come up with a concept and build your character accordingly.

Ancestry, Background, and Class

In Pathfinder, a character is made up of three main components: ancestry, background, and class. Ancestry refers to the character's race, such as human, elf, dwarf, halfling, gnome, or goblin. Each ancestry comes with its own unique abilities, hit points, size, speed, languages, and other traits.

Next, the character's background is determined. This represents the character's job or occupation before becoming an adventurer. The chosen background provides ability boosts, proficiencies, skills, and skill feats. It adds depth to the character's backstory and influences their abilities.

Lastly, the class of the character is chosen. There are 12 core classes in Pathfinder, each offering unique abilities, proficiencies, saving throws, skills, attacks, spells (in some cases), and hit points. Classes may also have specializations or subclasses that further define the character's abilities and progression.

Ability Scores and Proficiencies

Every character in Pathfinder possesses six ability scores: strength, dexterity, constitution, intelligence, wisdom, and charisma. These scores start at 10 with a modifier of plus zero and can be modified based on the character's ancestry, background, and class choices.

Proficiencies play a crucial role in character creation. They determine the character's competence in various skills, weapons, armor, and other aspects of gameplay. Proficiencies are categorized into different levels, such as untrained, trained, expert, master, and legendary. The character's proficiency level affects their rolls and chances of success.

Class Abilities and Feats

Each class in Pathfinder comes with its unique set of class abilities that define the character's capabilities and playstyle. These abilities can include special actions, feats, spellcasting, additional hit points, and class specialization.

Feats, similar to molecules of character progression, are earned as the character levels up. Feats can enhance various aspects of the character, such as their ancestry, class, general skills, or specific skills. They provide opportunities for customization and further development of the character's abilities.

Equipment and Languages

Equipping a character in Pathfinder involves choosing suitable weapons, armor, tools, and other items that align with their class and playstyle. Characters start with a set amount of gold pieces that can be used to purchase equipment. It's important to consider the character's proficiencies and the bonuses provided by the chosen items.

Languages are another aspect to consider during character creation. The character's intelligence modifier may grant them bonus languages, allowing them to communicate with different races or cultures in the game world.

Step-by-Step Character Creation Process

Now that we have discussed the key components of character creation, let's walk through the step-by-step process to create your Pathfinder character.

Step 1: Ancestry Selection

Start by selecting your character's ancestry. Choose from the six core ancestries: human, elf, dwarf, halfling, gnome, or goblin. Each ancestry provides unique ability boosts, ability flaws, hit points, size, speed, languages, and other abilities. Additionally, pick a heritage and an ancestry feat, which further personalize your character's traits and skillset.

Step 2: Background Selection

Next, determine your character's background. Consider their past profession or job before they embarked on their adventuring journey. Backgrounds offer ability boosts, semi-predetermined or free ability choices, trained proficiencies, skills, and a skill feat. Make a choice that aligns with your character's backstory and enhances their abilities.

Step 3: Class Selection

Choose your character's class from the 12 core classes in Pathfinder. Each class has its own unique abilities, proficiencies, skills, attacks, saving throws, hit points, and spellcasting capabilities (in some cases). Additionally, some classes require you to select a class specialization or subclass, which further defines your character's abilities and playstyle.

Step 4: Ability Score Allocation

Allocate your four free ability boosts to different ability scores. Each boost adds two to the ability score and one to the ability modifier. Remember, you cannot apply multiple boosts to the same ability score. Choose wisely to optimize your character's strengths based on their class and desired playstyle.

Step 5: Ability Score Dependent Factors

Certain statistics and factors in Pathfinder depend on the character's ability scores. Calculate your hit points by adding your constitution modifier to the base hit points provided by your ancestry and class. Your intelligence modifier may grant you bonus languages or additional skills. Check your class-specific rules for any other ability score dependent factors that may apply.

Step 6: Choosing Feats

Take the time to review and select the feats earned at each level of character progression. Feats offer opportunities to customize your character's abilities and specialize in specific skills or playstyles. Consider the feats related to your ancestry, class, general skills, or any other area that aligns with your character concept.

Step 7: Equipment Selection

Using your starting gold pieces, purchase equipment for your character. Begin with essentials like an adventurer's pack and allocate the remaining currency for weapons, armor, and other necessary items. Make sure to refer to your character's proficiencies to select suitable weapons and armor. Consider any additional optional equipment relevant to your character's abilities or preferences.

Additional Calculations

There are a few more calculations to be made after selecting equipment. Calculate your Armor Class (AC) by adding 10, your dexterity modifier, your armor proficiency, and any applicable armor bonuses. This value determines how difficult it is for opponents to hit your character. Other calculations may include saving throw calculations, class-specific calculations, or any additional rules relevant to your character sheet.

Conclusion

Creating a character in Pathfinder involves a detailed and multi-step process. From choosing an ancestry, background, and class to allocating ability scores, selecting feats, and acquiring equipment, each decision impacts your character's abilities and playstyle. Follow the step-by-step guide outlined in this article to create a well-rounded and compelling character for your Pathfinder adventures. Enjoy the journey of bringing your character to life and exploring the vast world of Pathfinder!

Highlights

• Create unique characters in Pathfinder by following a step-by-step process.
• Select your ancestry, background, and class to shape your character's abilities.
• Allocate ability scores and choose proficiencies to enhance your character's skills.
• Customize your character's progression through the selection of feats.
• Equip your character with suitable weapons, armor, and other equipment.
• Calculate various statistics, such as AC and saving throws, based on your character's abilities.
• Enjoy the adventures and storytelling opportunities that Pathfinder offers with your well-crafted character.

FAQ

Q: Can I create a character without any prior knowledge of the game? A: Yes, you can start with a concept and build your character accordingly, even without prior knowledge of the game. Pathfinder provides guidelines and options to help you create a balanced and engaging character.

Q: How many classes are available in Pathfinder? A: There are 12 core classes in Pathfinder, each offering unique abilities, skills, and playstyles. Choose a class that aligns with your desired character concept and playing style.

Q: Can I change my character's abilities and feats as I progress in the game? A: As your character levels up, you will earn additional feats and abilities that allow you to further customize and develop your character. Make choices that enhance your character's progression and adapt to new challenges.

Q: Are there any restrictions on the allocation of ability scores? A: You cannot apply multiple ability boosts to the same ability score. Each boost must be assigned to a different ability score, allowing for a balanced distribution of strengths and weaknesses.

Q: How important is equipment selection for my character? A: Equipment selection plays a vital role in determining your character's combat abilities, defenses, and utility. Consider your character's proficiencies and desired playstyle when choosing weapons, armor, and other essential items.

Q: Can I communicate with different races or cultures in the game? A: Your character's intelligence modifier may grant bonus languages, allowing you to communicate with a broader range of races or cultures in the game world. Take advantage of these additional languages to interact with other characters and enhance your role-playing experience.