Point-Based Character Creation (5e Variant Rule)
Point-Based Character Creation
The purpose of this system is two-fold. First, it dispenses with classes entirely, allowing you to have significantly more freedom when it comes to customizing your characters by picking and choosing your class features buffet-style. Second, it allows you to more easily adjust character creation for more or less powerful games, while still (hopefully) permitting balanced player characters at the core level. It works like this: You have a certain number of Character Points (hereafter referred to shorthand as "points"), which you spend on each category of proficiencies and abilities. You can spend as few as zero points or as many as you're allowed on any given category. A feature with a cost listed as "+x points" as opposed to simply "x points" can be combined with other options from the same category.
Category 1: Hit Dice
Hit Dice: 1d6 per level. Hit Points at 1st Level: 6 + your Constitution modifier. 0 points.
Hit Dice: 1d8 per level. Hit Points at 1st Level: 8 + your Constitution modifier. 1 point.
Hit Dice: 1d10 per level. Hit Points at 1st Level: 10 + your Constitution modifier. 2 points.
Hit Dice: 1d12 per level. Hit Points at 1st Level: 12 + your Constitution modifier. 3 points.
Category 2: Armor Proficiencies
None. 0 points.
Light armor. 1 point.
Light armor, medium armor. 2 points.
All armor. 3 points.
Shields. +1 point.
Unarmored Defense. +2 points.
Category 3: Weapon Proficiencies
Any four simple weapons. 0 points.
Simple weapons. 1 point.
Simple weapons, any four martial weapons. 2 points.
Simple weapons, martial weapons. 3 points.
Improved Unarmed Strike. +2 points.
Greater Unarmed Strike (as Improved Unarmed Strike, but one die size larger). +4 points.
Category 4: Saving Throw Proficiencies
Poor Save (Strength, Intelligence, Charisma). +1 point.
Good Save (Dexterity, Constitution, Wisdom). +3 points.
Category 5: Skill and Tool Proficiencies
One skill of your choice. 0 points.
Two skills of your choice. 1 point.
Three skills of your choice. 2 points.
Four skills of your choice. 3 points.
One tool set of your choice. +1 point.
Category 6: Spellcasting
None. 0 points.
"Third" spellcaster (can cast up to 4th level spells). 1 point.
"Half" spellcaster (can cast up to 5th level spells). 3 points.
"Three-Quarters" spellcaster (can cast up to 7th level spells). 6 points.
"Full" spellcaster (can cast up to 9th level spells). 10 points.
Category 7: Extra Attacks
None. 0 points.
One beginning at 5th level. 1 point.
One beginning at 5th level, two beginning at 11th level. 3 points.
One beginning at 5th level, two beginning at 11th level, three beginning at 17th level. 6 points.
Category 8: Miscellaneous
Fighting Style. +1 point.
Expertise: Choose two skill or tool proficiencies at 1st level. +1 point.
Expertise: Choose two skill or tool proficiencies at 1st level, and two more at 6th level. +2 points.
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