Template Character Designs

[Catullus64]

These are 12 pre-generated characters, all 3rd Level, meant to be used by people who show up to my store games but haven't got characters of their own. In the spoiler tags below are images I've made using the HeroForge model builder, and summaries of the characters' statistics, choice-points, and spells. Each of these pictures will be attached to a character sheet.

I'd like critique of the images. Do they seem like good representations of the characters described? Do their colors, costumes, and poses read clearly and attractively? Are they photographed from good angles? Do they fire the imagination and make you want to play them? Is there good variety between the characters? If any of them are deficient in these respects, how might they be improved?

As for the builds, the following were my goals. First, to make them effective but not necessarily optimized. Secondly, to build them using only options from the Player's Handbook (the sheets will have the names of features with a page number for the players to look up, and this is easiest if all the lookups are in the same book.) Thirdly, to minimize overlap in terms of spells and features, so the characters feel distinct. Fourthly, to run the gamut in terms of complexity.


https://i.imgur.com/ssbTQGO.png
Race: Mountain Dwarf
Background: Soldier
STR 16 DEX 12 CON 16 INT 8 WIS 10 CHA 13
Skills: Religion, Survival, Athletics, Intimidation
Languages: Common, Dwarfish, Goblin, Giant
Tools: Brewer's Supplies
Primal Path: Path of the Berserker



https://i.imgur.com/f6w8Ef3.png
Race: Lightfoot Halfling
STR 8 DEX 14 CON 13 INT 14 WIS 10 CHA 16
Background: Entertainer
Skills: Performance, Acrobatics, History, Persuasion, Stealth, Perception, Insight, Animal Handling
Languages: Common, Halfling
Tools: Viol, Flute, Cittern, Drums, Disguise Kit
Cantrips: Message, Vicious Mockery
Spells: Healing Word, Comprehend Languages, Hideous Laughter, Heroism, Invisibility, Suggestion
Bard College: College of Lore
Expertise: Persuasion, History



https://i.imgur.com/KeFG5GI.png
Race: Human
Background: Pirate
STR 16 DEX 8 CON 13 INT 10 WIS 16 CHA 12
Skills: Athletics, Perception, Acrobatics, Religion, Intimidation
Languages: Common, Giant
Tools: Navigator's Tools, Water Vehicles
Cantrips: Sacred Flame, Resistance, Thaumaturgy
Spells Prepared: Fog Cloud, Thunderwave, Healing Word, Bless, Shield of Faith, Command, Cure Wounds, Shatter, Gust of Wind, Spiritual Weapon
Divine Domain: Tempest
Feat: Heavy Armor Master



https://i.imgur.com/yj7elRx.png
Race: Human
Background: Hermit
STR 8 DEX 10 CON 14 INT 14 WIS 16 CHA 13
Skills: Nature, Religion, Medicine, Survival, Animal Handling
Languages: Common, Sylvan, Elvish
Tools: Herbalism Kit
Cantrips: Thorn Whip, Druidcraft
Spells Prepared: Speak with Animals, Cure Wounds, Entangle, Longstrider, Augury, Heat Metal
Druidic Circle: Circle of the Moon
Feat: Resilient (Constitution)



https://i.imgur.com/M44rBGw.png
Race: Half-Orc
Background: Soldier
STR 16 DEX 10 CON 16 INT 12 WIS 13 CHA 10
Skills: Athletics, Intimidation, History, Perception, Insight
Languages: Common, Orcish
Tools: Land Vehicles, Bone Dice
Fighting Style: Dueling
Martial Archetype: Champion



https://i.imgur.com/q9ULZkR.png
Race: Half-Elf
Background: Acolyte
STR 10 DEX 16 CON 12 INT 13 WIS 16 CHA 10
Skills: Insight, Religion, Perception, Medicine, Stealth, Acrobatics
Languages: Common, Elvish, Celestial, Primordial
Tools: Jeweler's Tools
Monastic Tradition: Way of the Open Hand



https://i.imgur.com/2nYRwM3.png
Race: Human
Background: Folk Hero
STR 16 DEX 10 CON 14 INT 8 WIS 12 CHA 14
Skills: Athletics, Animal Handling, Insight, Persuasion, Intimidation
Languages: Common, Abyssal, Infernal, Celestial
Tools: Woodcarver's Tools
Spells Prepared: Protection from Evil & Good, Sanctuary, Shield of Faith, Compelled Duel, Divine Favor
Fighting Style: Defense
Sacred Oath: Devotion
Feat: Inspiring Leader



https://i.imgur.com/WVP9aoY.png
Race: Wood Elf
Background: Outlander
STR 10 DEX 16 CON 14 INT 12 WIS 14 CHA 8
Skills: Perception, Stealth, Survival, Nature, Athletics, Intimidation
Languages: Common, Elvish, Sylvan
Tools: Lyre
Spells: Goodberry, Fog Cloud, Hunter's Mark
Ranger Archetype: Beast Master (One of my only breaks from PHB-only is using the revised TCE version).
Favored Enemy: Beasts
Favored Terrain: Forests
Fighting Style: Archery



https://i.imgur.com/pbuPWvw.pngRace: Human
Background: Charlatan
STR 8 DEX 16 CON 12 INT 12 WIS 14 CHA 14
Skills: Deception, Sleight of Hand, Stealth, Insight, Acrobatics, Investigation, Perception
Languages: Common, Dwarvish, Draconic
Tools: Thieves' Tools, Forgery Kit, Disguise Kit
Roguish Archetype: Thief
Expertise: Stealth, Deception
Feat: Mobile



https://i.imgur.com/s4lnW0F.png
Race: Human
Background: Noble
STR 8 DEX 14 CON 14 INT 12 WIS 10 CHA 16
Skills: History, Persuasion, Arcana, Insight, Deception
Languages: Common, Draconic, Elvish, Abyssal
Tools: Three-Dragon Ante
Cantrips: Fire Bolt, Acid Splash, Minor Illusion, Light
Spells: Sleep, Shield, Acid Arrow, Levitate
Sorcerous Origin: Draconic Ancestor (Black)
Metamagic Options: Quicken Spell, Twin Spell
Feat: Alert



https://i.imgur.com/cJu998V.png
Race: Human
Background: Sage
STR 8 DEX 12 CON 14 INT 14 WIS 10 CHA 16
Skills: Arcana, History, Investigation, Deception, Perception
Languages: Common, Infernal, Deep Speech, Sylvan
Cantrips: Eldritch Blast, Minor Illusion, Guidance, Resistance, Mage Hand
Spells: Dissonant Whispers, Armor of Agathys, Misty Step, Alter Self
Otherworldly Patron: The Great Old One
Pact Boon: Pact of the Tome
Eldritch Invocations: Eyes of the Runekeeper, Misty Visions, Repelling Blast
Feat: Eldritch Adept (My other departure from the PHB-only rule, to get a third Invocation)



https://i.imgur.com/nM7JkiF.png
Race: Rock Gnome
Background: Guild Artisan
STR 8 DEX 15 CON 14 INT 16 WIS 10 CHA 12
Skills: Persuasion, Insight, Arcana, Nature
Languages: Common, Gnomish, Draconic
Tools: Tinker's Tools, Alchemist's Supplies
Arcane Tradition: Transmutation
Cantrips: Ray of Frost, Prestidigitation, Mending
Spells: Mage Armor, Magic Missile, Grease, Feather Fall, Detect Magic, Find Familiar, Expeditious Retreat, Alarm, Web, Mirror Image


Thanks for your feedback!

[Oramac]

Overall I like it. Especially love the paladin picture.

Couple things though.

Not a fan of the druid picture. IDK if it's the gaunt face or what, but it looks more like an undead to me than a druidic figure.

Also, is the Ranger semi-topless? Not that I care. I actually like the idea. But if you're using these in a gaming store with who-know-what-players, that might be an issue to some of them.

[Catullus64]

Overall I like it. Especially love the paladin picture.

Couple things though.

Not a fan of the druid picture. IDK if it's the gaunt face or what, but it looks more like an undead to me than a druidic figure.

Also, is the Ranger semi-topless? Not that I care. I actually like the idea. But if you're using these in a gaming store with who-know-what-players, that might be an issue to some of them.

Yeah, HeroForge doesn't have great tools for making elderly characters. The "Gaunt" face template is the best option. I used the same face template for the Warlock, but he's supposed to look haggard and sinister. Maybe I'll ditch the glazed-over eyes to avoid making the druid look too creepy.

As for the bare chest of the Ranger, I can't see it bothering anyone more than the fully-topless Barbarian. The Ranger is intended to be male, though androgynous in that Elvish way.

[meandean]

I love them! A couple things like the Bard's violin bow being way too big for his body look weird, but that's HeroForge's fault :)

My nitpick is that I wouldn't make the Barbarian a Berserker. A new player may not understand how bad exhaustion is. What subclass is the Paladin?

Great idea!

[Kuulvheysoon]

I'd question the decision to make the monk a half-elf. Monk truly needs the help, and that +2 Charisma isn't doing it any favors.

Other than that, the sorceror is my favorite mini. Got that Carmen Sandiego vibe going on and I'm all for it.

EDIT: And I'm with meandean on making the Barbarian a berzerker. Totem Warrior is the "safer" choice and won't turn people off of Barbarians in general after playing it. (I'm speaking from experience here, as that actually happened at my table. One of my players chose a berzerker because they liked the thought and fluff, but switched away from it a few sessions later because of the exhaustion mechanic and hasn't played a barb since. Took a couple of years for another Barbarian to show up in my games because of the stigma attached to it from that.)

[Catullus64]

I'd question the decision to make the monk a half-elf. Monk truly needs the help, and that +2 Charisma isn't doing it any favors.

Other than that, the sorceror is my favorite mini. Got that Carmen Sandiego vibe going on and I'm all for it.

EDIT: And I'm with meandean on making the Barbarian a berzerker. Totem Warrior is the "safer" choice and won't turn people off of Barbarians in general after playing it. (I'm speaking from experience here, as that actually happened at my table. One of my players chose a berzerker because they liked the thought and fluff, but switched away from it a few sessions later because of the exhaustion mechanic and hasn't played a barb since. Took a couple of years for another Barbarian to show up in my games because of the stigma attached to it from that.)

You'll note that I cheated slightly and gave a tiny stat boost to the Monk (and a few others) above the Standard Array.

As for the Berserker, I wanted that subclass because it's really the most archetypal vision of the class (and the best fit for a Warhammer Trollslayer, which the picture reflects), but you're probably right that inflicting its poor balance issues on a new player isn't ideal. I'll probably add a "soft houserule", like always having the Barbarian character start off with an exhaustion-removing potion.

[Abracadangit]

I think these all look snazzy as heck, and I also think pregens are a great way to get newcomers into the game at a quick clip. Character creation is such a slog for a new person, and I wish someone had done this for me when I got into the game back in 3E.

One question: do these characters have personalities? I don't know they need whole novel-length backstories (though if you already have those, more power to you), but I do think personality matters when it comes to picking a character. Like even if it was a Street Fighteresque blurb: Ryu wants to be the strongest and avenge his master, Vega is a sociopath who fights to inflict pain, Chun Li is a police detective working the case, etc. The barbarian is an exile from his tribe for some mysterious offense and fights on as penance, the rogue is deep in his guildmaster's pocket and needs to buy his way out before the debts are due, the wizard is compiling an encyclopedia of magic and is adventuring as field research for entries and so on. If I was a new player, those little story hooks would point me to a character much faster than mechanics, because the mechanics would all still be really abstract for me.

Again - just want to stress how I think pregens are the way to get new people hooked, and you're awesome for doing it.

[Catullus64]

I think these all look snazzy as heck, and I also think pregens are a great way to get newcomers into the game at a quick clip. Character creation is such a slog for a new person, and I wish someone had done this for me when I got into the game back in 3E.

One question: do these characters have personalities? I don't know they need whole novel-length backstories (though if you already have those, more power to you), but I do think personality matters when it comes to picking a character. Like even if it was a Street Fighteresque blurb: Ryu wants to be the strongest and avenge his master, Vega is a sociopath who fights to inflict pain, Chun Li is a police detective working the case, etc. The barbarian is an exile from his tribe for some mysterious offense and fights on as penance, the rogue is deep in his guildmaster's pocket and needs to buy his way out before the debts are due, the wizard is compiling an encyclopedia of magic and is adventuring as field research for entries and so on. If I was a new player, those little story hooks would point me to a character much faster than mechanics, because the mechanics would all still be really abstract for me.

Again - just want to stress how I think pregens are the way to get new people hooked, and you're awesome for doing it.

Firstly, I'm gratified that you think they look good. Thank you.

I'm unsure about giving them written personalities: I don't want a new player to think that they don't have creative freedom to decide who this person is. Certainly I have personalities and character backstories in mind for these models, but don't necessarily think that's the way to start a new person off. What I might do instead is include a quick writeup about what the class (and its subclass) are about. That, combined with the visual personality of the image, should help give the imagination of a new player something to go on. Something like:


"The Barbarian is a primal warrior, possessed of wild strength and ferocity. This Barbarian follows the path of the Berserker, wading into battle in a mindless rage, cutting down foes all around him."

"The Bard is a wandering teller of tales and collector of mystical secrets. This Bard is a student of the College of Lore, a versatile magician and cunning wordsmith."

"The Cleric is the champion of an immortal god, both soldier and priest. This Cleric worships a god of the Tempest domain, a bringer of savage storms."

"The Druid is a devotee of an ancient religion, a keeper of nature's mysteries. This Druid belongs to the Circle of the Moon, who master the secrets of assuming animal form."

"The Fighter is a master of weapons and tactics, honed by discipline and hardened by battle. This Fighter is an archetypal Champion, a paragon of physical prowess and fearsome death-dealer."

"The Monk is a warrior-ascetic, disciplined in both body and mind. This Monk follows the Way of the Open Hand, which pursues martial arts as a path to inner perfection."

"The Paladin is a knight of holy ideals, whose conviction is a weapon as mighty as any steel. This Paladin has sworn the Oath of Devotion, to uphold the truth, defend the weak, and punish the wicked."

"The Ranger is a master of fieldcraft, at ease in wild and savage country. This Ranger is a Beastmaster, who fights in skillful cooperation with a well-trained animal companion.

"The Rogue is an opportunistic adventurer, nimble of foot and quick of wit. This Rogue is a Thief, a light-fingered scoundrel and daring fortune-seeker."

"The Sorcerer is a conduit of potent mystic energies, a living wellspring of magic. This Sorcerer is the scion of a Draconic Bloodline, channeling the dragon's blood within her veins into devestating spells."

"The Warlock is an ambitious seeker after forbidden occult knowledge. To obtain such knowledge, this Warlock has forged a pact with a Great Old One, an incomprehensible thing that lurks at the frayed edges of reality."

"The Wizard is a learned scholar of magic, ever eager to add to her collection of spells. This Wizard is a specialist in the School of Transmutation, a natural philosopher who can bend and change the very nature of substance itself."

[Theodoxus]

All in all pretty nifty! I hate the color scheme on the druid, but I love the monstrous hand that denotes moon druid - nice touch!

I was a little surprised the wizard didn't have Chromatic Orb on their spell list, given they're holding a gem (albeit sapphire rather than diamond) - I get that it denotes rock gnome (but I went first to Orb, and then went 'ahh' when I saw the race (HeroForge needs better racial features... I really thought it was a halfling or an elf).

The paladin is my favorite overall - but I'm super biased by HF's paladin armor with the surcoat motif. I too love the sorcerer's Carmen vibe. The fact that she's black dragon blooded ties it all together wonderfully (and is probably a dragon type/energy type that newer players wouldn't immediately gravitate towards, generally going for something like Gold or Red for the fire damage - so nice touch in subtly pushing them to an arguably better energy.

[Catullus64]

All in all pretty nifty! I hate the color scheme on the druid, but I love the monstrous hand that denotes moon druid - nice touch!

I was a little surprised the wizard didn't have Chromatic Orb on their spell list, given they're holding a gem (albeit sapphire rather than diamond) - I get that it denotes rock gnome (but I went first to Orb, and then went 'ahh' when I saw the race (HeroForge needs better racial features... I really thought it was a halfling or an elf).


Do tell about the Druid's color scheme. I personally just get tired of them always being in earth tones, and wanted the sense of ornate robes denoting high spiritual station. Is there a color setup you think would work better?

That's a good suggestion for Chromatic Orb; I'll add it in. My thinking for that item was actually to suggest a Transmuter's Stone, even if the Wizard is some 11 levels too low to have one.

[Theodoxus]

Do tell about the Druid's color scheme. I personally just get tired of them always being in earth tones, and wanted the sense of ornate robes denoting high spiritual station. Is there a color setup you think would work better?

I think it's just the clashing colors of purple and yellow. Well, and the red necklace... I get the desire to move away from earth tones - very much 'been there, done that'. Maybe switch the purple for blue? Then you'd have primary colors represented (you could even switch around colors... a tourmaline instead of ruby necklace? Blue robes with a red tunic? (or vice versa)

Although 'high spiritual station' and hermit kinda clash as well...

My supposition is that he uses wild shape to gain armor, and thus doesn't wear leather or hide in general? I'm not trying to be nitpicky - if it works for you, that's awesome. It's just jarring to me is all.

[Catullus64]

Here's a potential recolor of the Druid; his was always the design I was the most shaky on, and people seemed to agree. Still purple and yellow, since I want purple to be the primary color for somebody, but much more muted shades. Also changed the ornaments on his staff from leaves and berries to feathers and beads, so they don't clash as much with the rest of his ensemble. Theodoxus, does this somewhat fix your issues?

As a side note, I don't consider being a figure of religious prestige incompatible with being a hermit; I think that a venerable elder and spiritualist who dwells in seclusion, such that he needs to be sought out for counsel, is a well-established trope.

https://i.imgur.com/yj7elRx.png

[Theodoxus]

Theodoxus, does this somewhat fix your issues?

As a side note, I don't consider being a figure of religious prestige incompatible with being a hermit; I think that a venerable elder and spiritualist who dwells in seclusion, such that he needs to be sought out for counsel, is a well-established trope.

https://i.imgur.com/yj7elRx.png

Oh, yes, that's way better. Muting the yellow to near brown definitely works, and changing both the necklace and staff ornamentation definitely is an improvement. 100%

As for hermit, I guess I always imagine them as scruffy, unkempt, kinda tree-huggery. Not wearing fancy robes and dapper necklaces. But again, that's just my bias.

[LtPowers]

The druid reminds me of Qawasha (https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Qawasha). I liked the purple+yellow, for the record. =)

The poses are great! Well done.

You might want to consider having two versions of each character, though, one of each gender. Some people are touchy about what gender they play.


Powers &8^]

[Catullus64]

You might want to consider having two versions of each character, though, one of each gender. Some people are touchy about what gender they play.


BAM! Took me a little while, as I have less of an eye for female designs; I tried just doing gender-swaps of the existing characters, but disliked most of the resulting models, so I decided each sex-class combo needed its own distinct character. So now the new players will have no shortage of choices. A few retroactive changes have been made to the builds of the first batch as a result.


https://i.imgur.com/QAob9KK.png
Race: Human
Background: Outlander
STR 16 DEX 12 CON 14 INT 10 WIS 14 CHA 8
Skills: Athletics, Survival, Perception, Insight, Animal Handling
Languages: Common, Primordial, Sylvan
Tools: Flute
Primal Path: Totem Warrior
Totem Spirit: Eagle
Feat: Sentinel
"The Barbarian is a primal warrior, possessed of wild strength and ferocity. This Barbarian follows the Path of the Totem warrior, and shares a mighty bond with the animal spirits."



https://i.imgur.com/2pv7xcz.png
Race: Half-Orc
Background: Acolyte
STR 16 DEX 10 CON 14 INT 12 WIS 8 CHA 16
Skills: Athletics, Intimidation, History, Perception, Performance, Religion
Languages: Common, Orcish, Dwarvish, Giant
Cantrips: Blade Ward, Minor Illusion
Spells: Bane, Thunderwave, Heroism, Cure Wounds, Enhance Ability, Hold Person
Bard College: College of Valor
"The Bard is a wandering teller of tales and collector of mystical secrets. This Bard follows the College of Valor, chanting songs of battle to stir her companions to courageous deeds."


https://i.imgur.com/YJCqAfk.png
Race: Hill Dwarf
Background: Guild Artisan
STR 10 DEX 12 CON 15 INT 10 WIS 16 CHA 14
Skills: Religion, Persuasion, Insight, History
Tools: Mason's Tools, Jeweler's Tools
Languages: Common, Dwarvish, Celestial
Cantrips: Sacred Flame, Resistance, Thaumaturgy, Light
Spells: Burning Hands, Faerie Fire, Healing Word, Guiding Bolt, Command, Protection from Evil & Good, Sanctuary, Flaming Sphere, Scorching Ray, Aid
Divine Domain: Light
"The Cleric is the champion of an immortal god, both soldier and priest. This Cleric channels the power of a deity of the Light domain, a bringer of truth and cleansing fire."



https://i.imgur.com/SIq8GqW.png
Race: Human
Background: Noble
STR 8 DEX 14 CON 12 INT 10 WIS 16 CHA 14
Skills: Persuasion, Performance, Nature, Insight, Survival
Tools: Lute
Languages: Common, Elvish, Gnome
Cantrips: Produce Flame, Druidcraft, Spare the Dying
Spells: Speak with Animals, Animal Friendship, Charm Person, Healing Word, Faerie Fire, Barkskin, Spider Climb, Animal Messenger
Druid Circle: Circle of the Land (Forest)
"The Druid is a devotee of an ancient religion, a keeper of nature's mysteries. This Druid belongs to the Circle of the Land, dedicated to preserving and protecting the majesty of the wild places."
Feat: Lucky


https://i.imgur.com/XuLD0aM.png
Race: Forest Gnome
Background: Urchin
STR 8 DEX 16 CON 14 INT 14 WIS 13 CHA 10
Skills: Stealth, Sleight of Hand, Perception, Insight
Tools: Disguise Kit, Thieves' Tools, Cartographer's Tools
Languages: Common, Gnomish
Cantrip: Minor Illusion
Fighting Style: Dueling
Martial Archetype: Battlemaster
Maneuvers: Riposte, Precision Attack, Maneuvering Attack
"The Fighter is a master of weapons and tactics, honed by discipline and hardened by battle. This Fighter is an archetypal Battlemaster, who employs skillful maneuvers to change the course of a battle."



https://i.imgur.com/Fh54BLm.png
Race: Human
Background: Folk Hero
STR 10 DEX 16 CON 14 INT 12 WIS 14 CHA 8
Skills: Stealth, Perception, Acrobatics, Survival, Animal Handling
Tools: Land Vehicles, Weaver's Tools, Herbalism Kit
Languages: Common, Halfling
Cantrip: Minor Illusion
Monastic Tradition: Way of Shadows
Feat: Savage Attacker
"The Monk is a warrior-ascetic, disciplined in both body and mind. This Monk follows the Way of Shadows, whose mystical shadow arts cloak him from his enemies until he strikes."



https://i.imgur.com/5rE1Uec.png
Race: Dragonborn (White)
Background: Criminal
STR 16 DEX 8 CON 13 INT 8 WIS 10 CHA 16
Skills: Deception, Stealth, Intimidation, Athletics
Tools: Land Vehicles, Dragon Chess
Languages: Common, Draconic
Spells: Bane, Hunter's Mark, Wrathful Smite, Command, Shield of Faith, Bless
Fighting Style: Great Weapon Fighting
Sacred Oath: Oath of Vengeance
"The Paladin is a knight of holy ideals, whose conviction is a weapon as mighty as any steel. This Paladin has sworn the Oath of Vengeance, to cleanse the world of wickedness, visit destruction upon evildoers, and thwart the forces of darkness at any sacrifice."



https://i.imgur.com/uX5NAJO.png
Race: Human
Background: Hermit
STR 10 DEX 16 CON 14 INT 12 WIS 14 CHA 8
Skills: Medicine, Nature, Survival, Perception, Stealth, Athletics
Tools: Herbalism Kit
Languages: Common, Dwarvish, Orcish, Elvish, Giant
Favored Terrain: Arctic
Favored Enemy: Giants
Spells: Hunter's Mark, Ensnaring Strike, Alarm
Fighting Style: Archery
Ranger Archetype: Hunter
Hunter's Prey: Colossus Slayer
Feat: Sharpshooter
"The Ranger is a master of fieldcraft, at ease in wild and savage country. This Ranger is an archetypal Hunter, to whom the largest and fiercest creatures are as prey.


https://i.imgur.com/DgvXRrB.png
Race: Stout Halfling
Background: Sailor
STR 8 DEX 16 CON 14 INT 15 WIS 10 CHA 12
Skills: Stealth, Perception, Deception, Investigation, Insight, Performance
Tools: Water Vehicles, Navigator's Tools, Disguise Kit, Poisoner's Kit, Thieves' Tools
Languages: Common, Halfling
Expertise: Stealth, Perception
Roguish Archetype: Assassin
"The Rogue is an opportunistic adventurer, nimble of foot and quick of wit. This Rogue is an Assassin, a ruthless infiltrator skilled at dealing death to unsuspecting victims.


https://i.imgur.com/STIjF17.png
Race: Half-Elf
Background: Charlatan
STR 8 DEX 16 CON 14 INT 12 WIS 10 CHA 16
Skills: Deception, Arcana, Insight, Persuasion, Sleight of Hand, Perception
Tools: Forgery Kit, Disguise Kit
Languages: Common, Elvish
Cantrips: Shocking Grasp, Fire Bolt, Friends, Prestidigitation
Spells: Magic Missile, Mage Armor, Phantasmal Force, Mirror Image
Metamagic Options: Subtle Spell, Quicken Spell
"The Sorcerer is a conduit of potent mystic energies, a living wellspring of magic. This Sorcerer draws upon Wild Magic, unleashing spells of dizzying power but unpredictable chaos."



https://i.imgur.com/TkUqQ2i.png
Race: Tiefling
Background: Acolyte
STR 10 DEX 12 CON 15 INT 14 WIS 8 CHA 16
Skills: Religion, Arcana, Intimidation, Deception
Languages: Common, Abyssal, Infernal, Celestial
Cantrips: Eldritch Blast, Thaumaturgy, Prestidigitation
Spells: Find Familiar, Burning Hands, Command, Scorching Ray, Darkness
Eldritch Invocations: Agonizing Blast, Devil's Sight
Pact Boon: Pact of the Chain (Imp)
"The Warlock is an ambitious seeker after forbidden occult knowledge. This Warlock is the servant of a terrible Fiend, who has granted her the destructive powers of Hell itself."



https://i.imgur.com/za1f565.png
Race: High Elf
Background: Sage
STR 8 DEX 16 CON 12 INT 16 WIS 13 CHA 10
Skills: Arcana, History, Perception, Insight, Religion
Languages: Common, Elvish, Primordial, Undercommon, Sylvan
Cantrips: Mage Hand, Prestidigitation, Mending, Fire Bolt
Spells: Mage Armor, Shield, Detect Magic, Comprehend Languages, Sleep, Silent Image, Protection from Evil & Good, Floating Disk, Rope Trick, Flaming Sphere
Arcane Tradition: School of Divination
"The Wizard is a learned scholar of magic, ever eager to add to his collection of spells. This Wizard is a specialist of the School of Divination, able to peer through space and time with his mighty intellect."

As a fun fact, I was stuck trying to think of good designs for both the Warlock and the Druid, and inspiration for both came from the same source: Disney's Sleeping Beauty.

[Reach Weapon]

One question: do these characters have personalities? I don't know they need whole novel-length backstories (though if you already have those, more power to you), but I do think personality matters when it comes to picking a character. [...] If I was a new player, those little story hooks would point me to a character much faster than mechanics, because the mechanics would all still be really abstract for me.

I'm unsure about giving them written personalities: I don't want a new player to think that they don't have creative freedom to decide who this person is. Certainly I have personalities and character backstories in mind for these models, but don't necessarily think that's the way to start a new person off.
I'm on team "give 'em a personality blurb", but I see your concern about stifling freedom. Perhaps there's some introductory text and formatting choices that could help alleviate that issue?


It adds a lot to the game and helps you make more character driven choices if you try to define and describe your character's personality from the very beginning of the game. It's also perfectly normal to refine, change and even completely retcon aspects of your character's personality especially early on. Cross off all the sentences that don't accurately describe your character in each section. If you cross them all out, write something better in the space provided.

Monk - Spent time in a religious community before setting out for adventure:

Trait:

I idolize a particular hero of my faith, and constantly refer to that person’s deeds and example.
I can find common ground between the fiercest enemies, empathizing with them and always working toward peace.
I see omens in every event and action. The gods try to speak to us, we just need to listen.
Nothing can shake my optimistic attitude.
I quote (or misquote) sacred texts and proverbs in almost every situation.
I am tolerant (or intolerant) of other faiths and respect (or condemn) the worship of other gods.
I’ve enjoyed fine food, drink, and high society among my temple’s elite. Rough living grates on me.
I’ve spent so long in the temple that I have little practical experience dealing with people in the outside world.

Ideal:

Tradition. The ancient traditions of worship and sacrifice must be preserved and upheld. (Lawful)
Charity. I always try to help those in need, no matter what the personal cost. (Good)
Change. We must help bring about the changes the gods are constantly working in the world. (Chaotic)
Power. I hope to one day rise to the top of my faith’s religious hierarchy. (Lawful)
Faith. I trust that my deity will guide my actions. I have faith that if I work hard, things will go well. (Lawful)
Aspiration. I seek to prove myself worthy of my god’s favor by matching my actions against his or her teachings. (Any)

...or however else you describe characters at your table.

[Theodoxus]

BAM! <snip>

I really like these. And once again, I think you knock the Paladin out of the park. I'm not normally a fan of dragonborn in general, but this really works. The black and white/steel motif is spot on.


As a fun fact, I was stuck trying to think of good designs for both the Warlock and the Druid, and inspiration for both came from the same source: Disney's Sleeping Beauty.

As soon as I saw the druid I was like "oh, she's a Disney princess!" It's too bad you're only using PHB options (understandably as it is) - the warlock would look wicked smart with optional tiefling wings.

[Catullus64]

I really like these. And once again, I think you knock the Paladin out of the park. I'm not normally a fan of dragonborn in general, but this really works. The black and white/steel motif is spot on.


Just don't ask how he shuts his visor. :smallwink:

[NecessaryWeevil]

I just have to say, you are a virtuoso with Heroforge. Well done!