This guide establishes the rules and boundaries for character creation in the East Marches and is intended to keep all players on an even footing. As the world of the East Marches progresses, this guide will be updated to reflect any changes and the minimum level and starting funds for any new characters will rise to meet the current cast of adventurers so that any new character isn't too far behind those who have been playing for some time.
Character Stats
Rather than use the standard array, all characters will be created with rolled stats using the "4d6, drop lowest" method. To maintain fairness between individual characters, we will use a total score minimum of 72 and a maximum of 82. Add up your six ability scores once you roll; if they fall within that 72-82 range, that's your stat array. If your total score is too high or too low, roll again until you get an array that fits within that range. If you are unsatisfied with your final stat array, you are free to use 5e's standard array instead (15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8).
All rolls should be done in the East Marches discord channel or in some other setting with a witness who is already in the campaign.
Races
All published races will be allowed to play in the East Marches per the linked list on DnDBeyond. Homebrewed races or unofficial races (such as in Unearthed Arcana) will not be permitted.
Classes and Subclasses
Classes will be limited to the basic classes found in the Player's Handbook with some exceptions listed at the end of this section. Subclasses will be limited to those found in the Player's Handbook, Xanathar's Guide to Everything, and the Dungeon Master's Guide. Homebrew classes will not be permitted.
The following classes are exceptions to this rule and are free to use:
- UA revised ranger
- UA revised artificer
- Matt Mercer's Blood Hunter
Backgrounds
Players may make use of all published backgrounds, except for the backgrounds provided in Guildmaster's Guide to Ravnica. All backgrounds are to remain unmodified from how they originally appear, and whatever gold the background provides is on top of the starting gold provided later in this guide.
Feats and Spells
Players are welcome to make use of feats in place of Ability Score Increases (or when playing as a variant human). Feats will be limited to those provided in the Player's Handbook as well as the racial feats provided in Xanathar's Guide to Everything.
Spells are limited to those provided in the Player's Handbook and Xanathar's Guide to Everything plus the four cantrips in the Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide (booming blade, green flame blade, lightning lure, sword burst).
All spells require the usual material components, except for spells centered upon revival of dead characters, which have been modified as explained in the Character Death and Revival guide.
Starting Level, Equipment, and Funds
All characters will be created at level 4 and will begin their life with the typical starting equipment as specified by their class and background + an additional 40 gold to spend on weapons, armor, adventuring gear, etc.
Other Restrictions
In the interest of keeping things friendly between players, no character can be either neutral evil or chaotic evil. Additionally, attacking or stealing from other characters is strongly discouraged. Players are also strongly encouraged to create characters that are capable of working with others in the party, even if it is done reluctantly.
Character's Personal Story
Each character is required to be a active member of the Adventurer's Guild. Beyond that, it's your story to tell (within reason). Keep in mind your current level when establishing your backstory. A level 3 character is not likely to be a world-beating hero or a warrior of legend. The only thing you truly need to establish is how you came to join the guild.
Character Limit
Currently, players will be limited to two total characters. A player can unlock a third character slot by DMing three games.
Helpful Links for Character Creation
- Google Drive of 5th Edition Books
- Mega Link of 5th Edition Books
- 5eTools - This site features a ton of sortable information and incorporates all published content. The classes page is particularly useful for character creation as it has all the subclasses in one handy place as well as a feature to compare them.