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DM Foundry Character Creation Checklist

Level 0 Characters (Session 1 - Zombies Attack!)

Since Level 0 characters don't have classes yet, we're using this modified order:

Pre-Session Prep

  • Create world in Foundry
  • Enable character creation permissions
  • Load Zombies Attack! adventure

Character Creation Order (Level 0)

1. Initial Setup

  • Player creates actor with character name
  • Set token/avatar if desired

2. Ability Scores

  • Roll 4d6 drop lowest, reroll 1s and 2s
  • Create 3 sets, pick favorite
  • Assign to six abilities
  • DON'T apply bonuses yet (they come from background)

3. Species Selection

  • Choose species
  • Add species traits (Size, Speed, Darkvision, etc.)
  • Note species features but DON'T add ASIs (2024 rules: ASIs come from backgrounds)

4. Background Selection

  • Choose background (this is their pre-adventure life)
  • Apply ability score increases (+2/+1 or +1/+1/+1)
  • Add Origin feat from background
  • Add skill proficiencies (2)
  • Add tool proficiency (1)
  • Add starting equipment from background
  • Add starting gold

5. Level 0 Specifics

  • Set HP to 4 + CON modifier (after background ASI)
  • Set proficiency bonus to +2 (even without class)
  • NO class features
  • NO weapon/armor proficiencies beyond background
  • Simple weapons only unless background provides otherwise

6. Final Details

  • Languages (Common + 2 more)
  • Alignment
  • Calculate AC (10 + DEX, no armor proficiency)
  • Initiative (DEX modifier)
  • Passive Perception (10 + WIS modifier)
  • Speed from species

What They DON'T Have at Level 0

  • Class features
  • Hit dice
  • Saving throw proficiencies
  • Class skills
  • Spellcasting
  • Fighting styles
  • Rage, Sneak Attack, etc.

Level 1 Upgrade (End of Session 1)

When characters "awaken" to their class:

Class Selection

  • Choose class based on roleplay/story
  • Add class to Foundry character

Update HP

  • Remove Level 0 HP
  • Set HP to class maximum (e.g., Fighter = 10 + CON)
  • Add Hit Dice (1 of class type)

Add Class Features

  • Saving throw proficiencies
  • Skill proficiencies (choose from class list)
  • Weapon & armor proficiencies
  • Starting class features:
  • Barbarian: Rage, Unarmored Defense
  • Fighter: Fighting Style, Second Wind
  • Wizard: Spellcasting, Ritual Casting, Arcane Recovery
  • Cleric: Spellcasting, Divine Domain
  • Rogue: Expertise, Sneak Attack, Thieves' Cant
  • Etc.

Add Class Equipment

  • Class starting equipment OR
  • Roll for starting gold and purchase

Spellcasters

  • Add spellcasting feature
  • Prepare/learn spells
  • Add cantrips
  • Create spell slots
  • Add spellcasting focus

Combat Stats

  • Update AC with armor proficiencies
  • Calculate spell save DC (8 + prof + ability mod)
  • Spell attack bonus (prof + ability mod)
  • Update weapon attacks with proficiency

Standard Character Creation (Level 1+)

For normal character creation (not Level 0):

Official 2024 Order

  1. Choose Class (determines everything else)
  2. Choose Background (for ability score placement)
  3. Choose Species
  4. Determine Ability Scores (then add background bonuses)
  5. Choose Alignment
  6. Fill in Details

Foundry Implementation Order

  1. Create actor
  2. Add species
  3. Add background
  4. Add class
  5. Roll/assign ability scores
  6. Apply background ASI
  7. Select skills
  8. Add equipment
  9. Add spells (if applicable)
  10. Set HP, AC, saves
  11. Configure token

Quick Reference Tables

Level 0 Stats

  • HP: 4 + CON mod
  • Proficiency: +2
  • Weapons: Simple only (unless background)
  • Armor: None (unless background)
  • Saves: No proficiencies

Ability Score Increases (2024)

All from BACKGROUNDS now: - Standard: +2 to one, +1 to another - Alternative: +1 to three different

Starting Equipment Sources

  • Background: Basic gear, tools, gold
  • Class: Weapons, armor, adventuring gear
  • Total: Combine both at Level 1

Notes for DM

  • Level 0 is a house rule that breaks normal character creation
  • The "delayed class" creates more dramatic storytelling
  • Make sure players understand they're very fragile at Level 0
  • Have backup plans if Level 0 TPK happens
  • Consider giving inspiration for good origin story moments
  • Track which player "awakens" to which class for continuity