PF2E/SF2E Character Creation Process
Source: PF2E Player Core / SF2E Player Core Note: SF2E uses the same character creation process as PF2E
The 10 Steps
Step 1: Create a Concept
Define your character's archetype and personality. Consider their role in the party and backstory.
Step 2: Start Building Attributes
All attributes start at +0. You'll apply boosts and flaws from ancestry, background, and class.
Step 3: Select an Ancestry
Choose your heritage (species). Gain:
- Hit Points (ancestry HP)
- Size
- Speed
- Attribute boosts and flaws
- Languages
- Ancestry traits
- Special abilities
Step 4: Select a Background
Choose your pre-adventuring career. Gain:
- Two attribute boosts (one fixed, one choice)
- Training in a skill
- Training in a Lore skill
- A skill feat
Step 5: Select a Class
Choose your adventuring profession. Gain:
- Key attribute boost
- Class HP per level
- Proficiencies (attacks, defenses, skills)
- Class features
- Starting equipment options
Step 6: Determine Attribute Scores
Apply all boosts and flaws:
- 4 free boosts at level 1
- Ancestry boosts/flaws
- Background boosts
- Class boost Final modifier = (score - 10) / 2
Step 7: Record Class Details
Note all class features:
- Proficiencies
- Class DC
- Special abilities
- Feature progression
Step 8: Buy Equipment
Use starting money to purchase:
- Weapons
- Armor
- Adventuring gear
- Class-specific items
Step 9: Calculate Modifiers
Determine all derived statistics:
- Armor Class (AC)
- Attack bonuses
- Saving throws
- Skill modifiers
- Perception
- Class DC
- Spell attack/DC (if applicable)
Step 10: Finishing Details
- Name your character
- Determine alignment/edicts/anathema
- Write backstory
- Choose personality traits
- Note starting Hero Points (usually 1)
Attribute Boosts & Flaws
Boosts
Each boost increases an attribute:
- Attributes below 18: +2
- Attributes 18+: +1
Flaws
Each flaw decreases an attribute by 2.
Free Boosts
At level 1, you get 4 free boosts that can go to any attributes (each attribute can only receive one free boost).
Proficiency Ranks
| Rank | Bonus | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Untrained | +0 | No training |
| Trained | Level + 2 | Basic competence |
| Expert | Level + 4 | Professional skill |
| Master | Level + 6 | Elite ability |
| Legendary | Level + 8 | World-class |
Starting HP
Formula: Ancestry HP + Class HP + Constitution modifier
Example: Human (8) + Fighter (10) + Con +2 = 20 HP at level 1
Level Advancement
Every 1,000 XP = 1 level. At each level:
- Increase HP by Class HP + Con modifier
- May gain new class features
- May gain skill increases
- May gain attribute boosts (levels 5, 10, 15, 20)
- May gain ancestry feats (levels 1, 5, 9, 13, 17)
- May gain class feats (varies by class)
- May gain general feats (odd levels)
- May gain skill feats (even levels)
Last Updated: 2026-01-17