Wandering Adventures

Creating a Character in Dungeons & Dragons

One of the most exciting parts of playing Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is creating a character. Your character is your persona in the game world, shaping how you interact with the story, other players, and the challenges ahead. Whether you’re new to the game or a veteran looking to refine your approach, this guide will walk you through the key steps of building a compelling and effective character.

Step 1: Choose a Race

D&D offers a variety of races, each with unique abilities, lore, and cultural backgrounds. The Player’s Handbook and other sourcebooks provide numerous options. Here are the core races:

• Common Races: Human, Dwarf, Elf, Halfling

• Uncommon Races: Dragonborn, Gnome, Half-Elf, Half-Orc, Tiefling

• Expanded Races (from additional sourcebooks): Aarakocra, Aasimar, Bugbear, Centaur, Changeling, Deep Gnome, Duergar, Eladrin, Firbolg, Genasi (Air, Earth, Fire, Water), Gith (Githyanki, Githzerai), Goblin, Goliath, Grung, Hobgoblin, Kenku, Kobold, Lizardfolk, Minotaur, Orc, Satyr, Shadar-Kai, Shifter, Tabaxi, Tortle, Triton, Warforged, Yuan-Ti Pureblood, and many more.

Consider how your character’s race influences their abilities and personality. A Dwarf’s resilience makes them excellent fighters, while a Gnome’s intelligence is useful for spellcasters.

Step 2: Pick a Class

Your class determines your character’s role in the game, their abilities, and how they approach combat and problem-solving. Here are the official classes:

• Martial Classes: Barbarian, Fighter, Monk, Ranger, Rogue

• Spellcasting Classes: Bard, Cleric, Druid, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard

• Hybrid Classes: Paladin (mix of martial and divine magic), Artificer (technology and magic combined)

Each class has unique mechanics and strengths, so think about what kind of experience you want from the game. A Fighter excels in weapon combat, while a Cleric can heal allies and wield divine magic.

Step 3: Select a Background

Backgrounds add depth to your character, providing proficiencies, equipment, and roleplaying elements. Here are the standard backgrounds from the Player’s Handbook and other sourcebooks:

• Common Backgrounds: Acolyte, Charlatan, Criminal, Entertainer, Folk Hero, Guild Artisan, Hermit, Noble, Outlander, Sage, Sailor, Soldier, Urchin

• Expanded Backgrounds (from additional sourcebooks): Archaeologist, City Watch, Clan Crafter, Cloistered Scholar, Courtier, Faction Agent, Far Traveler, Gladiator, Guild Merchant, Haunted One, Inheritor, Knight, Knight of the Order, Marine, Mercenary Veteran, Noble (Variant: Knight), Pirate, Plane-Touched, Sage (Variant: Librarian), Sailor (Variant: Pirate), Secret Agent, Shipwright, Smuggler, Urban Bounty Hunter, Uthgardt Tribe Member, Waterdhavian Noble

Consider how your background influences your character’s motivations and relationships with the world.

Step 4: Determine Ability Scores

Ability scores define your character’s strengths and weaknesses. There are three common methods to generate scores: rolling dice, using the standard array, or point buy. Each score impacts different aspects of play:

• Strength (STR): Important for Barbarians, Fighters, and Paladins who rely on melee combat.

• Dexterity (DEX): Crucial for Rogues, Monks, and Rangers for agility, stealth, and ranged combat. Also affects AC for lightly armored characters.

• Constitution (CON): Beneficial for all classes, as it determines hit points and resilience.

• Intelligence (INT): Essential for Wizards and useful for Artificers and certain skill checks like Investigation.

• Wisdom (WIS): Important for Clerics, Druids, and Rangers, affecting spellcasting and perception-based skills.

• Charisma (CHA): Key for Bards, Sorcerers, Paladins, and Warlocks, influencing spellcasting and social interactions.

Make sure your primary stats align with your class—Wizards need high Intelligence, while Rogues benefit from Dexterity.

Step 5: Choose Skills, Feats, and Equipment

Your character will have proficiencies in specific skills based on their class and background. These skills help with everything from persuading NPCs to spotting hidden dangers. At higher levels, you may also gain feats, which provide additional abilities or bonuses. Finally, select starting equipment based on your class and background or roll for starting gold to purchase gear.

Step 6: Consider Multi-Classing and Level Progression

As your character gains experience, they level up and gain new abilities. Some players choose to multi-class, taking levels in multiple classes to create unique combinations. However, multi-classing comes with trade-offs, as you may delay access to higher-level abilities in your primary class. Consider the synergy between classes before making this choice.

For example:

• A Fighter/Rogue gains additional combat versatility and sneak attack damage.

• A Sorcerer/Warlock benefits from combining spellcasting resources for high efficiency.

• A Cleric/Paladin becomes a resilient frontliner with divine magic and smiting power.

If you prefer to focus on one class, consider how its subclasses (archetypes) shape your character’s progression and abilities.

Step 7: Define Your Character’s Personality and Goals

Mechanics are important, but personality and motivation bring your character to life. Consider their alignment, ideals, bonds, and flaws. What drives them? Do they seek revenge, adventure, or redemption? How do they interact with others? A well-developed character adds depth to roleplaying and makes for a more immersive experience.

Step 8: Explore Homebrew Options (Optional)

Many players and Dungeon Masters enjoy incorporating homebrew content—custom races, classes, spells, or backgrounds created by the community. If your DM allows it, homebrew content can add variety and personalization to your character. However, make sure any homebrew choices are balanced and fit within the campaign’s setting.

Step 9: Work With Your Dungeon Master

Before finalizing your character, discuss your ideas with the Dungeon Master (DM). They might have suggestions for fitting your character into the campaign’s setting or adapting certain traits for balance. Collaboration ensures your character’s story aligns with the world and makes for a richer experience.

Final Thoughts

Creating a D&D character is more than just numbers on a sheet—it’s about crafting a persona that fits into the world of storytelling and adventure. By considering both mechanics and personality, you’ll develop a character that’s fun to play and adds to the game’s depth. Whether it’s your first character or your fiftieth, take your time, experiment, and enjoy the process.

If you’re looking for RPG-related products or want to join one of our periodic RPG events, check out Wandering Adventures. We run learn-to-play sessions and organized RPG games at our store. Browse upcoming events at this link and find all RPG-related products here.

A new and exciting entry into the world of tabletop gaming is on the horizon. The upcoming Gundam Trading Card Game (TCG) and Gundam Miniature Game are set to launch together, bringing the legendary mecha franchise into a new format for fans to enjoy. While both games share a common theme, they are distinct experiences, offering different ways to engage with the iconic Mobile Suits and characters from the Gundam universe.

The Gundam Trading Card Game

The Gundam TCG is an upcoming competitive card game featuring Mobile Suit pilots, units, and factions from across the franchise’s history. Players build decks and battle using strategic mechanics unique to each faction and playstyle. You can get an early look at how the game plays in the official Learn to Play video here.

At launch, four different starter decks will be available:

• SEED Strike [ST04A] – A defensive White and Red deck focusing on Gundam SEED, featuring Kira Yamato/Aile Strike Gundam and Athrun Zala/Aegis Gundam.

• Zeon’s Rush [ST03A] – An aggressive Red and Green deck showcasing Zeon and Neo-Zeon factions from Mobile Suit Gundam and Gundam Unicorn, featuring Full Frontal/Sinanju and Char Aznable/Char’s Zaku II.

• Wings of Advance [ST02A] – A ramping Green and Blue deck centered around Gundam Wing, featuring Heero Yuy/Gundam Wing and Zechs Merquise/Tallgeese.

• Heroic Beginnings [ST01A] – A balanced Blue and White deck featuring classic and modern heroes from Gundam, including Amuro Ray/Gundam and Suletta Mercury/Gundam Aerial.

Each deck includes a Bonus Pack, which contains one of 16 full-art holographic cards. Some special decks will even contain all cards in this unique treatment.

Gundam Assemble – The Miniature Game

For those who enjoy the hobby aspect of tabletop gaming, the Gundam Assemble Starter Sets combine the TCG experience with collectible miniatures. These sets contain the same decks as the Starter Decks but also include three different Gundam miniatures (Gunpla models). These miniatures come in runner format (plastic frames with model parts) and require assembly, making them perfect for customization through painting and detailing.

Contents of the Gundam Assemble Starter Set:

• Three different Gundam Assemble (Gunpla Miniatures)

• One 50-card ready-to-play deck

• 10 Resource Cards

• 8 Token Cards (including 3 Unit Tokens per deck)

• Paper Damage Counter

• Rule/Playsheet

• Bonus Pack (1 Card)

Additional Accessories & Launch Details

At launch, we will also have:

• Dice Counters

• Deck Cases

• Booster Packs for expanding your deck options

The trading card game officially launches in July, while details on the miniature game are still forthcoming. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.

Learn to Play Event

To introduce players to the game, we are hosting a Learn to Play event, where attendees will receive a deck to play with and take home. This is a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with the mechanics and get started with the game. More details on the event can be found here.

What is Gundam?

For those unfamiliar with Gundam, it is one of Japan’s most iconic and influential sci-fi franchises. Since its debut in 1979 with Mobile Suit Gundam, the series has expanded into numerous anime series, films, manga, video games, and model kits (Gunpla). The franchise is known for its deep storytelling, political intrigue, and large-scale battles featuring giant mechs, known as Mobile Suits. With multiple timelines and universes, each Gundam series introduces unique conflicts, memorable characters, and stunning mecha designs. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, the upcoming Gundam TCG and Miniature Game offer an exciting new way to experience the franchise.

Stay tuned for more updates, and be sure to check out our store for all your Gundam gaming needs!

The Warhammer 40,000 universe is vast, brutal, and filled with endless conflict. If you’ve ever wanted to step into that world and experience it firsthand, Wrath & Glory is the perfect way to do so. This roleplaying game (RPG) brings the grimdark future to life, letting players take on the roles of heroes, scoundrels, and zealots in a galaxy plagued by war, corruption, and ancient horrors. Whether you’re new to RPGs or a veteran of tabletop gaming, Wrath & Glory offers an engaging mix of tactical combat, narrative-driven storytelling, and the rich lore of the Warhammer 40,000 setting.

Check out our ever expanding line of Wrath & Glory books here

Wrath & Glory is a tabletop RPG set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Unlike traditional wargames like Warhammer 40K, which focus on large-scale battles, Wrath & Glory zooms in on individual characters and their struggles within the Imperium (or beyond). Players can take on a variety of roles, from loyal Imperial citizens and Space Marines to rogue traders, psykers, or even Xenos operatives—depending on the tone of the campaign.

The game is flexible, allowing for different styles of play. You can engage in political intrigue in the halls of the Inquisition, explore ancient ruins in search of forbidden knowledge, or simply fight for survival against the horrors of the Warp.

Core Mechanics

Wrath & Glory uses a d6-based dice pool system that is designed to be fast-paced and cinematic. Here’s a breakdown of the key mechanics:

1. Dice Pool System

When a character attempts an action, they roll a number of six-sided dice (d6) based on their attributes and skills. The goal is to roll enough successes (typically a 4 or higher) to meet or exceed the required difficulty number (DN) set by the Game Master (GM).

• Icons: Rolls of 4 or 5 count as standard successes.

• Exalted Icons: Rolls of 6 count as two successes and generate bonus effects.

• Wrath Dice: One die in every roll is the special Wrath Die. Rolling a 6 on this die can trigger a narrative advantage, while rolling a 1 can cause complications.

2. Wrath, Glory, and Ruin

These three mechanics create the dynamic, cinematic moments that define Wrath & Glory.

• Wrath: Players earn Wrath points through roleplaying and dramatic actions. These can be spent to reroll failed dice, boost narrative moments, or even influence the story in meaningful ways.

• Glory: A shared resource for the party, Glory is generated by rolling Exalted Icons. It can be spent to increase damage, seize the initiative in combat, or fuel heroic moments.

• Ruin: The GM has their own pool of Ruin, which they use to complicate the players’ plans, empower enemies, or escalate conflicts.

3. Combat and Conflict

Combat in Wrath & Glory is deadly and tactical, emphasizing the sheer brutality of the 41st millennium.

• Initiative: Players can spend Glory to manipulate turn order, adding a layer of strategy.

• Weapons and Armor: The game faithfully translates 40K’s iconic weaponry, from chainswords to lasguns, with devastating critical effects.

• Perils of the Warp: Psykers wield immense power but risk disaster with every spell, possibly attracting daemonic attention.

Character Creation and Archetypes

One of the strengths of Wrath & Glory is its broad selection of playable archetypes. Instead of rigid classes, players choose a tier that determines their power level and select an archetype within that tier.

Tiers of Play:

• Tier 1: Low-level operatives like Imperial Guardsmen, mercenaries, or low-ranking Adeptus Mechanicus tech-priests.

• Tier 2: More experienced individuals, such as Inquisitorial acolytes, Rogue Trader crew members, or battle-ready Sisters of Battle.

• Tier 3: Elite warriors like Space Marines, senior Inquisitors, or high-ranking Astra Militarum officers.

• Tier 4+: Legendary figures such as Deathwatch veterans or Chaos Lords (often for high-stakes, short-term campaigns).

Each archetype provides a foundation, but players can customize their characters with unique skills, talents, and wargear to fit their playstyle.

If you’re looking for a way to experience the grimdark future of Warhammer 40K beyond just reading the lore or playing the miniatures game, Wrath & Glory is a great option. Whether you’re uncovering ancient secrets, taking on dangerous missions, or just trying to survive in a hostile galaxy, the game offers plenty of opportunities for epic storytelling and action-packed gameplay. So grab some dice, gather your warband, and dive into the 41st millennium—you might not make it out alive, but you'll have a great time trying!