Building a DND Character from Scratch - Reminders

Step by Step, Class by Class

1 Choose a Race and a Name - Note racial traits and features

Go to Google Doc open the huge Spreadsheet about all races, classes, and traits available/ Use DnD Beyond

Lost Mines of Phandelver

A Luleda Jadebranch Rockseeeker- Order Cleric Hill Dwarf
Dwarf = +2 constitution, Darkvision (60ft dim), Dwarven Resilience (Adv and Resistance against poison), Dwarven Combat Training (prof for Battleaxe, Handaxe, Light Hammer, and Warhammer), Stonnecunning (proficient in the History skill and add double your Proficiency Bonus to the check if talking about stonework), Tool proficiency (choice=smiths' tools)
Languages: Common, Dwarvish (guttural sounds)
Subrace: +1 Wisdom, Dwarven Toughness (+1 Max HP, increases +1 per level)



B Melilot Farkin - Moon Druid Lightfot Halfling
Halfling = +2 dexterity/ Lucky (reroll 1) / Brave (adv Saving Throws on Frightened)/ Hafling Nimbleness (move through space a size larger than small)
Languages: Common and Halfling
Subrace: +1 Charisma / Naturally Stealthy (attempt to hide obscured by creature one size larger than small)


C Arnau Broekengulf Deware - Wild Magic Human Barbarian
Human Variant = any two ability scores +1 (Strength/Dexterity) / one feat (Great Weapon Master) / proficiency of choice (Acrobatics)
Languages= Common and Elvish
Subrace= the variant is the subrace

(Spare) D / Zeed - College of Lore Aarakocra Bard Aarakocra (no subrace) = +2 DEX/ +1 Wisdom / Flight (50ft, no heavy or medium armor), Talon (unarmed strike = 1d4 + STR mod +1)
Languages: Common, Aarakocra and Auran

(Spare) E/Lani Teu'kerym - Aberrant Mind High Elf (Eladrin) Sorcerer
Elf = +2 DEX / Darkvision / Keen Senses (prof 'perception') / Fey Ancestry (adv against 'Charmed' / magic can't put to sleep) /Trance
Languages= Common, Elvish
Subrace = Eladrin Variant: +1 INT / Elf Weapon Training (longsword, shortsword, shortbow, and longbow)/ Fey Step (Misty Step once after long or short rest)


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If manually created ...

2 - Add Attributes: Walking Speed /Size

Lost Mines of Phandelver

A Luleda Jadebranch Rockseeker- Order Cleric Hill Dwarf --------------- Dwarf : speed/ 25 ft (not impeded by heavy armor) - Size/ medium

B Melilot Farkin - Moon Druid Lightfot Halfling ----------------------- Hafling: speed/25ft- Size/small

C Arnau Brokengulf Deware - Wild Magic Human Barbarian ---------------- Human: speed/30ft - Size/medium

(Spare) D / Zeed - College of Lore Aarakocra Bard ------------------------ Araakocra: speed 25 ft on land/50ft flying - Size medium

(Spare) E/Lani Teu'kerym - Aberrant Mind High Elf (Eladrin) Sorcerer ---------------- Eladrin Elf: 30ft - Size medium

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3 Choose a Class and Record Class Hit Dice and Weapon Proficiencies

Lost Mines of Phandelver
A Luleda Jadebranch Rockseeker - Order Cleric Hill Dwarf ------------------------------- Cleric
Hit Dice = 1d8/ Primary Ability = Wisdom/Saves Proficiencies = Wisdom and Charisma
Armor and Weapon Proficiencies = light armor, medium armor, shields, simple weapons

B Melilot Farkin - Moon Druid Lightfot Halfling ----------------------- Druid
Hit Dice = 1d8 /Primary Ability = Wisdom /Saves proficiencies= Wisdom and Intelligence
Armor and Weapon Proficiencies= light armor, medium armor, shields (but no metal), clubs, daggers, dart, javelins, maces, quarterstaffs, scimitars, sickles, slings, spears,


C Arnau Brokengulf Deware - Wild Magic Human Barbarian -----------------------------Barbarian
Hit Dice = 1d12/ Primary Ability = STRENGTH/Saves Proficiencies = Strength and Constitution
Armor and Weapon Proficiencies = light armor, medium armor, shields, simple weapons, martial weapons (no tools)

(Spare) D / Zeed - College of Lore Aarakocra Bard --------------------- Bard
Hit Dice= 1d8 / Main Ability = Charisma / Saves Proficiencies = Charisma and Dexterity
Armor and Weapon Proficiencies = light armor, simple weapons, hand crossbows, longswords, rapiers, shortswords

(Spare) E/Lani Teu'kerym - Aberrant Mind High Elf (Eladrin) Sorcerer ------------------- Sorcerer
Hit Dice = 1d6/ Primary Ability = CHARISMA/ Saves Proficiencies = CHAR / CON
Armor and Weapon Proficiencies= no armor, daggers, darts, slings, quarterstaffs, light crossbows, no tools



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4 Choose Proficiencies in Skills

Lost Mines of Phandelver
A Luleda Jadebranch Rockseeker- Order Cleric Hill Dwarf ------------------------------- Insight/History

B Melilot Farkin - Moon Druid Lightfot Halfling ----------------------- Insight/ animal handling

C Arnau Brokengulf Deware - Wild Magic Human Barbarian------------perception/survival

(Spare) D / Zeed - College of Lore Aarakocra Bard -------------------- perception/nature

(Spare) E/Lani Teu'kerym - Aberrant Mind High Elf (Eladrin) Sorcerer -------------------- deception/arcana


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If doing the creation manually,

5 Record lvl 1 class features, lvl 1 proficieny bonus

Lost Mines of Phandelver
A Luleda Jadebranch Rockseeker- Order Cleric Hill Dwarf ---- Proficiency Bonus = +2 (lvl1)
Cleric = Spellcasting Cleric spells (3 cantrips, 2 first level), Prepare Spells (after long rest, wisdom mod + level = 5 spells at lvl1)
, Ritual Casting, Spellcasting Focus

B Melilot Farkin - Moon Druid Lightfot Halfling ----------------------- Proficiency Bonus = 2 (lv1)
Druid - Spellcasting Druid Spells (2 cantrips /4 level 1 spells (1 per level + wisdom modifer = 4 level 1 known spells'/prepared every day like Clerics), proficiency with herbalism kit, language Druidic (for hidden messages)/Ritual Casting/ Druidic Spellcasting Focus/ Wildshape at lvl 2 (use twice after a long rest + Beast Max CR 1/4, no flying, no swimming )

C Arnau Brokengulf Deware - Wild Magic Human Barbarian
Barbarian - Rage (1 mn, twice at lvl1,bonus action, no armor, no spells, need attack on last turn, adv Strength check+sav throws, bonus to melee damge roll when Str (+2 at lvl1), resist bludg, slash, pierce)
Unarmored Defense (AC 10 - Dex Mod /+3 - Con Mod/+3 = AC 16) also can add shield

(Spare) D / Zeed - College of Lore Aarakocra Bard
Bard -Bard Spellcasting ( LVL1 = 2 cantrips + 4 known lvl1 spells - change spells when move level only)/ Ritual Casting/Spellcasting Focus (one musical instrument)/
Bardic Inspiration (3 times-Char mod) /bonus action on one other person/ range 30ft / one inspiration Bardic die = 1d6 / 10 mns to add die to check, attack, save) Proficiency = 3 music instrument (Vio, Pan Flue, Drum)

(Spare) E/Lani Teu'kerym - Aberrant Mind High Elf (Eladrin) Sorcerer Sorcerer - Sorcerer Spellcasting (LV1 = 4 cantrips + 2 Lvl1) - change spells when move level only/ At Level 2 - Sorcery points

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When Classes Choose their domain:
Cleric = level 1
Druid = level 2
Barbarian = level 3 Bard = level 3

6 -Choose Domain and Domain Proficiencies/Features

Lost Mines of Phandelver
A Luleda Jadebranch Rockseeker- Order Cleric Hill Dwarf -------------------- Order (Tasha/Ravnica)/ Channel Divinity and Turn Undead Specific to Order: Lvl1 Spell: Command and Heroism/ intimidation/ proficiency with heavy armor/ Feature lvl 1: Voice of Authority

B Melilot Farkin - Moon Druid Lightfot Halfling -------------------- Circle of the Moon (from Level 2)
Specific to Circle: Combat Wild Shape (as bonus action + use slot to regain 1d8 HP per level expended as bonus action)/ Circle Forms (you can transform up to 1CR = brown bear, dire wolf, giant spider, giant toad)

C Arnau Brokengulf Deware - Wild Magic Human Barbarian
-------------------------- Path of Wild Magic (from Level 3)
Specific to Path: Magic Awareness (magic spell, item 60 ft +school of magic- twice (prof bonus) per long rest)
Wild Surge: roll on the wild magic table (saving throws DC if needed: 8 + prof bonus (+2) + Cons Mod = 13)

(Spare) D / Zeed - College of Lore Aarakocra Bard --------------------- College of Lore (from Level 3)
Specific to College: bonus proficiency (3 skills of your choice)/Cutting Words (60ft/ use bardic inspiration die to subtract to attack roll, check, damage)

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7- Cast Ability Scores

(whichever method)

IMPORTANT SCORES PER CLASS
Cleric (Luleda Jadebranch Rockseeker) = Wisdom, then CON or STR
Druid (Melilot Farkin) = Wisdom, then DEX, then CON (then Charisma oops!)
Barbarian = STRENGTH then CON then DEX
Bard = CHAR/ DEX then CON / WIS then STR / INT

Lost Mines of Phandelver

A Luleda Jadebranch Rockseeker- Order Cleric Hill Dwarf -----------
RAW DICE = Strength = 13 /DEX = 11 / CON =13 / INT = 12/ WIS = 17 / Charisma = 13
SCORES = Strength = 13 /DEX= 11/ CON= 15 (+2 racial)/ INT = 12 /WIS = 18 (+1 racial)/Charisma = 13
Modifiers = Strength = + 1/ DEX = 0 / CON = +2 / INT = +1/ WIS = +4/Charisma = +1


B Melilot Farkin - Moon Druid Lightfoot Halfling
RAW DICE = Strength = 14 /DEX = 16 / CON =14 / INT = 11/ WIS = 16 / Charisma = 9
SCORES = Strength = 14 /DEX=18 (+2 Racial)/ CON= 14/ INT = 11/WIS = 16/Charisma = 10 (+1 racial)
Modifiers = Strength = + 2/ DEX = +4/ CON = +2 / INT = +0/ WIS = +3/Charisma = +0


C Arnau Brokengulf Deware - Wild Magic Human Barbarian
RAW DICE = Strength = 15 / DEX = 15 / CON =14 / INT = 10/ WIS = 13 / Charisma = 12
SCORES = Strength = 16 (+1 racial) /DEX=16 (+1 Racial)/ CON= 14/ INT = 10/ WIS = 13/ Charisma = 12
Modifiers = Strength = + 3/ DEX = +3/ CON = +2 / INT = +0/ WIS = +1/ Charisma = +1


(Spare) D / Zeed - College of Lore Aarakocra Bard RAW DICE = Strength = 12 / DEX = 15 / CON =14 / INT = 11/ WIS = 13 / Charisma = 17
SCORES = Strength = 12 / DEX=17 (+2 Racial)/ CON= 14/ INT = 11/ WIS = 14 (+1 racial)/ Charisma = 17
Modifiers = Strength = + 1/ DEX = +3/ CON = +2 / INT = +0/ WIS = +2/ Charisma = +3


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8 Choose a Background and its Proficiencies

Lost Mines of Phandelver
A Luleda Jadebranch Rockseeker - Order Cleric Hill Dwarf ---------------------------- Soldier
athletics /Medecine / Tools Proficiencies: Vehicles (land)/ Game Set: playing card set /Rank: Sergeant (Neverwinter Guard)

B Melilot Farkin - Moon Druid Lightfoot Halfling ----------------------------------- Folk Hero
Survival/Stealth /tools proficiency = vehicles land + Cooks' Utensils/ Rustic Hospitality

C Arnau Brokengulf Deware - Wild Magic Human Barbarian ----------------------------------- noble
proficiencies: history, persuasion/ proficiency in one gaming set (playing card set)/one language = Dwarfish/ position of privilege

(Spare) D / Zeed - College of Lore Aarakocra Bard -----------------------------outlander
proficiencies: athletics, survival/tool: music instrument (yarting)/language - Gnomish/ Wanderer (memory for terrain, find food and water for 5)

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If doing the creation manually

9 Work Out Saving Throws, Skills, AC (Armour Class), Initiative, HIT Point, Passive Perception

Remember to add proficiency bonus!


Lost Mines of Phandelver
A Luleda Jadebranch Rockseeker- Order Cleric Hill Dwarf ----------
Saving Throws: STR +1 DEX +0 CON +2 INT +1 WIS +6 (prof) CHAR +3 (prof)
Total Skills Proficient (+2) = athletics, history, insight, intimidation, medecine / Disadvantage on Stealth = heavy armor
Armor Class = chain mail is +16 then add +2 for shield = 18 AC
Initiative = dex modifier = +0
Hit Point = Hit Point Dice (1D8) + Cons Mod. (+2) + Hill Darw Trait (+1) = 11
Passive Wisdom = perception bonus (+4) add +10 = 14

B Melilot Farkin - Moon Druid Lightfoot Halfling
Saving Throws = STR +2 / DEX + 4/ CON + 2 / INT + 2 (prof) / WIS + 5 (prof)/ CHAR +0
Total Skills Proficient = Animal Handling, Perception, Stealth and Survival
Armor Class = leather armor (11) + dex mod (+4) + shield (+2) = 17
Initiative = Dex Modifier = +4
Hit Point = 8 (1d8) + CONS modifer (+2) = 10
Passive Wisdo = 10 + perception bonus (+5) = 15


C Arnau Brokengulf Deware - Wild Magic Human Barbarian
Saving Throws = STR +5 (+3 and +2 prof) / DEX +3 / CON +4 (+2 prof)/ INT +0/ WIS+1 / CHAR +1
Total Skills Proficient = acrobatics, history, perception, persuasion, survival
Armor Class = Unarmored Defense: 10 + DEX mod + CON mod = 16
Initiative = DEX mod +3
Hit Point = 12 (1d12) + CON mod (+2) = 14
Passive Wisdom = 10 + perception bonus (+3) = 13


(Spare) D / Zeed - College of Lore Aarakocra Bard
Saving Throws = STRENGTH +1/ DEX +5/CON =2/ INT +0 / WISD +2 / CHAR +5
Total Skills Proficient = acrobatics, athletics, nature, perception, survival
Armor Class = leather armor + 11 + DEX Mod +3 = 14
Initiative = + 3
Hit Point = 1d8 + CON Mod +2 = 10
Passive Wisdom = 10 + perception bonus = 14




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10 Pick Personality Traits, Ideal (define alignment), Bond

Lost Mines of Phandelver
A Luleda Jadebranch Rockseeker- Order Cleric Hill Dwarf
I’ve lost too many friends, and I’m slow to make new ones.
I’m full of inspiring and cautionary tales from my military experience relevant to almost every combat situation
Nation. My city, nation, or people are all that matter. (Any)
Those who fight beside me are those worth dying for
I’d rather eat my armor than admit when I’m wrong.


B Melilot Farkin - Moon Druid Lightfoot Halfling
If someone is in trouble, I’m always ready to lend help.
I get bored easily. When am I going to get on with my destiny?
Destiny. Nothing and no one can steer me away from my higher calling. (Any)
I protect those who cannot protect themselves.
I’m convinced of the significance of my destiny, and blind to my shortcomings and the risk of failure.


C Arnau Brokengulf Deware - Wild Magic Human Barbarian
I take great pains to always look my best and follow the latest fashions.
Despite my noble birth, I do not place myself above other folks. We all have the same blood.
Independence. I must prove that I can handle myself without the coddling of my family.
I am in love with the heir of a family that my family despises.
I too often hear veiled insults and threats in every word addressed to me, and I’m quick to anger.

(Spare) D / Zeed - College of Lore Aarakocra Bard I’m always picking things up, absently fiddling with them, and sometimes accidentally breaking them. I watch over my friends as if they were a litter of newborn pups. Change. Life is like the seasons, in constant change, and we must change with it. I will bring terrible wrath down on the evildoers who destroyed my homeland. I am slow to trust members of other races, tribes, and societies.

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11 Character Alignment, Gods and Lifesyles

Lost Mines of Phandelver
A Luleda Jadebranch Rockseeker- Order Cleric Hill Dwarf ---------------------------- Lawful Good
God Moradin, Lifestyle Modest (1gp)

B Melilot Farkin - Moon Druid Lightfoot Halfing ---------------------------------------------- Chaotic Good
God Chauntea and Yondalla, LIfestyle Modest (1gp)

C Arnau Brokengulf Deware - Wild Magic Human Barbarian ----------------------------- Lawful Neutral
God Tempus, Lifestyle Aristocratic (10gp minimum)

(Spare) D / Zeed - College of Lore Aarakocra Bard-------------------------- Chaotic Good
God Syranita / lifestyle Modest (1gp)

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12 Physical Characteristics

Lost Mines of Phandelver
A Luleda Jadebranch Rockseeker- Order Cleric Hill Dwarf
Hair: ginger, long,braided and curly / Skin: amber / Eyes: hazel / Height: 4ft 4 inches (tall for a dwarf)/Weight: 90 pounds (not that hefty)/Age:55 (young)/ Female

B Melilot Farkin - Moon Druid Lightfoot Halfling
Hair: corn blond, two top knots and straight/ Skin: pale / Eyes: blue/ Height: 3ft/ Weight: 40 lbs/ Age 18 (teen halfling)

C Arnau Brokengulf Deware - Wild Magic Human Barbarian
Hair - Sandy fair to light brown /wavy, mid length (tied back in battles) /Skin: tanned/ Eyes: grey/ Height: 5ft 9/ Weight: 180 lbs / Age: 25

(Spare) D / Zeed - College of Lore Aarakocra Bard Feathers: brown and white/Beak yellow/ Eyes gold/Height 5ft 3/ Weight 90lbs / Age: 10

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13 Add Notes

Add: organizations, allies, enemies, backstory, other

(DND Beyond)

Lost Mines of Phandelver
A Laleda Jadebranch - Order Cleric Hill Dwarf ------------- See Luleda Jadebranch Rockseeker

B Melilot Farkin - Moon Druid Lightfoot Halfling ----------- See Melilot Farkin

C Arnau Brokengulf Deware - Wild Magic Human Barbarian ------ See Arnau Brokengulf Deware

(Spare) D / Zeed - College of Lore Aarakocra Bard ------- SeeZeed

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14 Starter Equipment

Lost Mines of Phandelver
A Laleda Jadebranch - Order Cleric Hill Dwarf
Cleric: wharhammer (proficient), chainmail (proficient) , shield (+2 AC), light crossbow and 20 bolts, an explorer pack, a holy symbol (a silver anvil pendant)
Soldier Background: a dagger, a set of common clothes, 10 gp, set of bone dice

B Melilot Farkin - Moon Druid Lightfoot Halfling
Druid:a wooden shield (+2 AC) / a scimitar (finesse)/ leather armor (AC 11), an explorer's pack, a druidic focus
Folk Hero: cook's utensils, shovel, iron pot, common clothes and 10 gp

C Arnau Borkengulf Deware - Wild Magic Human Barbarian
Barbarian: a greatsword, a quarterstaff, 4 javelins, an explorer's pack
Noble: one gaming set (playing cards), a set of fine clothes, a signet ring, a scroll of pedigree, purse with 25gp

(Spare) D / Zeed - College of Lore Aarakocra Bard
Bard: a rapier (finesse), a diplomat's pack, a viol, leather armor, a dagger Outlander: a staff, a hunting trap, a trophy from animal I killed, a set of traveler's clothes, a pouch with 10 gp _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

If doing the creation manually ...

15 Add in Weapons, Attack Bonus, Damage etc.

Note: add DEX mod for ranged weapon / Add STR mod for melee weapons / unless they are 'finesse' then you can choose STR or DEX

Lost Mines of Phandelver
A Laleda Jadebranch - Order Cleric Hill Dwarf
Wharammer - Range/ 5 ft - AtBonus/ +3 (Str and prof 2) - Damage/1d8 +1 (Str mod) - Type /Bludgeoning
Dagger - Range/20 to 60/ ATBonus/+3 (Str and prof 2) - Damage/1d4 +1 (Str mod) - Type/Piercing
Crossbow Light - Range/80 to 320 - ATbonus/ +2 (DEX +0 and prof 2) - Damage 1d8 (+ 0 DEx) - Type/piercing Unarmed Strike - Range/5ft - ATBonus/+3 (Str and prof 2) - Damage= 2

Add damage spells later ...

Melilot Farkin - Moon Druid Lightfoot Halfling
Quarterstaff with Shillelagh = Range/Touch - ATbonus/ +5( +3 WIS and +2 pro) - Damage = 1d8 +3 (Wisd Mod) Scimitar = Range/5ft - ATbonus/ +6 (+4 DEX and +2 pro) - Damage/1d6+4 (DEX mod) Primal Savagery (Cantrip) = Range/5ft - ATbonus/+5 - Damage/1D10

C Arnau Brokengulf Deware - Wild Magic Human Barbarian
Greatsword = Range/5ft -ATBonus/+5 (STR +3 and +2 pro) - Damage (slashing)/2D6 +3 (STR mod) /add +2 if raging
Javelin = Range/30 ft melee (to 120) - ATBonus/ +5 (STR +3 and +2 prof) - Damage (piercing)/1d6 +3 (STR mod)/add +2 if raging
Quaterstaff = Range/5ft melee - ATBonus/ +5 (STR +3 and +2 prof) - Damage (bludg)/1d6 +3 (STR mod)/add +2 if raging
Unarmed= Range/5ft - ATBonus/+5 (see above) - Damage = 4 (bludg)

(Spare) D / Zeed - College of Lore Aarakocra Bard
Rapier (finesse) - Range/5ft - ATBonus/+5 (STR +3 and +2 Prof) - Damage (1D8 +3 Dex) - piercing Dagger (finesse) - Range/20 to 60 ft - ATBonus/+5 (see above) - Damage (1D4+3 DEX) - piercing Talons = Range/5ft - ATBonus +3 (STR +1 and prof +2) - Damabe/1d4 +1 Str/slashing (Staff but much better with rapier)

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For spellcasting classes ...

16 - Work Out Spell Save DC and Spell Attack Modifier

Lost Mines of Phandelver
A Laleda Jadebranch - Order Cleric Hill Dwarf
Calculate Spell Save DC = 8 + prof bonus (2) + Wisdom Mod (4) = 14
Spell Attack Modifier = prof bonus (2) + Wisdom Mod +4 = 6
Modifier (Wisdom) = +4


B Melilot Farkin - Moon Druid Lightfoot Halfling
Calculate Spell Save DC = 8 + prof bonus (2) + Wisdom Mod (3) = 13
Spell Attack Modifier = prof bonus (2) + Wisdom Mod +3 = 5
Modifier (Wisdom) = +3

(Spare) D / Zeed - College of Lore Aarakocra Bard
Calculate Spell Save DC = 8 + prof bonus (2) + Charisma Mod (3) = 13
Spell Attack Modifier = prof bonus (2) + Charisma Mod +3 = 5
Modifier (Charisma) = +3



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For spellcasting classes ...

17 - Decide on Cantrips, and First Level Spells

Remember to add 'Damage Spells' to the attack box with weapons.



Lost Mines of Phandelver
A Laleda Jadebranch - Order Cleric Hill Dwarf
Cantrip /Guidance, Sacred Flame, Spare the Dying
First Level/ Bless, Cure Wounds + always prepared: Command, Heroism




B Melilot Farkin - Moon Druid Lightfoot Halfling
Cantrip: Shillelagh (bonus) and Primal Savagery
First Level: Detect Magic, Entangle, Faerie Fire, Healing Word (bonus)




(Spare) D / Zeed - College of Lore Aarakocra Bard
Cantrip: (2 cantrips) Vicious Mockery and Minor illusion Level 1: 4 known spells (2 slots): Dissonant Whispers, Healing Word, Tasha's Hideous Laughter, Thunderwave