Welcome to Curious Quill, an original content resource for d20 roleplaying.

The Quill has spent time describing people and beasts of the world, but these are just creatures for the player characters to encounter. Developing a character you want to play, using the existing rules, can seem difficult. Follow the posts this season and the character tag for tips and recommendations on making unique characters.

Lore Kevin Frank Lore Kevin Frank

Construction Werk: Customizing Traits

There are often many ways to build characters with similar abilities, and finding the best option(s) to choose can be challenging, but challenging can be fun and rewarding. In the Construction Werk feature we will look at various tips and recommendations on the early phases of creating a character versus builds into even the early levels. This is about creating a solid foundation for your character.

This time we will look at how to use your imagination and creativity to, with the DMs approval, change the descriptions of things as long as they have the same effects.

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Lore Kevin Frank Lore Kevin Frank

Sub-Classes: Alternative ‘Rogue’ Builds

In the substitute classes (Sub-Classes) features we will look at ways to make different classes work in similar ways through combinations of backgrounds and class and subclass selections along with class feature and spell selection. This time we will look at how to build characters similar to the rogue class: a martial melee weapon martial fighter with stealth, mobility, many skills, and the ability to increase their damage.

Read More about making an skulker.

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Lore Kevin Frank Lore Kevin Frank

Construction Werk: Character Themes

There are often many ways to build characters with similar abilities, and finding the best option(s) to choose can be challenging, but challenging can be fun and rewarding. In the Construction Werk feature we will look at various tips and recommendations on the early phases of creating a character versus builds into even the early levels. This is about creating a solid foundation for your character.

This time we will look at how to build characters by using a theme or motif for the character and making selections based on that.

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Lore Kevin Frank Lore Kevin Frank

Construction Werk: Feat vs. Multi-Class

There are often many ways to build characters with similar abilities, and finding the best option(s) to choose can be challenging, but challenging can be fun and rewarding. In the Construction Werk feature we will look at various tips and recommendations on the early phases of creating a character versus builds into even the early levels. This is about creating a solid foundation for your character.

This time we will look at a possibly big decision, whether to multi-class or get your first Feat.

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Lore Kevin Frank Lore Kevin Frank

Sub-Classes: Alternative ‘Barbarian’ Builds

In the substitute classes (Sub-Classes) features we will look at ways to make different classes work in similar ways through combinations of backgrounds and class and subclass selections along with class feature and spell selection. This time we will look at how to build characters similar to the barbarian class, a melee weapon fighter that can increase their damage.

Read More about making an alternative raging warrior.

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Lore Kevin Frank Lore Kevin Frank

Construction Werk: Order of Operation

There are often many ways to build characters with similar abilities, and finding the best option(s) to choose can be challenging, but challenging can be fun and rewarding. In the Construction Werk feature we will look at various tips and recommendations on the early phases of creating a character versus builds into even the early levels. This is about creating a solid foundation for your character.

This time we will look at our recommended order to make your initial selections at 1st-Level, which is applicable even if your campaign starts at a higher level.

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Lore Kevin Frank Lore Kevin Frank

Sub-Classes: Alternative ‘Paladin’ Builds

In the substitute classes (Sub-Classes) features we will look at ways to make different classes work in similar ways through combinations of backgrounds and class and subclass selections along with class feature and spell selection. This time we will look at how to build characters similar to the paladin class, combining melee weapon combat with divine/radiant magic.

Read More about making an alternative radiant warrior.

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Lore Kevin Frank Lore Kevin Frank

Clever Featwork: Unarmed Fighting

In the Clever Featwork features we will look at ways to use Feats (Origin and Regular) to not only provide benefits but also flavor and distinctiveness to your characters. Sometimes it may be a different way to look at them, others it will be ways to combine them. These explorations won’t be to optimize characters to do the most damage they can, but to develop interesting and unique characters with the abilities you want them to have. This time we are going to look at Tavern Brawler and other Feats that can enhance Unarmed Fighting, if you don’t take a class that makes it viable

Read More about creative ways to improve Unarmed Fighting.

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Lore Kevin Frank Lore Kevin Frank

Sub-Classes: Alternative ‘Ranger’ Builds

In the substitute classes (Sub-Classes) features we will look at ways to make different classes work in similar ways through combinations of backgrounds and class and subclass selections along with class feature and spell selection. This time we will look at how to build characters similar to the ranger class, combining weapon combat (usually ranged) with magic to improve their combat, with at least a minor connection to nature.

Read More about making an alternative wilderness warrior.

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