Characters

• Character View
• Add/Edit Character
• Import

Character View

Control Bar

The Control Bar for Characters contains the following:

• View: your character's primary profile page.
• Edit: the form to edit all details of your character.
• Awards: will show if you are a GM for this character or have an Award waiting for the current character.
• Add: create a new character.
• View All: see all of your characters.
• Export: download a json file of your character.
• Print: print your character as a standard character sheet.
• Share: make your character viewable by anyone with the link.

Identity

The identity heading shows your character's Name, Alias, and Titles. The identity bar shows your character's race, class, level, occupation, and player name.

The Take Long Rest button will reset your current HP to your HP max, reset all your spell slots, and reset any hit dice using the standard 5e hit dice recovery rules.

Abilities

Standard abilities are listed by their abbreviation with the ability score and ability modifier. Proficient abilities are highlighted and spellcasting abilities are outlined.

Conditions

Use the dropdown to add or remove any conditions your character is currently suffering from.

Inspiration

Your GM can award you inspiration for in-game roleplaying, clever ideas, or any other criteria they come up with. If you have inspiration it will appear above Proficiencies.

Proficiencies

Your current proficiency bonus and passive perception score are listed. In the Saving Throws table, proficient abilities are checked, as with the Skills table. If you need to modify these scores from their standard calculated values, use the non-standard fields in the Edit form.

Race Features

Your Race Features are listed here for quick reference.

Class Features

Class Features for your current level are listed here for quick reference.

Vitality

Initiative, Speed, HP, and Hit Dice are shown here.

If you are using encumbrance rules, your speed will be calculated based on your race and carried weight.

Hit Point Maximum can be set in the Edit form with each level up.

Current Hit Points and Temporary Hit Points can be set by clicking the value and making a modification. Enter only the value you want to modify BY, not the final value of your CHP. In other words, if you take 5 points of damage, enter 5 and hit - (minus). If you are healing, use the + to add points.

For Hit Dice, your total HD are shown in either of two states, 'available' or 'used'. Toggle between the two by clicking the die. Using the Take Long Rest button will recalculate your available HD using standard 5e rules.

Armor

Your Armor Class (AC) and stealth disadvantage are listed here along with any currently equipped armor. You can set your armor proficiency status by opening the armor's panel and checking or unchecking 'Proficient'.

Spellcasters must have proficiency in their armor to cast spells.

Attacks

Equipping a weapon will add it to the Attacks list.

You can set your weapon proficiency status by opening the weapon's panel and checking or unchecking 'Proficient'. Attack and damage bonus values are calculated based on abilities and proficiency.

Attack spells are automatically added to the Attacks list.

Gear

The Gear panel lists all Gear owned by the character.

• Quantity: how many you own. Can be changed on the item page or in the Edit form.
• Carried: toggle on if you are carrying this item and want the weight calculated. Toggle off if you own but aren't carrying the item, or if it is inside a Bag of Holding or other magical container.
• Weight: calculated by qty x item weight.
• Name: clicking the name will take you to the item page.
• Equipped: check this to place the item in use (in hand for weapons, worn or held for armor, etc).

If using encumbrance (settable in your member Profile), you will see your total weight and encumbrance status. Encumbrance will also alter your speed if you are encumbered.

Spell Ability

Spell Ability will show Spell Slots per Spell Level and each spellcasting class' relevant details.

Spell Slots can be toggled between Available and Used by clicking the block. The blocks will toggle based on where you click them. If you have four 1sth-level slots and you click the lowest block, it will toggle the entire column off.

You can reset your slots manually or by clicking Take Long Rest (using that will also modify your hit dice).

Spells

The Spells panel shows all your character's spells by level. Clicking on a spell will open the detail view where you can remove the spell or change its properties.

• Prepared: Check this if you have a feature that allows you to have this spell prepared without it counting against your limit of prepared spells.
• Ritual: Check this if you have a feature that grants you the ability to cast this spell as a Ritual even if the spell does not innately allow this.
• Uncounted: Check this if you have a feature that allows you to know this spell without it counting against known or prepared spells.

Description

Used for the physical appearance of your character. You may change this using the Edit form.

Background: if a character Background has been selected, it will be linked here.

Backstory

The character backstory. Meant to show the rich history and complex motivations of your character. This can be edited or generated using the Edit form.

Personality: the written or rolled personality characteristics for your character.

Appearance

Physical characteristics of the character. Can be altered in the Edit form.

Languages

The languages the character speaks. The assumption is they can read and speak the listed languages. Can be altered in the Edit form.

Currency & Treasure

The current values of the character's currency. Alter them by clicking the value and entering the amount you want to adjust BY, not the final value. Then click + or -.

Treasure of any kind can be listed here.

See the Standard Exchange Rates page for currency and gemstone values and conversions.

Add/Edit Character

Type

Only Game Masters will see this option. Choose the type of character to build.

Nonplayer: Best for characters in your game that are controlled by the GM. Great for adding depth and intrigue to your world.

Player: Best for players. These can be "true" Player Characters (PC) or sidekicks, characters who are played alongside PCs to increase the party size for games with a limited number of players.

Identity

Character Name

Your character’s name is a key part of their identity in the game world. While there are no strict limitations on naming, remember that only the first 36 characters will appear on the print template. We encourage you to select a name that resonates with your style of play and fits your character's persona.

Stylistic Examples:

• Fantasy Epic: Names like "Eldarion" or "Lysandra" evoke a sense of grandeur and mystique.
• Historical Influence: Choose names like "Artorius" or "Boudica" for a touch of historical flair.
• Simple and Classic: Names such as "John" or "Anna" can be fitting for characters with a more grounded, realistic background.

Create your own name or use the Generate Name button to have the Squire create one for you. If you find one you like, clicking it will paste it into the Character Name field.

Alias (Nickname)

An alias or nickname can add depth to your character’s identity. It can reflect their personality, reputation, or a pivotal aspect of their backstory. This field is optional and can be as unique or common as you prefer.

Stylistic Examples:

• Mysterious: An alias like "The Raven" or "Shadow Walker" suggests a character with secrets.
• Heroic: Nicknames like "Dragonbane" or "The Brave" can denote a character's heroic deeds or traits.
• Humorous: Light-hearted aliases like "Puddles" or "Big Boots" can add a touch of humor and approachability.

Your character’s alias can evolve with their story, adding layers to their persona.

Titles

Titles in the game are cosmetic and can be a reflection of your character's background or achievements acquired during gameplay. Choose a title that complements their social standing, accomplishments, or the role they play in the story.

Examples:

• Background-Based: Titles like "Lady", "Sir", or "Master" can reflect noble or specialized backgrounds.
• Achievement-Oriented: Earned titles like "Dragon Slayer" or "Peacemaker" signify significant accomplishments.
• Roleplay-Driven: Titles such as "The Wise", "The Merciful", or "The Bold" can highlight aspects of your character's personality or reputation.

Feel free to be creative with titles - they add color to your character's story!

Physical Features

Race

Choose your character’s race from the complete list available on the site. Each race comes with unique traits and abilities that can influence your gameplay experience. For example, choosing an Elf might grant your character keen senses and proficiency in perception, while a Dwarf could have resilience and expertise in certain crafts.

Subtype

Select a subtype of your chosen race, if applicable. Subtypes further refine your character's racial traits and background, offering more depth to your role-playing experience.

Gender

Gender in the game can be Female, Male, Non-binary, or Unknown. We support and respect all forms of gender identity and expression. This choice is about how you envision your character and does not impact the gameplay mechanics.

Age

Age is a cosmetic feature, adding to your character's backstory. Whether a wise old wizard or a young adventurous rogue, age can set the stage for your character's life experiences.

Height and Weight

These are also cosmetic details, contributing to the physical portrayal of your character. They help in visualizing your character's presence in the game world.

Eyes, Skin, Hair

Choose these physical characteristics to further customize your character’s appearance. While these are mainly cosmetic, they can play a role in how your character is perceived in the game world.

Note: When using AI to generate images based on these physical features, remember that interpretations may not always be accurate. Your imagination is the best guide to bring your character to life.

Ability Scores

Ability scores define your character’s core attributes and are crucial in determining their capabilities in various aspects of the game. Determine these by rolling a d6 four times and adding the highest three values for each of the six abilities. Then add any racial modifiers. Here's a brief overview of each score:

Strength

Strength measures physical power and affects your character’s ability to perform actions like lifting heavy objects, wielding weapons effectively, and determining additional damage in combat.

Dexterity

Dexterity assesses agility, reflexes, and balance. This score influences tasks like avoiding traps, moving stealthily, and improving your character’s armor class (AC), which affects their ability to dodge attacks.

Constitution

Constitution represents your character’s health and stamina. A high Constitution increases hit points (HP), reflecting better endurance and resilience, particularly vital for surviving in combat.

Intelligence

Intelligence denotes mental acuity, accuracy of recall, and the ability to reason. This score is key for spellcasters who rely on intellect, and it also impacts skills like investigation and the number of languages your character can learn.

Wisdom

Wisdom reflects perceptiveness and intuition. It influences abilities such as insight, which helps in understanding people's true intentions, and perception, crucial for detecting hidden threats or secrets.

Charisma

Charisma measures your character's force of personality, persuasiveness, and leadership. High Charisma aids in negotiations, deceptions, and performances, making it essential for characters who rely on social interaction.

Ability Modifiers (non-standard)

Use these to set non-calculated buffs and debuffs for your ability score modifiers. For instance, you may be wearing a magical ring that changes your strength modifier to +8, or be affected by a curse that makes your charisma modifier -5. Anything you set here will override your calculated ability modifiers.

Saving Throws (non-standard)

Use these to set non-calculated buffs and debuffs for your saving throws. For instance, you may be affected by a spell that changes your strength saving throw to +8, or be affected by a curse that makes your charisma saving throw -5. Anything you set here will override your calculated saving throw modifiers.

Classes

Each player character has at least one character class/subclass. Having more than one class is called Multiclassing and has its own rules for level advancement and spellcasting. Nonplayer Characters may or may not have a character class. NPCs without a character class would typically have an Occupation.

Class

The class you choose for your character defines their primary skills, abilities, and role in the game. Each class, such as Wizard, Fighter, or Rogue, comes with a unique set of features, proficiencies, and play styles. Think of the class as the core profession or vocation of your character, shaping their approach to challenges and adventures.

Subclass

Subclasses, sometimes known as archetypes or specializations, provide further customization within your chosen class. They allow you to tailor your character's abilities and role more specifically. For instance, a Fighter might choose between the Champion and Warlord subclasses, each offering distinct fighting styles and abilities. Subclass choice usually happens at higher levels (as specified by the class) and adds depth to your character's development and story.

Level

Level indicates the progression and growth of your character within their chosen class. Characters start at level 1 and can advance up to a maximum level of 20. As your character gains experience and levels up, they unlock new abilities, spells, and other class-specific features. The level also often determines the potency of these abilities and the challenges your character is prepared to face. Remember, the journey from level 1 to 20 is filled with adventure, growth, and increasing power.

Hit Points (HP)

Max Hit Points

Max Hit Points represent the maximum amount of damage your character can take before being incapacitated. This value is determined by your character's class, level, and Constitution modifier. As your character levels up, their Max HP will increase, reflecting their growing endurance and resilience.

Current Hit Points

Current Hit Points indicate the amount of damage your character currently can sustain. This value fluctuates during the game, decreasing when your character takes damage and increasing through healing. Maintaining a track of your Current HP is crucial for survival in combat and other perilous situations.

Temporary Hit Points

Temporary Hit Points are additional hit points that can provide a buffer against damage. These are gained through spells, abilities, or other in-game effects. Temporary HP are used up first when taking damage and do not affect your character's Max HP. They are a valuable asset in combat, offering an extra layer of protection, but they typically expire after a certain duration or when used up.

Spells

Magic weaves through the fabric of many adventures, and the spells your characters can wield are a vital part of their arsenal. Whether conjuring flames or weaving enchantments, choosing the right spells can turn the tide of any encounter.

Spell Selection

Appropriate Choices: Characters should select spells that align with their class(es) and level. Each class has access to a specific spell list that dictates which spells can be learned or prepared.

Considerations for Spell Selection

Level Restrictions: Ensure the spells you pick are of a level that your character can cast. For example, a 1st-level wizard won't have access to 2nd-level spells until they reach the appropriate character level.

Class Synergy: If your character has multiple classes, you'll need to consider the spell lists from each class and the level restrictions for each. Multi-class characters have a unique blend of spells available to them, based on their levels in each class.

New Spell

To add a spell, select one from the dropdown that is appropriate for your class and level.

• Prepared: Check this if you have a feature that allows you to have this spell prepared without it counting against your limit of prepared spells.
• Ritual: Check this if you have a feature that grants you the ability to cast this spell as a Ritual even if the spell does not innately allow this.
• Uncounted: Check this if you have a feature that allows you to know this spell without it counting against known or prepared spells.

Click Add Spell.

Remove Spell

Click the delete icon to the right of the spell to remove the spell from your list.

Experience

Experience Points (XP)

Experience Points are a measure of your character’s growth and learning through their adventures. Gaining XP leads to leveling up, which in turn unlocks new abilities and enhances your character's skills. XP is typically earned through completing quests, overcoming challenges, and engaging in combat.

Alignment

Alignment represents your character’s moral and ethical compass. It ranges from lawful good, through neutral, to chaotic evil, and helps guide how your character interacts with the world and other characters. Your alignment can influence decisions, relationships, and how certain in-game entities perceive your character.

Languages

Languages determine what your character can speak and understand. This choice can affect interactions with NPCs, deciphering of texts, and communication with other characters. Your character’s race and background typically influence the languages they know, with opportunities to learn more as they advance.

Occupation

Occupation is a narrative element that describes what your character does (NPC) or did before embarking on their current adventure (PC). It can provide context for their skills, social connections, and resources. While not directly impacting gameplay mechanics for PCs, occupation adds depth to your character’s story and can inspire role-playing opportunities.

Background

The background provides a backstory for your character, detailing their life before the start of the game. It can include elements like past occupations, upbringing, or significant life events. Backgrounds often grant additional skills, proficiencies, or equipment, and play a significant role in shaping your character’s personality and motivations.

Personality

In this section, you'll define the core aspects of your character's personality. Personality is usually broken down into four elements: Personality Traits, Ideals, Bonds, and Flaws. These elements help flesh out who your character is and how they interact with the world and other characters.

Personality Traits

Personality Traits are unique characteristics that describe how your character behaves or what they believe. This could range from being incredibly brave to unusually quiet. If you are selecting from the list, choose two.

Ideals

Ideals are the beliefs that drive your character. They shape your character's goals and motivations, whether it's a quest for justice, a commitment to a deity, or the pursuit of knowledge.

Bonds

Bonds represent the connections your character has to people, places, or events in the world. These could be ties to family members, a cherished keepsake, or an obligation to a benefactor.

Flaws

Flaws are the character's weaknesses or negative traits. They add depth and complexity, providing opportunities for character development and interesting narrative arcs.

Selecting Traits

You have two ways to create your personality:

• Write: You can fully customize your character’s personality by writing your own Traits, Ideals, Bonds, and Flaws. Or get creative and use your own method for describing your personality. This option allows for maximum creativity and personalization.
• Select: Choose from a set of predefined options based on your character’s Background. This method offers guidance and inspiration while still allowing for a degree of personalization. You can manually select or roll your dice and let fate decide. For Personality Traits, roll a d8 twice, for the others, roll a d6.

Backstory

The Backstory is where you weave the narrative of your character’s past. This can include their upbringing, key life events, motivations, fears, and aspirations. It sets the foundation for your character’s personality and can provide context for their skills and choices. A rich backstory adds depth to your character and can be a source of inspiration for future adventures and role-playing.

Create the backstory by writing down everything that motivates this character in the form of notes or narrative history. Use the Generate button to have the Squire create a rich backstory for you or use a combination of the two.

Allies & Organizations

In Allies & Organizations, list any significant individuals or groups your character is associated with. These can be mentors, family members, rival factions, guilds, or even powerful patrons. Detailing these connections can enrich the game world and provide potential plot hooks for your Game Master (GM). This section can also guide interactions with NPCs and impact your character’s journey.

Excerpt

The excerpt is used as the brief introduction for your character. If you don't fill this in it will automatically use your Physical Description.

Capabilities

Skills

Skills represent specific competencies your character has, such as Stealth, Persuasion, or Arcana. Each skill is tied to an ability score and reflects your character's training or natural aptitude in that area. During character creation, you’ll choose a number of skills based on your class and background, which will be key in various gameplay scenarios.

Skill Modifiers (non-standard)

Use these to set non-calculated buffs and debuffs for your skill modifiers. For instance, you may be wearing a magical ring that changes your Arcana skill to +8, or be affected by a curse that makes your Performance skill -5. Anything you set here will override your calculated skill modifiers.

Feats

Feats are special talents or expertise that provide unique capabilities or enhancements to your character. They offer a way to further customize and enhance your character beyond their class and race abilities. Feats can be chosen instead of ability score improvements at certain levels, depending on your class progression.

Other Proficiencies

This section covers your character's proficiencies outside of skills and feats, such as with certain types of weapons, armor, tools, or languages. These proficiencies stem from your character’s class, race, and background, and they provide additional options and abilities in gameplay.

Special Abilities

Special Abilities are unique powers or traits that your character possesses, often related to their class, race, or background. These can include spellcasting, special combat moves, or unique traits like darkvision or resistance to certain types of damage. Special Abilities play a significant role in defining what your character can do and how they interact with the game world.

Items

Item

This field is for listing the specific items your character possesses. These can range from weapons and armor to magical items and mundane gear. Each item can play a role in your character's adventures, offering various benefits and capabilities.

Base Item

Base Item refers to the standard version of an item before any modifications or enhancements. Use this field only if you are using an item with magical properties that specifies the type of item the properties apply to. For instance: if your Item is a Vorpal Sword, then your base item could be any sword that deals slashing damage. In the vast majority of cases, you won't be selecting a Base Item.

Qty. (Quantity)

Quantity indicates how many of each item your character has. Tracking the number of items, especially consumables like potions or ammunition, is crucial for resource management during gameplay.

Carried

Checking this means that you have the item on your person. This will help calculate encumbrance (if using) and help you distinguish between things you own and things you are carrying. You may own a riding horse, but you probably aren't carrying it.

Note for containers: if you are using an item like a Bag of Holding, you can uncheck Carried for the items contained within the bag to get an accurate encumbrance value.

Equipped

Use equipped for anything that is in your hands (like a weapon or shield), or anything you're wearing (like armor). Anything that is equipped will automatically be considered "carried" in terms of encumbrance.

Proficient

Mark any weapon or armor as proficient if your class or race allows it. This will affect your attack values as well as your ability to cast spells.

Armor Class

Natural (Unarmored) AC

This represents your character's base Armor Class (AC) without armor. Use this field only if the calculated value is not correct for your character. This will statically override the calculated value. If you're not sure, leave it blank.

Calculated AC

This is your character's Armor Class after accounting for armor, shields, and other modifiers. This value is crucial in gameplay, determining how well your character can avoid taking damage in combat.

Wealth

Wealth in the game is a measure of your character's financial resources and is essential for purchasing equipment, spell components, and other adventuring necessities. It also plays a role in larger expenditures, like investing in property or funding significant ventures.

• Tracking Currency: Keep a detailed record of your character's wealth, including various forms of currency. The currency system typically includes copper (cp), silver (sp), electrum (ep), gold (gp), and platinum (pp) pieces. The conversion rates are: 10 cp = 1 sp, 5 sp = 1 ep, 2 ep = 1 gp, and 10 gp = 1 pp, allowing for a range of values and financial transactions.
• Acquiring Wealth: Characters can gain wealth through completing quests, discovering treasure, defeating enemies, or rendering services. The form and amount of wealth obtained can vary widely, reflecting the diversity and richness of the game world.
• Spending Wealth: Deciding how to spend your resources is a strategic aspect of gameplay. Choices include investing in gear and supplies, saving for future goals, or spending on services like travel and information gathering. How you manage your wealth can significantly affect your character's preparedness and options throughout their adventures.
• Treasure and Other Assets: Beyond conventional coins, wealth may also comprise treasure and other valuable assets like gems, artworks, and magical items. These assets can serve as compact, high-value forms of wealth, useful for trading, investment, or as emergency reserves.

Effective wealth management is crucial, offering both opportunities for advancement and potential challenges. It involves strategic planning and decision-making about how to best allocate resources to support your character’s objectives and ensure their success in the game world.

Import

To import a character into Squire 5, follow the steps below:

1. Navigate to ‘My Characters’ and click the import icon .
2. If you are updating an existing character and wish to overwrite it, select the character from the ‘Overwrite character?’ selection dropdown.
3. Click on ‘Choose File’ to select your JSON character file from your device.
4. After selecting the file, the character data will be uploaded.
5. Once uploaded, you will be taken to a preview screen where you can view and edit the character’s details.
6. Review all the imported details carefully. You can make any necessary changes or updates at this stage.
7. When you are satisfied with the character details, proceed to save the character to your account by clicking the ‘Save’ button.

Note that the JSON file must adhere to the specific schema format provided by Squire 5. You can find the schema for the JSON Character file format on the ‘IMPORT’ page, and it is advisable to check this before attempting to import to ensure compatibility. Additionally, you can export any of your existing characters to see an example of the format.