Applied Learning A positive Intelligence modifier grants additional non-skill proficiencies per point, such as a new language or tool. A negative Intelligence modifier removes only one additional non-skill proficiency (though never Common or the language of their heritage), regardless of the value (e.g. a -3 Intelligence modifier still removes only one non-skill proficiency). At any level where your Intelligence modifier permanently increases (e.g. through gaining a level or taking a feat), you may add another non-skill proficiency. Added to House Rules in 2023; modified 24 Aug 2024 to clarify modifier increases.
Category: Character Creation
Shaped by Experience Each character gets one feat at first level from their background. If making a custom background, the following feats are permitted as first level feats: Ambidextrous, Artificer Initiate, Crafter, Healer, Lucky, Magic Initiate, Martial Initiate, Musician, Poisoner, Savage Attacker, Sentinel, Skilled, Tavern Brawler, Tough, or Vigilant. Added to House Rules in 2023; modified 18 Feb 2024 to add Artificer Initiate, Martial Initiate, and Poisoner feats.
Flex-Ability None of the base heritages confer an ability score improvement; instead, players choose one score to improve by 2 and another to improve by 1. Added to House Rules in 2023.
Surface-Born Any character from a heritage which would ordinarily suffer from Sunlight Sensitivity (e.g. drow, duergar, or svirfnebli), can instead be Surface-Born and not suffer from this penalty. However, each loses their Superior Darkvision trait and instead has only the normal Darkvision trait available to their base heritage (60 ft). See also: Deep Dwellers Added to House Rules in 2023.
Heroic Stature If ability scores are generated using the Point Cost method as described in the Player’s Handbook, each character gets 30 points to spend, not 27. The Point Costs are given on the Ability Score Point Costs. Ability Score Point Costs Score Mod Cost 8 -1 0 9 -1 1 10 0 2 11 0 3 12 +1 4 13 +1 5 14 +2 7 15 +2 9 16 +3 12 Added to House Rules in 2023.