Reading Class Entries

The first section of each class describes the interests and tendencies typical of that class, as well as information on how others view them. This can help inspire you as you determine your character's actions and define their personality, but you aren't obligated to play your character as this section describes.

This is the attribute modifier that a member of your class cares about the most. Many of your most useful and powerful abilities are tied to this attribute in some way.
For instance, this is the attribute modifier you'll use to determine the Difficulty Class (DC) associated with your character's class features and feats. This is called your class DC. If your character is a member of a spellcasting class, this key attribute is used to calculate spell DCs and similar values.
Most classes are associated with one key attribute modifier, but some allow you to choose from two options. For instance, if you're a witchwarper, you can choose either Intelligence or Charisma as your key attribute.
Additionally, when you choose your character's class, they gain an attribute boost to their key attribute modifier, increasing that attribute modifier by 1. For more about attribute boosts, see Step 6: Finish Attribute Modifiers.

This section tells you how many Hit Points your character gains from their class at each level. To determine your character's starting Hit Points, add together the Hit Points they got when you chose their ancestry and the amount listed in this entry, which equals your Constitution modifier plus a fixed number. Classes that intend for characters to rush into battle with weapons raised gain a higher number of Hit Points each level, while characters who cast spells or engage in trickery gain fewer.
Each time your character gains a level, they increase their maximum Hit Points by the amount listed in this entry. For more about calculating your character's Constitution modifier and determining their Hit Points, see Step 7: Record Class Details.

When you choose your character's class, they gain a set of initial proficiencies. Proficiencies measure your character's ability to perform tasks, use abilities, and succeed at checks. Proficiency ranks range from trained to legendary. For instance, a character trained with a battle ribbon can use it effectively to dispatch foes, while a character who is legendary with the weapon might be able to spell out their name in decorative cursive script with just a flick of their wrist!
Each class entry specifies your character's initial proficiency rank in Perception, saving throws, attacks, defenses, and class DC. You gain the trained proficiency rank in several skills. The exact number depends on your class, and some classes specify certain additional skills that you're trained in. If your class would make you trained in a skill you're already trained in (typically due to your background), you can select another skill to become trained in.
A proficiency rank can unlock various feats and class features, and it also helps determine the modifier for any check you roll or DC you calculate related to that statistic. If your character is trained in Perception, a saving throw, or another statistic, they gain a proficiency bonus equal to their level + 2, while if they have expert proficiency, they gain a proficiency bonus equal to their level + 4. For more about proficiency ranks, see Step 9: Calculate Modifiers.
Spellcasting classes grant a proficiency rank for spell attacks and DCs, which are further detailed in each class's entry. These classes rarely use their class DC.
If something isn't listed in your character's class entry, their proficiency rank in that statistic is untrained unless they gain training from another source. If your character is untrained in something, you add a proficiency bonus of +0 when attempting a check or calculating a DC related to that statistic.

This table summarizes the feats, skill increases, attribute boosts, and other benefits your character gains as they advance in level. The first column of the class table indicates a level, and the second column lists each feature your character receives when they reach that level. The 1st-level entry includes a reminder to select your ancestry and background.

This section presents all the abilities the class grants your character. An ability gained at a higher level lists the required level next to the ability's name. All classes include the class features detailed below, and each class also gets special class features specific to it. Many class features require you to choose between options. Unless the specific ability states otherwise, such decisions can't be changed without retraining.