Character Creation Guidelines

PCs usually start at 1st level, unless the DM tells you otherwise. Create your character using either the Basic Rules (BR) or the Player's Handbook (PHB).

I don't require players to use an online character sheet and I understand why some players prefer a low-tech paper sheet (e.g., less chance of losing changes). You won't need to share your character sheet with anyone but me. Regardless, I'll also be tracking some details about your character as DM. I don't have experience with online 5e sheets, but here's one that seems promising: https://plus.google.com/+Charactersheetdnd5AppspotRT

Here's another possibility: http://www.myth-weavers.com/ (Thanks, Dridden!)

All PCs are citizens or at least residents of the Shangon Empire. The four common races are well-represented in Shango and so are available as choices: Dwarf, Elf, Halfling, Human. (The emperor is a dwarf.) The uncommon races are rare in Shango and available as choices: Dragonborn (very rare), Gnome, Half-Elf, Half-Orc (very rare), Tiefling (very rare).

Shango boasts several large cities, but most of the population lives in much smaller towns, villages, and hamlets. PCs can come from either an urban or rural background.

All PCs are trainees in the Shangon Defense Academy and candidates for the elite Imperial Spearguard. The common reason to be at the Academy is previous service as a soldier or specialist in the Shangon Army, or a family background commensurate with an officer's commission. (Noble families can almost always send their scions to the Academy. In addition, there is some meritocracy: applications by the children the families of accomplished officers are at least considered.) However, a trainee from an unconventional background but extraordinary potential is also plausible. (In D&D 5e, the vast majority of soldiers, medics, scouts, etc. are 0-level characters and don't substantially improve over time. As 1st-level characters, the PCs exhibit extraordinary potential.)

Check the Discord chat for discussion of everyone's class.

Regarding ability scores, you can use either of two methods in the rules (BR p. 7-8, PHB p. 12-13): assigning the standard scores (15, 14, 13, 12, 10, eight) or "Variant: Customizing Ability Scores."

You need to choose or randomly roll a Personality Trait, Ideal, Bond, and Flaw. You're not limited to the tables.

Regarding equipment, there are 5 steps: 1. You get the "Equipment" listed for your class (e.g., weapon, armor, pack). 2. You get a trinket (BR p. 54, PHP p. 160-161). 3. You get the "Equipment" (including money) listed for your background (PHB starting p. 125). 4. You get the Shangon Academy Trainee Kit. (Replace any duplicates from #1&3 (e.g., pack).) 5. You can sell back any unwanted equipment at 60% (BR p. 47-51, PHP p. 148-154).

Your PC knows you'll be on extended deployments in the wilderness, so everything you bring you'll either be carrying on you or leaving at the fort.