Copyright © 2001 by Robert J. Hall
Version 1.5 - 8/31/2001.
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The standard character building method in D&D uses a limited set of classes, each providing a fixed package of benefits that improve with level. While the player can adjust certain aspects of these classes, the overall abilities of the character are constrained by the class chosen. The only means to create a somewhat more diverse individual is by multi-classing the character. However doing so can impose an insurmountable constraint to the growth of certain aspects of the character's development.
This freeform character building method is designed to allow the player to construct a unique individual that is closer to their preferred character concept. At each level of experience the player can customize their character with a broad range of skills and abilities. These customizations are obtained by the expenditure of a fixed number of Build Points, hereafter referred to as BP's. In order to keep the freeform character balanced with the standard classes, the skills and abilities that can be purchased is constrained by the character's level and various class-based prerequisites that must be met. The total BP's gained at each level also serves as a constraint to the capabilities of the character.
A character built using this method should not be thought of as having a "class". Instead the player needs to think carefully about the character concept they want to follow. Failure to do so can leave the character handicapped at higher levels, as can happen in real life when a person spends too much time on the development of a single ability. The character should be developed with the long-term goal in mind, whether it is an unusual combination of abilities, or to have the ability to shift in a new direction as the interests of the character change.
If a freeform character is allowed into a campaign, they must be constructed as such starting at first level. It is not possible for a class-based character to multi-class into a freeform character. Nor can freeform characters later "multi-class" to one of the campaign-approved classes. However it is possible to convert an existing character into a matching freeform character by spending the BP in an appropriate manner. Such a conversion is irreversible once the character has gained an additional level and the BP's have been spent.