Class Modifier Module

A narrative-driven, character creation tool

for ASI (Ability score increases) by class rather than race

A Mythic Grove Homebrew For 5th Edition

Written By Gabriel Hicks (@GabeJamesGames)
Art By Rachel Denton (@Tallinier)
Table Of Contents 11 Rogue
1 Class Modifier Module 11.1
11.1.1 What makes them a Rogue?
2 Class Modifier Module (CMM) 11.1.2 First Step
2.1 How to use this plugin 11.1.3 Second Step
2.2 Adding you in our own changes to the narrative 11.1.4 Third Step
3 Barbarian 12 Sorcerer
3.1 12.1
3.1.1 What makes them a Barbarian? 12.1.1 What makes them a Sorcerer?
3.1.2 First Step 12.1.2 First Step
3.1.3 Second Step 12.1.3 Second Step
3.1.4 Third Step 12.1.4 Third Step
4 Bard 13 Warlock
4.1 13.1
4.1.1 What makes them a Bard? 13.1.1 What makes them a Warlock?
4.1.2 First Step 13.1.2 First Step
4.1.3 Second Step 13.1.3 Second Step
4.1.4 Third Step 13.1.4 Third Step
5 Cleric 14 Wizard
5.1 14.1
5.1.1 What makes them a Cleric? 14.1.1 What makes them a Wizard?
5.1.2 First Step 14.1.2 First Step
5.1.3 Second Step 14.1.3 Second Step
5.1.4 Third Step 14.1.4 Third Step
6 Druid
6.1
6.1.1 What makes them a Druid?
6.1.2 First Step
6.1.3 Second Step
6.1.4 Third Step
7 Fighter
7.1
7.1.1 What makes them a Fighter?
7.1.2 First Step
7.1.3 Second Step
7.1.4 Third Step
8 Monk
8.1
8.1.1 What makes them a Monk?
8.1.2 First Step
8.1.3 Second Step
8.1.4 Third Step
9 Paladin
9.1
9.1.1 What makes them a Paladin?
9.1.2 First Step
9.1.3 Second Step
9.1.4 Third Step
10 Ranger
10.1
10.1.1 What makes them a Ranger?
10.1.2 First Step
10.1.3 Second Step
10.1.4 Third Step
Class Modifier Module (CMM)

T
his module is made with the preference of This creation module takes narrative in building who the
rather than getting statistic changes from character is as their class and puts the question of their style
races it comes from classes instead in 5th to make statistical changes. There is the bonus of +3 to
Edition. This is to make the class choice both statistics that comes from races and that total bonus does
narrative and statistical rather emphasize that stay here but is instead a choice of where it's distributed.
bonus through race so that a human ranger There are guidelines as one of the narrative questions asks
can be just as good as an elven ranger. This about a monk's style and then gives the choice of a bonus to
does NOT exist to change emphasis that certain cultures dexterity or wisdom. This is preferable, for my standpoint,
have a preference over classes but instead to diversify it a bit. because specifically it gives a choice of how you are
Currently this only takes into note the base classes, but in the distributing rather than just taking the stance as a Tiefling
future I may update to include Artificer, Psion, and you are automatically more charming. I am not the first to
Bloodhunter. come up with something like this and won't be the last but I
DISCLAIMER: THIS IS NOT A CORRECTION. THIS IS enjoyed writing it and that's what design is for me.
A PREFERENCE AND ALTERNATIVE. Emphasis AGAIN Not a correction; this is purely
preference.
General Class Outline of statistic changes
Class CMM Statistic Changes
Barbarian Constitution, Dexterity, Strength
Bard Charisma, Dexterity, & Intelligence
Cleric Charisma, Strength, Wisdom,
Druid Dexterity, Intelligence, Wisdom
Fighter Constitution, Dexterity, Strength
Monk Constitution, Dexterity, Wisdom
Paladin Constitution, Charisma, Strength
Ranger Dexterity, Strength, Wisdom
Rogue Charisma, Dexterity, Intelligence
Sorcerer Constitution, Charisma, Intelligence
Warlock Charisma, Dexterity, Constitution
Wizard Charisma, Intelligence, Wisdom,

How to use this plugin

When using this, the ability score increase from the character's race is ignored. Racial abilities, such as the elves Fey Ancestry or
Trance are unaffected and still tied to the racial choice. Each class has three different steps. This is intended to be used during
character creation. In each of the steps it asks a question and gives you a choice between two different values. You may only
select step for each step you are offered. To be explicitly clear you will choose a first step, a second step, and a third step. These are
what give you your statistic changes (+1 to strength, +1 to wisdom, etc.) This bonus is only applied the first time the class is taken.
This does not apply to multiclassing but options for multiclassing will be looked into in the future!

Adding you in our own changes to the narrative

These steps (the narrative changes tied with the statistic changes) can always be changed if you want. The monk brings up using
technique in your fighting style but it is not meant to take away emphasis if you then decide your character focuses on strength
more. These changes are to give an extra touch. It talking about your fighting style may have been how the character started in
their origin but that does not and never means it has to stay that way to follow the initial bonus. Initial is the key word. This is
your narrative to create, this is purely a tool for doing it.

Backgrounds?
Currently I don't have any plans to add in changes for the backgrounds but that doesn't mean it is out of the question! Before
anything else I want to see how the reception for this comes through and then if backgrounds are something people want to delve
into I may offer up an update with new options for it. Even if backgrounds specifically give unique feats or something of the sort.
Variety like taking this particular step (which will be explained on the next page with Barbarian first) you have the options for these
bonuses, these bonuses to skill rolls, the ability to add proficiency to a skill you wouldn't normally.
Barbarian
What makes them a Barbarian?
What type of Barbarian is this character? Is their rage one
that explodes outwards and destroys everything in their path?
Is this a silent rage that is an inward storm until they make
their first swing with no regret? Let’s think it through! What
do they fear, what have they faced?
First Step
Do you pride yourself more on being a stalwart titan that is
able to endure injury with a fountain of health or more as a
vicious combatant who can deal mighty blows?
First Step: Barbarian
Step Ability Score Increase
Stalwart Titan +1 Constitution
Vicious Combatant +1 Strength

Second Step
Do you have ability you would boast when it comes to
throwing at a distant target or are you primarily going to
focus on charging at them to dealt the most damage possible
while you look them in the eyes?
Second Step: Barbarian
Step Ability Score Increase
Ranged Hunter +1 Dexterity
Charge Ahead +1 Strength

Third Step
When danger is ahead of you, is your focus on avoiding as
much damage as possible or is your focus on enduring it as
long as you can?
Third Step: Barbarian
Step Ability Score Increase
Avoidance +1 Dexterity
Endurance +1 Constitution

Consider the visual of your rage

Anger as we know manifests in so many different ways and
that is a major part of the Barbarian class. Some of them give
different visuals but I ask you what is the rage like for you .
Is the default emotion sadness? Does it vary depending on
who they fight? Barbarian's don't have to be mindless fighting
machines although they can be! Is the rage something they
use sparingly and reserve for those they hate or does it trigger
out of excitement and anticipation?
Bard
What makes them a Bard?
What type of Bard is this character? Are they a fan of poem
and sonnets? Are they the one who recounts unbelievable
tales or do they consider themselves more the one who
remembers things to minute details so that history can never
be forgotten. There is magic in their words, but is it magic
through essence or just magical through imagination?
Whether they are a dancer, singer, or performer they are a
bard.
First Step
Do you see yourself as the storyteller of unique tales, a
weaver of words, that would seem almost impossible to
believe (whether true or not) or are you more the bard who
recounts things in explicit detail so that stories of truth are
never forgotten?
First Step: Bard
Step Ability Score Increase
Storyweaver +1 Charisma
Living Recounter +1 Intelligence

Second Step
Sometimes your words or actions can get you into worrisome
situations but there is always a way out! The question is, are
you the one who talks their way out of trouble or sneaks out
before it even gets that far?
Second Step: Bard
Step Ability Score Increase
Smooth Talker +1 Charisma
Sly +1 Dexterity

Third Step
On the rare chance you cannot leave a situation what would
you pride yourself on most? Your ability to think through the
next move ideally or your ability to react regardless of what
follows. The show must go on, how will you prepare?
Third Step: Bard
Step Ability Score Increase
Intuition +1 Intelligence
Reaction Time +1 Dexterity

Consider The way you perform

You are a bard and the world is your stage but how do you
show it? Is it through spoken word, is it through song, is it
dancing and performance. Interpretive dance is a wonderful
way to cast a somatic spell. Does your bard try to evoke
specific emotions? Is it comedy? Fear? Excitement? It can be a
variety! The world is ready for your tale to be written! What is
your tool?
Cleric
What makes them a Cleric?
What type of Cleric is this character? Does their belief come
from higher powers or are they someone who is found the
ability to harness the power of the divine but without
knowing directly who they are? What made them a follower
of this path? Are they a healer who uses their abilities freely
or sparingly? Do they stand beside their allies or protect them
from a distance?
First Step
Whether their clerical training was through a clergy or self-
practice, did they put an emphasis more on their fighting
ability or connection to the divinity linked magic they could
grasp? When in combat, do they raise their weapon first or
their holy symbol?
First Step: Cleric
Step Ability Score Increase
Battle Cleric +1 Strength
Divine Magic +1 Wisdom

Second Step
They have come across a wayward soul who needs to be
motivated. There is a challenge ahead of they but how will
they face the challenge? Will they show them their own might
to give them comfort or inspire them with their words and
their voice guide them?
Second Step: Cleric
Step Ability Score Increase
Clerical Might +1 Strength
Clergy Charm +1 Charisma

Third Step
Helping one soul can be a feat, but the true challenge comes
when they've got to motivate many. A horde of creatures
stand in front of they and their allies stand beside they. None
have taken a step forward but they have this moment. They
stand atop a rock but do they command attention with their
holy symbol to channel divinity through they or raise their
voice and hand to reassure them why they fight?
Third Step: Cleric
Step Ability Score Increase
Divine Beacon +1 Wisdom
Brave Voice +1 Charisma

Consider Your origins

Are you from a clergy? Was there a major event where their
magic power appeared and if so, was it expected and
something they prepared for or was it more unexpected
power? How many are with you in this clerical group if you
even come from a group?
Druid
What makes them a Druid?
What type of Druid is this character? Nature is their ally but
what aspects of nature do they feel flow into this character.
Do they harness the primal forces, do they embrace a strong
connection to the animals around them, do they treat flora as
an extension of themself? How does their druidic magic
manifest?
First Step
You are a druid. You are the bridge between natural life. as
you become connected more with yourself in the world
around you what would you say stuck out? Would you say you
understood movements of creatures and plant life or was it
you could you feel the flow of nature's energy around you?
First Step: Druid
Step Ability Score Increase
Nature's Movements +1 Dexterity
Wild Energy +1 Wisdom

Second Step
Having a connection to the natural means that sometimes
bits of it leave remnants. you are dreaming and there is a
great beast before you. It asks you do you want more the
agility of the wild or its knowledge?
Second Step: Druid
Step Ability Score Increase
Agility +1 Dexterity
Knowledge +1 Intelligence

Third Step
Two enormous parts of the natural world are the plants and
animals that live in it. Does this druid have a stronger
connection to one or the other, or was it that instead, they
started with a connection towards one first, and then it may
have led to the other? If they leaned toward one which would
it be?
Third Step: Druid
Step Ability Score Increase
Flora (Plant-life) +1 Intelligence
Fauna (Animal-life) +1 Wisdom

Consider where your magic comes from

Much of magic comes from deities but yours can come from
something entirely different. Is there a connection to a primal
volcano, the ocean itself, or even the sun or moon? Consider
creative ways that your druid connects to their magic.
Fighter
What makes them a Fighter?
What type of Fighter is this character? A Fighter can be any
sort of warrior. A knight, a ranger, an arcane warrior, an
archer, this is a class of possibilities. This is versatility and as
a fighter, they may have more possibilities than most. They
may be the one to keep going when others can't. Are they a
master of arms or a specialist?
First Step
A key point in battle is how you fight. The path you take to
victory in combat can be exactly what decides your success
or failure. Did you emphasize your style on the force behind
your blows or the technique and your reflexes behind it?
First Step: Fighter
Step Ability Score Increase
Deadly force +1 Strength
Reflexive technique +1 Dexterity

Second Step
When facing a challenge that takes everything you have, what
do you rely on? Do you prefer relying on the power that you
have or your ability to endure through whatever is ahead of
you? Which would get you out alive?
Second Step: Fighter
Step Ability Score Increase
Physical Power +1 Strength
Enduring Blows +1 Constitution

Third Step
The foe ahead of you has something dangerous on their
weapon. What is your thought? Do you need to focus on
avoiding being hit by it at all or believe that your body is
strong enough to resist whatever it is?
Third Step: Fighter
Step Ability Score Increase
Evasive +1 Dexterity
Resilient +1 Constitution

Consider why you fight

Why did they choose the weapons they use? Is there a lineage
at all to their name? Were they formally trained or did they
learn from those they fought? Unlike a lot of the other melee
classes you aren't tied down by an emotion, a deity, or a code.
Who or what do you fight for?
Monk
What makes them a Monk?
What type of monk is this character? Many wield weapons of
magic or iron while their body itself is a weapon. What is
their monastic style of fighting? Is it graceful or are they more
of a brawler? Do they focus more of their energy inwards or
outwards? A weapon can exist for many purposes but how it
is used can change everything.
First Step
In your monastic training, you were required to train both
body and mind. Swift movements and graceful actions versus
an attentive eye and environmental awareness. Which did you
train more?
First Step: Monk
Step Ability Score Increase
Swift Movements +1 Dexterity
Attentive eye +1 Wisdom

Second Step
Your ki flows through your body, a fountain to harness.
Finally starting to understand the flow inside you, it has
made part of you grow. Did it bolster your health and
resistance to internal harm or did it improve attunement to
the world around you heightening your intuition?
Second Step: Monk
Step Ability Score Increase
Bolstered Health +1 Constitution
World Attunement +1 Wisdom

Third Step
Your movements, whether fluid or ferocious, have a
refinement to them. Whether your approach is focused on
speed or endurance is the question. When traveling a
distance would your focus be to arrive as quickly as possible
or at a reasonable pace without letting yourself become
winded?
Third Step: Monk
Step Ability Score Increase
Speed +1 Dexterity
Endurance +1 Constitution

What is your style?

What is your style? Are you strictly kicks or does your
character use your opponent's weight against them? Do they
target pressure points to cause injury or are they a barrage of
force? Are you as graceful with physical weapons?
Beyond that, why did your character choose this path? Did
someone or something inspire them? What does being a
monk mean to them?
Paladin
What makes them a Paladin?
What type of Paladin is this character? Do they wear armor
that signifies an order or have an insignia that represents a
portion of their beliefs? Was this something they sought out
or did it somehow find them? Are they a paragon of good, a
fountain of darkness, or a middle ground? A Paladin doesn’t
have to be perfectly “Good” but they can be varying. It could
be that they are seeking redemption or pursuing a purpose!
Have they taken up arms for a group, for themselves, for a
cause, or for an entirely different reason?
First Step
Paladin training can be difficult! It takes time to strengthen
the body but how did you do that? There are plenty of ways to
go about training yourself. Do you focus on your physical
strength to deal mightier blows or have you focused on
improving your own stamina and physical resistances?
First Step: Paladin
Step Ability Score Increase
Strong Arm +1 Strength
Endured Body +1 Constitution

Second Step
The Paladin is often seen as a symbol on any battlefield. What
sort of symbol are you? Do you see enemies ahead and
charge forward with your weapon out to carve a path or do
you shout out to those around you so that you force through
together as their beacon?
Second Step: Paladin
Step Ability Score Increase
Bold Action +1 Strength
Leadership +1 Charisma

Third Step
As you’ve come through your Paladin training you were
empowered but was it through more of a divine connection or
was it your enhanced fortitude? Has your channeled magic
become stronger in manifestation and given almost a glamor
to your being or have you hardened your body to blows so
that you may stand as a wall of defense?
Third Step: Paladin
Step Ability Score Increase
Glamorous +1 Charisma
Hardened +1 Constitution

Consider The way they see themself

What weapons does your Paladin use and do they have a
variety? Where does this character feel safe and what do they
fear? Is their connection to god(s) a good one or is it more like
borrowing the power? What do they define as a paladin?
Ranger
What makes them a Ranger?
What type of Ranger is this character? Some are an expert of
magic, or weapons, or specifically creatures. As a ranger,
they've got knowledge of all three but they have the ability to
become an expert that makes their foes fear them. Whether it
is with an animal companion or with a weapon that has been
faithful, they can be a guardian, a spell caster from far
distances, and even a hunter or monsters most would run
from.
First Step
Rangers are often specialized in fighting specific creatures.
The question is how do you fight them. Do you use the
strength you have to overpower them by whatever means and
tools you have or is it about your technique; speed, style, and
grace being your allies in any combination?
First Step: Ranger
Step Ability Score Increase
Overpower +1 Strength
Technique +1 Dexterity

Second Step
You adapt and survive in harsher elements than most. Would
you tie your adaptation to your agility and skills related to
such? To move deftly from tree to tree or traverse ice with
little issue or is it your understanding your environment,
knowing how to treat the creatures, nature itself, and truly
harness survival skills?
Second Step: Ranger
Step Ability Score Increase
Strengthened Caster +1 Strength
Natural Caster +1 Wisdom

Third Step
Magic is your ally. Do you use it to assist your close quarters
conflict and support yourself or is it more than support and
an entire array on its own you've focused on?
Third Step: Ranger
Step Ability Score Increase
Magical Finesse +1 Dexterity
Support Magic +1 Wisdom

How long has this ranger fought?

Do you belong to a group? Are you someone who has
intentionally chosen to be alone or did you belong to a group
of rangers? It doesn't even have to just be rangers, but you
could have belonged to a group that hunted and fought
creatures, beasts, anything of the sort! If you have a favorite
enemy, how did you start fighting them? What was your first
experience like?
Rogue
What makes them a Rogue?
What type of Rogue is this character? Are they the dashing
rogue, literally or figuratively? Not every rogue is a thief or
assassin. Information can be more valuable than diamonds
and rogues can create a vault in their memory that is
priceless. Are they an information broker? A thief who found
a knack for stealing and loved it? Tell their story!
First Step
Are they hidden in the shadows or amongst a crowd hidden
in plain sight? Words may be as good as a cloak of Shadow.
What is their go-to? How do they disappear or hide?
First Step: Rogue
Step Ability Score Increase
Clever Words +1 Charisma
Looming Shadow +1 Dexterity

Second Step
Your stealth has failed you this time so your choices are
limited. You've only got a few options but the question is how
do you execute them and get back to a safe spot? Are you
relying on your charm to safely get you home or is it your wit
and cleverness?
Second Step: Rogue
Step Ability Score Increase
Charm +1 Charisma
Cleverness +1 Intelligence

Third Step
During a roguish exploit you've come across a pulsing red orb
that is emitting a red glow. Is your reaction to grab it as
quickly as possible and escape or to consider what the object
is and actually does before acting?
Third Step: Rogue
Step Ability Score Increase
Fast Fingers +1 Dexterity
Cautious +1 Intelligence

Do they see themselves a rogue?

Did they choose this by necessity, excitement, or something
else? Do they have a reputation? Do they want a reputation?
Would they rather take gold or take hearts?
Have they stolen before and if so what have they taken? Do
they follow a code or do they take whatever grabs their
attention? Are there specific items that catch their attention
like magical items, weapons, gems, or even something as
mundane as shoes?
Sorcerer
What makes them a Sorcerer?
What type of Sorcerer is this character? For some magic is
pulled from books, deities, even nature itself, but not so much
theirs. Their magic comes from them directly. Whether they
were born with it, inherited it, were given it, stole it, or any
other means they are the source of their magic. Is it pride
that comes with this magic or confusion? What do they think
of their own magic?
First Step
Your magic has affected your body but in a way of growth.
You have become a vessel for magic but in a way that it can
be contained and held properly. Did this magic influence your
processing of information or bolster the health of its vessel?
First Step: Sorcerer
Step Ability Score Increase
Info Processing +1 Intelligence
Bolstered Health +1 Constitution

Second Step
Magic is both a tool and a part of you, although it is not the
only thing that you have. When you are in a situation of
conflict, but not necessarily danger, what do you think of
using first. Is this a situation to consider calmly and think it
through before acting with your power or is using magic
quickly before the situation gets worse your action?
Second Step: Sorcerer
Step Ability Score Increase
Calm Decision +1 Intelligence
Magical Action +1 Charisma

Third Step
The body has limits and though yours contains a fountain of
magic that does not mean it is endless. The usefulness of
magic has variety but if the caster cannot continue on then
the magic cannot be used. Has your focus been on raising
your endurance or enhancing the magical power you can
release?
Third Step: Sorcerer
Step Ability Score Increase
Physical Endurance +1 Constitution
Magical Power +1 Charisma

Consider your magic's origins

Your magic has become as natural a part of you as the essence
of your life. Does it manifest like the origin of your magic? Do
glowing eyes appears with a color that resembles an emotion?
Does an aura emit from your body or sensations ripple
through the air itself?
Warlock
What makes them a Warlock?
What type of Warlock is this character? Have they been
connected to this entity since birth or was it a choice later on
in their life? How much do they offer up in service? There is
knowledge to discover all over and they have channeled
someone (or something) that will give them power to pursue
to that knowledge. Their pact will not determine their fate,
but it will open up paths for them. Only they determine fate.
First Step
Your patron has bestowed upon a gift. This gift is a blessing
to their conduit who acts in their stead. Is the blessing one
that enriched your physical body and bolstered your health or
was it one that added a bit of glamour to your words?
First Step: Warlock
Step Ability Score Increase
Enhanced Body +1 Constitution
Glamorous Boon +1 Charisma

Second Step
When you grow stronger so does your patron, although you
will occasionally be faced with danger beyond what you can
handle if alone. Do you face it head on until you succeed
while less considering caution and showing your warlock
ability with no hesitation or try and harness your agility to
avoid danger and find an escape?
Second Step: Warlock
Step Ability Score Increase
Steadfast +1 Constitution
Nimble +1 Dexterity

Third Step
Some patrons grant their warlocks weaponry and some go so
far as gifting them weaponry powered specifically by their
bond. Many magic beings can attack from a distance with
ease so as a warlock, do you focus primarily on your warlock
arsenal of magic or would you rely comfortably on a ranged
weapon of material creation?
Third Step: Warlock
Step Ability Score Increase
Focused Caster +1 Charisma
Adaptable Mage +1 Dexterity

What is the bond with your patron like?

Why did your patron bestow this magic? How does your magic
manifest and when it does is there some glimpse of the
patron’s influence? Is this bond one that is completely
wanted? Do you and your patron have a relationship where you
communicate or is it more like working under a ruler who you
serve when they call?
Wizard
What makes them a Wizard?
What type of Wizard is this character? Often for them, in
many ways, magic is an understanding. A comprehension of
how it all ties together. Is this character a wizard who has a
main focus of spell type or are they a wizard that aims to be
flexible? Embrace their magic and create things beyond the
fantasy world has seen. Shape it in unique ways!
First Step
Their mind is a strong piece to a powerful tool but so is their
ability to gain the resources that they need. When it comes to
spell weaving what is this character more capable of? Is it the
comprehension of spell components and how they blend
together or the social understanding and ability to get the
components they need and preferably for a reasonable price?
First Step: Wizard
Step Ability Score Increase
Spell Source +1 Intelligence
Component Shopper +1 Charisma

Second Step
There are those who have no use for a spell book at all and
those who draw power from even more terrifying beings. As
their magic grows so does their defense against those other
types of magic. Would you say they have spent more time in
preparing against magic to affect their will and memory or
magic that twisted their bonds and personality?
Second Step: Wizard
Step Ability Score Increase
Strong Will +1 Wisdom
Strong Heart +1 Charisma

Third Step
You found an unknown magical item! The question is what do
they do with it next? Is now the time to consider longevity?
What would be the wisest decision for it? Is this purely
something new for the world and it is up to them to decide if
the smartest choice is to keep it secret or share it? Do they
consider making what feels the wisest choice or the
smartest?
Third Step: Wizard
Step Ability Score Increase
Smart Choices +1 Intelligence
Wise Choice +1 Wisdom

Consider The way your magic grows

Do you manually write in your spellbook or spells write
themselves. Is their magic precise and defined or spontaneous
and predictable? Is there a color to their magic when it
manifests and are there other visible cues as it sparks to life?
Credits
Writer & Designer: Gabe Hicks (@Gabejamesgames)
Character Artist: Rachel Denton (@Tallinier)
Logo Artist: Nina Cruz (@NinaWolverina)

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