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)

F
or those who dislike racial ability score This also does not change the fact that some cultures may
improvements or desire a more narrative- have a preference to certain classes based on their way of life;
focused creation process, this supplement that is entirely up to you and the world you’re playing in.
provides an alternate way of determining those Personally, I prefer this style of character creation because I
statistic bonuses for building characters in 5th enjoy having more freedom to determine my character’s
edition. With this style of character creation, a skills, rather than feeling locked into a more charming
human ranger can be just as good as an elven character simply because I chose to be a tiefling. I am not the
ranger—their skills are instead determined by the story that first to come up with something like this and most likely
has led them to this point in their lives, rather than the blood won’t be the last. But I enjoyed writing it, and that’s what
that flows through their veins. . design is for me!
DISCLAIMER: Disclaimer: This is not intended as a
correction for 5th edition, but rather an alternative for those
who want more flexibility in their character build.
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 Supplement

In core 5th edition, each race typically grants your character a total +3 bonus to your ability scores, with this bonus distributed in
various ways to the different abilities. Each race also has a variety of racial features attached to it, such as the elves’ Fey Antresty
or the half-orcs’ Relentless Endurance.
When using this, ignore all ability score increases tied to the race or subrace chosen, but keep any racial features. After you have
chosen your starting class, find the according section for that class in this supplement. Each class has three steps, each of which
poses a different narrative question. Answer the step’s question, then consult the step’s respective table and increase the ability
that corresponds to that answer.
Similar to how racial ability score improvements work in 5th edition, the bonuses conferred by this process only apply once,
during the initiation stage of character creation. Should you use this supplement to build a higher-level character with multiple
classes, you must choose only one class through which to determine your bonuses.

Adding you in our own changes

The steps and narrative questions provided in this supplement are intended to be flexible and altered to suit your own preference.
Perhaps the monk’s question about fighting style doesn’t fit the character you envision, or you imagine your character building
their physical prowess in a way that matches neither of the provided answers. Feel free to chat with your DM and rework the
questions to best develop the story you want to tell!
Barbarian
What makes them a Barbarian?
What type of Barbarian is your character? Is their rage one
that explodes outwards and destroys everything in their path?
Or is this a silent rage, an inward storm only unleashed when
they make their first calculated swing? What do they fear, and
what have they faced? Let’s think it through!
First Step
Do you pride yourself more on being a stalwart titan, able to
endure injury with a fountain of health, or do you focus more
on being a vicious combatant, dealing mighty blows in the
thunder of battle?
First Step: Barbarian
Step Ability Score Increase
Stalwart Titan +1 Constitution
Vicious Combatant +1 Strength

Second Step
Do you have the 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 deal 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 faced with danger, do you focus on avoiding as much
damage as possible or 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
rage is a major part of the Barbarian class. Emotions can
manifest differently but I ask you; What is rage like for you ?
Is the default emotion sadness? Does it vary depending on
who you fight? Barbarian's don't have to be mindless fighting
machines although you can be! Is the rage something you use
sparingly and reserve for those you 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 singer, a
dancer, or some other kind of performer? Do they recount
fantastical tales of adventure, or do they fancy themselves
more a historian, remembering minute details so that history
can never be forgotten? Where does the magic of their
inspiration come from?
First Step
Do you see yourself as a weaver of words, a teller of tales
almost impossible to believe? Or are you a chronicler of
history, recounting things in explicit detail so that the truth is
never forgotten?
First Step: Bard
Step Ability Score Increase
Story Weaver +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 your 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
The show must go on—how will you prepare? Do you rely on
your ability to think through the situation, or your ability to
react regardless of what goes wrong?
Third Step: Bard
Step Ability Score Increase
Intuition +1 Intelligence
Reaction Time +1 Dexterity

Consider The way you perform

As a bard, the world is your character’s stage. but how do they
show that? Does your bard try to evoke specific emotions? Do
they rely on comedy, fear, or excitement to fuel their
performance? Interpretive dance may be a wonderful way to
cast a somatic spell, but it’s not every bard’s style.
Cleric
What makes them a Cleric?
What type of Cleric is this character? Does your belief come
from higher powers or are you someone who is found the
ability to harness the power of the divine but without
knowing directly who they are? What made you a follower of
this path? Are you a healer who uses your abilities freely or
sparingly?
First Step
Whether your clerical training was through a clergy or self-
practice, did you put an emphasis more on their fighting
ability or connection to the divinity linked magic you could
grasp? When in combat, do you raise your weapon first or
your holy symbol?
First Step: Cleric
Step Ability Score Increase
Battle Cleric +1 Strength
Divine Magic +1 Wisdom

Second Step
You have come across a wayward soul who needs to be
motivated. There is a challenge ahead of you but how will you
face the challenge? Will you show them your own might to
give them comfort or inspire them with your words and your
voice to 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 you've got to motivate many. A horde of creatures stand
in front of you and their allies. They haven't taken a step
forward but you have this moment. You stand atop a rock but
do you command attention with your holy symbol to channel
divinity through or raise your 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 you 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 themselves? How does their druidic magic
manifest?
First Step
You are a druid, a bridge into the natural world. As you honed
that connection with the world around you, what stood out
most? Was it the movements of creatures and plants, or was
it the raw power of nature's wild energy?
First Step: Druid
Step Ability Score Increase
Nature's Movements +1 Dexterity
Wild Energy +1 Wisdom

Second Step
Sometimes, your connection to the world leaves remnants in
your mind. As you dream, you see a great beast before you. It
asks what you want more: the agility of the wild, or the
knowledge of the earth?
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. Do you have a stronger connection to
one or the other, or was it that instead, you started with a
connection towards one first, and then it may have led to the
other? If you 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. When developing your combat style, did you focus
on increasing the force of your blows or honing your reflexive
technique?
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 your physical
prowess, or your ability to endure through the trials ahead?
Second Step: Fighter
Step Ability Score Increase
Physical Power +1 Strength
Enduring Blows +1 Constitution

Third Step
The foe ahead of you has doused their weapon in something
lethal. 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

Unlike a lot of the other melee classes, a fighter isn’t linked to
an emotion, a deity, or a code. So why did your character
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? Who or what do they 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. As you
finally began to understand this flow inside you, it in turn
made part of you grow. Did it bolster your health and
resistance to internal harm, or did it improve your
attunement to the world and heighten 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. But did you focus on refining your speed,
aiming to defeat foes as quickly as possible, or did you train
your endurance, aiming to outlast even the toughest of foes?
Third Step: Monk
Step Ability Score Increase
Speed +1 Dexterity
Endurance +1 Constitution

What is your style?

Similar to fighters, a monk’s combat style says a lot about their
character. Is your character strictly focused on powerful body
blows, or do they use their opponent's weight against them?
Do they target pressure points to cause injury or are they a
barrage of force? Are they 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 the
armor of a holy order or bear an insignia that represents their
oath? 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? Do they seek redemption from their
past, or a purpose for their future?
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. When you trained, did you focus
on your physical strength to deal mightier blows or your
endurance to improve your 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 to carve a path, or do you shout out to those
around you to lead them as a beacon of inspiration?
Second Step: Paladin
Step Ability Score Increase
Bold Action +1 Strength
Leadership +1 Charisma

Third Step
As you’ve come through your Paladin training, your
dedication to your oath has empowered you with magic. But
has this magic increased your charm, giving you a near
otherworldly glamour to your person, or has it hardened your
physical form, allowing you to stand as a wall of defense?
Third Step: Paladin
Step Ability Score Increase
Glamorous +1 Charisma
Hardened +1 Constitution

Consider The way you see yourself

Where does your character feel safest? Conversely, what do
they fear most? Do they explicitly worship a divine being as a
part of their oath, or are they merely borrowing this cosmic
power? What do they define as a paladin?
Ranger
What makes them a Ranger?
What type of Ranger is this character? In general, rangers
have experience with magic, weapons, and nature, but not
every ranger is equally well-versed in all three of these areas.
Which of your character’s skills strike fear into their foes? Do
they share a close bond with animals, or do they prefer to
spend their time sharpening their blade? Are they more of a
warden, or do they actively seek out threats to eliminate?
First Step
Rangers often specialize in fighting specific creatures. When
you fight, do you use strength to overpower your foes, or do
you rely on the speed and grace of your technique to lead you
to victory?
First Step: Ranger
Step Ability Score Increase
Overpower +1 Strength
Technique +1 Dexterity

Second Step
You know how to adapt and survive in harsh elements more
than most. Would you tie your adaptation to your agility, your
ability to move deftly from tree to tree or traverse dangerous
landscapes with little issue?Is your survival skill tied to an
understanding of your environment, knowing how to treat the
creatures and truly harness nature itself to your benefit?
Second Step: Ranger
Step Ability Score Increase
Strengthened Caster +1 Strength
Natural Caster +1 Wisdom

Third Step
Magic is your ally. The way it comes to life is entirely up to
you but what do you use it for? Do you use it to assist your
close quarters conflict,or is it more a tool to support your
allies from afar?
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 favored
enemy, how did you start fighting them?
Rogue
What makes them a Rogue?
What type of Rogue is this character? Not every rogue is a
thief or assassin. Are they the archetypal dashing knave,
literally or figuratively? Or perhaps they are an information
broker, dealing in secrets more valuable than diamonds? Or
maybe a pickpocket who found a knack for stealing and loved
it?
First Step
When it comes to hiding, words may be just as good as a
cloak of shadow. As a rogue, do you rely on covert spaces and
dark corners to disappear into, or do you prefer to hide in
plain sight, fast-talking your way out of suspicion?
First Step: Rogue
Step Ability Score Increase
Clever Words +1 Charisma
Looming Shadow +1 Dexterity

Second Step
Your stealth has failed you this time, and 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 on 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 first reaction to grab it
as quickly as possible and escape, or to consider what the
object actually does before acting?
Third Step: Rogue
Step Ability Score Increase
Fast Fingers +1 Dexterity
Cautious +1 Intelligence

Do you see yourself a rogue?

Did your character choose their roguish way of life by
necessity, excitement, or something else? Do they have a
reputation—do they want one? Do they follow a code, or do
they simply do and take whatever grabs their attention? Are
there specific items they gravitate towards like magical items,
weapons, gems, or even something as mundane as shoes?
Would they rather take gold or take liveshearts?
Sorcerer
What makes them a Sorcerer?
What type of Sorcerer is this character? Innate magic flows
within them—were they born with it, cursed with it, gifted it
by accident? Did they maybe steal their magic from another
source? Is this magic accompanied by pride or confusion?
What do they think of their own magic?
First Step
Your magic has affected your body but in a way of growth.
Your body has become a vessel for magic, increasing your
capacities in a way that allows you to contain this power
properly. Did this magic influence your processing of
information or bolster your health?
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, what do you think of using first: rational thought to
reach a calm decision, or impulsive magic to prevent the
situation from worsening?
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 your powers are endless. 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 character’s magic has become a part of them, as natural
as the essence of their life. How does this magic visually
manifest in your character? Do glowing eyes appear, colored
to match their current emotion? Does an aura emit from their
body? Do sensations ripple through the air itself?
Warlock
What makes them a Warlock?
What type of Warlock is this character? Their pact does not
determine their fate, but it does open up many new avenues
for them. 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? Do they use this pact to gather
knowledge, power, or something else?
First Step
Your patron has bestowed upon you a gift, 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
Though your patron grants you powerful magic, you will still
occasionally find yourself faced with danger beyond what you
can handle alone. Do you face this danger head on, steadfast
in your determination to succeed, or do you try to nimbly
dodge the 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 powerful spells to deal
destruction from afar, while others with their warlock's
specialized weapons imbued with eldritch might. As a
warlock, do you rely primarily on your arsenal of magic, or do
you wield magic and material weapons in equal measure?
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 character’s patron bestow this magic upon
them? When your character uses this magic, do others catch
some glimpse of the patron’s influence? Is this bond one that
is completely wanted? What is the relationship between your
character and their patron like?
Wizard
What makes them a Wizard?
What type of Wizard is this character? Often for them, in
many ways, magic is based on an understanding, a
comprehension of how it all ties the universe together. Is this
character a wizard who focuses on a specific kind of spell, or
do they aim to be flexible? How do they embrace their magic
and create things beyond what the fantasy world has seen?
First Step
Though a wizard’s mind plays a large part in the success of a
spell, a competent caster must also be able to gather the
resources they need to cast the spell in the first place. What
are you more capable with: the comprehension of spell
components and how they blend together, or the social
understanding to get them at 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
your magic grows so does your defense against those other
types of magic. Would you have spent more time in preparing
against magic to affect your will and memory or magic that
twisted your 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
should you do with it next? A way to increase their personal
knowledge and intelligence or do they leave it to the world to
decide what should be done with it? Do you make the smart
choice or the wise choice?
Third Step: Wizard
Step Ability Score Increase
Smart Choices +1 Intelligence
Wise Choice +1 Wisdom

Consider The way your magic grows

Does your character manually write in your spellbook, or do
the 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)
Editors: Sarah Davis (@SarahndipityCos) Makenzie De Armas (@MakenzieLaneDA)

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