Creating Characters
ICE5e offers a flexible builder with two modes, plus Quick Create for blank-sheet setup:
Character Builder
Choose Guided Mode for step-by-step validation, or Experienced Mode for flexible navigation with warning-based review. The builder walks you through:
- Mode and ruleset selection
- Species, class, and background choices
- Equipment and character customization
- Optional spells and final review
Quick Create
Create a blank character sheet instantly when you want to enter everything manually or recreate an existing character outside the builder flow.
- Instant character sheet
- Full manual control
- Best for manual entry
- No guided steps required
Pro Tip: Bulk Upload
Have multiple characters to import? Use the Bulk Upload feature on your dashboard to create many characters at once from a spreadsheet.
Using the Character Builder
The Character Builder walks you through the current creation flow. Start by picking Guided Mode or Experienced Mode and choosing your ruleset, then work through your core character choices before a final review.
Mode & Ruleset
Choose Guided Mode for stricter step-by-step validation or Experienced Mode for flexible navigation, then select the ruleset you want the builder to follow.
Species, Class & Background
Build your core character by choosing species, class, subclass options where relevant, and background-driven origin choices like ability score increases and feat selections.
Equipment & Customize
Choose starting gear, then add your character name, portrait, appearance details, and other personal touches before finishing the build.
Optional Spells
If your class can cast spells, the builder adds a spells step so you can pick cantrips, prepared spells, or spellbook entries. Non-spellcasters simply skip this part.
Review & Create
Finish on the review step, where Guided Mode requires a clean build and Experienced Mode can still create with warnings after you confirm the incomplete sections.
Guided Mode keeps forward progress locked until each step is valid. Experienced Mode lets you jump between visible steps and create from review even if warnings remain. In both modes, the builder remembers your choices and creates the same final character sheet.
Your Character Sheet
The character sheet is organized into tabs for easy navigation. All calculations (AC, spell save DC, attack bonuses, etc.) update automatically as you make changes.
Overview
Core stats, abilities, skills, and saving throws at a glance.
Features
Class features, species traits, and feat descriptions.
Spells
Spell list, slot tracking, and concentration management.
Equipment
Weapons, armor, items, and inventory management.
Bio
Character backstory, appearance, and personality.
Settings
Sharing and character options.
Leveling Up
When you gain enough XP or your DM awards you a level, use the Level Up feature to advance your character. ICE5e tracks what choices you need to make at each level.
What happens when you level up:
- Hit Points
Roll your hit die (or take the average) and add your Constitution modifier. Your max HP increases automatically.
- New Features
Class features unlock at specific levels. ICE5e shows you exactly what you gain.
- Spells Known
Spellcasters may learn new spells. You'll be prompted to select them from your spell list.
- ASI or Feat
At levels 4, 8, 12, 16, and 19 (varies by class), choose an Ability Score Improvement or a Feat.
Pending Actions
If you level up but haven't made all your choices, a banner will appear on your character sheet reminding you what's left to do.
Spell Management
The Spells tab provides a comprehensive view of your magical abilities. ICE5e supports multiple spell sources and automatic slot calculation for multiclass characters.
Spell Sources
Spells can come from multiple sources:
Spell Slot Tracking
Click on spell slots to mark them as used during the day. Reset all slots with a single click when you complete a long rest. Pact Magic slots (Warlock) are tracked separately.
Prepared Spells
For classes that prepare spells (Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Wizard), mark which spells you have prepared for the day. ICE5e shows your preparation limit.
Equipment & Inventory
Track all your gear in the Equipment tab. Equipping armor and shields automatically updates your AC. Weapons show their attack and damage calculations.
Weapons
Add weapons and see attack bonuses calculated. Supports weapon masteries from PHB 2024.
Armor
Equip armor to update your AC. Unarmored defense is calculated based on your class.
Magic Items
Add magic items with their descriptions and attunement requirements.
Currency
Track your gold, silver, copper, and other currencies.