How To: Homebrew Class Creation

Building a Homebrew Class in Dungeon Master’s Vault

Dungeon Master’s Vault makes creating home‑brew content quick and painless.
Below is a step‑by‑step walkthrough that uses the Warden (u/layhnet, v2.1) as a reference. You can find the original source on the Vault site.

Tip: Every time you start a new class or subclass, keep the “Save As” field consistent with the name listed in your My Content → Content List; otherwise you’ll create duplicate entries.

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1. Start With Your Own Content

1. Hover over MY CONTENT (top‑right) and click RACE BUILDER.
2. If any content already appears, hit NEW CLASS to begin a fresh entry.

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2. Basic Information

Field	What to Put	Example
Name	Class name you’re creating	Warden
Option Source Name	Where the material comes from; this is also the file‑name. Match it exactly with your Content List entry.	u/layhnet Homebrew
Hit Die	The die used for HP calculations	10 (1d10)

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3. Progression & Core Abilities

a. Subclass Timing

• Pick Subclass at Level – when the class branches into subclasses.
• Subclass Title – common name for all subclasses that will be built later.
  

  Example: Warden chooses its “Combat Discipline” at level 1.

b. Proficiencies

• Saving Throws – tick all saves your class is proficient in.
  

  Warden: Wisdom & Strength.

c. Ability Score Increases

Choose the levels where you get a score bump or feat. The default (every four levels, final at 19) works for most classes.

Example: Check 4, 8, 12, 16, 19.

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4. Spellcasting

Step	What to Do	Example
Spellcasting?	Yes if the class casts spells; No otherwise.	Warden → Yes
Spell List Source	If borrowing another class’s list, pick that class. If your own, choose Custom.	Custom
Casting Ability	The stat used for spell DCs & modifiers (usually the class’s main stat).	Wisdom
First Spell Level	At what level you first get spells.	2

Once “Yes” is selected, additional boxes appear for cantrips, spell slots, etc.

Cantrips

• If your class learns cantrips after level 1, set Cantrips? to Yes and fill in:
  • Number known at first level (often 0).
  • Levels where more are gained.
  • The list of available cantrips.

Note: Because selections can’t be auto‑linked to cantrip lists, you’ll need to manually enable Homebrew options when creating a character and pick the relevant cantrips from your selection builder.

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5. Skill Proficiencies

Field	Purpose	Example
Skill Proficiency Choice	Number of skills the class chooses at level 1, plus which ones are available.	2 – choose Animal Handling, Arcana, Athletics, Intimidation, Investigation, Nature, Survival
Skill Expertise (Double Proficiency) Choice	If the class can double proficiency in some skills, list them here.	None for Warden

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6. Additional Features

a. Modifiers

Add any static bonuses or proficiencies that apply to all characters of this class.

• Armor Proficiency – Light & Medium armor, shields.
• Weapon Proficiency – All simple weapons.
• Number of Attacks – At 5th level: 2 attacks.

b. Selections

These are “choice” abilities unlocked at specific levels (similar to subclasses).

1. Click ADD SELECTION.
2. Enter the name, unlock level, and any relevant details.
3. Build each selection in the Selection Builder.

Example: Prime Element, Glamour, etc.

c. Features / Traits

These are mandatory abilities that appear at a set level without choice.

1. Click ADD FEATURE/TRAIT.
2. Fill in name and unlock level.
3. Build each feature (e.g., Natural Awareness, Source Magic).

Important: For features that add spells (like Master of Elements), create those spells as separate selections and link them accordingly.

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7. Final Steps

1. Build Subclasses – Use the Subclass Builder for all subclasses referenced earlier.
2. Link Selections – In the Selection Builder, connect each selection to this class.
3. Test Your Class – Create a character and play‑test to ensure everything works as intended.

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Original guide by DivertedCircle.

Happy homebrewing! 🎲