Dungeons & Dragons is getting a big-budget film adaptation with Honor Among Thieves, and the film looks like it'll be a great introduction to the IP for potential new players. While movies based on games have generally not been well-received, the trailer for Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves has fans optimistic. Multiple locations and dungeons to explore, along with different creatures like a mimic and an owlbear, have really made this an anticipated movie.
Granted, there has been some debate about the fiasco that was Doric shifting into the owlbear. The game certainly has had its ups and downs, like being dragged into the Satanic Panic of the 1980s, but that hasn't slowed it down. D&D has been around since 1974 and has since become a global sensation, garnering over 50 million players worldwide. New players probably look at it and instantly feel overwhelmed. Thankfully, there's a selection of pre-generated characters new players can choose from until they get used to the game.
Dwarf Cleric
They may be short, but they more than makeup for it with endless courage and endurance. Dwarves have usually one of three jobs: warrior, miner, or stone/metalworker. However, sometimes fate takes them in a different direction. This Dwarf started out as an artisan before hearing the voices of Dwarven deities calling to them, leading them to become a Cleric.
Along with natural Dwarven abilities, the Cleric class allows the Dwarf to cast spells thanks to high Wisdom stats. They can cast three Cantrips: sacred flame, spare the dying, and thaumaturgy. As a Lawful Good, this character is the definition of a 'good guy' and will do everything to protect those in need. Though this character starts with low dexterity, players have plenty of time to improve.
High-Elf Fighter
Elves are beautiful and otherworldly. They are so ethereal that some even think they're better than any other race. High-Elves, in particular, have haughty attitudes. There are, however, High-Elves that are much more friendly and accommodating. As this High-Elf is a Fighter, they are trained in many forms of combat and can expertly fight with a longsword, shortsword, shortbow, and longbow.
Not only that, but they are fluent in a second language of their choice, which can either be Common, Dwarvish, Draconic, or Halfling. They are aligned with Lawful Neutral, and while they follow lawful concepts like honor, they also follow their own personal code. Low Charm stats means they rarely think before they speak, though a combat master is useful in any campaign.
Wood Elf Ranger
Wood Elves are willing to get their hands dirty; literally, they live in forests. They don't trust non-Elves but are known for being calm and level-headed. They're natural survivors and are able to live off the land. Reclusive, Wood Elves are the enigma of the Elf species.
Like the High-Elf, this Wood Elf is proficient in the same weapons, though as a Ranger, they'll be better with the bows. A natural Wood Elf trait is Mask of the Wild, which allows the character to hide even when lightly obscured. With the Ranger class, they have a Natural Explorer trait. This allows navigating the forest with ease. A Chaotic Good, this Wood Elf forges their own path and cares little for laws while doing what they think is right.
Half-Orc Paladin
Though Humans and Orcs have been enemies, sometimes they're able to form alliances. With peace comes relationships, resulting in Half-Orcs. There are no two that look the same, though gray skin and tusks are common. They are taller and age much more quickly, barely living past their 70s. Many of them go out into the world looking to right wrongs, which makes them perfect Paladins. This Half-Orc was left at a temple as a baby and raised by its acolytes. Though surrounded by peace, their Orcish fury was too much to ignore, and they left to fight evil. Their intelligence may not be great, but they make up for it with strong attacks and Paladin abilities, such as Devine Sense, allowing them to sense evil and good. A Chaotic Good, their heart's in the right place, though they try to solve problems with violence.
Drow Rogue
Also called Dark Elves, Drow are considered evil, though there are few good ones. Most take the word of their goddess, Lolth, Queen of Spiders, to heart, like they are a superior race. Hailing from the Underdark, Drow are very observant as a means of survival. This trait is highly beneficial for someone aiming to be a Rogue.
Whether sneaking, stealing, or assassinating, knowing people is half the battle. Years of honing their craft allowed this Drow to become one of the best Rogues. Good with words, they can get anyone to reveal even the deepest secret. What they lack in strength, they make up for with weapons proficiency and magic. Their weapons include a shortsword, dagger, and hand crossbow, and they fight two-handed. This one is simply Neutral and is only allied to themselves. A low-effort character build will allow players to focus more on roleplaying, if that's what they want.
Dragonborn Sorcerer
Dragonborn live for their clans. Everything they do is for the sake of honoring them. Always striving to improve themselves, Dragonborn will go to extreme lengths to achieve their goals. Like full dragons, they have a breath weapon determined by the color of their scales.
This Dragonborn has silver scales, meaning it has ice breath. In addition to being resistant to cold, they can also shoot ice in a 15-foot cone. And yet some players think Dragonborn are one of the worst playable races. As a Sorcerer, they have some powerful Cantrips, such as Magic Missile. This is three glowing darts with a range of 120 feet that can attack one or more foes. There weren't any specifics on where their powers came from, which allows players to get creative. A Neutral Good, the Dragonborn does what they feel will honor their clan, whether they're with them or not.
Half-Elf Bard
A being of two worlds, Half-Elves live a life of a double-edged sword. While they live longer, they have to deal with friends and family aging that much faster. As they feel like they don't belong to either race, most either live a life of solitude or join a gang of misfits. This gang is usually accompanied by the musical talents of a Bard.
But there's more to a Bard than just music. This Half-Elf was a vagabond, where they learned to use a rapier and a hand crossbow. They grew to love music and the power of words and have since been a successful Bard. With music came a way to fight with magic. One spell is Vicious Mockery, magic-laced insults that harm enemies. A Neutral Good, their charm makes up for their lack of strength whether performing or fighting.
Tiefling Warlock
Tieflings are hated simply because of how they look. It doesn't help that they're a minority, living in the rougher parts of towns and cities. In an attempt to escape their circumstances, they ask fiendish entities for power. They are distrustful by nature, but once a Tiefling gives their loyalty, they're loyal for life.
This Tiefling secluded themselves for years before finding an entity to give them powers. How they find the entity is up to the player. A Warlock, they can serve anything from a demon to something alien. They'll do whatever it takes to have power. They follow their own code as a Lawful Neutral and have spells like Eldritch Blast, which causes much damage with a range of 120 feet.
Human Fighter
New players might think that Humans are unpopular in D&D, but they have just as much to bring to a campaign. Though a young race, they are more physically diverse than any other due to migration and conquest. They are both ambitious and adaptable, which allows most to become adventurers. Originally a soldier, this Fighter wanted more out of life and decided to head out into the world.
Due to surviving wars, they are more than capable of holding their own in a fight, especially when wielding a longsword, pike, or javelin. Of course, they also know how to use a shield, both for defense and offense. Their Chaotic Good mentality makes them strive to help others no matter what.
Human Barbarian
Most view Barbarians as uncivilized brutes, and while that's true, that's not all a Barbarian is. They can live almost anywhere, from the frozen tundra to the humid jungle. The wild is perilous, and they must do whatever it takes to survive.
Growing up with nomads, this Barbarian is a natural at hunting, gathering, and fighting. They're an expert in geography and know how to get anywhere in the wild. Armed with a greatsword and a handaxe, they fly into a Rage and cause a lot of damage for one minute. They are a Chaotic Good, and are uncaring of what others think of them.