[RPG] AC calculations in the D&D 5e German Starter Set

The cantrips listed as known on the character sheets are correct.

Page 23 of the Starter Set rulebook is a list of cantrips that exist in the Starter Set, not a list of cantrips the cleric and wizard know. A 1st-level wizard or cleric knows only three cantrips (though the wizard in the Starter Set has an extra known, as that is a bonus high elves get). More are listed because you do learn new cantrips by levelling. Both the cleric and the wizard learn one new cantrip of choice at 4th level. This is detailed on the backs of the sheets rather than in the levelling guide.

Additionally, having a reference for cantrips not yet known by PCs is useful to the DM if they appear in play when cast by characters other than the PCs, or if found on scrolls in treasure, etc.

In the top block which lists your abilities, the black/white mark in front of the ability shows your bonus (and proficiency) for Saving throws. It says so under the block.

So when you become the target of a spell that requires a Strength Save to defend against, that's where you look up your bonus to the roll. In your case, it's +5. The black mark in front of Strength shows that you have Proficiency in Strength Saving throws, which means the +5 is made up of your proficiency bonus (probably +2) and your Strength (probably +3).

On the other hand, if you had to make a Wisdom Save, you would not add your proficiency, since there is no black mark in front of it. This means you just add your Wisdom modifier to the roll (the +1).

The lower block shows you what you roll when you make Skill checks. These are not defense rolls, but attempts to accomplish something in the game. Each skill is linked to an Ability. If you have proficiency with the skill, you add your Ability Modifier + Proficiency, if you don't have proficiency you just use your Ability Modifier.

See the difference between Performance and Persuasion; both are skills that are based on Charisma (which gives you +2 to the roll), but because you are proficient in making Persuasion checks, you get a +4 total bonus there since you're adding in your Proficiency.

Note that all the totaled numbers in both blocks have already been calculated. If the DM asks for a roll, just look up the number in the correct column/row and add (or substract) it from your D20. You don't need to add or remove anything from these numbers during play.