I am trying to make a 2024 version of my paladin. I can pick Oath of Devotion because it is free. I can pick the Xanathar’s options and Oathebreaker because they are from 2014 content I own, but I cannot pick the 2014 version of things I own if they’re in 2024 content I don’t own. I can’t use the Oath of the Ancients.
Ok, to be fair. I would not have been able to figure all the math out even with friends help if it wasn’t for Beyond. It’s a great source to learn the mechanics. Now that I’ve been playing for months I’m more comfortable but would still likely get things quite wrong if i was forced to use only paper and pencil.
Paper and Pencil might be hard but there’s plenty of free tolls for the math and dice rolling.
I think you are underestimating yourself. When I run games I make sure all new players create characters by hand. That way they have a sense of the fundamentals. By level 3 they’re able to do it all on their own and can crate new characters from scratch.
It’s a good thing to have a fundamental understanding of the game. After players get more experienced I let them use a character generator. Still have to print it out and use paper sheets though. Laptops and cell phones in my experience RUIN campaigns.
EDIT: My group uses Pathfinder 2e. It’s much more player friendly and feels less like they’re trying to suck every cent out of your wallet.