3.P Character Creation House Rules+Meta Rules

These aren't new rules, but they bear repeating.

• Always use the most recent printing of a class, feat, spell, or other option/rule.  With over 20 years of publications, this can sometimes be difficult, but we expect players to make an honest effort.  If older content was notably omitted (such as the 3.5 persistent spell feat or ways to increase the threat range of a weapon beyond 15-20), using the old rules/content generally comes with a tier increase.  In other words, when designer intent is clear that the game has moved away from old mechanics, access to those mechanics will cost you.  Some exceptions can be made if you'd like to use older material for flavor or nostalgia reasons (such as the 3.5 bardic music).
• Specific overrides general.  This is a game of exceptions, where general rules are presented and then broken by more specific options.  What is more general vs more specific is sometimes difficult to distinguish, but comparing access and coverage are good approaches (who can take this option? in how many cases would this option apply?).
• RAI overrides RAW.  When the designer's intent is clear, and the rules as written are unclear, assume that the rules apply as the designer intended.  If the intent is unclear, and the rules as written are clear, then apply the rules as written.  If neither are clear, bring it to the group for consensus / house ruling.  If both the designer's intent and the rules as written are clear, but in conflict, assume the rule functions as the designer intended (even if that's not technically how it was written).