Missing Ability Score Method and Character Backgrounds from Charactermancer.

When I get into the Charactermancer process of character creation, it seems there is a lot missing from the standard Player's Handbook that I have. It only shows "Choose" and "Custom" for Ability Score Methods and the only Background I can select is "Acolyte". It also appears to be missing some of the character subraces include in the manual. I'm sure I'm just missing something simple...any advice? I'm creating a game for totally new players and want to streamline it as much as possible to not scare them away.

Hi Jimbo, This is likely due to you not having purchased the Player's Handbook. Without that, the content is limited to what is freely available from Wizards of the Coast in the SRD (System Reference Document). This document allows players to use (without purchase) the base classes, one subclass of each, one feat, one background, a (generous) selection of spells, one subrace and so forth. If you have purchased the PHB, and are still not seeing the data, there is probably an issue with your Compendium Sharing settings.

Oh, and believe it or not, rolling for ability scores is a rule that is not in the SRD, so it cannot legally be included.

I own a physical copy but I assume that doesn't help me in this case. Thanks for the reply!

Yeah, unfortunately, WotC has never offered any kind of a package for print+digital. Paizo has some mechanics like that, but with D&D you are stuck.