How to Play Kazuma Kiryu in Dungeons & Dragons (Yakuza Build for D&D 5e)

BONUS VIDEO its Kazuma Kiryu from Yakuza 0 in Dungeons & Dragons. Now that Yakuza 7: Like a Dragon has a western release date, I feel like it's time to share my build for the Dragon of Dojima in D&D 5e!
Twitter: / tulokthe
PATREON: / tulok

[@redpandemic7134]

Ah yes, the "Dragon of Dungeons" fighting style. Quite potent.

[@PhantomSavage]

I don't think I ever clicked something so fast. I tried making this build myself long ago and never finished. Now I don't have to.

[@siruseless6650]

I can’t wait for the possibility of Majima hopefully getting a build soon!

[@AchaOda]

Honestly, it'd be really cool and could be done in many different ways. One I'd personally do would be Way of Kensei Monk with a dagger and (great?)club as Monk weapons alongside Inquisitive Rogue for the deadly sneak attack and his Insight ability. Maybe a bit of Fighter for Action Surge(?) But that depends on which iteration of Majima would be used lol

[@siruseless6650]

Akeno/Oda I definitely agree with your point that there’s a bit of variety when it comes to how to make Majima. Another approach would be to have the build focus solely on the dagger with maybe some lightning sprinkled in since Yakuza 7’s Majima summon deals electric damage.

[@mistamemewide]

Kensei monk with just a bat.

[@mas8705]

There better be really high, if not, maxed out Charisma. If you are the personalization of the "ultimate male fantasy" and show it off by singing 24-hour cinderella while on roller skates- I lost my train of thought but the point is that there is no one who has higher Charisma than Majima.

[@AchaOda]

@@siruseless6650 So a fighter build using Duelling, with just a dagger and maybe some... idk... wizard/sorc levels for lightning shit? Or maybe Blood Hunter, even though that sounds pretty whack

[@thiccestboi5114]

"I can see what you're going for here, but I don't want Unearthed Arcana in my campaign so you're going to have to choose something that isn't Unarmed Fighting." DAME DA NE

[@magicmauro8803]

Dueling for the improv weapon maybe

[@legendaryvvizard4388]

Now its in Tasha's Cauldron and officially published, crisis averted

[@danielmcpherson3891]

As a MONK main, I appreciate the break from the monotony of my various ki bois. It's got plenty of depth and versatility that doesn't rely on stun-locking everything.

[@ultimateninjaboi]

Just snag yourself an Insignia of Claws. Dragon amulet, perfect for a chain wearing dragon yakuza tough. Makes your unarmed attacks magical, and gives them +1 to hit and damage. I know these dont usually go with items, but its kinda perfect for this build.

[@TheAngelAquila]

Once again, thank you so much for the vid! It was a pleasure being your first commission customer. I'm running a version of this build in my latest 5e game, wish me luck.

[@tulokthebarbrarian2033]

You're the best, have fun!

[@Oakesyrules]

Thank you for choosing the exact same build as I would have asked for! Hope the build works in your game!

[@dolphinboi-playmonsterranc9668]

There had better be bard levels in this, because Kiryu has the pipes of a male siren.

[@douglaselder5967]

Kiryu also for sure has Vicious Mockery. I’ve seen him use it in the games with dismissive lines and glares.

[@shinobidaniel_12]

Majima is the bard here, I thought he was gay for 90 percent of my time with him in kiwami

[@dolphinboi-playmonsterranc9668]

@@shinobidaniel_12 He's level 20 Assassin Rogue With Performance background for the dance ability

[@shinobidaniel_12]

@@dolphinboi-playmonsterranc9668 no, majima doesn't usually one-shot people with thug and can deflect bullets with his bat plus he can sing and manages the grand and club sunshine. That is peak bard and monk

[@erios8522]

@@shinobidaniel_12 Okay but he has a bunch of styles though. Wouldn't it be Thug - Fighter/Monk, Bard - Breaker, Rogue - Mad Dog, and Slugger - Barbarian?

[@rosebelmont1646]

Wait, did anyone else catch that he said, "Yakuza 0: Like a Dragon"?

[@OmeCoatl054]

The Japanese title for Yakuza is translated as like a Dragon.... Yakuza is the English title for the series honestly

[@aryabratsahoo7474]

@@OmeCoatl054 but then there's yakuza: like a dragon

[@OmeCoatl054]

@@aryabratsahoo7474 lazy writing 🤷‍♂️? All I can think of.....

[@TheyCallMeBruski]

That's like saying Super Mario smash Bros

[@dissinyosandwich7548]

*gets a notif* "Oh, hey! Tulok uploaded earlier than expected." *How to Build - Kazuma Kiryu* "OH GOD I'M COOMING AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-"

[@NosferatuWickedTTRPG]

JFJ?

[@salahad-din9168]

@@NosferatuWickedTTRPG no, bill clinton.

[@Silverman160Zero]

*Tries to put pocket circuit cars into build* “I’M ZOOOMING!”

[@berniebroig8745]

I don't know who the fan was, but it'd be magnificent if it were JFJ who suggested it.

[@susanwalls3580]

Vito Corleone: "You come to me, on the day if my daughter's wedding & ask me to commit murder. Make me an alternative offer I can't refuse." Me: "I'll make a Mafioso D&D game were all players have to have calligraphy."

[@tibboocelot9272]

Vento Aureo does sound like a pretty nice campaign.

[@susanwalls3580]

@@tibboocelot9272 Yeah it does. Knights of the JoJo Pt. 5 Quest for the Golden Winds.

[@Labrynth-13]

KIRYU-CHAN!

[@mason-.]

An extra video! We're so lucky! But know what would make me feel luckier? A build for Anderson Cooper. How cool would that be?

[@tulokthebarbrarian2033]

That would mean Justice...

[@nnickplays9713]

Do April O' Neil instead? Besides I'm pretty sure they would have similar builds

[@lunarcrestwolf]

So after actually reading what calligraphy tools let you do. I agree, it is honestly a really great tool proficiency to have.

[@Tamashikiri]

Commenting before I get to the build's race; I'm guessing Kiryu will be a Variant Human (shocking, I know) Open Hand Monk with the Tavern Brawler feat. EDIT: Well, I was _technically_ correct, albeit with a bit less monk levels than I was expecting (for very well explained reasons, I'll admit).

[@shinobidaniel_12]

I don't like those reasons, but they are explained

[@Zelos101]

Wizards really should make a list of improvised weapons and give them states. IE a chair leg might be 1d4. But a Metal frying pan should be more akin to a 1d6. Big wooden door (min strength 16 to use) 2d12. ECT ECT

[@RememberJudas314]

Now, how do we play as Mr. Libido? Can you pin down the eldritch horror that is his patron?

[@robertlombardo8437]

I have NO earthly idea what you're talking about and even I am scared.

[@MrNickPresley]

Whatever it is, its lust surpasses even the hunger of Hadar. That is a thing to be feared, truly.

[@coolgreenbug7551]

I think its just his penis

[@nicholascordero6600]

Mr libido is the patron

[@omnibeta1876]

I know this is months old but... **casually points at Mara** Maybe that sortof horror fits the bill

[@jackchaplin3794]

Kreig the psycho, let's go borderlands. Love your vids man, absolutely hilarious

[@DrifterStar]

I've been thinking about a Kiryu build for almost as long as I've followed this channel, and this is almost exactly how I predicted it would go. Battlemaster, Way Of The Open Hand, Tavern Brawler, everything makes sense and works great for Kiryu. Thanks for this Tulok, I didn't think this build would come as soon as I thought it would.

[@robertocclavell]

Love the content! The builds always help me learn new cool combos! "How to Play as Takeshi Kovacs" from Altered Carbon would be cool to see

[@weirdguy1495]

Dude, I've been wanting this build since yesterday, it's like you read my mind. Episode #0 of the Fire Emblem stats: Kazuma Kiryu. Kiryu's chiefly a brawler with strengths in brawling and heavy armor and the only weakness he has are in magic stats since there are no mages in Yakuza. Yet. He has bad speed and dexterity but he makes up for it in high strength, defense, and HP.

[@arandominternetperson437]

That's pretty much beast style, lacks speed but makes up with reduced incoming damage and increased damage output

[@wardensofthegay8709]

Damn, this is really useful and thorough.

[@sithmaster4305]

Been waiting to see this one for awhile!

[@vertigotoad9013]

HOLY SHIT I legit just asked for this like 2 days ago and it's so crazy to see it made. I'm so pumped my guys

[@arthurcorreia3011]

The builds in the channel makes perfect sense character wise. I hope that with future launches of D&D content, the builds will get even more acurate.

[@dontnoticemeplease5124]

*sees the image of this video in one nanosecond* . . . *Super Sonic smashes through a wall to get to this video* KIIIIIIRYUUU-CHAAAAAAANNN!!!!

[@tygonn8481]

I’ve never played these games but now I might have to give them a try.

[@ConnerLSheaffer]

I got way too excited when I saw this build! Didn't expect it at all

[@nullvoid4063]

This is an unexpected surprise, but a welcome one. Thanks Tulok! I’m looking forward to seeing what Crystal Gem wins the poll. Place your bets on what race Tulok will choose! So far I’ve seen good arguments for earth genasi (they are rocks), aasimar (they are also made of light and come from space), warforged (they are artificial created constructs made for specific purposes) and, for Garnet, a Kalishtar (two souls, one body). Place your bets now folks!

[@bigbugabuu]

I'm going to bet earth genasi

[@JarvisDMLord]

But Variant Human gets a feat lol jk!

[@kiryu-chan8415]

Now we’re closer to Majima. I can TASTE IT.

[@Lockehart1289]

Yesssssss more Yakuza Builds please

[@skibbydibs]

I love this, definitely gonna run it for my next PC. If you're looking for ideas please make a Majima build, it wouldn't be right running the Kiryu build without Majima-san in the party to harass you.

[@shinobidaniel_12]

Oh I've been waiting for this

[@user-rd5in4ik5p]

Great video! Now we need the other Kiryu.

[@dumpsterfire6992]

Hell yeah,more tulok=Good

[@jacobbenns6090]

Awesome build tulok! I would love a build of either Malcolm Reynolds or River Tam from Firefly/Serenity

[@alexhurshman7005]

No idea how late to the game I am with this one but a good ol fashion Spawn build would be fun to see, even if it's almost guaranteed to have a dip in warlock, I wanna see you make that cape do some gnarly stuff! Keep making awesome things!!

[@rufftonplaysgames2307]

Been waiting for this one lmao

[@rasmusdegn9690]

Really glad to see this, hopefully when you get around to Majima you'll have played Yakuza Kiwami 1 so you can give us the ability to Majima Everywhere.

[@DJWinza]

You did it, you magnificent bastard, you made a build where Calligraphy makes 100% sense!

[@andrewwestfall65]

My DM probably would tell me it was okay if you said so. I sent him one of your videos a few months ago and he said he was iffy on the channel, then last week he told me how much he was loving some of your builds and how creative yet functional they were.

[@zaccarpenter621]

KIRYU-CHAN!!!!!!!!!!

[@enderbold7038]

Kiryu's cool and all, but what about Mr. Labido

[@unironicallylikesranger7122]

Episode 0, eh? I live for the subtle number puns in these videos, like the VII in clouds video.

[@seanward9779]

I didn't notice it was Wednesday until I looked at the comments, I was just excited to see a build.

[@paulkepshire5056]

Wasn't expecting a video this early. You know what else nobody would expect? A video on Asta, from Black Clover.

[@dhammond5834]

This build makes me hope spike spiegel ends up on a poll again

[@guessruffdiamond1264]

Well done sir ✌🏾🙏🏾

[@thetribunaloftheimaginatio5247]

That two-handed unarmed strike where you cup a hand over your fist for extra power is called the "double ax-handle." Because it's generally a downward stroke similar to when you swing an ax while you're chopping firewood.

[@maxmanramfan]

Commenting to feel the heat in my next game... maybe. Thanks for the fun build today, and for always putting out great content. If you're taking suggestions: How to play Megaman?

[@solemnjester2100]

Kiryu,"There's only room for one dragon in this dungeon." *Proceeds to remove shirt and destroy a dragon with his barehands*

[@pizzasoldeir2]

Recently found this channel and while I don't want to my first comment to be "change this" Kiryu is in the latest game (Y7) and has more fantastical abilities that may not be too "literal" but would be a fine additional ability list to examine

[@theassassin3458]

I WAS NOT EXPECTING THIS BUT I FUCKING LOVE IT

[@Oakesyrules]

I can't believe I saw the day! Thanks so much for this! Hope you had as great a time with the games as I did!

[@ethanvincent1447]

My notifications box: Tulok Build on Wednesday Me: What sorcery is this?!

[@jonathanshirley4366]

DM: "What are your plans for your character?" Me: "ROLLING EYES FALL!"

[@arandominternetperson437]

Ruling, dies out!

[@daniellins4114]

What a coincidence! Just when I finish Yakuza 0 this video comes out!

[@cullenfarran3750]

Clicked on this after half reading the title thinking that it said kazuya mishmia from Tekken that would be cool, maybe

[@otalyokai8119]

We need a "How to Play Yujiro Hanma "

[@arturzinurov4781]

That’s rad!

[@flameroad123]

Please do Jet Set Radio Next!

[@keanueugene6331]

2 words... Tavern brawler... Haven't watched the vid yet but I'm hyped

[@toyosiadesina8667]

Tulok, words cannot describe how satisfied I was with this build. I was worried you were gonna focus on Monk levels more than Fighter levels. This was a fantastic way of addressing a problem I have with 5e Monks - that in practice they're universally build to fit into the "wise old kung fu master" archetype than they are meant to be frontline, hand-to-hand combatants. Also it's funny you mention that Kiryu can't speak other languages 'cause there's a scene in Yakuza 3 where he meets an American blackmarket dealer and couldn't understand what he was saying. Search 'Andre Richardson' for context.

[@Muninnswake]

I would love to see Tulok attempt Aggretsuko!

[@BJGvideos]

Closest I can think of is a tabaxi bard

[@aleksandarmalovic8535]

"Kiryu can only counter after he takes a hit." Tiger Drop: Allow me to introduce myself. Even talking only about Y0, the Brawler style has a counter that is basically tiger drop in all but name. Dragon also has the Elbow Drop.

[@martyhoskin2421]

Everyone is commenting “I can’t wait for Majima” or “I can’t wait for this” but what we all truly want is MEGAMIND IN D&D. THE FANDOM IS DYING

[@pjkokkovas5170]

I just rewatched rise of the guardians with my lil cousins. I'd love to see a nicholas st north build (basically santa in the movie). Honestly I'd love to see a build based on any of the characters from that movie

[@bigt22292]

A build on Wednesday!!

[@Pixelcakes69]

Now that Scofflaw fighters exist, i'm definitely gonna enjoy making a Fighter-Monk with improv weapons.

[@Pikero24]

Looking forward to a majima build

[@jeroldblackwell5922]

This is the video that got me to sub and i haven't even watched it yet

[@pedorgas5222]

Yeeeeeah! Finally a build where I can beat stuff up with my bare hands!

[@SlvrStryker]

So did anyone notice that this is episode 0? *Very funny, Tulok...*

[@derrickhaggard]

Perfect build to do the DnD version of Terry Bogard is pure Monk since Terry is known to be a master martial artist and all of his specials techniques are powered by his KI. Now you have 2 choices for subclass those being either Way of the Open Hand if you want the build to focus on the fact Terry is known for having a massive KI pool but on the downside you'll have to grab Magic Initiate as the free feat that Variant Humans get in order to get a ranged Fire Spell to serve as the equivalent to Terry's Power Wave and it's powered-up version Power Geyser and it's further powered-up version the Triple Geyser. Or you can go with the Monk subclass Way of the 4 Elements as this will allow you to get the DnD equivalent to Power Wave, and it's two enhanced versions without taking Magic Initiate as the free feat along with putting a greater focus on Terry's mastery of the Hakykosaken style, and will allow you to score one of these feats as the free one instead that are also in character for Terry those being Tough, 2nd Wind, or Tavern Brawler.

[@poopypantzlantz]

We can have an extra video.. as a treat

[@kirana6496]

I'd love to see an Octopath Traveler build! It's starting to become my favorite game recently, and Cyrus is my favorite character, so Wizard?

[@KeizerSosebee]

We still need that fulgore build tulok

[@thekirbycrafter7229]

This may be super outdated, but I have been trying to homebrew a Fighter subclass that is heavily based on the Yakuza games' fighting style. It will have a similar feel to the Battle Master but my DM and I have been tweaking so its different enough. When you get this style, you automatically gain the Tavern Brawler and Grappler feats (might tweak that) since those are essentially what this style is about. The goals are: heavy single target/small group melee combat, Heat Actions to use as a pseudo extra attack once you fill your Heat Gauge, and good position control or lockdown potential. The cons are that range is definitely not your strong suit, being in the thick of fights is where you want to be, and low viability with other weapons. You don't gain benefits with certain weapons until certain levels to keep the main idea of PUNCH HARD core.

[@owooperator8824]

I hope we get to see the other characters in the series get a build

[@Narutonarutonaruto85]

I would like to see you try building Kazuma Sato.

[@zevraluna1899]

*la gasp* Kaxe-kun? I love Kazuma!

[@The_Azure_]

I'd love to see a Majima build.

[@djdoubless8218]

This is the fastest I’ve ever clicked on one of your videos.

[@AliceIsSleepy]

Man, despite having a pretty good idea of what she'd be i'd to see Kipo, from Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts

[@mizuizumi6142]

Awesome video. Could you do a How to Build - Polly Esther/Pururun (Samurai Pizza Cat) please and thank you. Keep doing what you do.

[@glazcanon8593]

Seeing Yakuza 0 Kiryu in D&D is interesting and fun, and now I can't help but wonder how a Kiryu with skills from other Yakuza games would play, like his mastery of 5 different weapons, his Aikido-Esque grab reversals from 3 or even the dreaded Komaki tiger drop.

[@aganaom1712]

* baka mitai in the background * surprised you didn't take a dip into rogue for sneak attack improvement from swashbuckler

[@arandominternetperson437]

Majimas thug style would benefit from it because of his "essence of subdue"

[@stephenmemelord2303]

That's rad

[@prinnynaito]

I would go with barbarian insted of monk as it would allow you not to worry about wisdom and the storm herald sub-class can give a more literal representation to the heat aura with the benefit of leting you 'change stiles' on long rest As an aded bonus barbarians can use shields leting you use some of your improvised weapons for defense if the situation calls it

[@TheHareedo]

@3:41 you said that you can't use improvised weapons as Monk weapons, but if you're using the class feature variants (like you already have earlier) you can. You're able to make a number of weapons up to your wisdom modifier Monk weapons as long as you are proficient, and they lack the heavy and two handed property. Tavern brawler makes you proficient, and they'll scale with Monk levels.

[@DanielGalllego]

i was kinda thinking of focusing more on paladin than in fighter, since the yakuza samurai code of honor kinda seema like an oath of some sort, and the smites COULD explain the bone breaking fatality like heat moves, still with the variant human tabern brawler and the same levels in monk

[@deanospimoniful]

Two handed blow is typically called a double axe handle.

[@Non-vegen]

Honestly you can use this as a base and alter it like for taiga saejima you'd take barbarian instead (I think it fits his str-based fighting-style)

[@DGuptaCassidy]

Something you guys probably wont do but Morpheus from The Sandman would be awesome to learn to play

[@guessruffdiamond1264]

Now for that inuyasha build!

[@iivostroamichevolegmdiquar6859]

Hey, Could you do the Fantastic Four next? Been waiting for them for a LONG, LONG Time. Like you could do: - Inv. Woman= Half Elf (mask of the wilds) 18 Wizard (at will shield and inv.) 2 Warlock (E. Blast for force field shards.) - The Thing: Goliath. either Monk or Fighter (Unarmed Fighting; Brute (clobberin time) but any would work) - Mr. Fantastic: Guessing Bugbear (long limbs) I think Aberrant Sorc (14th feature is right on spot) and Artificer (6 levels for HERBIE), then going Fighting Initiate (Unarmed). Anyway, would love to see you do them. please.

[@pileofpillows4044]

Hoping for an Android 16 build, he will put everything on the line for the birds

[@gakarugaming4561]

Can you do a majima one as well? That would be awesome.

[@jackarmstrong4070]

Video 12, come on Tulok, imma keep going until the sun explodes if I have to, Master Chief, Noble 6 or Jun A266 from the Halo series

[@markozivkovic3840]

Is there any chance you'll do Vincent Valentine from Final Fantasy?