How to Play Luke Cage in Dungeons & Dragons (Marvel Build for D&D 5e)

Today we have a build for Luke Cage in Dungeons & Dragons! If you want to be the best damage sponge, (or I guess the worst since you don't take any damage in) in D&D 5e, this is the build for you.
Twitter: / tulokthe
Patreon: / tulok

[@KingNanoA]

I like the" This-Is-What-We-Can-Do-From-Here" section comparing the benefits of fighter vs. barbarian. I especially prefer it over going over every possible class we could use from the Josuke video, but can see why that format would be useful for a recurring element, like stands or jedi. This format seems better for one-off characters whose abilities wont need to be rebuilt or reflavored for a different character. Good job!

[@vernonhampton5863]

Agreed. I like this better than the possibilities section of the Josuke video. But at the same time Josuke or any anime character is more complicated than Luke Cage.

[@PhoenixofEclipse]

I was thinking the exact same thing

[@brianformica2599]

You've been toying with ideas of how to better introduce WHY you DIDN'T make choices and I think this one was well-implemented.

[@ZoanBlade90]

What's funny about giving Luke calligraphy is that it...actually fits his character. His friend is the Iron Fist, remember?

[@supersmily5811]

I'm absolutely stealing that backstory if I ever play Curse of Strahd. Thank you.

[@stainlesssalih8505]

Strahd owes me money!

[@grantbaugh2773]

If my current character ends up dying you'd best believe this is the next backstory.

[@ivanivan744]

"He is the land, he is-" "He's a f**king moocher is what he is!"

[@NarutoUzumaki-jg4pw]

Ironically I'm playing essentially this build in a Strahd campaign but not this backstory, and I made it by coincidence

[@sirmadmooman9133]

I'm going to feed the algorithm by saying I really enjoy the calligraphy meme. Thanks for the fun builds.

[@Starcoffin]

If only we could true strike the algorithm.

[@DetectiveLance]

What meme? Don't you know how OP Calligraphy is? Amateur hour...

[@joshuajohnson2027]

Yes calligraphy is an amazing thing that I give all my characters

[@vernonhampton5863]

0:35 You sir, won the internet with this one. Wu-Tang is for the children.

[@tshoemake5945]

coincidence I was listening to Wu Tang when I got the notification

[@vernonhampton5863]

@@tshoemake5945 No coincidence. You just have good taste and good timing.

[@kingdomkey01]

In the comics, Luke Cage’s first villain was Diamondback, aka Willis Stryker. Willis and Luke were former friends until Willis planted drugs on Luke and got him thrown in jail. Basically, he was a tr8r boi, an incarcer8r boi.

[@biancabrooks280]

How dare you make me read that with my own eyes.

[@kingdomkey01]

@@biancabrooks280 Blame Tulok’s Twitter for giving me the idea.

[@aidanboyle7374]

There truly is no escape from these jokes

[@lostkriegsguardsman8615]

Tbh i would just have gone bear totem, 20 levels, to get the plus 4 str and con and just take a feat for fighting initiate to use unarmed fighting

[@tylerdula1787]

I like to imagine its someone's first episode and they dont get the calligraphy joke

[@elijahy8433]

i dont get the calligraphy joke and I've been here for months, but i have simply accepted it

[@IanDeRanieri]

@@elijahy8433 SAME

[@asrieldreemurr1988]

@@elijahy8433 ikr

[@Zarvain]

So Tyler, for those of us who weren't around for the origins of the joke, care to fill us in, or at least point us to the right video? At this point, I don't even know where to begin to look for it.

[@tylerdula1787]

@@Zarvain basically he talked about how tools are kinda useless and that one kinda the worse of them

[@DougAdams]

I suggest the Folk Hero background, just swap out the skills for something more useful than Animal Handling and Survival

[@reloadpsi]

Anybody remember the promo poster for his series where he was meant to be carrying the city on his back but he looked like he was doing the Sonic run?

[@MorShadi]

That Fork In the Road section was really nice. I liked that alot.

[@thesmashor4396]

Note: Chain Demon attacks are slashing, so Chains in DND do slashing I guess.

[@NoodleKeeper]

Usually, those are barbed chains. Luke's is just a chain.

[@Eramiserasmus]

The weekly reminder that Tulok works on these to have a sounding board for his DM jokes in his campaigns

[@perihelion1225]

I was praying for the doc doom reference! Thank you.

[@b.cahill3273]

Wonder how this build does against his Dr. Doom build?

[@vernonhampton5863]

@@b.cahill3273 The Doom build has a lot of caboom magic, but not much psychic. I don't think in a 1V1 that he would run out of spell slots before Cage ran out of health... but at the same time sorcerers are glass cannons.

[@lordderppington4694]

@@vernonhampton5863 the other thing is he doesn't have to "kill" doom, he just has to incapacitate him. idk how the rules for dnd work exactly, but in pathfinder if you make a grapple check (succeed) then make the same check on your next turn you can "restrain" a target ie just tie them up with rope. this build is really good at grappling, so imma say he could probably lock the magic boy down before taking too much damage.

[@DamianDirectly]

I swear to God dude, with all your obscure references to pop those in the know, your videos are like burritos filled with charm and I just enjoy cheat day twice a week. I appreciate tf outta you

[@Hobofish11]

I like that you started discussing potential build options in the last few videos. People always bring up those things in the comments and it feels like the right move to jump on that.

[@ksad96]

Two videos a week with puns, wordplay, little rhymes and overall fun references and jokes? I swear, Tulok is one of the most underrated creative people on this platform.

[@camusreviews6877]

Luke Cage a great grappler despite not taking any grappling feats, that’s cool

[@grantbaugh2773]

I really liked the "what we can do from here" section. It felt much more concise than the JoJo one, though I guess that's partly because Luke only had two real options whereas there were a lot of options for the Jojo build. Also, would going full barbarian not give the most hit points? I guess there are probably other features from Fighter that make him more "unbreakable" in other aspects, but it slightly hurt me to see that he wouldn't be getting the amazing +4 to STR and CON at level 20.

[@FrostCHNOS]

I absolutely ADORE you for even mentioning Danielle Cage as Captain America, she's my favourite and needs more love

[@Tai112336]

I think you misrepresented Luke's Charisma. I just rewatched the first episode and that man is SMOOTH.

[@Whatsthisfoe]

Looking forward to the companion pieces for Iron Fist and Jessica Jones. Defenders Assemble!

[@karlmiller1284]

Really curious abt those two!

[@brettmajeske3525]

Powerwise there is not much difference between Luke and Jessica. Other than gender, this works for her too. Maybe go str instead of dex for more damage?

[@Whatsthisfoe]

@@brettmajeske3525 She's also a detective, so you gotta get some investigation skills, etc. Plus she's not super tough, just strong. Cage is all constitution

[@NoodleKeeper]

@@brettmajeske3525 Yeah, I'd argue that she's more into the damage. She gets the shit beat out of her a lot, she just doesn't die.

[@brettmajeske3525]

@@NoodleKeeper Diamond is certainly more of a Barbarian/damage foucus than Power Man.

[@orcunkozaci840]

A cool build could be agent 47 from the hit man games

[@Jules-im6cn]

I actually enjoy the pauses in the video to explain your process of why you didn't do certain build options. Also this build is bonkers I love it

[@walterkipferl6729]

I love that moment of showing your decision in the middle there! I really think that that segment is great for moments that give multiple strong options.

[@mattyD92992]

This is exactly the build I was looking for, thank you Tulok!

[@Lrbearclaw]

Ya know, I expected "Bars." at the end of the closing...

[@Boundless-Boredom]

the fact luke invaded dooms own country over 200 dollars will forever be the greatest thing to me

[@TheHypestHype]

I've been waiting on this build. Between it and the fact you referenced the "Where's my money, honey?" Saga, you are the GOAT

[@risperdude]

Tulok...Gawsh I love your punny videos! Recently watched some of your early videos recently and can definitively say you have come into your own. I always smile and l often laugh out loud. Thank you!

[@donkstonk2768]

Whenever my players don't know what to play I build a random level 1 character from your channel for them, so far they've all liked it! Thank you for saving my butt and helping me with player indecision

[@TheClosetExtrovert]

Genuinely looking forward to Tulok's reaction if a Witch Hat Atelier anime ever gets released... those characters are ALL about calligraphy, after all!

[@Drahven]

You are amazing for all these builds

[@patrickharwood6598]

I would have Gone Champion fighter for the improved athlete and second fighting style (Unarmed Fighting to get d6 + Str punches and defence for +1 AC)

[@sarratuggarites4138]

He already grabbed unarmed fighting but he would have 1d6/1d8 + 4 (2str+2rage) His high dex means he could use a rapier just wouldn't fit character 1d8+ 5

[@patrickharwood6598]

@@sarratuggarites4138 then get defence for the second one

[@hydrastuff8029]

Defense only works on armor

[@patrickharwood6598]

@@hydrastuff8029 my bad. Then superior technique or two-weapon fighting

[@Jonny_Uppercut]

Awwww... I was looking forward to Danny Rand. Even though it’s just probably 20 monk levels

[@NoodleKeeper]

But the important thing is how those 20 levels get used

[@arunoc7208]

I don't think it would be that simple. As far as I can tell, there's no way to do a ton of radiant/force/thunder damage with a single punch by taking only Monk levels.

[@Boba-licious]

I think from how well Tulok speaks, his puns and creatives jokes, and his enjoyment of calligraphy, I think it’s time to dub him Tulok the BardBarian!

[@mason-.]

Sweet Christmas! Luke Cage is such a fun character! But a build that would make me want to soar like an eagle would be one for Anderson Cooper! When are we getting that build Tulok?

[@kingdomkey01]

It’s time to let this request rest. Maybe if you stop asking, he’ll actually do it. I know it would be a leap, but as December demonstrated, Tulok likes to keep some things hidden.

[@phantafalconpunch]

@@kingdomkey01 the whole point of this comment is to hint towards the next video. He probably has let it go, it's just a joke

[@phantafalconpunch]

Soar like an eagle is probably the hint but I can't think of something that fits with. Maybe Nightwolf from Mortal Kombat?

[@kingdomkey01]

@@phantafalconpunch Well, the hints should be a little more obvious then. Right now, it’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack.

[@hasthehighground8560]

Hmmm Christmas Luke Cages catch phrase, an Eagle as in the animal, and Anderson Cooper an American news anchor and patriot. A patriotic Eagle associated with Christmas. The Muppet Sam Eagle Arakockra Paladin Oath of the Crown

[@ninjat-rex7472]

Here's a few ideas for Building Character episodes: -Abomination (Marvel) -Captain Rex (Star Wars) -Eren (Attack on Titan) -Godzilla (I don't think I need to explain) -the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (Darksiders)

[@jupiter2385]

Prediction: Totem Bear Barbarian

[@Megidramon]

Hey. That's my background for my vampire way of the astral self monk in Curse of Strahd.

[@kimberlynorris338]

I didn't know Luke Cage was a father. I hope he prioritized his daughter's education, made sure she had good teachers. Teachers like Ms. Frizzle, who I would love to see you try a build for!

[@MagusAgrippa8]

That would be cool as heck.

[@mistformsquirrel]

Oooh... I have absolutely zero idea how to pull that one off (I'm *guessing* wizard of some kind? Maybe?) But I'd be fascinated to see Tulok give it a whirl.

[@kimberlynorris338]

@@mistformsquirrel When he did Vanellope, he made her a Battlesmith Artificer with a reflavored Steel Defender as her race car. Maybe that's how the problem of the bus would be solved. I've also seen people suggest Knowledge Domain Cleric

[@MagusAgrippa8]

@@kimberlynorris338 She’s definitely getting Prestidigitation somehow. I could also see her as a bard given her knowledge of many subjects. Maybe a Wizard/Bard?

[@av7501]

This was a good show. And tulok is good man.

[@Smug_Jeremy]

Just letting you know that I love the series!

[@remingtonwright6796]

If your campaign starts in a dungeon or prison because your DM recently played an Elder Scrolls game, then your chain weapon is easy to get; the guards chained you to the wall, so you ripped the chain out of the wall

[@dextervepps8794]

Awesome. Luke Cage was definitely in my top 3 wanted builds. Behind Bart from Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency. And a character you'll probably never do cause no footage as it's a book character.

[@jorjijoster3834]

I really wanna see the Punisher

[@wuzzzy2354]

SAME! I have scouring the internet for a build

[@tombsenpai9431]

SWEET CHRISTMAS!

[@erikwilliams1562]

SWEET CHRISTMAS!!

[@EMbrokehp]

Sweet Christmas

[@papamidni7e396]

Thank you for this.

[@PhoenixofEclipse]

I feel like you undersold calligraphy this time. I mean... if you’re up against Strahd or something else that never stays dead, like ... I dunno , a Skyrim meme? You need something powerful enough to BEND THE GODS TO YOUR WILL. Kinda surprised you left it outa the Pro’s section at the end. Loved the video, Tulok!

[@MrOwen817]

Great build!! Id say a missed opportunity to showcase Luke’s ability to “as an action get advantage on his next attack.” Algorithm’s not gonna feed itself!!

[@Trash_Pandurath]

YES BABY, FINALLY MY FAVOURITE HERO

[@EkajTheOrc]

I love your builds, but your writing for these scripts is the best.

[@Breadcutter]

Really love that you use point buy more because I feel it is generally accepted as a good and balanced method of getting fair stats while still having customizablity. Also do not know that any DnD who ban it even Adventurers Leahue allows it

[@TheOblivion5]

Okay, Luke Cage, bring it on. Race: Variant Human. Something like "Dwarven Toughness" from Hill Dwarf would be useful but Luke Cage is 6 foot 6 according to Google. Background: Probably Athlete. Maybe Haunted One since h has the completely original never before seen superhero backstory of "orphan". Stats: #1: Constitution: He's known for being nearly impossible to hurt. #2: Strength: The other half of his powers is "big strong." #3: Charisma: At least in the Netflix series people really seem to like him. Plus it will be his casting stat. (Yes, I'm guessing Tulok will make him a caster to try to trip us up.) #4: Dexterity: Mostly just useful for a spell we'll get later on. #5: Wisdom: Not really needed for the build. #6: Intelligence: Not really needed for the build. Class(es) - Sorcerer: Subclass doesn't really matter too much but draconic bloodline for elemental resistance or Holy Souly for Holy Souly shenanigans would be a safe bet. Sorcerer will basically be for the buff spells like Jump, Mage Armor, Stoneskin, etc. I know Luke doesn't go around fireballing people but these types of spells make for a decent tank. - Fighter (probably champion): Tulok will probably give Luke this as well as Unarmed fighting style since Luke is very punch things until they stop fighting back in his approach to combat. He's very straightforward like that. And Champion would really work well with his devastating punches. Alright Tulok, bring on the Kobold Bard!

[@jordan321able]

Totally stealing that Strad owes me 20 Gld story.

[@thezambeh9638]

I would love to see how to play Vergil in D&D! Since you did Dante might as well do the much cooler edgier brother ;)

[@goldenegg8of100]

A big thick chain could also be a flail which is 1d8 and can get more techniques with a feat.

[@christianmucci2606]

Should’ve also grabbed the Tavern brawler feat. Bumps the STR and turns the unarmed strikes into d4s+STR and also makes it so Luke can grabs a pipe out of a wall, or use a car door as a shield/weapon.

[@Willlovespeanutbutter]

Tbh my number one build id love to see is Batman Beyond. It would be similar to batman in the way war machine was similar to ironman. But also cause Terry is awesome and that show slaps so hard

[@liambreakell6529]

One of my favorite characters :)

[@AquaBoogie523]

Great Vid as usual, what about creating Bloodshot or Selene from Underworld.

[@dhammond5834]

Luke's powers are interesting. I feel like he's stronger than Cap but definitely weaker than hulk or thing. Maybe more on par with Colossus? Great build either way

[@gmlg]

Power Man/Luke Cage is known for how his actitude just demoralizes people on a fight, becaude he just seems unphased by damage. But he is weaker than hulk and the thing, hulk just goes stronger the longer the fight goes and the thing doesnt get tired, not being dramatic, he could keep fighting for days. Captain America has a very variable strength but most fights qith him are about some strategy or the use of the shield.

[@masonschmid2329]

I’m just now realizing this also works for Kirishima from my hero acedamia

[@kanjigodomo9696]

Okay, so I think Zatanna is a pretty easy build to think of, she's likely a Wild Mage Sorceress or a Transmutation/Illusion Wizard (depending on whether you want her to have the magic within her from the start or learn it from books that she thought were just some cheap magic trick books that teach her real magic). As for our song bird, she needs to fight with her fists and her voice, so I'll likely see an Open Fists Monk and possibly a Valor Bard (which could be interesting, since Dinah is also a rock star in the comics). Either way, I'd love to see more members of the Justice League, or the Birds of Prey. (Also, I think Oliver is just Clint. Sorry Ollie.)

[@legendunfound1137]

Just gonna use this for my kirishima build

[@corgifist]

Since you did Power Man, now you gotta do Iron Fist, only fitting

[@Ikacprzak042]

So for Robocop, I kind of had some ideas, warforged or revenant zombie for race and for class artificer that's either artillerist or armorer. Does crossbow expert work for guns or are there feats for firearms?

[@GruntJoe0341]

Funny you mention Strahd owing you money as a CoS backstory, because I want to run a monk based on Moon Knight...

[@takashiryuu3236]

Do you have a build for a non magical healer? i know like the healer feat and aasimar with lay on hands but just wondering if you had some that you could do like a combat medic style patch em up vs full on healing

[@Venomtankmod]

Tulok should do a build focused around true strike and calligraphy. I’m thinking scroll wizard

[@sordcooper2]

good build man, or you could just stick to 20 levels of barbarian, only taking the tough feat, and using the other ASIs to get their con to 20 and dex to 18 while taking the unarmed fighting style via Fighting initiate from Tashas, and getting your con buffed to 24 and strength to 18 at 20th level. that way you end up with 21 AC, over 300hp on average, and have an attack bonus of +10 while dealing +8 damage on two attacks a round, while also getting brutal criticals to help with damage, relentless rage with a +13 con save, totemic attunement (i'd go with wolf so you can knock a dude down then ground pound), and unlimited rages forever while never being able to roll under an 18 on strength rolls. Could also shift around some ASIs and end up with tavern brawler, the dual wielding fighting style, and resilient for dex saves for a 3rd attack each round with your bonus action, always having a weapon on hand, having no physical save under +10, and still being just as insanely tough if not more so

[@rocketmaster23]

So interesting thought what if you beiefly mentioned how decent the build would be a certain levels say 5-10-15-20 so that way people could see how how good/bad it performs at the lower levels working up to capping at 20?

[@ksad96]

On the topic of bringing up why you don't pick specific things: In most cases, I like you tossing in a few things here or there about why you didn't pick specific obvious choices like you did here, "Barbarian not as beefy without some Fighter" more or less. However, I also like the idea of particularly difficult or clearly controversial decisions being explained in more detail at the top of a video. Of course Giorno was going to be ruthlessly scrutinized, so preemptively explaining the reasons not to make certain decisions when it's a build you're already sure is going to be seen and reacted to a lot makes sense to me. Plus, it helps people like me recognize the alternate builds for other characters, or just to learn that "hey, these combos exist and probably are hilariously not good for what this build is supposed to be." because I am a poor boy without all the books lol

[@kurniawandwiseptian]

What is the best battle maneuver, damage-wise? Ignoring the additional effect like tripping, taunting, added reach etc.

[@fothreid]

can't wait for the 500k hand-writing reveal video...

[@jeffreycrowder2866]

The thiccc calculator was awesome

[@andrei-emilianpaun8249]

can you make Talion from Middle Earth? I was thinking of echo knight combined with rogue, since I think ur echos can sneak attack too

[@anextremlyobbisehoovy8254]

Could you perhaps do ainz oll gown or rimuru tempest

[@eburonson]

"Sweet Christmas!"

[@anthonyquade155]

Calligraphy for the win!!!

[@daimyon2896]

For your patron if I become a fifth level barbarian do I get access to the discord voting on new builds and access to your homebrew or are they all separate

[@dracosdiabolis1769]

And I would have thought champion fighter with folk hero. Lol all and all. Good build none the less.

[@petrsevcik5044]

Nice. But what about Sarah Kerrigan, the Queen of Blades for a future build?

[@tektonik4616]

mind if I ask... where did the calligraphy thing come from? seriously, it's great to have a tool proficiency when it comes up, but what event lead to said tool of choice being calligraphy?

[@ethanhorn6093]

I would actually just alter Folk Hero Background to include the skills related to the Noble. With Tasha's pretty much anything is possible. Because I think Luke Cage much more fits the Folk Hero background. Also I deeply dislike the dumb barbarian archetype (not that you can't play it, I just won't)... so this is incredibly interesting to me and might be one of my favorite builds from your channel... Also how have i been following you for like a year and a half and am not subbed? What the hell!?

[@jeremysmith9291]

"Cooked in some science experiments and came out well done meaning that his meat got a little bit" hey man you can't say that "tough" ohh

[@thomasdevine867]

Still pulling for Eglantine Price (Bednobs and Broomsticks), Winifred Sanderson (Hocus Pocus), Prince Voltran (Flash Gordon), Captain Kirk, Commander Spock, Councilor Troi, Mary Poppins, and the Reverend Doctor Syn (The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh).

[@samuelreese1816]

Feeding the algorithm, but I may tweak this to add some levels of rouge for expertise and free dodge to mitigate more damage, or drunken master monk for dex baised melee attacks, mobility, and magical attacks

[@qtscorpkid]

Homebrewed a new class that has. Truestrike. & calligraphy just for tulok

[@susanwalls3580]

Ok if we're doing Black Canary (she's my vote btw), there has to be at least 8 levels of sorcerer for the "SCREAM" spell. Personally I'd make BC a sorcerer/fighter 'cause her power mainly comes from within herself & plus, she can go toe to toe with the likes of Wonder Woman.

[@LightingbladeShen]

Tulok: "you have no magic damage" Me: so Ironfist, right? It's gotta be Ironfist!

[@AriesBozz]

Probably a lot of monk for ki empowered strikes

[@captainchaos5705]

@@AriesBozz I mean he's kinda THE open hand monk. I'm not even sure you'd use anything else for him

[@AriesBozz]

@@captainchaos5705 great case for open hand, but lvl 6 can cover his strikes being magical. I just feel like tulip will multi class. Maybe some war domain cleric for some divine favor or a unarmed fighter with a paladin smite and divine favor with battle maneuvers could make for a better consistent pugilist without relying upon ki points specifically.

[@captainchaos5705]

@@AriesBozz unfortunately smites don't work for unarmed strike. But I think the final ability could work well enough as sort of an insanely powerful punch

[@dr.texasman7483]

10:57 Tulok the Bardbarian

[@PancorRath]

still kinda wanna see Tulok make the ULTIMATE CALIGRAPHY MASTER; AMATURASU

[@ryanatkinson9622]

Nitpick: I kind of feel like he’s not actually taking much damage when bullets are bouncing off him (indestructible skin) which makes me think he’s high AC first (like plate, shield) so I’d be tempted to make him Eldritch knight for the shield and also absorb elements spells. - he doesn’t have a returning weapon though so (shrug)

[@andrewmclemore8678]

I really want a dracula build, know I bugged you about it before, but if you get time?

[@AHGrayLensman]

[*is just here for the Doctor Doom reference*]

[@liamhay1123]

Damage depends on your DM. My barbarian would literally pick up enemies and hit other enemies with that enemy. I could see Luke doing the same thing. Picking things up and hitting people/enemies is tavern brawler territory.

[@aaronsirkman8375]

Yes! I created a Goliath Monkbarian for a oneshot, and that was basically his raison d'etre; that, and hitting people with whatever he could grab and throw. Which was a lot.