How to Play Nimona in Dungeons & Dragons

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Today we have a build for Nimona from the new ish Netflix movie in Dungeons & Dragons! Shapeshift into animals, scary children or giant siege monsters and dismantle every city in D&D 5e.
Twitter: / tulokthe
Patreon: / tulok

[@SethRGray]

Love this! Nimona is one of the rare adaptations that manages to be completely enjoyable despite being completely different

[@zenebean]

"I rolled a 5 for my check to hide as a rat" "You do a perfect Pizza Rat impression, but you forget you are bright f*cking pink" Nimona is now one of my favorite characters ever, both because she is incredibly fun and because her story is a trans story. Seeing her express feelings I've gone through and find happiness in the end means so much to me

[@madmintentertainment6268]

I also loved that the movie did a great job explaining what its like to be trans in a way that cis people like me can understand. Like "regardless of your gender identiy, everyone knows what its like to be lonely , misunderstood or even trapped in a situation we dont want to be in, and nobody wants to go through that so we should all try to make less people feel like that." like when it showed the difference at the end between how she heard Ballister say "just be a girl" vs how he actually said it earlier in the movie. It shows how things can be harmful even when they arent meant to be. Gah, i loved this movie. I love that my partner recommended it to me

[@justanotherdude3256]

I didnt really see that as a trans movie in any way. Shapeshifting is a cool fantasy power thats been rooted in many cultures and mythologies but it was never about trans so why is this movie? Beast boy from Teen Titans wasnt trans but this kid movie is? Something doesnt add up there.

[@madmintentertainment6268]

@@justanotherdude3256 you didnt think people telling Nimona to "just be a girl" had some subtext?

[@wendyheatherwood]

​@@justanotherdude3256rewatch the scene where Nimona explains what it feels like shape-shifting and check out what flag is in the background.

[@brewdaly1873]

​​@@justanotherdude3256if you read interviews with the creator it's very obvious that the story is very much a trans allegory. Not every story with a shapeshifter is, but it's not hard to see why they work so well to tell trans stories.

[@ScarecrowsMainFan1]

YEEESSS! This movie was the absolute bomb! Loved the characters, like the action, loved the feels it gave me!

[@PotatoPatatoVonSpudsworth]

Definitely read the comic, then. It's like a longer, slightly darker telling for the story.

[@kishinasura1989]

I'm not much for LGBT stuff but yeah this movie was a hell of a ride and was just fun

[@Tamashikiri]

Too bad the changeling's Unsettling Appearance never left UA, because that would be _perfect_ for the demon baby. 😂

[@jameswebb4545]

I had no idea this film existed until this video. It was so good a build that I immediately watched the movie and absolutely loved it as well. I’ve told my kids to watch it too.

[@GiftOfKnowledge-np9vg]

You know a build is great when the cons are: 1) the dump stat, 2) that’s it actually because the other two cons listed are easily overcome with the abilities of the build.

[@GrahamChapman]

Honestly, I think he should've gone with point buy and Wis 15, Con 14+1, Cha 12+2, something, something, something... Because there's only one question you need to remember when you make Nimona: Can a Shark dance?

[@Cheddarcheesemonkey]

This movie made me cry and secured its place in my top 3 favorites

[@MadSwedishGamer]

I was actually thinking about how to build Nimona in D&D just the other day, and wondered how you'd build her if you did an episode, so this is very cool. I'm gonna guess Changeling Druid, but I'm curious to see if you'll do any multiclasses.

[@gamemasteranthony2756]

Nice guess! Spot on, in fact!

[@marcusc9931]

I remember an adventure all the way back in AD&D that had an earth elemental dragon with a bludgeoning damage breath.

[@Technodreamer]

I'm also reminded of the sword -breath dragons in Swords Comic.

[@sullivantwiss1954]

This movie is great and I love that you decided to do Nimona for a character build. Hope to see stuff like Fairy Tail characters and Kamen Riders in future videos.

[@itwasidio1736]

Finally, a character that mechanically has four thumbs. That's gotta have an effect on calligraphy checks.

[@bskec2177]

Now Ballister, Oath of the Crown Paladin with Armorer Artificer for the prosthetic arm? Maybe some fighter levels?

[@gaidencastro9706]

This would be a fun character to play.

[@marcusc9931]

My last D&D party actually used polymorph to break stuff by changing our palading into a whale mid-air.

[@GrahamChapman]

@@marcusc9931 I suppose it beats being changed into a bowl of petunias.

[@Technodreamer]

The whale-drop lives!! I was sad when they changed summoning rules for 4th and 5tg editions.

[@jjvh500]

I was going to guess Changeling Dragon-Blood Sorcerer as it seems more flavorfully appropriate from level 1, but then you can't change into monsters until you get Polymorph. Going Druid AND hitting lvl 20 makes a lot more sense for how Nimona uses her shape-shifting! I also never thought about Guardian of Nature or Draconic Transformation with Wildshape! That is an amazing combo!!

[@Technodreamer]

... I'm just now remembering the Curse of Strahd game where I started as a changeling warlock, and then (due to character backstory shenanigans) became an elf druid. Sadly that game won't get anywhere near level 20.

[@ramirezthesilvite]

I freaking LOVE the expressions in this movie lol

[@rippertheindoraptor7908]

Like most her cons easily solved by shapeshifting or the fact if the person decides to go violent due to low charisma she can literally just not die due to how wild shape and other shapeshifting stuff works

[@vennom14]

I love how chaotic she is

[@sammayes948]

gotta love a build like this druid anarchist = best anarchist

[@Atou_Mahogany]

For some reason this Nimona character reminds me of Aisling from The Secret of Kells.

[@jamesnought7489]

There was no multiclassing to keep in mind.... (Also, this sounds like a super fun build!)

[@jacobwismer1512]

So wild to see a webcomic I read in college get adapted to a feature length film

[@Technodreamer]

Imagine "El Goonish Shive: The Movie". Or Twokinds the Movie! Or damn, imagine Kill Six Billion Demons as an animated film.

[@fireyjon]

This movie was insanely good

[@epwolf4937]

I’m not gonna lie, the joke at 9th level Druid is funny but now I’m so curious on what the spell actually is.

[@thebronzescribe2793]

Considering 9th level druid is 5th level spells and the covering of the word starts with an M and requires concentration, my guess is Maelstrom

[@LyriumSpectre]

The level of joy I felt when I saw this video was immeasurable! ❤🎉

[@unironicallylikesranger7122]

Mihhughmehge is my favorite fifth level spell! Fun fact, it’s the only spell that is only on the Druid and artificer lists without also being on the wizard list!

[@epwolf4937]

Either I’m stupid or dumb. Is this an actual spell? If so which book.

[@justanotherdude3256]

@epwolf4937 it is not a real spell

[@unironicallylikesranger7122]

@@epwolf4937 I’m just kidding around, and jabbing at all the new spells going to wizards when they don’t need to (like the create helm spell)

[@squatch2368]

I still want to know what the hell he's talking about

[@HibbyGibbons]

​@@squatch2368 It means that the level has no necessary skills for the build, do what the fuck ever you want

[@AwesomeWookiee]

(To the tune of Ramona from Scott Pilgrim vs the World)

[@KakitaHero]

Best list of cons ever.

[@lead_downpour8854]

So glad I got this notification immediately! I can't wait to see your take!!

[@kaitlinlumpkins1394]

As someone who has played a level 20 Druid, Shapechange is for battles, and unlimited wild shape is for SHENANIGANS.

[@marcusc9931]

You told us to keep multiclassing minimums in mind and then never multiclassed.

[@katzerl7707]

yesssss ive been waiting for this one!

[@r3liability]

I drafted this build as I was watching the movie. It's fun and busted, and now Tulok and I are totally friends for building it the same, trust me.😎

[@jackbradley6318]

I don't know 100% how to quantify this, but I would like to see a Moneyball character. Not Billy Beane of the Oakland Athletics, but a character using moneyball philosophy wherein a compilation of undervalued pieces can create a championship team or very powerful character in this case. Not sure if this is something that would translate well enough to D&D but that's what this guy is for.

[@deepseastonecore3017]

Thanks 4 the hard work

[@jadesojourn]

Yesssssssss! I've been wanting this one!

[@burrito9327]

Ah yes, mihhugmehge, my favourite spell

[@AutkastKain]

This character is emblematic of the phrase "Disrespect your surroundings"

[@digunder14]

i feel one thing worth saying would be that the OPness of moon druid is potentially subject to change given the ways they are potentially reworking druid in the rerelease/revised dmg and other books they are looking to release next year

[@isaacweston6066]

Heck yes, I literally asked for this last episode! I'm sure it was picked by Patreon, but thank you anyway!!

[@samuelbrandon4832]

Yessss thank you for doing this😭😭😭

[@lordsnom5287]

Aye nimona loved this movie also love factor meals their so good

[@StinkerTheFirst]

This sounds like it would be a riot of build to play, both mechanically and roleplay-wise.

[@eldritchblaaa9395]

Ooooh I'm betting changeling sorcerer druid.

[@danle7496]

Can't wait for the folding chair episode

[@Tenebros]

Love the movie, love the video, sweet!

[@disneymaniaish]

i love you tulok!!!!!

[@tabletopnephilim4633]

Okay, see, I thought about Draconic Transformation for the wings, but I never considered using the breath weapon for the cereal breath! Brilliant!

[@Technodreamer]

Here I go watching the movie again!

[@AndreasNicklasson]

Would really like to see a build of Fran from Reincarnated as a Sword. Curious how you'd get as many of her abilities as possible without relying on broken gear like Teacher.

[@marcusc9931]

I'd like Fran from Franken Fran, but I don't think it's feasable in 5e

[@Apfeljunge666]

a very fun build. I small thing I would have done differently. Shadow touched at level 4 to get disguise self. so you can also alter your clothes as you shapeshift, or maybe even better eldritch adept for disguise self at will.

[@VanessaVersus]

Really thought this was the rival from Pokemon Scarlet/Violet for a second. Whatever joke was being made for 9th level went completely over my head wooooo

[@user-er2ez2hm4s]

Thanks.

[@Rubymagicalgirl88]

Oh what a fun shark : 3

[@liamfunnyman6965]

5th level spell from druid 9: let's go with frickin' Tree Stride, which lets you walk into one living tree and come out of another living tree of the same kind within 500 feet. Nimona's a sneaky girl. Sometimes. I mean, not often, but sometimes.

[@nicolasvillasecaali7662]

Chaotic in nature, speaking of murdering, small and with sharp teeth like a shark... are we sure she is not a goblin? all checks except she is ADORABLE!! i almost want to hug her as much as i would hug Sir Tulok when he give us the Tangle the Lemur build SOON(TM), but this little girl will- grow into A GIANT DRAGON!!?? AWESOME!!!!!! Nimona is the reckless and impulsive shapeshifter that is plotting the ruination of the world that cast away an innocent kid as a monster. Serving as counterpart to Ballister, who is more methodical and rational but still quite ethical for a "villain", and so this duo of Mastermind and sidekick will join forces to set the government ablaze and incite the people to raise against them!... and then we can do the shark dance to celebrate the flames consuming the society, obviously.

[@GrahamChapman]

Personally, I thought she positively _oozed_ gremlin energy through the entire movie.

[@Technodreamer]

"Metal." 🦈

[@DesperoVitae]

Animal Shapes + A Mirror = Creature you can see.

[@coleslade]

Awesome build for an awesome character! I am curious if I missed something though, I thought Druids didnt get Enlarge/Reduce.

[@josephlytle1436]

I’ve been enjoying this channel and videos so far. Do I need to be a Patron in order to submit a suggestion for a character build?

[@MrSHADOWANGEL999]

Time to find out if a shark can dance

[@GrahamChapman]

Not if you go with Tulok's idea of dumping her Charisma stat she can't. Which is why I'm more partial to going with point buy instead and a Str 10, Dex 10, Con 15, Int 11, Wis 14+1, Cha 12+2 build instead. And also because Nimona is _totally_ charismatic; her personality is like a force of nature. (Also, I cannot recall any moment in the movie she displayed anything above regular human levels of strength or dexterity while in her girl form.)

[@WandersNowherre]

While I was watching this movie I was thinking "....yep, she's a Moonie" and we were both right.

[@Technodreamer]

The only good kinds of Moonies: Druids, and Sailor Senshi fans.

[@candycover]

Oooooh now do a video of a fight with your Beast Boy build vs your Nimona build

[@fetchquestgaming]

This was great, can you make one for Solas from Dragon Age?

[@andrewdowns3673]

😈 metal!

[@gastersansulsans2881]

As someone who's never played druid I have no idea what to use for nine XD

[@mlkdude1873]

Well I know the next buldur's gate character I'm going to make.

[@Lrbearclaw]

9:05 - Counterpoint. It is Godzilla.

[@marcusc9931]

Dragon version of a giant crocodile is a dragon out of a children's book.

[@Technodreamer]

And out of most of Medieval Europe, really. Dragons got embellished significantly in fiction, as many were originally depicted as big lizardy things or big snakes.

[@possessedpicklejar4762]

If the movie was more like the graphic novel a Ballister build could also be a thing, but he’s far less interesting in the movie.

[@TheMARStudios]

A fun race & class combo with intentionally bad social stat for potential funny role play? Sign me up. Haven't seen the movie so I thought this might be a Moon Druid & Beast Barbarian combo from not knowing about the dragon. Guess Beast's rage weapons wouldn't be as good mid Wild Shape since your Strength is form dependent.

[@laffywaffy1989]

Hoping to see video on how to play vampire hunter d in dnd

[@Speedy-nq9ro]

Hey man I’ve been loving your D&D builds videos for KH and FF characters I was wondering if I could make a request? (If you take those!) but could you make a build for Final Fantasy XIII’s Lightning please ?

[@KingZNIN]

I wonder how you'd do Vash from trigun, or some of the other characters there. Oddly for a space western several characters feel like they could be done one way or another

[@Mahrac126]

Aww, why'd this build need to have Mihhughmehge in it? My DM banned that after we used it to break a campaign in half. And there's not really a replacement that brings the build together nearly as well.

[@rocksnrolls]

6:34 haha! Thats a funny joke. But would've been fun to actually know what the spell is.

[@DomseArts]

Would really like to see some DotA 2 inspired character builds like Davion the Dragon knight, Naix the lifestealer, Shendelzare the vengeful spirit, Dragonus the skywrath mage or even characters like Marci and Primal Beast. I was trying to find some solutions myself and characters like the DROW RANGER are fairly simple but i want to see some more creative attempts

[@avenlostaunau6244]

please do Balister and Ambrosius

[@nathanweren8782]

WE NEED ADVENTURE TIME BUILDS 💀

[@QuSi007]

@Tulok the Barbarian I've tried to replicate some of your builds and I run into problems, more often than not with the spells. Admittedly, I'm working on DnDBeyond, where they hold hard and fast to the rules. But take this build. Enlarge/Reduce is a Sorcerer/wizard/artificer spell, not something a Druid can pick up. Are you building from another set of rules than official 5e? Or are you just going "what makes the best fit" period, bending the rules as needed?

[@Sunset_Sassier]

Tulok's using the "Optional Class Features" that are in Tasha's - page 35 has a section expanding the Druid spell list I'm not too familiar with how DnDBeyond works, but I imagine that you'd have to buy the digital book through them to use the subclasses/features within the character creator? (I'm more of a physical sourcebook man myself)

[@Danielzodiark]

Ok, but what is the spell for the 9th level?

[@HestiaVesta]

I'm curious what you would do for Frank Xang from the Heroes of Olympus Book Series

[@DeltaPhoenixHawk]

So now I can add more war crimes to the druid I was going to make for my friend's game. Nice. I mean... more war FUN to the game. I'm not going to commit crimes no... not... at... all. I swear I won't be a draconic cat and knock a boulder off of a cliff's edge just because it's there and watch it roll down toward a castle of a lord I don't like. Nope, not me. Not... at... Oh look a boulder just fell off that cliff I was at. "Oh noes"

[@charleshockenbury353]

before video guess; Bard, probably Lore Bard *maybe* some druid, but I suspect Tulok will prioritze Nimona turning into *anything*, which is more illusion and polymorph She will definitley have 9th level shapechange spell

[@charleshockenbury353]

dang, out of the gate and I'm just wrong, the most wrong Fun build though 😁

[@transyuri4534]

Should be pretty easy. Moon druid.

[@ryanpeters3812]

Second time asking for Akabane from Getbackers. I wanna know how'd you make bloody weapons and shield

[@blackhole5353.]

Can you do a video on how to plays escanor?

[@matthewmcfarland3102]

I have to disagree with Stoneskin due to the material component making it the worst spell in the game. Great video as always!

[@L0130Dud3]

Please do Juzo Inui from No Guns Life!

[@anthonymontanti89]

Changelings can switch the visuals of the beast you change into whilst Wildshaping Firewall? Now I look like a bear! Spider? Now a scorpion or octopus! It just has to match the same body style, not characteristics

[@Technodreamer]

Firewall?

[@GrahamChapman]

Personally, I would sooner go with point buy and get Wis 15, Con 14+1, Cha 12+2, something, something, something... Because there's only one question you need to remember when you decide upon your stats: Can a Shark dance? Also, her mixing and matching otter characteristics is a part of the movie's queer coding, Tulok.

[@Lycandros]

Force breath is technically magical bludgeoning breath?

[@Bard69]

So I was wondering when I went to check Enlarge/Reduce. I saw that it wasn’t on the Druid spell list. It’s only on the wizard spell list, so how can I learn it as a Druid?

[@kazechi95]

It's an optional class feature. You can learn it if your DM allows an expanded spell list (through Tasha's or Xanathar's)

[@remingtonwright6796]

Somewhat unrelated, though he did mention druids not being able to wear metal. In my setting, druids *can* wear metal, because it comes from the earth. Sure it's shaped by man, but so is anything handmade. Kinda hard to have functional equipment made of anything that you don't alter in any way, shape or form.

[@jameswhite622]

will these builds work in Baldur's Gate 3 (aside from the fact that I can't make my character a changeling)?

[@johnaxcelsantos2593]

Do Imperius from Diablo pleaseee 🙏🙏🙏

[@cteal2018]

Sure, they are looking out for planet Earth, but what about plant Urath, without Allen, who is looking out for for them?

[@AliceQuinnRose]

wait... in two levels you go from shifting into CR5 - CR17 beasts?

[@mattiaborriello2102]

I can casting enlarge/reduce when i am trasform?

[@GoblinLord]

good thing one dnd let us do swim speed earlier lol

[@liamfunnyman6965]

Requests that I know will never be fulfilled: Kirby (Kirby series) Shinji Ikari (Neon Genesis Evangelion) Flippy (Happy Tree Friends) Mickey Mouse (Disney/Kingdom Hearts series) Sam & Max (Sam & Max: Freelance Police) Amy Rose (Sonic the Hedgehog series) Rayman (Rayman series)

[@Ikacprzak042]

So how does one request a character anyway?