How to Play Ornstein and Smough in Dungeons & Dragons (Dark Souls Build for D&D 5e)

[@abdallahatia7209]

Ah yes. The not-sanctioned-by-HR power couple. Love them.

[@havenvoorhees4687]

I see BDGs influence lives on

[@beepboprobotsnot3748]

There is a lot of PDA. And it gets weird.

[@IvyScrawls]

Ah, a build on myself and Smough. I can’t wait to see how it works. And Namesless King and I are living happily together after Smough died. Also I took Statistics, not Calculus.

[@kellydolan9717]

Excellent! I think the Nameless King is better for you anyway.

[@bumble2442]

I’m pretty sure that if these two builds had a baby, it would make the nameless king. Big smite and quick strikes. That being said, I now really want to make a Paladin and Drakewarden Ranger build for the Nameless King.

[@Battleguild]

Fog Cloud for aesthetics.

[@bumble2442]

@@Battleguild Oh for sure. I just made a full level 20 build in D&D Beyond, and you really don’t need many of the spells unless you’re smiting or casting Steel Wind Strike. That being said, this build is hell because you need 4 stats at 13 so you can multi class properly and have enough strength to attack. Leaves little room for any feats.

[@panheaddragonwolfpaw]

Whose to say the Nameless King isn't Ornstein and Smough's baby? Love finds a way

[@bumble2442]

@@panheaddragonwolfpaw Unfortunstely the Nameless King is likely Gwyn’s eldest son… which just means that this sweet couple adopted The Nameless King and gave him a little dragon for his birthday :)

[@babzm.1666]

“If your partner is thick, you need a long stick” might be one of the best things you’ve said on this channel, Tulok. And you’ve written some bangers!

[@DragothTH]

This is probably the best line I've ever heard 🤣 I'm dead

[@whitestormin]

your******** NOT you are.

[@babzm.1666]

@@whitestormin You're right. But how mad would you be if I didn't change it? (jk I don't like making grammatical errors, so I appreciate that)

[@jamengriffin7278]

Also probably the dirtiest joke Tulok has made...yet

[@willfreakman86]

*thicc

[@Zept-01]

Not even December and already getting a Double Build, what's not to love from this early present. This is a power couple in pretty much every meaning of it. Great bosses, maybe role playing off each other would still let ya have fun without being good at skills. These guys and the Castlevania trio would be like monster slayer dream team. Throw Issac and Carmilla in as some bosses and got yourself a little campaign.

[@EMbrokehp]

Me before this video: The only things I know about Dark Souls are that the bosses are big, it's a really hard game, and every time you die you have to walk back across the whole map to reach the part where you died. Me after this video: The only things I know about Dark Souls are that the bosses are big, it's a really hard game, every time you die you have to walk back across the whole map to reach the part where you died, and Ornstein and Smough are married.

[@joe-cincorporated4484]

I can't believe we got these guys before Artorias and Solaire you broke my heart today

[@nicegoatdoctor8224]

COME ON AND *SLAM* AND WELCOME TO THE *JAM*

[@sethhickeymiller2452]

"Hope someone else on the squad has a little more finesse." Well obviously, that's what the other three Knights of Gwyn are for-- or at least, Ciaren and *maybe* Gough (if only because any bow build is gonna need high Dex). I don't think a greatsword can really be classed as a finesse weapon, though, no matter how many crazy acrobat moves Artorias does with it. In any case, I love these builds! Great work as always!

[@ultedtheclone7335]

One thing. I think I’d give one of the fighter levels to Paladin. Level 17 Paladin can get Destructive Wave. That’s Smough’s big butt slam.

[@raymondbeukeboom6666]

Honestly I was expecting an all in one build, maybe using Battlesmith Artificer to get a big burly bodyguard. The steel defender specifies that it has to stand on two or four legs, so I don’t think there’s an issue with making it look like a human.

[@apex2000]

Yeah but Ape is fine.

[@thetribunaloftheimaginatio5247]

Ornstein is a build that is SCREAMING for one of the magic-items in "Fizban's Treasury Of Dragons..." namely the Dragonlance. Which comes in both lance AND pike-flavors, for both cavalry and infantry!

[@Pyre]

There is an argument to be made that the Dragonlance Chronicles in general are a big part of that kind of 'certain creature's bane' weapon staying culturally relevant, so, yeah!

[@thetribunaloftheimaginatio5247]

@@Pyre That, and "Fizban's" is STUFFED with cool spells and magic-items. "Ashardalon's Stride" and "Fizban's Platinum Shield" are a couple of my favorites, and my "Fashionista Magical Girl" Bard/Warlock has "Raulothim's Psychic Lance" on her spell-list.

[@Pyre]

@@thetribunaloftheimaginatio5247 I both love that book to bits and desperately want players who came in on 5e to find pdfs of 3.5's Draconomicon. And remorselessly draw from both. Glorious fluff and abuseable magic for all!

[@thetribunaloftheimaginatio5247]

@@Pyre That's the attitude!

[@JarloftheNorth]

The dynamic where Ornstein and Smough hate each other and are stuck living under the same roof is more interesting and more fun. Fight me.

[@liamwhite3522]

And they were roommates.

[@arroz-autista7766]

I prefer the "brothers in arms" dinamic, but that one is good too

[@TheBepis1309]

This

[@carlfromaccounting1112]

I personally think this to be true, plus Ornstein doesn't strike me as the type who's into cannibals. (also I think Ornstein absolutely pegs in bed, and I don't know about you, but I don't think Smough is peggable)

[@blaisevanhumbeck1526]

They do hate each other although its kind of a one sided hatred. Orinstine seems to respect Smough. Probably because he recognizes his power and usefulness in combat. When you kill Smough first, Orinstein respectfully puts Smough down in an honorable fashion. Smogh dislikes Orinstein though. He wanted to become a knight of Gwen but was denied the role because of his brutality and cannibalistic nature. I believe he holds a lot of jealousy towards Orinstien because he is the captain of the four knights of Gwen (or at least its heavily implied he was the captain). It shows that Smough didn't like Orinstien because he crushes him while he's still alive when you beat Orinstien first

[@Telawin]

huh, I never thought about it before. but I think the reason why this boss is so hard is because it has two level 20 warriors coming in at the same time to deal with a roughly level 6 hero

[@dalepalmitier7114]

These two guys were how I got introduced to Dark Souls. I loved both builds, and am really looking forward to the rest of the month.

[@christopherfloody5555]

Fantastic double build, can't wait to see what the rest of the builds are like!

[@budinhapalmieri]

Thanks for the double build Mr Tulok, they are probably double the trouble of making and you still do this

[@dragonheart1236]

Given how Smough is cannibalistic executioner seeking to climb the social ladder of knightdom, and will absolutely murder Ornstein to further his goals(see in the boss fight, when you defeat the dragon slayer first), your head Canon of them being in a relationship paints a very toxic relationship.

[@jarrodjohansen7925]

"Dark Souls 2 is underrated. Fight me." I mean, if the background gameplay is anything to go by, it can't be that hard of a fight

[@zmasterrahlg]

I had never heard the shipping of these two, but it’s hilarious.

[@Pyre]

"If the story of Dark Souls is going to be vague, I get to assume my headcanon IS canon." Given what passes for storytelling in Dark Souls this is *literally* just about as supported by all available material as any other interpretation. Smough is a traitorous partner, but that doesn't mean he *isn't* one. (also that 'traitorous' is questionable since while he does supposedly kill Ornstein while he's still alive if you drop Ornstein first, he's also the one who stayed in Anor Londo protecting the 'princess' the longest).

[@vesperlord4342]

Mad respect to Tulok for doing double builds for a month. I can't even comprehend how much work that's gotta be, especially on top of finishing off all the homebrew videos.

[@witcher_helms5144]

Personally I always thought that Dark Souls Lightning was Radiant damage since it's golden and we see blue lightning in Gael's fight. So if I were to make this I would swap the wisdom and charisma for Ornstein, and multiclass Fighter and Oath of Glory Paladin instead but I love the Monster Hunter Ranger multiclass for Ornstein.

[@kingdomkey01]

To think that this poll was secretly a hint at your December plans this year. And so it begins.

[@ultimateninjaboi]

Friendly reminders that javelins do just as much damage when thrown as spears. But a slightly bumped range. Use yo javvys, my dudes.

[@edenconeby8227]

I didn’t think I could love you more, and then you said DS2 was underrated. Best souls KZbinr already

[@GoblinLord]

"At no point in the boss fight does Ornstein start doing Calculus" HEY, HOW DO *YOU* KNOW, MAYBE HE'S DOING IT IN HIS HEAD JUST TO FLEX ON YOU

[@justmonica9253]

Ornstein and Smough would be effective builds in pf2e, for anyone interested: Smough: Giant instinct barbarian with sentinel dedication, giant's stature, and impressive landing. Ornstein: Inexorable iron magus with a fighter dedication for sudden charge, plus draw the lightning and shocking grasp to spellstrike with.

[@shockrobin5000]

Sounds about right to me. 👍

[@wolfmanbob321]

I can't deal with "if your partner is thicc, you need a long stick."

[@Telawin]

I'm really excited for these duo character videos. I really love your stuff so I look forward to the crazy fun planned for the rest of this month

[@superdude-wh4by]

0:54 “if your partner is thicc, you need a long stick” S tier euphemism tulok

[@walterkipferl6729]

„I don‘t want to be cannibalized“ Man, now I really would like a Hannibal Lecter build. Super smart guy, medical doctor, can really go to town on a person and take them apart with some knifes- so probably a high-level rogue?

[@randomim42]

hmm... possibly Rogue Inquisitor since he knows how to read people and how best to tear them apart and make it really hurt. chef feat is a must

[@jlokison]

@@randomim42 so is medicine skill, possibly herbalism, he is a doctor.

[@apex2000]

Don't forget he's a psychologist.

[@abj6920]

So a chubby charismatic one that loves eating and a thin sort of grumpy task oriented guy? So... Bert and Ernie?

[@kingfail3819]

… I wonder if that was intentional?

[@kmalle22]

Dark Souls 2 is an Underrated gem and I'm so happy you agree with that

[@dartdevious561]

The inspiration this month to do two builds in one video is lovely and genius!

[@remingtonwright6796]

Thank you tulok, for one of the rounds in my next arena tabletop session

[@alextheumbreon1363]

I would replace great weapon fighting with thrown weapon fighting for ornstein, that way you can "drop" (release with one hand) the pike throw a javelin, with bonus action lightning arrow, grab your pike, with the object interaction you *didn't* use to draw the javelin and attacking with the pike.

[@DStrormer]

Ah, the Super Londo Bros, Snorlax & Pikachu, Rogers & Hammerstein, Bulk & Skull, Oreos & Smores, Biggie & Smalls, Fatboy & Slim, Timon & Pumba, Thunder & Thighs. I've spent far too many hours swearing at these two piles of punishing pixels. I doubt you'll ever get to it, but I've gotta say I would love to see a build from you for Sister Friede or Pontiff Sulyvahn.

[@jonathanrich9281]

These double build videos are incredible! I can’t wait for Yusuke and Kuwabara and Krillin and Android 18!

[@logandaley1544]

An amazing double feature video, thank you Tulok.

[@griffinbaker3509]

You could have also used Minotaur for the charge attack

[@VanessaVersus]

over sixty builds this december; tulok you absolute madman

[@Jurbo33]

Double videos every day?! Tulok you mad lad!!

[@aetherspiralknight]

AAYYYYYYY TULOK REPPING THE PIKE WEAPON CLASS, THE DS PVP COMMUNITY IS GONNA LOVE THIS

[@nullvoid4063]

This one made me laugh. Good builds with fun abilities. Keep it up Tulok!

[@charliecoke7396]

If I may both suggest an interesting note and expand on that gay O&S lore Ornstein is dead in Dark Souls, the version of him that fights with Smough is an illusion of the past much like the rest of Anor Londo's appearance; conjured by Smough as a way to keep his "friend" around. It's why when you kill one they fuse, you're either fighting smaugh actually using his full range of powers (The lightning was his all along) or Smough just projecting the illusion over himself. Ironically, I think Smough is actually the most well known depiction of an echo knight (with some paladin levels of course). Although, because that info but does not and should not in any way invalidate the above video, the Tulok build perfectly represents what Ornstein and Smough were at the height of Gwyn's reign, an echo knight is just a more fitting representation of what Smough was during the events of the original game.

[@nicolasvillasecaali7662]

On the first day of Christmas My good Sr. Tulok brought me: Two giant love knights And a lemur up in a pear tree!

[@Eramiserasmus]

Real Darks Souls rage felt in this video. But great build! Captured it well. Great combo!

[@johngalt200]

Actually, there's no indication that O or S liked each other. Quite the opposite, Smough was a cannibal that wasn't allowed to join Gwyn's knights and since Ornstein was the leader of the knights he no doubt played a large role in preventing that. Also, if you kill Ornstein first, Smough doesn't even wait for Ornstein's body to stop twitching before smashing his body into paste to gain his power.

[@eldiandevil]

I’ve been looking forward to this 🤩

[@StevenBryceWroten]

Not even December yet and the double videos have already begun? You spoil us! Love the power couple.

[@battleblaster1]

I would love to see you create an Artouris build , one for both before and after he falls to teh abyss

[@eainjones9509]

Now we just need the Throne Watcher and Throne Defender from DS2, and the Twin Princes from DS3

[@itwasidio1736]

I love this power couple. They're saving the main character from disappointment once they find out the truth about Gwynyvere.

[@blacktivity4130]

I wish someone told me about that long stick advice before I went into college

[@FourthRulerEntity]

god damn it I'm using these builds for some NPCs! These character head cannons are too good.

[@MrSHADOWANGEL999]

the couple that slays together, stays together

[@nero7312]

No. Fucking. Way. I actually played this archetype with a friend of mine not too long ago!

[@Besomar_Surahat]

I love couple builds, sound like a lot of fun

[@jackfox9037]

darth maul next! please =) curious to see the double weilding cyborg with a knack for vengeance, and evil organization founding.

[@TheLegendaryLegacy]

For the love of Pelor be sure to take a long break come the new year. Thank you for the upcoming content

[@omegaphoenix3015]

One of these days I would love to see a Shredder build

[@johncollins7631]

This month is going to be a rough one for you. I appreciate the effort.

[@agustinruiz933]

Great video! i really want you to do a gwyn lord of cynder, the twin princes or sister friede build :D

[@pyrrhastarnes8976]

Smough's not all that fat actually he's kind of a brick house under that armor. It's just shaped like that.

[@zimattack9994]

Now I want a seath the scaleless build? Here to one day

[@blueemblem2788]

4:22 You know, I'm not sure finding dragons really has a positive correlation with survival.

[@tibboocelot9272]

Aha, I was wondering what the last November build would be!

[@TheRatW1zard]

It has begun

[@StaggerLee55]

Watching this over-encumbered PC struggling through the O&S fight is stressing me out.

[@TheAngryBears]

This video is 100% canon.

[@Ryu_D]

Thank you for the video.

[@LupineShadowOmega]

You should always talk to your group about anything and everything, but Tulok don't be too hard on being a cannibal, Wizards was fine with it first. What with Lizard Folk bite attack and turning corpses into tools...

[@KeizerSosebee]

Finally ........ Thicc and quicc

[@davidresnick]

The best speed-run exploit for Tulok is to start the day before apparently

[@Avigorus]

Kinda tempted to roll a straight Rune Knight with a Maul now...

[@matthewcarreras1904]

Month of double builds commence.

[@BasedMexx]

"Dark Souls 2 is underrated. Fight me" He's right you know

[@vivalaglavii6736]

Nice, I've always wanted to play a heavily armoured guy who's very fast

[@AmusinglySaunters]

I honestly thought this would do the battle maneuver feat for reach

[@dumpsterfire6992]

Now,have they been HR sanctioned yet?

[@adamsoles8335]

YES

[@kyleshank3411]

"DOUBLE videos every day for the month of December" I'm sorry. I must have hallucinated. What?

[@legendary110]

"Dark Souls 2 is underrated, fight me." Deal!

[@dartdevious561]

Lightning Arrow would benefit from Archery Fighting Style more than the Thrown Weapon Fighting Style, yeah?

[@thehilariousoriginalname4624]

I’m only 8:00 minutes in and…We’ll Lightning arrow IS a miracle in Dark Souls 3 and can be used by anyone with enough Faith so I guess it still works if people are adamant that it’s an arrow

[@ShikuQuaza]

13:26 I spat out my drink

[@0_Body]

I got through the episode's health bar then a second health bar appeared

[@dummy_vicc2976]

Why do I get the feeling Tulok has been writing and/or reading ornstein/smough fanfiction...

[@miltchola9105]

Hey there. Can u do a how to play kaminari?

[@alinkinthechain]

If they got married at level 20, Smough better have prepared Ceremony for that +2 AC to both of them. being untouchable is in character after all

[@hethan367]

If Sagat's opening isn't his theme over Kenny Omega absolutely blasting people with V Triggers/Tiger Knees you missed something special

[@elib6465]

A literal power couple.

[@fro4152]

Could you make Reg from Made in Abyss? That could let you use the New Autognome UA Made in Abyss is a wonderful anime since its cute but catches you off guard with terror aspects

[@alextheumbreon1363]

Why would you use spears for the thrown attack, when javelins have the same damage at 30 foot range?

[@brianformica2599]

Never seen him build a ship before. A+

[@verybadhealer7074]

just beat these guys for the first time yesterday lol

[@dylancandeias7965]

Literally JUST talking about this with my group

[@TheTonester1231]

"When he's gone, yoy should be able to touch yourself" 🤣

[@velphidrow]

iirc orintseen is thought to have taught the nameless king as he's heavily implied to be the exiled son

[@jayjax229]

The nameless king is 100% the exiled son of Gwyn. This is confirmed in ds3. This is also makes sense thematically when you consider that he was exiled for allying with dragons, and he fights on one, and his altar is protected by one in ds1.

[@velphidrow]

@@jayjax229 iirc it's heavily hinted but not confirmed

[@jayjax229]

@@velphidrowYeah it's never explicitly stated. But from the associated item descriptions it makes it pretty clear. But I see what you're saying about it being heavily implied. Ring of the Sun's First Born: Ring of the Sun's First Born, who inherited the light of Gwyn, the First Lord. The Sun's first born was once a god of war, until he was stripped of his stature as punishment for his foolishness. No wonder his very name was slipped from the annals of history. Soul of the Nameless King: The Namless King was once a dragon-slaying god of war, before he sacrificed everything to ally himself with the ancient dragons. Dragonslayer Swordspear: A dragon hunting weapon from the age of the gods. The earliest form of the cross spear, serving as both sword and spear. Its owner was the Nameless King and deific hunter of dragons. The swordspear is inbued with lightning, of which he was the heir. Storm Curved Sword: Curved sword imbued with the strength of the Stormdrake. The Nameless King, ally of the ancient dragons, fought beside the Stormdrake in countless battles. When the great beast fell, the king claimed his soul, as was the custom in the age of the gods. Lightning Storm: Miracle of the Nameless King, ally of the dragons. Calls forth furious bolts of lightning. Once a slayer of dragons, the former king and wargod tamed a Stormdrake, on which he led a lifetime of battle. This miracle is likely a tale of their bond.

[@nickslawsonpetersen6805]

Can we get a artorias build video please