How to Play Ra's Al Ghul in Dungeons & Dragons (Batman Rogue Build for D&D 5e)

Today we have a build for Ra's Al Ghul, Batman's superior rogue in Dungeons & Dragons. If you want the power of immortality in D&D 5e, this is the way to do it.
Special thanks to Scott from Nerdsync for helping with the video!
/ nerdsyncproductions
Twitter: / tulokthe
Patreon: / tulok

[@KRIOSthe5th]

Instead of thinking "All Batman Villains are Bards" I am now going to think "All Bards are Batman Villains." and now it's more interesting

[@Zer0Gravi7y]

Gandolf is a Batman villain now. I don’t make the rules.

[@IdiotinGlans]

"I don't know what kind of music Ras does like" Funny thing, he meet Talia's mother at Woodstock. Yup, that Woodstock. It's canon.

[@MilloSpiegel]

was he there to Kill Jimmy Hendrix? what does Ra's al Ghoul do at woodstock?

[@IdiotinGlans]

@@MilloSpiegel Beats me. I imagine him sitting there on a portable chair like Grandpa Simpson.

[@MilloSpiegel]

@@IdiotinGlans I like to belive Ra's exclusevly listens to Mongolian Throat singing or some weird stuff

[@TupocalypseShakur]

Did he run into Aunt May there? She was one the young chicks flashing Hendrix

[@IdiotinGlans]

@@TupocalypseShakur Woodstock as a convergence point between universes...Makes sense

[@josephrichards4618]

If you *really* want to get pedantic about it, Ra's is just a fighter who gets his wizard buddy to cast clone on him every 50 years... Can't really build that into a character though.

[@anthonynorman7545]

+

[@noahhobson4521]

You did miss one advantage that Kensei Monk Rash would have over Bard Ra's. The monk would be proficient with calligraphy tools and that is definitely in character. With a couple of hundred years to practice your handwriting would be pretty good.

[@zachmcmullen2741]

@@RiptidePen All these years, and Ra's still seeks the true power of the Gods... a proper nib and ink.

[@AzraelThanatos]

@@zachmcmullen2741 He might actually be able to grab it with some of the background potential of swapping things around... Custom Background: Assassin Cult Leader or something like that...might be options that could be flavored to fit

[@EMbrokehp]

"Theatricality and deception are powerful agents to the uninitiated." If that's not bard energy, I don't know what is.

[@potatospam641]

Gotta love how just like all of Spider-Man’s villains are Artificers, all of Batman’s villains are all Bards

[@reloadpsi]

Which actually makes way too much sense, because a lot of Batman villains are into their psychological warfare. Now let's watch him make Riddler a hunter conclave ranger crossed with a GOOlock.

[@donovanfaust3227]

It's because all of Batman's villains are from Alfred's former acting troupe just pretending to keep Bruce Wayne busy and not fighting actual dangerous criminals that would kill him.

[@Variocom]

Like I get it, bards are the good at everything and can cast every spell class. But if hes talking about what is or isnt the character... ras doesnt sing or play an instrument to create his effects, which is the schtick of the bard. Like... maybe he does poetry? But idk bard and druid, for me, feel like two of the more limited classes as far as using them to adapt characters into dnd with. He probably should have gone wizard rogue, then he gets spells that are a little less out of character to cast, and a bunch of expertise. But that's just my opinion.

[@Nubbletech]

@@donovanfaust3227 I've heard of that theory before, but what about the justice league? They have super powers and exist in the same universe why would they even talk to Batman if everything he did is just fighting actors? Also wouldn't Alfred telling the actors to show fight with Batman and mentally torture him, be incredibly hurtful for Bats psyche? Why would Alfred do that?!

[@michaelbenson6782]

@@donovanfaust3227 I love this headcanon

[@matthewletexier]

The look of joy when Tulok said "hes gone, were gonna do it the right way" gave me life

[@NerdSyncProductions]

everyone in this video looks hot, tbh

[@DStrormer]

Heya, Scott. Fancy seeing you here! 😃

[@donovanfaust3227]

The Louisianians swamps are notoriously humid.

[@tulokthebarbrarian2033]

You have to love yourself before you can love your fellow artists

[@Zane13pyro]

Funny I noticed that too

[@couchcommandoiv5528]

Dese collabs bring out the best of Tulok

[@charleshockenbury353]

Rogues get sneak attack, but when it comes to Tulok, it’s always the Bards I never see coming

[@Drahjan_TheoryBREAK]

It's a good thing the Lazarus Pit technically counts as a magic item that simply gives you the effects of becoming ageless for a period of time.

[@carbumb4229]

I don't know why anyone would think he is a monk. He is literally an assassin. In fact, he is basically the king of assassins. A bit surprised that there was not more rouge levels.

[@tzeentchling]

I might have even considered building him as a Zealot Barbarian. Being able to be revived at no cost feels very Lazarus Pit-esque.

[@alexanderbyrne9684]

That would've been a really cool interpretation of Ra's.

[@kingdomkey01]

You can also pair this build with the Scarecrow build, if you ever want to stage a city-wide riot.

[@thewolverine7619]

I did one as a paladin (he made a oath to remove all crime) Warlock of the Undying patron with the Lazarus pit being the patron

[@gargax3925]

Hoping for a Bard!! I've always wanted to play a character like this, and everyone thinks he's a rogue except he's a bard and I get to say "Gotcha!"

[@Nubbletech]

I spend the whole video screaming:"WHY IS HE A BARD?"

[@webuser-webloser]

@@Nubbletech because you gotta be special and do stuff that people don't expect cause you are so cool, even if it doesn't make sense. Ain't that right Tulok?

[@Nubbletech]

@@webuser-webloser BUT WHY? Every other class would have made more sense. Except maybe druid?

[@webuser-webloser]

@@Nubbletech because Bain is also a bard

[@Nubbletech]

@@webuser-webloser But Bane isn't a bard. He should have been a barbarian. Probably

[@arielarnau3413]

"Everyone in Arkham has Freedom of Movement". This is true, which is why Penguin doesn't have that ability.

[@LupineShadowOmega]

Blackgate for him, every time. XD

[@peterwindhorst5775]

@@LupineShadowOmega That is because the Penguin is sane (debatable). The others not so much. Arkham is a mental asylum. The Penguin would NEVER use "not guilty by reason of insanity" - the Joker or Pam, yes with spades.

[@LupineShadowOmega]

@@peterwindhorst5775 Yep, which is why I made the reference in the first place.

[@perihelion1225]

If/when Austin powers is made, there better be at least a few glamour bard levels. (Love your videos mate)

[@joshjordan5085]

I feel like it’s fine to have him be a wood elf because sometimes the race just fits the character your inspired by even if it’s not in their world. Take for example wolverine as a hill dwarf, he’s hairy, has good constitution, likes drinking, and is slightly shorter than most people.

[@matthewcarreras1904]

Interesting to see another DC villain get a build. For another DC character how about Azreal, sure he's not super popular but he could be a fun to play build. Monk/Rouge maybe? Edit: sorry Paladin/Rogue

[@brandonpelletier2494]

Love azreal as a character

[@danbelmont5714]

I feel like Jean-Paul is more like an armorer artificer in terms of what he can do and how he does it. He just talks like a vengeance paladin

[@matthewcarreras1904]

@DaBomb8493 And? Its still a different character.

[@matthewcarreras1904]

@@danbelmont5714 Not a bad idea, problem is that artificers can't use swords.

[@Dragongamz1]

@@matthewcarreras1904 Battlesmiths can, but Azreal isn't that

[@sordcooper2]

Haven't watched the video yet. But as soon as I saw the title I thought 'duh, he's a rouge mastermind, maybe with a level or two of sorcerer' Having now watched the video, I wasnt expecting the bard build. Makes sense though, main reason I hadn't personally considered it is because mr Al'guhl doesnt actually do any magic himself, they just have a series of super magical holes in the ground.

[@LeeCarlson]

I just realized that this was the character that I've been looking for as DM to give my new party a challenge.

[@rararasputin8608]

What a Ra's Al Ghul-ish build. Better make sure your grandson or nephew is in good hands, like Iroh. Huh, Teen Titans but with Damian and Zuko just being ironed out because they hang out with people their age. Sounds fun, less angsty, more awkward.

[@ianjordan8964]

4:08 fun fact the way that jelly lives forever is through deaging

[@UntestedGaming]

love this format! We actually get 2 builds, and we get to see Scott from NerdSync

[@grantbaugh2773]

It's not just a Win Win, it's a Win Win Win.

[@abdallahatia7209]

All Batman villains are bards because they’re theatre majors without ethics classes. All Spider-Man villains are artificers because they’re STEM majors without ethics classes

[@Pomlithe]

Can I just say that I appreciate you still explain the sellout builds? Like, they're played up as obvious and a little dry, but you do give a pretty clear idea of how they play still, which is pretty impressive when you're talking like your soul is slowly being sucked from your being.

[@JaelynMcgee]

Same. I enjoy getting a simple version and a detailed version that are completely different from each other. Plus I just like hearing Tulok talk

[@Technodreamer]

Now this is a fascinating one. Also, I feel obligated to mention the Epic Boon of Immortality, which is (with DM approval) available to any level-20 character and neatly solves the aging problem.

[@johannesstephanusroos4969]

Or at 10th level if you have permission and the (Greater) Aberrant Dragonmark feat

[@alpha_mist2839]

I was honestly expecting Blade Singer with a bit of Bard, but the skill difference makes sense. Good job Tulock you’ve once again proven yourself better at your job than I would be. Please keep making vids and ignoring the comment section!

[@manleychenoweth8144]

I've been watching your channel around a month, and I've been slowly making my way though your builds, and I've gotta say, this intro is the most aggressively passive aggressive thing ever, and I love it

[@edgar-sama642]

In the DC superhero girls series, Ra's Al Ghul and the league of shadows are literally a metal band

[@nicholasmullins3693]

I love. I mean ha-... Um... Lo-... Hmm ..

[@aetherspiralknight]

3:55 WHERE'S MY TORTLE RA'S AL GHUL??? this TMNT crossover is gonna be a splash hit! (A splash of Lazarus pit juice)

[@MrShinyObject]

The fact that Ra's isn't a monk doesn't surprise me. The fact that Steel Wind Strike was personnel this time did.

[@aliasanonymous5387]

Vergil's name: *gets mentioned once* me: MOTIVATION INTENSIFIES

[@grantbaugh2773]

I had initially thought maybe a bladesinger wizard, but I haven't played enough spellcasters to realize they'd be missing the resurrection spell. Bard was my number 2 bet just because bards can become just about anything.

[@GooeyChewie]

I was mildly surprised not to see Reborn as the lineage. I was not surprised to see Bard fit Ra's so well. It's an incredibly versatile class in terms of creating specific character concepts.

[@matthewletexier]

He specifically doesnt die

[@GooeyChewie]

@@matthewletexier Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft desribes several possible origins for Reborn. Ra's al Ghul uses the Lazarus Pit to recover from moral wounds, and I feel like that qualifies as "You were magically resurrected, but something went wrong." I would apply the same to Red Hood. But hey, one of the beauties of D&D is that there's a whole lot of ways to build different characters, so it's all good.

[@gryphon5026]

Omg that 2-face burn at the end that was fantastic love it

[@feltrix334]

What I've learned from Tulok: Bards does all the classes better than the actual classes it's imitating.

[@palmerharrison7660]

I mean, that kind of fits tradition for Bard for multiple editions of the game...

[@ArdyAileron]

the exact same bit at the begining. I smashed the like button the same way as the other time. 10/10

[@cirrezm]

I love your builds and your videos keep it up! You said he doesn't die but he actually has died several times and the Lazurus pit brings him back to life. I do think that would let him qualify for being a Reborn, but some DMs are strict on races and won't let you take it. If anyone else has more reason against reborn I would actually love to know in a civil manner!

[@RobertBass]

Honestly, I think you're pretty much spot on here, the Clone spell is pretty much the only way to become truly immortal as a PC without DM fiat or fancy magic items. The only other way to be able to bring *yourself* back from the dead might be a combination of resurrection magic with the Contingency spell (which is complicated, and might require Magical Secrets to do in 20 levels anyway) or the Wish spell (which doesn't count, as Wish can do literally anything). Only other version that might count could be the Revenant race, with a task that lines up with Ra's' goals, but it doesn't fit quite as well.

[@starsgears9200]

I think technically the Ancients Paladin becomes truly ageless. They're still killable though.

[@SektionEi8ht]

I was not expecting the levels of sass in this video. I love it.

[@tsumethegreywolf8593]

I was expecting a Shadow Monk/Rouge/Warlock multi-class for Ras (similar to Batman, but with the Lazarus pit being the patron). Thank you for showing another interesting set-up and explaining how it works well

[@oliverl6779]

Love the build 🔥 a note to your monk vs bard in the end, flourish is not pr day, but pr short rest, ad leve 5, making it even better 🔥

[@BeardedDragonite]

I'm totally with you on bards, I play a whispers bard and he's probably my favourite rogue. Gets almost as good sneak attack without needing advantage 4 or 5 times between rests and then has full spell casting as well as skill expertise

[@WolfDB]

I actually didn't think you were going to go Monk. I thought it would be Assassin Rogue and Battle Master Fighter when you first announced. Sometimes I like to guess what I think will be the build you go with, and while I'm usually wrong, it's always nice to see how close I am to your actual thought process

[@matthewhicks8203]

Okay the two face joke at the end made the entire video worth watching 🤣

[@agarnes100]

I love this intro and the bane one, especially with the Scott pilgrim reference

[@DamnSelene]

Headcanon: Ra's is definitely proficient with the tantan

[@attonthejedi]

WAIT DID I HEAR THAT OUTRO CORRECTLY?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! I never thought I would hear that due to the nature of one of those characters being questionable but Oh boy I wish I was a patreon now to vote. Also I do like it when you bring the opening dude on just to crush the hopes and dreams of the simple minded individuals

[@FlutesLoot]

Love the use of "The Pit" song

[@LocalMaple]

Bardi-Ra's sounds like he belongs in New Orleans.

[@cteal2018]

1:05 Scott Pilgrim reference...this is gonna be good

[@nicestguyever9338]

Love this intro and the bane one.

[@MagusAgrippa8]

I appreciate the Kim Pines reference at the beginning. Also, it seems that most of the Batman villains are just bards. Which is kind of hilarious.

[@Ryu_D]

Thank you for the video.

[@uverdog]

You got me with that Jump spell. Thought it would have been True Strike.

[@andrewtyrell4795]

🤣 Is this going to be the intro every time you make a character that seems straightforward a Bard? Because I love it!

[@logandaley1544]

10 seconds in and you already made me laugh. This will be a good one I can tell

[@underware_pr]

Comment to boost the algorithm: Love the build! Definitely worth referencing for shenanigans! Also suggest a build for I-No from Guilty Gear just cause I can't figure out how to do it myself

[@_great_expectations_9478]

Best intro yet.

[@aetherspiralknight]

10:20 *Ra's using the anime spell on the entire Batfamily* "Nothing personal, -kids-"

[@joshuacreek8958]

I'm still waiting for a Building Tulok video. What are you at 20th level?

[@snazzyfeathers]

Tulok is a bard because he's constantly slam dunking on the people in the comments with vicious mockery

[@nascromt]

Fun build, the idea of a short lived race being driven to immortality is compelling.

[@AmusinglySaunters]

I like this build but I would have done the Contingency spell with resurrection spell in it. Both are good either way

[@adverseflower9551]

During the opening statements I thought that you were going to make a Bladesinger with the Clone spell, but this is much more comprehensive.

[@nickramos4012]

Im glad someone said it

[@melonsaway3929]

I remember the Anderson Cooper bit. Those were good days. These are good days too!

[@elib6465]

Fun fact in super hero girls ras al ghul is the lead singer of a heavy metal band. Now imagine if all the bard batman villains formed a band. Ras is lead vocals, bane is on the drums, scarecrow is on guitar

[@nicolasvillasecaali7662]

I don’t need a pit of immortality nor i would care if i have to change my name to "head of the devil"! I slowly but surely will make my ways in the fabric of the KZbin comment section to make my one dream come true! the machinations made in the name of pure awesomeness for a Tangle the Lemur build made by no other but Mr Barbrarian itself! it will take a lot of effort but perseverance, even in the skinny face of death, is my greatest power to reach that destiny! Really love the interactions with the High lords of the KZbin Algorithm (Aka Scott from Nerdsync), truly show how far Tulok have reached to make quality builds for the mases.

[@MattNeisinger]

Awe man! Now I don't know what to do. I was getting ready to multiclass, pretty certain I was going War Wizard, but then you brought up two bard colleges I hadn't even considered, Blades and Creation. Now I've got a three-way split! I can still dip War Mage, but the two bard options are so good, and for different reasons. Why can't my Mary Sue do both? Hahaha!

[@chara2038]

1:01 What a subtle way to flip someone off

[@justinwelge982]

Last time I was this early Tulok had 1k subscribers

[@starsgears9200]

Excellent, another in the series of "Wild things you can build on a bard chassis."

[@fit7price]

Scott? Scott Niswander?! From The Consulate?? This is too weird!!! (love u, love yr channel)

[@oneringliveca]

I was wondering with the holidays coming up if you could do a build for Klaus Grant Morrison's take on Santa

[@CyberCowboy-gv2jg]

This was really interesting. I could see it definitely being viable, but I still somewhat think monk could work. But for a different version of Ra's. This one, feels more tailored to the 90s series. But if you say, were adapting the Nolan version. Monk would be good, but maybe just up to level 3 so you can get the way of the shadow monk, which is basically a ninja and pretty much an assassin in itself, and would fit with the theme of the monastery. For the rest, Battle Master Fighter would probably be good. But thats my idea, yours is still rather good. Keep these up.

[@JustaSoothingVoice]

U could get Aberrant Dragonmark feat, ask your DM to get you the Boon of Immortality once you get the benefit. Overall, liked the build, sounds pretty good and fun to play

[@gabethomas4549]

Would love to see a byleth build from fe3h if you haven't already. Love the videos, keep em coming!

[@dragoizumura1087]

You should create Sir Percedal of Sadlygrove (aka: Dally) from the Netflix series Wakfu. There is actually a Iop homebrew race.

[@Scarbonac]

Don't even play 5e, but I just love these!

[@samelkind9314]

Okay, pre-video called shot: I'm guessing this is a bladelock, possibly of the fiend, to represent the Lazarus pit

[@samelkind9314]

I'm going declare myself victorious for guessing CHA caster gish, even if I was wrong about basically everything else

[@leonmosley2099]

Gotta make sure to include knocking down straw men if you ever do a how to play as Tulok the barbarian

[@johnquiett1085]

Overall I agree this is a good build for Ras. Not enough eco-terrorist references in the video...but I only know the animated series Ras really. So maybe other versions aren't eco-terrorists.

[@justinrivera1618]

Holy crap dude I almost clicked off the video. I’m so glad there was more to this

[@somenewguyyoudontknow8543]

Good build, I like your show, I've got a idea for a build, can you do sokka from avatar, or Conner from AC3? Or is the Ezio build a universal assassin's, build in terms of assassin's Creed?

[@williamaldred335]

I personally see him with some more levels in Inquisitive Rogue but I get the logic.

[@gehmli]

"Like a Batman build that kills things" *laughs in pre-Adam West Batman*

[@arcticbanana66]

I remember seeing one of the old original Batman comic covers, featuring two thugs asleep in an alley and Batman sneaking up behind them with a gun.

[@caseyjarmes]

laughs in every live action Batman other than Clooney

[@av7501]

The P&R sleeper hit. yuss

[@Murphy_Crapenshitz]

I had a dream last night that I could play as Vin diesel, ah what a dream

[@iamokiguess]

With the gunner feat now out, can you do a Roland Deschain build from the dark tower?

[@aaron9797]

next we need the immortal caveman vandal savage

[@EverythingFan02]

Yay a gish! Quality build, either way

[@Draiocht012]

Why does "Just smile and destabilize the government" sound like a hilarious inside joke?

[@TheMjsanty]

I love this Legion of Doom bit

[@patrickryan807]

I did not expect Ra’s of all people to be a bard lol

[@IdiotinGlans]

I just realized this build could, with few tweaks, work for Kingsman version of Rasputin.

[@szayelapporograntz3276]

I dig. Though I admit, I imagined Ra's more as an Inquisitive Rogue, with maybe 2 levels in Bladesinger Wizard for high AC (Shield can be reflavored as a defensive stance yadda yadda). 🤷‍♂️

[@johnstuartkeller5244]

I got the Errol Flynn reference ... *looks over at Lazarus pit*

[@itwasidio1736]

I was expecting Bladesinger, but this just makes the Bane build better.

[@brucecristina2947]

Been looking through his videos. Has Tulok done Spike Spiegel and I'm just overlooking it?