How to Play Uncle Iroh in Dungeons & Dragons (Avatar the Last Airbender Build for D&D 5e)

[@FanOfMostEverything]

Clearly "acid" damage is actually Iroh's secret combat tea. It's not that it tastes bad. You just shouldn't let it stay on your skin for too long. Cold damage is just iced tea. Poison damage is right out; he'd never deliberately make a subpar brew.

[@timothyflynn2738]

Poison damage is just him recycling Zuko’s attempts at making tea. Waste not.

[@bskec2177]

@@timothyflynn2738 He literally poisoned himself with bad tea in the show. Early second season.

[@Marabcd315]

@@bskec2177 in his defense it was 50/50 whether it was delectable tea or deadly poison

[@Zer0Gravi7y]

“Remember that tea I poisoned myself with?” “YOU DIDN’T.” *getting ready to chuck a cup of poison tea at a monster* “I DID!”

[@NeroNyte]

Poison damage is just the bad tea he made that one episode cause he mistook the plant, but even still doesn't have the heart to throw away tea

[@gogauze]

Best parent. Dispenses wisdom when struggling, allows you to make mistakes, is there for you to help you grow from them, acts to level the playing field without overshadowing you, and willing to smite any fool that guns for you that's clearly outside of your ability.

[@jaded_gerManic]

Well put fellow Tulokian.

[@jennybrown7834]

And makes a good cup of tea

[@abedrahman4519]

@@jennybrown7834 Correction: Makes the best goddamn cup of tea

[@samuelalexandermarkovnikov891]

That dex weakness can probably be overcome by dropping one of those cantrips for Shillelagh tbh. Not super in character, but also very, very fun to beat a bunch of people with a wisdom-empowered cane.

[@thatnerdcalledzanni3957]

I'd house rule to my players that shillelagh can be used with the fists. I just love the flavor of it.

[@1Ring42]

I second the Shillelagh suggestion.

[@danielmcpherson3891]

Every once in a while, you gotta Boop someone on the noggin before they listen to why you shouldn't boop people on the noggin

[@wayneslater5531]

The build ends with dex at 18, that's not too bad!

[@LocalMaple]

@@thatnerdcalledzanni3957 You know those brass knuckle weapons? Make Wood Knuckles.

[@Dickythemainman]

I was waiting for the levels in Bard since Leaves From the Vine always seems to magically cast an Openly Weep spell on me.

[@aquaticdemon1]

Levels in bard because he sang once? How about he rolled an 18 on performance that ONE time. I'm not saying that he isn't gifted, and that the song isn't good. It just doesn't mean that one thing he did once defines levels in a class he has no business in. *proficiency in the performance skill maybe, but not levels in bard.*

[@Dickythemainman]

@@aquaticdemon1 If it wasn’t magic then WHY AM I CRYING SO MUCH, BEN?!?

[@AwfullyDeer]

@@aquaticdemon1 ability to inspire others? Adept at story telling? Studied and knows the arts and pleasantries of other kingdoms? Can you really tell me uncle Iroh doesn’t have a single ounce of bard in him?

[@aquaticdemon1]

@@AwfullyDeer Inpsiring leader feat, calligriphy proficiency, additional languages. Doesn't need levels in bard.

[@Dickythemainman]

@@aquaticdemon1 I think what young Bengamin here is saying is that if you play an Uncle Iroh style archetypical character then you should play them as a Bard (or maybe a Cleric). I assume that is what you mean, I have not been reading your posts.

[@bodenking]

Uncle Iroh is one of my favorite characters and legit life goals for me. I want to be a compassionate type who listens instead of fighting and wants to help people. This build is great and now I’m going to rewatch Iroh’s tale from Ba Sing Se and cry like I always do watching it

[@grantbaugh2773]

Honestly Iroh gets my vote as the best mentor character in all of fiction. Almost all mentor figures are mentoring someone specifically to get them to the point to defeat the BBEG. But Iroh is just wanting Zuko to be happy. Yes, Zuko eventually helps bring down the corrupt Fire Nation, but that was never Iroh's main goal with helping Zuko.

[@tko-bx4bd]

The creators putting takes of ba sing se right before Appas lost days was so cruel. Too much crying in 40 minutes for my liking lol

[@chivasowle286]

*like we all do

[@bookmasterharry4432]

Dang, you just bringing it up brought tears to my eyes.

[@spencervance8484]

Iroh is one of those characters who could kick your ass in a few minutes or less, but he would rather spend that time sitting down with you, drink tea and give you a life changing discussion

[@Marabcd315]

it's great to see a character that it actually makes sense to get to high monk levels on, lots of characters punch good but not many punch good and travel across dimensions

[@screechingtoad2683]

The "Leaves from the vine" song was my favorite moment in the series. Yes, I know it was really sad, but sad can be beautiful as well

[@flareinc7413]

First I was like "Yay,the coolest character from Avatar", then I was like "Yay,a well formed argument against alignment,one of the biggest vestigial rules in DnD", then I was like "Did he just bash Polteageist? That Pokemon is adorable!". What a ride.

[@hydrastuff8029]

I love how this build even makes Astral Projection in-character

[@glennbob5093]

I feel using 5e as the system for this forces more creativity and being more flexible with the rules (which works fine for 5e). There are some systems where many of these builds would be more straightforward.

[@tko-bx4bd]

Very curious to hear what systems you think those would be? I love character building in general and haven’t played any other system besides 5e

[@glennbob5093]

I was specifically thinking of Pathfinder, since I have the most experience with it. There’s a class that is basically a bender already.

[@christopherfloody5555]

If the wisdom isnt 20, is it even Iroh? And charmisa too, now that I think of it... actully Iroh is just an anime character, give him 40s in everything! Awesome build though :)

[@Shalakor]

I mean, he's very diplomatic, but how often does anyone actually follow his advice?

[@wayneslater5531]

He has the wisdom at 20 at level 5, that's definitely Iroh!

[@Barbarian2810]

@@wayneslater5531 that's impossible, since he started with 17 at lvl 1

[@wayneslater5531]

@@Barbarian2810 He started with an 18 15 from S/A, 2 from the Racial, and +1 from the Skill Expert Feat. Custom Lineage allows a feat at level 1, and the Skill expert feat gives +1 Wisdom. It is a VERY common way to have a char with an 18 at level 1.

[@shaneadams6592]

As a mainly monk player, Im so glad you showed off the dragon monk since the fizban one is out!! I hear alot of people saying it got "gutted" compared to the UA, but seems fine to me. Still better than four elements.

[@triforceofpower3072]

I agree and love the subclass, but BOY is that a low bar

[@bskec2177]

@@triforceofpower3072 I agree as well. Ascendant Dragon can really be viewed as a four elements replacement, like Undead Warlock replaces Undying Warlock.

[@torunsmok5890]

@@bskec2177 except undead is actually potent. This is just.... Not worthless. Monk as a base class is so bad that it NEEDS amazing subclasses like Mercy

[@GoblinLord]

I mean, even a gutted car can seem functional, most people are pissed for one of 2 reasons 1) this subclass is a classic archetype from earlier editions (Dragon Disciple) and people have fond memory of its power, and it's also a beloved concept, studying under a dragon is rad 2) 99% of Monk SUBCLASSES are kinda shit, they either take away from monk base features* (and a subclass nerfing the class is a bad way to go) or they are just generally weak, people thought that since this was so powerful in the earlier editions, it could be a comeback for the Monk subclasses (again, SPECIFICALLY the subclasses), but when they found out it became the "standard" power level of Monk subclasses (which is low), they got salty *= now for that pin, ey? specifically what I mean is (I can't give a direct example, because I don't remember the wording of what the Dungeon Dudes said (who I consider pretty on point)), you basically have to choose "Do I want to be a Monk, or do I want to be a Dragon", because of how it forces you to choose and gives you so little of your abilities per time span, and one of them doesn't even give you the choice to spend ki on it. for further info on this kind of things, go to the Dungeon Dudes' analysis of monk subclasses to me, due to the "low power" of your subclass, you're pretty much just gonna be a monk who (sometimes) does cool shit, instead of "this specific brand of monk" and it's probably much better for Roleplay and story than for actual power (which is kinda sad cause I think both should be priority)

[@brandonhughes179]

I'd say drop the Druid level and take Magic Initiate to get the cantrips and one spell. Halt at 17 levels of Monk and take 3 levels in Battle Master to get some maneuvers and such. Iroh is a genius combatant so they'd be useful and in-character more than invisibility

[@kawawangkowboy9566]

Could not possibly click like fast enough. My favorite d&d channel host making a build of my favorite cartoon character. Come to think of it, Iroh is basically old man Phil. But way more pan-asian.

[@Just_Tyree]

Like dude i nearly shattered my phone clicking so damn quick

[@sigurdgram]

that always bothers me. how can someone be pan-asian when they're from a world with no asia? that's like saying goku is japanese when he's actually a space alien and also his earth doesn't even seem to have a japan.

[@kawawangkowboy9566]

@@sigurdgram i say he's pan-asian because it's more polite than saying he's "what white people think is Asian"

[@SaintlyDemon]

I think this is one of my favorite builds you've done, Tulok! It's so good. Definitely going to roll up a character using this idea in the future. Thanks for all the good content over the last year!

[@MrHamboneBro]

I'm always so impressed, Tulok. These videos and their scripts and references throughout - how do you find time to make these, while also knowing so many fandoms and characters so deeply and well (!)

[@vennom14]

Iroh, the dad we want, but not what we deserve

[@double2254]

Iroh is one of my favorite characters, my main dnd character has a lot of similarities to him as he is an older dwarven retired general that is going through adventures to rediscover himself after losing his murdered lover… I went with a War Cleric/Vengence Paladin build but he has the Iroh dynamic with the party including being a father figure for the young orphan half orc eldrich fighter/barbarian in the party come to terms with his uncontrollable magic and life itself.

[@ArcCaravan]

I consider alignments to be on par with paladin oaths: up to people's discretion. They're more like guidelines to me.

[@bskec2177]

I see alignments as guidelines for RP, but take Paladin Oaths a little more seriously. I put them on par with a Warlocks Patron - they are the source of a Paladins spiritual power. You want to play a warlock, you have to deal with a patron, if you want to be a Paly, you deal with the Oath.

[@danielmcpherson3891]

This comment read in the Barbossa voice and I cant unhear it

[@ms.hedgepig458]

Oh wow! The long awaited, much requested Uncle Iroh build! Thanks so much!

[@InsomniacC137]

Dude, thanks so much. I've been looking for a mentor figure to challenge my players a bit for training. I didn't think there was anyone better than Iroh for that task.

[@dileerium]

rad build! thanks for all ur hardwork! hope iroh is one of the first up whenever breaking character drops

[@NickTheGreatAndPowerful]

Monks seem like so much fun, I think that's my next character.

[@vernonhampton5863]

Do it. Do... it.

[@adrianbrown3085]

Thanks to this channel, I learned how to create another another playable dragon: Magma Dragoon from MMX4. I gave him 7 levels of monk, with Way of the Ascendant Dragon, and 13 levels of Sorcerer, with the Pyromancy origin. I'm so glad I found this channel. Thanks for the inspiration, Tulok.

[@wowostylehess1575]

I am kinda surprised you didn’t pick up the chief feat for some excellent tea making skills, but it’s still a really fun build so well done!

[@adriandariuspure9223]

I seriously searched for this yesterday, damn good timing, honestly

[@RicardoAlmeidatm]

It's amazing how Ascendant Dragon just takes Four Elements to an unlit back alley, mugs it for all it's worth, caps it in the back of the head and then assumes it's place.

[@dominicspagnol8765]

Always loved iroh, very pleased to watch and like this video! love you tulok, hope the year is going well for you so far!

[@williamedge5130]

Did you know the White Lotus Society knows the secret to boosting the algorithm?

[@kennethcunningham8461]

It happened, the build I've been waiting for

[@wayneslater5531]

I absolutely love this build!!!! Iroh is an awesome character, and this build does him justice! The only thing that confuses me is the point in charisma at level 16, it makes your Cha have a final score of 15 and you don't really get much out of it... Am i missing something? I feel like the Crusher feat (choose Con) is better there, since it keeps the final con and cha bonuses the same and is in character since Iroh does move people around with his punches quit a bit.

[@TigerW0lf]

Missed opportunity to call this World's Greatest Uncle.

[@MegaPokefan97]

Zuko starts as Lawful Neutral, but becomes Lawful Good by the end of the Series. Loading Crew made a video about that

[@ultimateninjaboi]

Faction Agent is another viable use for background (as long as you only need Brewers Supplies). Basically fits the whole "secret society," aspect.

[@StinkerTheFirst]

'Dragon Ball Tea". Really, Tulok,how do you come up with this stuff? It's hilarious, and it's not the only gem in in just this video! Using one's feature resources wisely is a very Iroh-thing to do, except when it comes to tea.

[@GooeyChewie]

Aha! I've played this one before! ... But this monk subclass wasn't out when I made him, so I had gone straight Wildfire Druid (with Chef feat).

[@handmadetrash]

Another really good subclass you could go with is way of four elements and stick with fire stuff

[@TDSFounder]

I don't want to admit it, but that was a clever pun in the title.

[@TheDuckMaster12]

Don’t forget Diamond Soul also allows you to use one ki point to reroll a saving throw

[@WhitzWolf92]

Even though the Monk capstone isn't amazing, the Magic Initiate feat choosing the Druid list can accomplish basically the same as a 1-level dip - slows capping your WIS, but 1 more Ki point might matter and, depending on the individual game, taking a Druid level might have character implications you don't want. Though it works fine for Iroh. Options!

[@aceofaces0007]

If you're willing to do point buy and dump INT in addition to STR, you could address both the issue of the uncapped DEX mod and the issue of low-ish HP. Your starting stats (while factoring in +3 WIS from Custom Lineage and Skill Expert), would be as follows: STR 8, DEX 15, CON 12, INT 8, WIS 18, CHA 13. Use the first ASI to cap WIS, the second to round off DEX and CHA, the next two to cap off DEX at 20, then the final ASI for the Tough feat for even more HP than what you'd get with a +2 in CON. Your final stats would look like this: STR 8, DEX 20, CON 12, INT 8, WIS 20, CHA 14. The 12 in CON may seem low, but with Diamond Soul giving you proficiency in all saving throws, and the Tough feat, you don't need CON to be at 14 to be effective. BOOM. Two cons of this build negated. Now the only con is resource management.

[@samelkind9314]

Pre-video prediction: dragon monk, and dragon sorcerer multiclass? A bit MAD, but still fun. Maybe the Chef feat for healing herbal tea?

[@gehmli]

Woo! I've been waiting for this one!

[@jaded_gerManic]

Excellent, as always sir. 💜👾

[@Jw87563]

When I saw the starting stats, I was worried that Iroh would be a Four Elements monk. After watching the video, I'm just surprised you didn't use the UA version. Great video though for a great character.

[@Taven03]

I love iroh and my build is a monk 4 (radiant soul) druid 16 (wildfire) variant human magic initiate druid. I emphasize the fire in fire bender and it was before fizbans.

[@burrito9327]

No more spilling tea, with this Iroh build, you can serve it!

[@ryaku5]

2:18 For roleplaying in General...Iroh.

[@nicolasvillasecaali7662]

The wisdom of the dragons come to us in the form of the best tea brewing uncle, one that would guide you thought the worst of this world with a smile that give hope to all. Who would be crazy enough to not want to be related to Iroh? I know i would give up a lot for that honor!... I mean all mortal possessions, CLEARLY I would never give up a Tangle the lemur build from Tulok, but I'm sure even her ADHD brain would enjoy a motivational speech from the Dragon of the west, we can allways do with some help like his, because "is good to believe in yourself, but a little help from others is a great blessing"

[@BeaglzRok1]

Says a lot about Monk's need for ability scores when you went 19 for all the ASIs and the only capped stat is the one that you got a racial +2 from. But that's the price you pay for the most flavorful tea in Ba Sing Se.

[@remingtonwright6796]

This build has been oolong time coming

[@agsilverradio2225]

I think allingment debates are fun, as ling as everyone is civil. ... What I think Team Aung's allignments are: ... Aung: LG/NG (the lawfull part is mainly his devotion pacifism and vegetarianism, which he often trys to push on others.) Katara: NG Saka: NG (Yes, he's abit sexest at 1st, but he means well and does grow past that flaw.) Toph: CG Zuko: LN (because, Honor. However, I would say it often shifts over the course of the series.)

[@DanielMartinez-gs5tn]

I’m loving this build. I wants it

[@vitoschledwitz6297]

Great job . Avatar builds are awesome

[@worstghosthunting3466]

I like how you built this but I think at least three levels in bard to get the college of glamour subclass, the fey wild and the spirit world are…. Kinda similar

[@dummy_vicc2976]

Love iroh, best character in the entire franchise

[@aetherspiralknight]

Momo and Pabu

[@AZDfox]

For flight and AoE damage, as well as a complicated relationship with a brother, look at Jesse Faden

[@AC-eb7kt]

Iroh is the Bob Ross of Atla

[@josefinameyer7183]

Love the video! But the *TEA in the thumbnail is covered by the length of the video on my end. Had to go open the image in another tab to get the joke fully. But otherwise great.

[@amaronith]

I love this build so much

[@avrinrose5457]

Can you make How To Play Joker in Dungeons and Dragons (Kaitou Joker)?

[@1Ring42]

Predicting: at least a Dragon Monk dip, Hermit or soldier background and proficiency in the Herbalism kit and Pai Jo.

[@1Ring42]

Edit: did not see the background coming but I can roll with that. Still think tea is Herbalism.

[@glenmcinnes4824]

Iroh is a Epic Character so he should have some Bonus Levels (like the defunct? House Rule that never made it to UA to let you make "Epic Level Characters"), if so what classes would you take them in and how many?

[@Eramiserasmus]

I'm just happy to see our favorite adult as a playable character.

[@sethwarren177]

Have you thought of doing any MTG characters? Jace Beleren (wizard-enchantment maybe)? Chandra Nalar (maybe sorcerer)? Liliana Vess (wizard-necromancer)? Gideon Jura (Paladin)? Garruk (hunter/barbarian maybe)?

[@PowerHouseProdigy]

This build is fire. Found the dip into Druid rather shocking.

[@wayneslater5531]

i see what you did there ;)

[@elib6465]

So to this day leaves from the vine still leaves me a weeping mess. Also this build is awesome!!!

[@Ryu_D]

Thank you for the video.

[@lejandario7779]

Only one left is Azula for the royal family members we care about.

[@wayneslater5531]

we care about Azula? 🤔

[@lejandario7779]

@@wayneslater5531 I don't know about you but lots of people stan azula

[@michaelmartin8728]

Step 1: Buy LOTS of Tea Step 2: Watch video Step 3: Rest. A man needs his rest Step 4: Win

[@agsilverradio2225]

I think I would have multiclassd Iroh from monk into gold dragon souceer or light cleric.

[@Nathan6267]

Would Guidence be more in theme with Iroh as a cantrip?

[@generaljimmies3429]

Have you done a Dragoon's build yet?

[@Toothieterror]

Please do Sokka next!

[@wayneslater5531]

Probably a fighter/ranger mix of some kind.

[@imofage3947]

7:54 Hey wait a minute. Iroh made that funky tea in season 2 and in poisoned him. He was pretty messed up for part of that episode.

[@i8dacookies890]

Alignments are good for a specific type of new player to start thinking a bit more about their characters, but sticking to it long term will end up making you think less about them.

[@andresmarrero8666]

They are also good as a shorthand to understand these creatures.

[@penitentestudios1492]

I have an idea for another video, vi and jinx from league of legends arcane, I think the slogan should be "come out and play" in dungeons and dragons

[@MegaChibirobo]

Please, please, please see if you can make one for inspector gadget. That would be so dope.

[@Nastyn1nja808]

I would sign up on Twitter just to Follow Uncle Iroh!

[@rararasputin8608]

Oh, it's over? Huh... um, what now? I suppose waiting on Sokka, I guess. Just need to teach Sokka the ways of the sword, getting girls subconsciously and also having weird jokes... thanks Tulok. Seems like the end of another cycle. Stay safe, everyone!

[@MrSHADOWANGEL999]

Tea time with uncle

[@fro4152]

Could you make Reg from Made in Abyss It's a use for Autognome and stretchy arms

[@Shalakor]

Not going to lie, you were alluding to doing dragony stuff as a Monk so much that I fully expected you to not go Ascendant Dragon for that subclass and swerve into Draconic Sorcerer or something.

[@Vampire00971]

Man I wanna see your take on Vergil from dmc

[@anthonynorman7545]

Zuko ain't lawful. His whole journey started by him questioning authority. He also frees the prisoner Aang.

[@c.v.emmans]

Chaotic Neutral, and not in the "i'M sO rAnDoM" way. He's unsure who he is, so he does what he thinks feels right in the moment. He's being pulled in different directions and is questioning what is right and wrong, trying to find a truth. Sure sounds like a CN to me.

[@dragonheart1236]

@@c.v.emmans he starts at a lawful evil bordering on lawful neutral, and slowly makes his way up to neutral good, bordering on chaotic

[@xinryokux]

trying to build a disciple of the jabberwock class

[@AzraelThanatos]

The only downside with using the monk is that Iroh often wears armor

[@Guilherme-dv6zt]

Please do How to play Silver Fang or Garou from one punch man in d&d 5e

[@aetherspiralknight]

I'll have trouble being the same race as Iroh, since I'm a moose-lion.

[@YngolSonofYsgramor]

YES AT LAST

[@Nelphean]

Alignment is an instantaneous explanation of motivation. Two words that inform all spontaneous decisions about an unknown entity. In other words, the most important words on a character sheet.

[@anthonynorman7545]

+

[@thegreatandterrible4508]

Dragon of the West uses a draconic subclass? Weird.

[@vernonhampton5863]

Fitting.

[@infernalphantom7571]

What works in place of Custom lineage?

[@samgafford2371]

Gamer Illuminati? That's the coolest

[@patrickfosby2074]

My only question is does anyone know what edition this is from?

[@eeefe972]

8 in strength yet day of black sun he broke put and took out every guard in a prison and soldiers along the way

[@ostr0znie100]

Wouldn't broken legs be easier to bend tho?

[@JDuel100]

Ok, you accounted for the fire and lightning, but where is the 10d10 Emotional Damage from that Tales of Ba Sing Se episode?

[@spencervance8484]

Leaves from the vine

[@joshlamb9443]

I see Uncle Iroh and I click

[@0210-f8i]

We need an Ozai video which is does nothing except fire damage