The Bard Tank: d4 #97

Our D&D 5e character build this week is someone who tries to protect their allies by taunting their enemies. And I mean actually taunting them :).
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Character Concept:(0:00)
dScryb (sponsor):(6:28)
Level 1:(9:18)
Levels 2-6:(17:45)
Levels 7-9:(30:51)
Levels 10-13:(41:27)
Levels 14-17:(47:34)
Final Thoughts:(52:51)
Outtakes:(54:59)
Math/Graph for this episode:
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
Master Tank Comparison:
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
Thanks to LudicSavant for the amazing DPR calculator! forums.giantitp.com/showthrea...)
Music Credits:
Achaidh Cheide - Celtic by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
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Angevin 120 loop by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/
Celtic Impulse - Celtic by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
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Fiddles McGinty by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
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Lord of the Land by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
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Master of the Feast by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
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[@DnDDeepDive]

Errata! 1: Even though Shifter was slightly altered with MoM, you do still have to pick an option at character creation and stick with it throughout - no switching it up :). 2: Mass Suggestion doesn't require concentration :).

[@ClintonJohnson1]

Got to that point in the video and immediately opened dndbeyond because I assumed I had missed that change in MotM. You got my hopes up for a bit...

[@AfroditeBell]

@@ClintonJohnson1 same, I was about to ask my dm, “hey can I shift my shifter to the MoM one?” Lol

[@Bootsofwings]

Hey Colby or is it Kolby? I’ve been obsessed with the idea of a sneaky little guy since I was young but I don’t want that basic swashbuckling in and out type thing, I played a sneaky ranger for a little which was fun but I want more of a caster, so my idea was a goblin caster of some sort but don’t know which class and subclass of caster, I want to focus on mental attacks, attack rolls where I do T have to see them and bonus action hide or hide in illusions but the illusion wizard is super underwhelming until late game so I was hoping for maybe a tip? I’m aware your a busy adult but I just wanted a couple minutes of your time if possible

[@dominicspagnol8765]

Just wanted to tell you.. my sis and I have been trying for over a week now to try and come up with a granny concept character who would be able to take care of the party by buffing/debuffing and taking enemy actions. Really glad you made this, but its almost scary how SPECIFIC this video was tailored for us ^^ so thank you!!

[@alexanderbyrne9684]

@@Bootsofwings have you tried arcane trickster?

[@michaelfrey3619]

The sincerity behind the "Welcome Home" is tangible. I love it.

[@andycates7923]

You belong here 😊

[@dracodominus2800]

Ikr. His wife and kids must be so happy when they get back every day!

[@SauceMario]

It's my favorite part.

[@Tri6Oraxus]

I want him to read me bedtime stories of his dnd adventures

[@8shanrahan1]

15:15 The saying "don't look a gift horse in the mouth" means that you shouldn't criticize a gift, even if you don't like it very much. A gift horse, in other words, is a gift. The term gift horse is pretty easy to remember if you imagine the horse as a present. The idiom itself probably stems from the practice of determining a horse's age from looking at its teeth. It would be rude to receive a horse for your birthday and immediately examine its mouth in front of the person who gave it to you, as if you were trying to figure out the value of your gift.

[@Razdasoldier]

can confirm ^

[@danielbeshers1689]

This is my exact understanding of the idiom and its etymology. Well explained.

[@gregbowen2477]

Yep. It's just crass, in the same way that a present-day gift recipient immediately looking for a price tag would be. (btw, the expression is first recorded in Latin, by St. Jerome: equi donati dentes non inspiciuntur)

[@DnDDeepDive]

@@voodoophil 😂😂😂

[@micahpeltier554]

@@DnDDeepDive Particularly, looking a horse in the mouth, or rather, looking at the the teeth specifically, was a quick way to tell how healthy a horse was back in the day (and possibly still today, I'm no equestrian). When purchasing a horse, the buyer would often look at the horse's teeth as a quick way of assessing the value of the horse, akin to checking under the hood of a car or its accident history before buying it.

[@exqueue3813]

I think the buggest soft taunt is applying a massive debuff with a concentration spell and inviting your DM to metagame.

[@saeedrazavi4428]

Concentration is the best taunt in the game

[@mickthelick5788]

@@saeedrazavi4428 Yep... Once our Cleric starts up Spriit Guardians my DM pretty much hit's him with everything he can until he breaks his concentration or downs him.

[@vinspad3]

Cleric: I cast Spirit Guardians Druid: I cast Conjure Animals Ranger: I cast Spike Growth V. Paladin: I cast Haste DM: stop taunting me!

[@BLynn]

Level 1:(see above) [warlock 1, race, patron & needed spells] Level 2:(see above) [fighter 1 & fighting-style] Level 3:(@20:32) [fighter 2] Level 4:(@20:49) [fighter 3 & sub-class] Level 5:(@23:45) [bard 1] Level 6:(@26:44) [bard 2] Level 7:(see above) [bard 3 & sub-class] Level 8:(@36:19) [bard 4 & ASI] Level 9:(@37:18) [bard 5] Level 10:(see above) [bard 6] Level 11:(@42:25) [bard 7] Level 12:(@42:43) [bard 8 & ASI] Level 13:(@44:09) [bard 9] Level 14:(see above) [bard 10] Level 15:(@49:05) [bard 11] Level 16:(@49:43) [bard 12 & ASI] Level 17:(@50:09) [bard 13]

[@dani1two183]

Suggestion: make an optimised build that is purely one class and compare it to builds that might fit the same role. Multiclassing does have downsides, such as not unlocking higher spell levels etc. It would be really interesting to see how, for example, the other tank builds compare to a kalashtar bear totem barbarian (resistance to all damage while raging) or an Ancients Paladin.

[@oathboundhero1782]

I, for one, would love to see a straight Zealot Barbarian or an Armorer Artificer.

[@MK_ULTRA420]

Warforged Bard: Bardbot Immune to all damage or status effects but cannot deal any damage or provide any help to the party besides providing background music. Travels via levitation but is so heavy that it can only support its own weight. *Will always play "Fatboy Slim - Weapon of Choice (Instrumental)" when inside a Weapon Shop.

[@ANDELE3025]

A fully defensively optimized bear barb (which sadly kills around 30% of why play barbarian at all) with no magic item assumptions beyond ability to not have the weapon and shield be eaten by a slime or oversized puppy-roach has a total average 5.8~so lets say 6 RTD at the end against equivalent threats that are entirely focused on them or using Colbys final build values with Red Dragon and Meteor swarm case (depending on if in region and in lair) between a 21~30 and 9~12 ish RTD (variance is in big part due to their at 0 survive), if there is no other factors like rage drop, required movement, AoO, environmental changes, etc. And part of why he probably doesnt do pure builds is because they are effectively solved, even artificer. CoDzillas are still the same due to free weekly wish and megametamagic hp refresh shapes, extra item attune and saves on Artificer is delicious, Rogue and Pally 20 power being extremely variable due to subclass interactions, Fighter is technically worth despite Extra attack (3) really belonging at 17 not 20 and 20 should replace surge and indomitable with legendary action and legendary resists, Wizards, Sorcerers and Monks are complete at 18 so you really cant optimize them without MC, similarly for Warlock and Bard at 17 with their (and sorcerers) capstones being insulting in how weak they are compared to any multiclass, Ranger really cuts off at 15 with 2+ levels of druid or cleric typically being worth more than Feral Senses, Greater Resto and a up to interpretation case of if Conjure Volley with poisons and buffs on the attack replicated in AOE is even legal (and even then, the overall aoe is done significantly better by other casters far earlier and the theme and poison/ammo buff trickery is done in about the same way by you yourself from 3rd level spells on with Conjure Barrage).

[@schuepbachr]

@@MK_ULTRA420 Boom-Bot

[@BLynn]

@@ANDELE3025 fairly certain that was episode 1 or 2.

[@Leif47]

This is the part of the week I look forward to the most, seeing a new character build and hearing Colby saying “Welcome Home” :). Also as for the magical secrets at Bard 10, I’d pick Haste but also pick Counterspell for helping defend allies from enemy spells. At Bard 14 I would use that next round of Magical Secrets to get Fizban’s Platinum Shield to finally be able to tank those endless fireballs or the Meteor Swarm

[@nicholaswells4572]

“Gift horse in the mouth” is because horses always have their teeth inspected to see dental health. As grazers, the state of their teeth directly correlates to basically how healthy/how long they’ll live. When it’s a gift horse, given to you, it’s still a free horse (in the days they were transportation/used for labor) Basically “beggers can’t be choosers” or that you can’t complain about something free.

[@Solenum756]

Back in the day when someone would gift you a horse it was considered rude to inspect that horse in front of them. Like counting cash that somebody owed you in front of them.

[@majordakka5743]

Didn't really work out for the Trojans being polite, though

[@Solenum756]

@@majordakka5743 lmao!!

[@martinwyatt1449]

To expand on what Patrick correctly said, the reason you check the mouth is looking at the teeth tells you how old the horse is and can help knowing it's general health.

[@peterthompson760]

@@majordakka5743 Lol, so good.

[@davyvanekert1209]

Funny you say this, here in the Netherlands we actually have a saying that goes 'don't look a gifted horse in the mouth'

[@BIGGGO4]

I really love these tank builds. Tanking and supporting is always my preferred playstyle. I would love to see more support builds with a focus on buffing, protecting, and healing.

[@andrewjakeman2318]

I came back to this video cuz I wanted to have an idea for a character I might play soon. One thing I noticed is for magical secrets you could take absorb elements and circle of power. For those that don’t know, absorb elements is a 1st level spell and is a reaction to cast and grants resistance to the damage type that triggers the reaction (has to be elemental damage), and circle of power is a 5th level spell that is an action to cast and grants advantage on saving throws against spells for allies wishing 30ft but requires concentration. Obviously these would do nothing for, the attacks against your AC, but would do wanders to improve the numbers against the meteor swarm. The spells recommended in the video are definitely better to take if you were to actually play this character at a table, but the spells above would be much better to take for the sake of the spreadsheet!

[@Justkidding277]

I've actually done this! Well.. not *this*, just.. taunting as a bard. I was playing a Halfling bard that specialized in illusions (as bards are want to do), and very often I would simply use vicious mockery so effectively that I would become the favorite pincushion/punching bag. It got to be enough of a thing that our cleric started buying extra potions and scrolls just to heal me or revive me when I would inevitably get knocked out; I had yet to master the art of multiclassing or building working concepts, so I was just a very squishy Halfling that got hurt a lot... it was some of the most fun I've had playing D&D

[@tensazangetsu8189]

Currently playing a Cav 3/Swords Bard 15 in a high level mini-campaign, ate the MADness and went with non-maxed stats (will say expertise in athletics with 18 STR is pretty fun when roleplaying a slim high-elf bard), and love it! altough as any full-ish caster, you end up using more spells than attack actions at higher levels, but having that soft-taunt and incredible ac has never been irrelevant in an encounter so far!

[@brannenpfister2579]

One of my favorite things about this channel is your focus on flavor. Optimizing is fun, and I do it all the time. Its always fun to look to be the best you can be, and feel useful. But, without any flavor… it feels like a blank canvas. I love it when you choose options that *thematically* fit the character archetype/background/backstory. Many other channels are also good for optimization, but the reason I come here is for the flavor. Most of your characters are brought to life, and have reason to existing. Love it man. Can’t wait for the next videos to come.

[@michaelfilmonchik1541]

My favorite part of the week

[@tacobeck19]

Right there with you!

[@ramblingryan6466]

My man... This brought back some memories. The closest thing to "family adventure night" was Everquest - it was me and my wife, my sister and her husband, my other sister, and my mom... Our group was a Mage, Enchater, Cleric, Druid, Shaman, and for tanking... Me, the Bard - "Hey, he wears plate, he can take a hit..." Yes, we had plenty of healing with a cleric druid and shaman, and we made it work for about 45 level before we needed to recruit a consistent meat shield... Except for the fact that I was a simple Half Elf - this is still a PERFECT representation of Deveraux Conteur. Thank you sir, what a great build.

[@wverms]

Between Bloodhunter's abillity to change immunity to resistance, the Poisoner feat's ability to ignore resistance, and Grave Domain Cleric's ability to give a creature a vulnerability which can coexist with said ignored resistance (Basically: 0^0 * .5^0 * 2^1). Poison is up there as one of the easiest damage types to make sure every enemy will be affected by equally in D&D. Just throwing this out there for anyone who likes poison but hates how weak the damage type is seen to be.

[@benjeffries2610]

🙋‍♂️ I did see that Hobbit when I was young, but can’t remember enough of it to attest to quality. 🤷 Enjoyed the video. Thank you for welcoming us home.

[@prosamis]

For the first lock level, I can't but suggest wrathful smite If it lands and the opponent fails the save, it's very hard for the enemy to breal out of the frightened cause the action it takes to break out of it is a wisdom *check* so no proficiency bonuses to it AND they do it at disadvantage due to being frightened And when frightened, the enemy simply can't approach your allies if you're standing between them and the enemy Yes it requires concentration, but vs one enemy this is a massive shutdown spell at first level that eats away at legendary resistances Big suggestion

[@mattdahm4289]

Thank you Colby- your builds are so inspiring. I always imagine d&d to be a finite resource but your builds only get better. Thank you!

[@ProfBrunoClemente]

I really love Bard builds that aren't a cliche. This Shifter Warlock/Cavalier/Bard has a great roleplay flavour to it, being also a Bard build and a very effective tank. I can only hope one day you'll make a College of Spirits Bard. I know it's a stretch, I'm probably the only guy in the world that likes it mechanically, but one can only hope!

[@yodaleiaheehoo9960]

Raises hand! ☠️ That was a real deep cut, singing a track from the original hobbit soundtrack. I love it!

[@jazztrumpet416]

Yes! Man I have no idea how many times I've watched it over the years, so much fun!

[@RK9th]

Grabbing Circle of Power from the Paladin spell list with Magical Secrets would help the fireball/meteor swarm survival test substantially. Aura of Vitality could help survivability across the board, though it competes with Slow for concentration.

[@phillconklin382]

Use Aura of Vitality outside of combat and you can top out your party pretty easy.

[@chefkochjay]

The excellence of this deep dive has more than earned my subscription!

[@ProfBrunoClemente]

For the Magical Secret, I would go for Counterspell. I mean, Fireballs are hurting you so much, it would be nice to not allow it to be cast in the first place.

[@RobThePrincess]

Also! Your Charisma check for Counterspell is boosted by Jack of All Trades! That makes bards, naturally one of the best Counterspellers in the game. And if you're looking at gameplay before level 10, it's arguably the best. Ajuration Wizards get the best boost to it at level 10 with their full proficiency bonus, Sorcerers can spend 1 point reroll a check at level 5, and Bards get half of their proficiency bonus to the check.

[@smorrison137]

This is good suggestion but you might need to weigh it's worth against the new spell caster stat blocks that just use magic as an action and don't need to "cast" spells for most of their more powerful effects.

[@ProfBrunoClemente]

​@@smorrison137 even if some foes don't "cast" spells anymore, a lot of foes still do it. Having Counterspell is still a very viable defense against the major "flaw" of this build, and it is particularly strong in a Bard class that has access to Jack of All Trades. I'm not saying there aren't other good spells, but probably still a very solid pick.

[@smorrison137]

@@ProfBrunoClemente I agree 100% it's a great pick for magical secrets especially given Jack of all Trades, the only better counter speller might be the Abjuration Wizard. While very meta I would value Counter Spell more when running older content that doesn't make use of the new stat blocks and less with newer content that does. In the same way I'd be less likely to take Counter Spell in a party where several other characters already had access to the spell.

[@ProfBrunoClemente]

@@smorrison137 I agree. The only problem with Wizard is that it changes the build of the video, but it is also a great option (And Absorb Elements is on the Wizard's spell list, which also helps). But I'd also check with the party. Magical Secrets is such a great, versatile feature!

[@Bootsofwings]

Dude every time I watch one of your vids I get an itch to make a new build, I am such a nerd, thanks for always making me and many more feel at home here! Much love

[@ekenks8650]

I’m using a variation on your Whip Build in a campaign (level 9) with divine soul sorc instead of hard levels, and I love how the tankiness/versatility is so satisfying. Even if there’s better tanks/damage builds, it’s let me add in front lining, and I think builds with some tankiness built in let you better fit into whatever team you actually play the character with. Thanks for the great comment as always!

[@freakyleaky1077]

Suggestion is a taunt! You suggest they only attack you on their next turn. Or command to force them to approach you

[@nicholascmartinez]

Colby, you're the best! Great build as always. Definitely want to try this one out!

[@fakjbf3129]

You can tell the age of a horse by looking at its teeth, so “looking a gift horse in the mouth” is receiving a free animal but then being picky about how old it is. And so the phrase “don’t look a gift horse in the mouth” means that if someone gives you a gift don’t try to overanalyze it and figure out exactly what it’s worth, just accept it and be gracious.

[@jordyrowe9055]

Just yesterday I was browsing your bard builds and this is what I was looking for I think, what great timing

[@gethriel]

Pro Tip: although Mass Suggestion is likely put to better use, this is your "active taunt" you are looking to employ; and if your DM penalizes the enemy for a suggestion it is already inclined to do, or if you know the encounter needs to be resolved by elimination of all targets, it might be your best use of the spell... get them all to attack you.

[@peterthompson760]

Very interesting/versatile build, I also really liked the Slow Spell highlight.

[@PeacefulOz]

I started playing a version of this character recently in a spelljammer campaign as well as a high level on shot. My concept is more focused on being a swordmaster so I went battlemaster instead of cavalier. Build is a support tank hybrid and so much fun. Love all the flourishes and maneuvers and how it allows you to protect your party in multiple ways. Thank you for the inspiration and your awesome content.

[@ajmacewan7285]

Next video will be D4 at 50k! Congratulations Colby, been with you since 5k and it's been an honor to watch the channel grow. So long as you keep doing this, we'll be here! Much love to you good sir

[@stecon5]

This is great! This is similar to a character I created recently. Hexblade 1/ Eloquence Bard X where we RPd that my character became more powerful the more people he taunted, lied to, or deceived. I like the fighter dip if tanking is #1 priority but the extra Bard spells were too tough to pass up. Even eldritch invocations (mask of many faces? Agonizing blast?) might be more enticing for me. But that’s not tanking. Also I like Custom origin and shadow touched for shenanigans and to have 18 CHR at level 1. I was outhitting and terrifying everyone early on. I even disguised self to steal an enemy’s identity while they looked on in horror lol.

[@dienezdarcprowlyr9406]

Been waiting for this. Spent the last couple of days reviewing older builds and really needed to get a new one

[@Czaric1117]

Magical secrets would also open the option to grab absorb elements to help against the fireball test, don't even need to upcast to get the full resistance, and what else are you using your 1st level slots at that level?

[@jacob_is_fine]

Great stuff, my go to for builds

[@Finnssssss]

Just some side notes with Flourish. A) You get the extra 10' move EVERY TIME you take the attack action. +10 normal attack action, +10 taking attack action on action surge, +10 taking attack action from haste. B) When you land a critical and use Defensive Flourish you get the same number you rolled for damage so yes double dice to your AC.

[@pawefeszler9543]

Great as always! Fun, language fact: "don't look gift horse in a mounth is also present in other languages, in polish we actually have something like "don't look gift horse in a teeth" also we have a another, even stranger idiom connected to horse. When somebody is starving, that person could say, something, which is roughtly translated into " i could eat horse with hooves". So, languages, wierd stuff :D

[@lunamoth34]

Every time Tuesday is coming up I think "he's basically done every type of build, there's nothing new for him to do" and then you whip something up like this and I am amazed every single time. Thank you for making my Tuesdays great!

[@riven5544]

I want to see a greatsword build. Something in the vein of Guts from berserk, but not a pure Guts cosplay build.

[@MichaelWilliams-vx2js]

60+ upvotes 10 minutes after posting an hour long video? The people love you my man!

[@DnDDeepDive]

🥰

[@linkatronic]

I usually duck out for the outtakes but as soon as I heard the song from the greatest Hobbit adaptation, I could not look away. Great video as always!

[@B45710N]

Looks like it's that great time of the week again! congrats on 50k subs by the way because you are right about there already.

[@DnDDeepDive]

Thanks!

[@jiminkpen9750]

Yes! 50k so deserved and so close.

[@VerumAdPotentia]

I like Randal's artwork, but W-O-W is it EXPENSIVE! No way I'm ever going to be able to afford to have him draw a portrait for me. 😱

[@pauljinkerson6359]

Another great break down from Colby. Keep it up

[@prixiusnecrolance8531]

Compelled Duel is another Soft taunt that I think people often overlook. It's concentration and gives a saving throw, but it allows casters to get a decent soft taunt in the meanwhile. You can pick it up with Fey Touched. Might be especially good with Sorcerer for twinned spell.

[@geneticdriftwood]

You have such a calming voice, I always feel relaxed watching your videos

[@prosamis]

Just one thing to clarify about the spellcasting focus thing Your spellcasting focus can only be used to do somatic components if the spell also has a material component with it So, like it or not, you're really going to need the warcaster feat to cast most spells

[@andreasaslaksen4430]

Aah! Huge fan of this show, but my new Hex-dip bard has had to start filling in as the tank of the party - Awesome timing and cannot wait to get home and watch this!

[@manichighway5986]

I love seeing builds, that change the role of a class, such a cool idea!

[@snoopyj735]

I'd probably choose Steel Wind Strike as a Magical Secrets. Even though the character isnt necessarily built to do damage, Steel Wind Srike give the opportunity for you to act as a tank and also take out several lower HP enemies at once in a pinch.

[@cleric1125]

All good on the droppping weapon thing. RAW, you can pick up a weapon with a free object interact, these arent talked about often but we do have them in 5e. In addition, dropping a weapon does not use that free object interaction, its purely free, no action of any kind. So at anytime you can drop your weapon, cast a spell, and pick it back up with a free object interaction. the only tricky part is shield, because this is always used as a reaction. you can drop the weapon to cast shield but then you are stuck until your turn before you can pick it back up.

[@jiminkpen9750]

Love the return to actual role-playing to get opponents to attack you. One of the reasons computer games needs 'hard taunts' is the ai, in a ttrpg that's the GM who decides npc actions.

[@GryphonDes]

There are a TON of fun 'Insults and Taunts' over at Drivethru -- I like the 'Shakespear' ones heheh Also dscryb is just awesome!!! Use it a lot!

[@lilasnoir4197]

I feel like someone is reading my mind, because this week I've been working on a Barbarian Bard (Satyr from Theros) who's a big tank! X3 Im going to have fun watching this video, edit later how this video helped!

[@justinfreitas4871]

Thanks bud. Always awesome!

[@timotheeichetovkin1130]

15:25 The proverb refers that when you received a horse as the gift, don't check his age by looking his theeth.

[@darrenromanko2414]

I hope you also have a most excellent week. Thank you for another great video.

[@sanguinemluna4337]

Just about 50k. Fun watching the channel grow

[@mickthelick5788]

The best "Taunt" at my table is a Cleric concentrating on Spirit Guardians. My DM pretty much does his best to solely attack our cleric until he breaks his concentration.

[@SirBunyip]

Before buying a horse, the buyer always checked the teeth (as well as other parts to evaluate how healthy it is). If you receive something for free, don't check the quality of it thoroughly in front of the gifter. We use this saying in Hungary as well. Also: you made me check out the monsters of the multiverse book. I would love to see a simple, but extremely efficient BEGINNER PLAYER FRIENDLY monk / barbarian multiclass build, that can be efficient in multiple ways. Not focused strickly on damage or tankyness, instead being a versatile, useful character: - soak up damage (unarmored defense, rage, and way of the long death) - stop opponents from moving around too much, and sticking to them - be decent at sneaking and lockpicking (also a good perception would be nice to spot traps and scout...) - can attack flying opponents (throwing? * wink wink *) Thank you for the interesting builds!

[@agilemind6241]

Here's my take on a beginner friendly monk / barbarian: Race: Human - just regular old human! Point Buy: 15, 13, 15, 8, 12, 8 = 16, 14, 16, 9, 13, 9 Concepts & Backgrounds & skills: Bouncer = Criminal, take Athletics & Intimidation from Barbarian Gladiator = Gladiator, take Athletics and Animal Handling + give them either a Mastiff or a Hawk as their show-partner Bodyguard = Soldier, take Perception & Survival from Barbarian Level 1: Barbarian 1 - Unarmored Defense = AC 15, + Rage for survivability, use whatever weapon they want. Plenty of HP. Level 2: Monk 1 - Martial Arts = 2 attacks per turn with our STR + Rage dmg Level 3: Monk 2 - Ki! = up to 3 attacks per turn + Dedicated Weapon so we can go back to using a Greataxe & kicking baddies in the balls. (Honestly I'd just ignore the fact that they couldn't do this at level 2 b/c beginners don't need that hassle). Level 4: Monk 3 - Way of the Drunken Master - Now when they are Flurrying (which should be as much as possible) they don't need to worry about AoO. Plus we're keeping it simple, so it's super beginner friendly. Level 5 : Monk 4 - increase STR, another +1 damage and to hit on all 3 of our attacks, and our beginner still only has to keep track of ki and run into combat and Attack + Flurry to be effective, but they have plenty of flexibility to grapple or strafe if they need to / want to. Level 6 : Monk 5 - Extra Attack! Now we're up to 4 attacks : 2d12+2d6+STR*4+2*4. Yes we get Stunning Strike but our DC sucks so our beginner can just ignore it. Level 7: Monk 6 - Magical fists so the common resistance isn't a problem for our damage, we get another passive to make it even easier to run to the thing we want to kill & hit it. Plus a niche reaction that is awesome when it comes into play but isn't too common so won't take much away from our Flurrying. Level 8: Barbarian 2 - Reckless attack for when we're feeling reckless, and adv on dex saves to help keep us alive. Level 9: Barbarian 3 - Totem Warrior (Bear), we are now an immortal god! Level 10: Barbarian 4 - Max out our STR. Level 11: Monk 7 - Evasion + adv on Dex saves is nice! And we can save ourselves from being Frightened! Level 12-13: either Barbarian 5-6 (if we need more rages to get through the adventuring day) or Monk 8-9 (take Tough for extra HP, and get some more ki if we're having longer not more fights). Congratulations! You're campaign is probably finished. Pros: SIMPLE! We have only 2 resources to keep track of: Rage & Ki and everything we can do is tied to those two things or is a passive always-on effect. To be effective in combat all we need to do is attack with our weapon then Flurry of Blows as much as possible. FLEXIBLE! If our beginner gets bored with just making 4 attacks per round, they have lots of options they can explore : - getting half-plate + a shield and using Patient Defense to tank & redirect enemy attacks back at them. - grappling the enemy and using our tons of movement to shove them into traps or AoE damage effects - hit & running to goad the enemy into chasing us to set them up for the rest of the party. - depending on character concept / background we should have some decently useful skills. Cons: FLYING! No options to deal with flying opponents, but if its and issue the DM should hand out some flying boots and we're all good. SKILLS! We only get 4 skill proficiencies so we'd better choose them wisely. SOCIAL! We're MAD so we have to dump Cha which means less incentive for the beginner to be involved in RP & NPC interactions.

[@SirBunyip]

@@agilemind6241 That's a really interesting concept! I love it! My only issue is the weapon use: monks can't dedicate a weapon which is heavy sadly, but can use some that are 2-handed, and without armor, so that's not a huge loss imo. (The weapon must be a simple or martial weapon. You must be proficient with it. It must lack the heavy and special properties.)

[@agilemind6241]

@@SirBunyip Ah right, then you use a Longsword instead. I doesn't really matter for the build since we're keeping it simple and not using any weapon feats or fighting styles. This also means they're flexible to try out different weapons or magic items they might come across.

[@SirBunyip]

@@agilemind6241 Agreed :) Thank you for your response!

[@raishrby]

In one campaign I ran back when the soccer World Cup vuvuzellas were topical, the PCs got a vuvuzella magic item they could play with their swift action (3.5e) to force enemies within 15ft to make a Will Save or feel compelled to attack you. It made our tank so much happier whenever it worked! A little bit of DM help can go a long way in letting characters live out their dreams for their characters when mechanics don't fully get there (especially if they're not optimizers)

[@Jay-pj5tg]

I loved hearing you roleplay it a bit alsoo the booming / unwavering mark combo is clever

[@Dave004]

Btw, excited to see Colby hit the 50k mark subscribers soon (hopefully i'm not jinxing anything), and hopefully that means another One Shot with Treantmonk and Dungeon Dudes, maybe this time Colby DM's. Well deserved, such a great channel (along with the other two I mentioned of course). Only 3 channels you'll ever need for DnD content.

[@Morganwrath]

Its nice getting your teaser shorts when i wake up in the morning then getting the full videos just as im settling into bed x). Upside of my timezone.

[@rmida9122]

Adding onto the gift horse dialouge - best way to quickly tell condition and age of a horse is by inspecting the teeth. This was all properly explained by the son of a horse trader, Matrim Cauthon, in the Wheel of Time!

[@gabsinventions9135]

Not sure if any one had answered that. But the reason of this is saying saying is because looking at the a house teeth is a way for you to know how old they are. (and how close to die and leave a large creature to be bared.)

[@reespewa]

Great build! My approach instead of the fighter levels would've been to maybe pick-up compelled duel using the fey touched feat for when we really need that hard taunt on a creature (I e. We can't get the positioning right or the creature is an intelligent combatant). If we start with a 17 charisma it's a good way to round out the odd score.

[@arthurmarques6191]

two comments 1. THANK YOU you finally addressed the white elephant in the room, I cannot count how many builds you glossed over shield + the need for warcaster 2. please make a build around the sanctuary spell. I call it bubble, instead of taunt a well timed sanctuary (twinned) might be a good way to protect your allies

[@hvypower2472]

I am actually playing a lvl 10 Valor Bard(human variant) oriented in mounted combat. I picked Mounted Combat , Heavily Armored and Inspiring Leader for my feats. My two magical secrets are Find Greater Steed and Destructing Waves . For my main weapon i use a Lance for the 10ft reach and keep my shield on . Add the Aid Spell , Mirror Image , Slow and Greater Invisibility then you are good to tank for a while on the back of a dire wolf .

[@brucebrown2241]

Oh, yes. Best part of a Tuesday. Thanks, Colby!

[@wacpas]

Magical Secrets: my suggestion would be: - absorb element (think of the fireballs) - silvery barbs (to make sure slow sticks)

[@wacpas]

Or get Spiritual Guardians to have something to concentrate on against monsters who have legendary resistances... Half their speed and deal damage. Yes please! Another spell could be bestow curse. I play in a westmarches game where I play a cleric and a friend a wizard. We usually team up with bestow curse and silvery barbs to burn through legendary resistances if there's one big monster...

[@ErikkuBlade]

One thing I really liked from playing Pathfinder Wrath of the Righteous, there was an ability that effectively allowed you to taunt things using Persuasion. I kind of been thinking of a taunt mechanic, using the Intimidation Skill. The way it'd work is, as a bonus action (I would use an action, but the help action is another effective use of taunting an enemy to distract them), you can attempt to lure the attention against a creature. Make a Charisma (Intimidation) check against an opposed Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, they would either get a penalty to attacks or disadvantage (whichever the DM is more comfortable with for sake of balance) on attacks other than you, but maybe they get a bonus (or advantage) on attacks against you as a result. So it would incentivize the need to attack you further and keep attention away from others. Roleplay could potentially give you advantage or disadvantage on the Intimidation check, as well as character actions. (For example, you can get advantage to taunt if you kill an owlbear's cub) I dunno - I think that could be a very easy system to implement

[@shizzlenitts4757]

Love your work. Love the video.

[@richardllg5751]

I'm a bit late but I love this build. I've wanted to adapt Sigvald the Magnificent as a DnD character for ages and I just found out how. I may replace Cavalier with Battlemaster with Goading Attack for soft taunt and other useful maneuvers. Anyway thank you Colby 🙏🏻

[@horbi3683]

Great build, thanks! I am sure someone has already pointed this out: for number purposes you might have wanted to pick up Absorb Elements for a Magical Secret.

[@adamienw]

In the old days you would inspect a horse's teeth to ascertain it's health before buying it. However it might be considered rude to check the health of an animal someone gave you as a gift. (At least right away.) Saying explained! (love your videos.)

[@fuzzysquirrel]

Cheers to another successful Bard vid! :D

[@DnDDeepDive]

😂

[@jean-christopherouleau1626]

I think you’re better off with 3 more levels of bard instead of going cavalier. You would get the swords bard capstone, more magical secrets (Fizban’s Platinum Shield, Globe of Invulnerability), Mind Blank, one more ASI and eventually 9th level spells: Foresight, True Polymorph… With True Polymorph and Planar Binding, you can get a pet Hollyphant that has a aura blocking spells of 6th level or lower

[@traviss3974]

I have been playing a tank build you may wanna hear. 1 fighter/19 lvl cleric Twilight domain Feats: healer Fighting style: interception Why this work?: This work beacuse a simply combinations of spell and features Use Twilight sanctuary+ a bonus action spell( sanctuary or spiritual weapon are usefull) Cast warding Bond. Warding Bond is a 1 hour duration non concentration spell, that allows a party member to have resistance to all damage, +1 to ac and saving throw. The caviat is that you recive the same damage. Dont worry, the temp HP of Twilight sanctuary Will negate that damage. When your bonded Ally, recibe damage, use your reaction to reduce the damage even more( i think the damage reduction happens after the resistances, and not before). A little of math, for a la lvl6 character 1d6+5+1d10+3= 17 of damage negate, 34 White apply resistances

[@lucasnicolasgarzarellasald2036]

Hey there! Love the tank videos. I was thinking that when the need arises to separate these builds into tiers, you consider making the tiers "nova tanks" and "sustained tanks" instead of just numbers. Using the same criteria as with damage (sustained means at least a whole combat of fuel :P)

[@dylanmiller9162]

I love this level 1/lineage combo, and the thought it inspired in me is that maybe your family/you were cursed with lycanthropy, and this pact, acting via a silver weapon (talk to your DMs lol), suppresses it to be controllable while you are bound to it.

[@andycates7923]

The saying "don't look a gift horse in the mouth" Came from the practice of inspecting the teeth and mouth of a horse that you were interested in buying. Apparently, you could tell a lot about the overall health of the animal by doing that. So, if someone gave you a horse free of charge it was considered rude to look in its mouth, as you hadn't paid anything for it, and shouldn't really expect anything.

[@the03hall]

I do love these tank builds hilarious to see what's possible provided the stars align to see the limits of not caring about your opponents attacks. I know you repeatedly mention your calculations are for best case and are aware of the lack of realism but does seem unfair to compare a build like this to some of the other tanks who's survivability is significantly more consistent and doesn't require knowing the future XD. Love the vids x

[@TheSasquatchjones]

You had me at the Monty Python's Quest for the Holy Grail reference.👏

[@Mononocleosus]

Been loving your content! Started following not too long ago and I'm making my way through you vast cataloge! Although not apart of the official content, have you thought of any concepts involving CR's Blood Hunter? Would love to hear if any! Absolutely love your intros!!

[@ranaraptor3]

The feat I don’t see often mentioned that could fit well here is defensive duellist, it gives you very sustainable way to raise AC and you still have shield to bail you out if it’s not a melee attack. Plus if you start fighter rather than hex blade, given which only works if you start your character at level 5, then you don’t have to pick resilient, freeing up that ASI/Feat

[@logancuster8035]

The Cav taunt is just so unreliable though. The “within 5 feet of you” clause means anything that can teleport will just get away and attack something else. Or even just WALK away and attack something else. I don’t think BB is enough to discourage enemies to stay put man. Would really encourage you to not rely on this mechanic in the future. I think it’s a trap

[@f.a.santiago1053]

Maaan, I was just thinking about making an Inigo Montoya character yesterday. lolol You get me!

[@yacobvlogs1238]

Super fun build!

[@xaviertherisen2851]

A good way to check the health of a horses by looking into it smells, so if somebody gives you a horse it is rude to check on the horses health in front of the sub person. Basically the same means that if somebody gives you something don’t check the quality of said gift in front of them just be grateful for the gift

[@Ambiguous_Syntax]

Suggestions: (since I've been making some characters built around concepts that I'd *love* to see what you do with, but I'm not good at/don't have the patience for optimisation): 1: The Fire Mage. A character built around only being able to do magic related to fire. I used a fire genasi, took the UA pyromancer sorcerer subclass and took fire and "fog" spells, flavouring them as smoke. I liked your Flame Thrower build but wondered if you could make something viable without "cheating" and using another damage type. 2. The Mind over Matter Mage. A character built around telekinesis and having spells that can be explained by telekinesis. I took a Vuman with the telekinesis feat, the storm sorcerer subclass, and Catapult, Telekinesis and a lot of wind spells. Also all the "Control" Cantrips (besides Control Flames) and Mage Hand. 3. The Teleporter. A character whose schtick is that they can teleport (and Plane Shift) the best of all characters. Sadly I couldn't think of what role they'd play in a party, though they could make an interesting specialist NPC. I took a conjuration wizard and flavoured quite a few divination spells as them "teleporting" information. Also quite a few illusion spells since they are fun to combine with teleportation (and thought about making their subclass the illusionist, since conjuration doesn't give you all that much for teleportation). 4. The Strong Bladesinger. The fluff for Bladesingers mentions schools that use strength-based one-handed weapons; actually more of them than dex-based one-handed weapons. It made me wonder whether you could make a Bladesinger that used strength instead of dexterity (without lucky rolls, that is). I used Custom Origin to make a half-orc-half-elf with the Tough feat to make them more survivable, but I'm not sure if you could make something viable. I also wanted to use spells like Kinetic Jaunt and was disappointed that they conflicted with Bladesong for your bonus action. 5. The (Demon) Summoner. The Book series the Belgariad has a few characters who summon demons for (ritual) combat. I wondered if I could make a D&D character like that (though who might also summon Elementals, Aberrations, Undead, etc.). There were a few interesting mechanical options I came across. First, the Metamagic feat would give you access to Extended spell, meaning you could double the time of the spell Magic Circle and thus use it in combination with Summon Greater Demon and Planar Binding; You could cast Magic Circle one spell-level higher in order to extend it, but that's no fun. Second, I though the divination wizard might make the best summoner, since Portent would allow them to make *sure* their summons failed their saves to break free; this only works if you plan to bind a creature to you for a long time, though. Silvery Barbs is also useful here.

[@agilemind6241]

2. That one's pretty easy. Has to be a wizard so you max out your INT for the big-brain skills, I'd probably go Abjuration and flavour the Arcane Ward as them telekinetically holding off whatever is damaging them. Variant Human or Custom Lineage for Telekinesis feat at level 1. Then just take the following spells: Mage Hand, Mind Sliver, Catapult, Earth Tremor, Featherfall, Shield Tasha's Mind Whip, Hold Person, Gust of Wind, Detect Thoughts Slow, Counterspell, Dispel Magic, Animate Dead Confusion, Psychic Lance, Resilient Sphere, Fabricate, Control Water Animate Objects, Telekinesis, Hold Monster, Telepathic Bond 4. Just take a 1 level dip into Fighter and you're done.

[@edwinvermeulen8187]

Looking a gift horse in the mouth: You can determine a horses age by its teeth, so with it you would look how old the horse is. Its an ancient form of looking up your present's value on the internets :P

[@waitthatsillegal.7552]

"Huge tanks as always *cut* [pun intended] *cut* to my friend Randall Hampton for the fantastic artwork"...

[@user-ov2dk7cf7n]

I assume Dhampir would work great as well for this build. You wouldn't get temporary hit points, but you can just stack up CON and dump dexterity at 14. And it doesn't require a dip into hexblade. Just pick the dragonmark feat for +1 to CON, absorb elements and situational booming blade and it's enough

[@cleanerpowell]

15:14 The term of phrase comes from questioning the quality of something you're getting for free! If your friend got you a cool new horse, you say "thanks," don't immediately check their dental work

[@billyboy4400]

I'd probably take the pact aspect almost entirely out of the Hexblade dip and make them a sentient but low-magic weapon with entirely positive intentions. Either make them a gift given to you to help with the curse, or, if the campaign is a little less serious, literally just make them a sword who really just likes being around you.

[@MrThedowd]

Really like this video. Have been thinking about a hexblade/swordsbard but going earth genasi to combine blade ward with armour of agathys for double value