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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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]

+

[@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

[@EMbrokehp]

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

[@matthewletexier]

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

[@charleshockenbury353]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@perihelion1225]

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

[@LeeCarlson]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@ianjordan8964]

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

[@ArdyAileron]

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

[@aliasanonymous5387]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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...

[@gryphon5026]

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

[@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)

[@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 ..

[@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.

[@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.

[@SektionEi8ht]

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

[@matthewhicks8203]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@cteal2018]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@LocalMaple]

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

[@DamnSelene]

Headcanon: Ra's is definitely proficient with the tantan

[@melonsaway3929]

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

[@OverlordZenith]

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

[@aetherspiralknight]

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

[@FlutesLoot]

Love the use of "The Pit" song

[@AmusinglySaunters]

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

[@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

[@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 🔥

[@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

[@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

[@chara2038]

1:01 What a subtle way to flip someone off

[@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

[@uverdog]

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

[@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

[@KallenScarlet]

Okay folks, our time has come. Its finally happening! Time to get *MOTIVATED*. Edit- Also this video was really fun and a cool build, thanks Tulok!

[@AzazinNote]

Ok, just so we clear, Ra's does die, than get ressurected. Unlesss it's a particular version of him that doesn't, I know Batman Begins doesn't, but theres no Lazarus pit there, so It's not that one...

[@nicestguyever9338]

Love this intro and the bane one.

[@starsgears9200]

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

[@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

[@nickmojo3697]

I accept this more than the bane video personally

[@logandaley1544]

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

[@nickramos4012]

Im glad someone said it

[@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

[@burrito9327]

Ah, the return of the Anderson Cooper bit, WITH A VENGEANCE!

[@Scarbonac]

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

[@myths_and_Legend]

Hey youtube comments. This guy consistently breaks 5e rules over his knee to make a character sheet completely in character. You say thats a "bad video." I say it's creative as hell.

[@Draiocht012]

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

[@_great_expectations_9478]

Best intro yet.

[@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.

[@nascromt]

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

[@Murphy_Crapenshitz]

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

[@Tusitala1967]

Transmuter Wizard can bring other people back to life, my dude.

[@Whatsthisfoe]

::Waits nearly 14 minutes for the Jump Spell joke:: ::Is not disappointed::

[@aaron9797]

next we need the immortal caveman vandal savage

[@williamaldred335]

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

[@dragoizumura1087]

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

[@itwasidio1736]

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

[@Ryu_D]

Thank you for the video.

[@backupnoname]

I haven't watched it yet, but I'm calling it, sorcerer who becomes a Lich

[@alinkinthechain]

Bard Ras is definitely more in flavor. If you ABSOLUTELY need punching, snag fighting initiate.

[@andrewtyrell4795]

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

[@hadeszero4526]

pass every save after almost 20 levels isn't a mary sue you earned that shit late game leveling is rough.

[@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!

[@jamessberna1330]

Another player at my table is playing a homebrew rogue and basically described Hisoka. When me and the dm said that he was honestly confused. He hasn't seen HxH.

[@zimattack9994]

Wow you can just see his soul dying

[@gabethomas4549]

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

[@thomasdevine867]

Still pulling for Eglantine Price (Bednobs and Broomsticks), Winifred Sanderson (Hocus Pocus), Prince Voltran (Flash Gordon), Captain Kirk, Commander Spock, Councilor Troi, Mary Poppins, and the Reverend Doctor Syn (The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh).

[@av7501]

The P&R sleeper hit. yuss

[@fit7price]

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

[@openarmsasmr4939]

Another option would be to make him an Undying Warlock, calling the pit your patron, but that’s kinda iffy.

[@jackbaccarat4084]

How to Build Jean Pierre Polnareff from Jojo's Bizarre Adventures part 3 Stardust Crusaders; the Musketeer Stand User with Passion in his heart and a Blade at his hip. Leave a Like and Comment to avoid becoming a turtle next time you play, maybe Intro Theme: All for One (All For Love) By Bryan Adams, Sting and Rob Stewart. Goals: 1. Silver Chariot: Your Stand is essentially Star Platinum but faster and with a rapier. 2. Cavalier, more like Chadvalier: A class old schoolers will remember as the cooler and flamboyant fighter. Exploit the challenge skills and die hard to become the greatest flamboyant swashbuckler around. 3. Frenchman Flair: Your a roguish white knight, a natural flirt with a chivalrous code. Your the French version of Inigo Montoya with a Fencing Ghost Knight, just be careful hunting that Man with the Two Right Hands or you'll find yourself in the Court of a Crimson King.