So, where would your character diverge from the choices I made? What would you have rolled up instead? Thanks so much to the Divine Forge on Kickstarter for sponsoring this video! Sign up at the link below! www.kickstarter.com/projects/questnest/a-5e-gm-friendly-adventure-the-divine-forge?ref=d7xtfm
You are a DM right? And you're always searching for new and interesting monsters? Then what's your opinion on "The book of beautiful horrors" It's a did spin on the withcer monsters. It has some interesting low cr monsters like, simple downers or neckers, many versions of wraiths and vanpires, evil-er and stronger versions of the hags, in either the crones or the grave hags big forest creatures like the leshen. And even has more friendly creatures like the godlings of botchlings. Even vampires and werewolves. It's over 200 pages long and I very much like it. But what is your opinion I wonder? Or, did you even know about it? It's very obviously the witcher monsters in d&d
For a Sorcerous origin you forgot to mention one that would make a lot of sense. Storm Sorcery! Theese people have been living underground for their entire lives. Could you imagine how territying lightning would be to them?
This is something that can be pretty difficult for new players. They tend to think they're going to sit down to fill a stat sheet. I try to steer them away from this approach and get them to explore who their character is rather than what their character is. The stats will follow after that.
To counter that, I usually have premade characters with really characteristic art, so they see that first and THEN they read the sheet. And because the game I use has sheets that fit on a tarot sized playing card, I often print the sheet on one face of the card, the art on the other and place them on the table art-face up, telling the players to turn the card only when they have made their choice
I had an idea years ago about a necromancer who is so insane he seems sane. The one dead (pun intended) give away, is that he has the undead corpses of his parents thatfollow him around, or stored in an amulet, that have all his spells carved into their flesh. Its messed up, and I love it
For my Starjammer character I decided he used tattoos as a record of the "stories" he was collecting of his adventures -- milestone tattoos. IIRC, one arm had a chain of milestone tattoos, and the other arm had some other set of tattoos like for principles he wanted to build from or the like. I'm not a tattoo type person myself -- no interest in marking up my body that way (I don't even have pierced ears) -- but I do like the idea of a character for whom tattoos have a strong, coherent, collective meaning rather than just whatever happened to come to mind when the itch for a new tattoo came along. And tying it into a culture was pretty fun.
Travis Willingham said in a video about Exandria Unlimited Calamity that a lot of the time he designs his characters around an item they have with them. He said for Fjord the idea came from some greaves he found at a costume shop and for his Rogue in calamity it was some Axes he saw in a video that looked like hawks. Another interesting way to start a character.
I hate that I get Mike's stuff late. I'm watching this 2 months late as TH-cam takes the 1 time I watch a 20mil view video compared to me watching all of Mike's. Make sure to like the vid guys so others don't miss out!!! Love your content Mike, really insightful and this video in particular made me think of this when applying it to NPCs. Maybe not as in depth but a good thought process nonetheless😄
I had this image of tattoos slowly reverting in how the ink was applied as the spells were cast. Once the character slots were exhausted, their tattoos would be just lines. Upon restoring their slots, the ink would return.
Interesting character you ended up creating, but they still could have been a Wizard. Personally, I was thinking of a spell tattoo wizard myself. Think of it this way. Depending on how your world works the spell slots in universe, it's no different than choosing which spells you'll use from a spell book. During long rest downtime, the wizard can paint spells as tattoos onto their body as per their spell slots, and, just like spells and spell slots, once the spell is cast, the spell tattoo disappears, and they have to reapply again during long rest down time, just like how spell slots refill and just lioe how a wizard chooses their spells. Though I guess for a Sorcerer it could be "tattoos" they're born with and just appear and disappear with casting.
5:34 I Had a heavily tattooed cleric for a character concept,,, using pathfinder 1e,,, It would be a cleric of an evil deity(the king in yellow) who hid her holy symbols among countless others and then wearing clothes somewhere between bandages and dessert clothes. She would fake her alignment even casting spells of that alignment and pull her bandages up to look like an ally to any religious organisations. Never did get to play that one but remembering it definitely made me want to finalize it
I fancy myself visually artistic, so my approach is often similar to this. I may have an *inkling* of an idea for a character concept, maybe just one singular trait or story beat, and then I tend to build a starting appearance in my head. From there, it's back and forth, tugging at threads of how their appearance ties to backstory, or how threads of that backstory change the appearance. Eventually, it feels like I have a cohesive character. Or I have to wad it up and start over. :P
I also use your method because I'm a very visual person. I use my imagination allot and think what class would fit my usage or the character more, and then finish with what stats he could possibly have. And I don't even bother with the actual wardrobe of the character too much xD I just have a general "image" of them The character I currently wanna try could either be a fighter/bard/warlock/Druid(self made) I made him as a Druid but I struggled alot to find something that would fit my image of him On the other hand, I wanted to try a bard that seeks to find a legendary instrument that brings a while orchestra to your fingertips. And in that one I begun with the instrument instead
My new favourite thing to do is roll on the character builder tables in Xanathar's and use that as a jumping off point to finetune the character I want to play. None of my rolls are set in stone, so if I don't want siblings, I ignore the roll, or if I'd rather be born in the back of a wagon, I go with that option instead. Character concepts I could never have imagined grow spontaneously before me, and I absolutely love that feeling of discovering a new character without any of my preconceived or overused ideas!
I used this method for a character of mine. I wanted to use a bit of body horror and came up with a Firbolg with Last Of Us style Cordyseps growing off of her and ended up with a very effective Circle of Spores Druid
I tried a couple of those random character generator and got "tranquil eladrin ranger from the sewers who sleep walks but only as far as to spoon with the nearest creature"
That's an interesting approach. To be honest though I've had strong visual ideas for quite a few characters I don't tend to start with an image for D&D. The image grows out of the personality and backstory I put together. This might be partly because I hate trying to find reference images. It's an appealing idea though and I can see why a lot of people would like it. Starting with a cool look or an atmospheric image gives you something to build to. I think I just find it easier the other way around? I keep thinking of the backup character I have for a campaign I'm playing in. His name's Khalil, he's a rogue because that's what would benefit the party. I decided to build him as a phantom rogue so I wrote a backstory where he had a near death experience as a child. He was skating and the ice on the lake cracked. His appearance grew from that idea of a connection with ghosts and that one foot in the grave idea. His hair has gone grey early. He's way too skinny and his skin looks washed out, greyish, unhealthy. He has a kind of fevered look to him. And I think if I'd started with that mental image I'd have come up with a completely different character, and not necessarily one that would have held my interest.
Going by the title, I was expecting inspiration from a picture or piece of art. This is definitely not an approach I have ever used (to the best of my recollection). Good stuff!
Up until now never had any idea of how my character would look like until I have the core concept first, maybe it's my background as a comic artist (and fan) that makes me start thinking in narrative before looks. Maybe if someday I feel stuck at creating some character I'll try it this way (although I did like a lot the "leave the dice choose for you" and someday I'll try that way first).
Character creation has always been my bread and butter, both as a player, writer, and a DM. But sometimes, it's just handy to find something to help give a bit of inspiration. Just to kickstart the process. Sometimes people can get hung up on not being able to come up with things on their own without help, I know a few friends of mine who have that issue. Maybe this video can give them a spark of inspiration. Or maybe it can help them realize they don't have to take it all on by themselves.
Idea for a How To Make A Character video (maybe collab with OnlyCrits?): based on what your dice look like? I've done this before and I'm going to end up doing it again soon, I keep getting dice sets as gifts!
I've used a few different approaches and this is one of them. I've started with a single trait or name, a single physical characteristic or general look. It's fun building a character from different starting points. I've also created characters based on music I've listened to. Either as a person who would really be into the genre of music or the person who would be the subject of the song itself. Music has also helped flesh out some of my characters. I've also looked at landscape pictures and tried to figure out what kind of character would live in a certain environment. I've also done the 'what if this animal was a person' because if we can get Wolverine, I'm thinking I can get at least something interesting. 😆
Can you do a video where discuss taking a character build that you came up with via a playstyle you would enjoy playing and working in theme and narrative concept into that character? (meaning starting with the mechanics first and then building the thematic character on top of that. The reason why I ask is that i have so many character builds that I would like to play that are built around a mechanical playstyle, but then when I try to work into who that character is thematically and narratively to come up with my concept, I kind of stumble. It is very hard to find a group to join as a player (whether in person or online) when you don't really know any of them and they don't know you, with mechanical builds and no, actual, character concept.
I'm not too fond of theater of the mind in the sense of describing my character during a game, although I do like where you're going with this. Keep up the good work and you deserve another subscriber.
You referenced Ed and his tattoos. I play bards. What if the bard used his tattoos that he has collected to cast minor illusion on them to help his performance and tell a story?. And as a Bard he could use a main tattoo as his focus. Oh I like this idea. I may steal it. LOL Big hugs and stay safe.
Tattooed spell mages are a classic in D&D from way back in the day, before there was a distinction between Wizards and Sorcerers in the first place. This entire video is a great example for why having these as separate classes was a poor decision.
Interesting - I sort of feel the other way, the fact that the difference between wizard and sorcerer led to a completely different interpretation of the character’s personality tells me that they do represent different core fantasies.
While watching this I thought of the idea of the tattooed spellbook and the wizard being separate since they only need the spellbook to change spells. So you have a couple, probably lovers, where the fighter is tattooed with all the spells and the wizard can ...ahem... "study their body" over a long rest when selecting their memorised spells and extend the tattoo as they learn. Additionally the wizard may carry their components on various piercings.
I spend more time making characters in Hero Forge than I do on DnD beyond (because I haven't bought a subscription but still) thats how you get a Nuclear Warforged Wild Magic Barbarian folks
I actually think Vasselheim’s mindset and architecture crossed with Kraghammer’s location would be the best point of comparison for what I was picturing. I honestly don’t remember Uthodurn too well, it might also be accurate but I’d need to refresh my memory.
Divine soul would be cool because clerics usually get their spells out by praying, uttering words of plea to a higher power, yet this character need no pleas of such, he just wills the wounds close and brings the anger of the gods upon his enemies, therefore he could be seen as a heretic or an abomination to utterly religious individuals... you know... like Jesus... Just Saying...
So, where would your character diverge from the choices I made? What would you have rolled up instead?
Thanks so much to the Divine Forge on Kickstarter for sponsoring this video! Sign up at the link below!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/questnest/a-5e-gm-friendly-adventure-the-divine-forge?ref=d7xtfm
You are a DM right?
And you're always searching for new and interesting monsters? Then what's your opinion on "The book of beautiful horrors"
It's a did spin on the withcer monsters.
It has some interesting low cr monsters like, simple downers or neckers, many versions of wraiths and vanpires, evil-er and stronger versions of the hags, in either the crones or the grave hags big forest creatures like the leshen. And even has more friendly creatures like the godlings of botchlings. Even vampires and werewolves.
It's over 200 pages long and I very much like it.
But what is your opinion I wonder?
Or, did you even know about it? It's very obviously the witcher monsters in d&d
This is a good channel. I like Mike.
New fan channel called ILikeMike
Here here
Agree
Right!?!?!?! This guy is awesome
I agree, and absolutely love your comment.
For a Sorcerous origin you forgot to mention one that would make a lot of sense. Storm Sorcery!
Theese people have been living underground for their entire lives. Could you imagine how territying lightning would be to them?
This summary of Clarota is also a perfect description of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. What do I do with this terrifying insight.
Definitely saved the "Who the fuck is my next D&D character" link. For me and for my players.
This is something that can be pretty difficult for new players. They tend to think they're going to sit down to fill a stat sheet. I try to steer them away from this approach and get them to explore who their character is rather than what their character is. The stats will follow after that.
To counter that, I usually have premade characters with really characteristic art, so they see that first and THEN they read the sheet.
And because the game I use has sheets that fit on a tarot sized playing card, I often print the sheet on one face of the card, the art on the other and place them on the table art-face up, telling the players to turn the card only when they have made their choice
I had an idea years ago about a necromancer who is so insane he seems sane. The one dead (pun intended) give away, is that he has the undead corpses of his parents thatfollow him around, or stored in an amulet, that have all his spells carved into their flesh. Its messed up, and I love it
That thumbnail is making me think of some viking power metal bard, digging it 👍
For my Starjammer character I decided he used tattoos as a record of the "stories" he was collecting of his adventures -- milestone tattoos. IIRC, one arm had a chain of milestone tattoos, and the other arm had some other set of tattoos like for principles he wanted to build from or the like. I'm not a tattoo type person myself -- no interest in marking up my body that way (I don't even have pierced ears) -- but I do like the idea of a character for whom tattoos have a strong, coherent, collective meaning rather than just whatever happened to come to mind when the itch for a new tattoo came along. And tying it into a culture was pretty fun.
I really like the spellcaster + tattoos idea; it reminds me of Shadowhunters, and there is so many directions it could go.
Travis Willingham said in a video about Exandria Unlimited Calamity that a lot of the time he designs his characters around an item they have with them. He said for Fjord the idea came from some greaves he found at a costume shop and for his Rogue in calamity it was some Axes he saw in a video that looked like hawks. Another interesting way to start a character.
That statement from Travis blew my mind, it’s definitely going to be the topic for one of the videos on this channel :)
@@SupergeekMike That sounds like an awesome video idea.
I almost exclusively start from a visual concept and then build the crunch onto that ^^
I hate that I get Mike's stuff late. I'm watching this 2 months late as TH-cam takes the 1 time I watch a 20mil view video compared to me watching all of Mike's. Make sure to like the vid guys so others don't miss out!!! Love your content Mike, really insightful and this video in particular made me think of this when applying it to NPCs. Maybe not as in depth but a good thought process nonetheless😄
I had this image of tattoos slowly reverting in how the ink was applied as the spells were cast. Once the character slots were exhausted, their tattoos would be just lines. Upon restoring their slots, the ink would return.
Yes!
Interesting character you ended up creating, but they still could have been a Wizard. Personally, I was thinking of a spell tattoo wizard myself. Think of it this way. Depending on how your world works the spell slots in universe, it's no different than choosing which spells you'll use from a spell book. During long rest downtime, the wizard can paint spells as tattoos onto their body as per their spell slots, and, just like spells and spell slots, once the spell is cast, the spell tattoo disappears, and they have to reapply again during long rest down time, just like how spell slots refill and just lioe how a wizard chooses their spells.
Though I guess for a Sorcerer it could be "tattoos" they're born with and just appear and disappear with casting.
5:34 I Had a heavily tattooed cleric for a character concept,,, using pathfinder 1e,,, It would be a cleric of an evil deity(the king in yellow) who hid her holy symbols among countless others and then wearing clothes somewhere between bandages and dessert clothes. She would fake her alignment even casting spells of that alignment and pull her bandages up to look like an ally to any religious organisations. Never did get to play that one but remembering it definitely made me want to finalize it
I fancy myself visually artistic, so my approach is often similar to this. I may have an *inkling* of an idea for a character concept, maybe just one singular trait or story beat, and then I tend to build a starting appearance in my head. From there, it's back and forth, tugging at threads of how their appearance ties to backstory, or how threads of that backstory change the appearance. Eventually, it feels like I have a cohesive character. Or I have to wad it up and start over. :P
I also use your method because I'm a very visual person.
I use my imagination allot and think what class would fit my usage or the character more, and then finish with what stats he could possibly have. And I don't even bother with the actual wardrobe of the character too much xD
I just have a general "image" of them
The character I currently wanna try could either be a fighter/bard/warlock/Druid(self made)
I made him as a Druid but I struggled alot to find something that would fit my image of him
On the other hand, I wanted to try a bard that seeks to find a legendary instrument that brings a while orchestra to your fingertips. And in that one I begun with the instrument instead
My new favourite thing to do is roll on the character builder tables in Xanathar's and use that as a jumping off point to finetune the character I want to play. None of my rolls are set in stone, so if I don't want siblings, I ignore the roll, or if I'd rather be born in the back of a wagon, I go with that option instead. Character concepts I could never have imagined grow spontaneously before me, and I absolutely love that feeling of discovering a new character without any of my preconceived or overused ideas!
I used this method for a character of mine. I wanted to use a bit of body horror and came up with a Firbolg with Last Of Us style Cordyseps growing off of her and ended up with a very effective Circle of Spores Druid
I tried a couple of those random character generator and got "tranquil eladrin ranger from the sewers who sleep walks but only as far as to spoon with the nearest creature"
Hahaha
That's an interesting approach. To be honest though I've had strong visual ideas for quite a few characters I don't tend to start with an image for D&D. The image grows out of the personality and backstory I put together. This might be partly because I hate trying to find reference images.
It's an appealing idea though and I can see why a lot of people would like it. Starting with a cool look or an atmospheric image gives you something to build to. I think I just find it easier the other way around?
I keep thinking of the backup character I have for a campaign I'm playing in. His name's Khalil, he's a rogue because that's what would benefit the party. I decided to build him as a phantom rogue so I wrote a backstory where he had a near death experience as a child. He was skating and the ice on the lake cracked. His appearance grew from that idea of a connection with ghosts and that one foot in the grave idea. His hair has gone grey early. He's way too skinny and his skin looks washed out, greyish, unhealthy. He has a kind of fevered look to him. And I think if I'd started with that mental image I'd have come up with a completely different character, and not necessarily one that would have held my interest.
Might want to try an Arcana cleric with this.
I like it!
Going by the title, I was expecting inspiration from a picture or piece of art.
This is definitely not an approach I have ever used (to the best of my recollection).
Good stuff!
Thanks!
Up until now never had any idea of how my character would look like until I have the core concept first, maybe it's my background as a comic artist (and fan) that makes me start thinking in narrative before looks. Maybe if someday I feel stuck at creating some character I'll try it this way (although I did like a lot the "leave the dice choose for you" and someday I'll try that way first).
Character creation has always been my bread and butter, both as a player, writer, and a DM. But sometimes, it's just handy to find something to help give a bit of inspiration. Just to kickstart the process. Sometimes people can get hung up on not being able to come up with things on their own without help, I know a few friends of mine who have that issue. Maybe this video can give them a spark of inspiration. Or maybe it can help them realize they don't have to take it all on by themselves.
I hope it helps them!
Bro I love this channel so much
Thank you!
You can try the Runechild subclass from the Tal'Dorei Reborn campaign setting book. It fits thematically if you ask me.
Good call!
Idea for a How To Make A Character video (maybe collab with OnlyCrits?): based on what your dice look like? I've done this before and I'm going to end up doing it again soon, I keep getting dice sets as gifts!
That’s a great idea!
Awesome video, Mike!
Thank you!
I've used a few different approaches and this is one of them. I've started with a single trait or name, a single physical characteristic or general look. It's fun building a character from different starting points. I've also created characters based on music I've listened to. Either as a person who would really be into the genre of music or the person who would be the subject of the song itself. Music has also helped flesh out some of my characters. I've also looked at landscape pictures and tried to figure out what kind of character would live in a certain environment. I've also done the 'what if this animal was a person' because if we can get Wolverine, I'm thinking I can get at least something interesting. 😆
Ooh music is a fun idea, I’ll have to add that to the list!
Can you do a video where discuss taking a character build that you came up with via a playstyle you would enjoy playing and working in theme and narrative concept into that character? (meaning starting with the mechanics first and then building the thematic character on top of that. The reason why I ask is that i have so many character builds that I would like to play that are built around a mechanical playstyle, but then when I try to work into who that character is thematically and narratively to come up with my concept, I kind of stumble. It is very hard to find a group to join as a player (whether in person or online) when you don't really know any of them and they don't know you, with mechanical builds and no, actual, character concept.
Definitely!
I'm not too fond of theater of the mind in the sense of describing my character during a game, although I do like where you're going with this.
Keep up the good work and you deserve another subscriber.
Thank you!
@@SupergeekMike you're welcome.
You referenced Ed and his tattoos. I play bards. What if the bard used his tattoos that he has collected to cast minor illusion on them to help his performance and tell a story?. And as a Bard he could use a main tattoo as his focus. Oh I like this idea. I may steal it. LOL Big hugs and stay safe.
I had thought about that for a dwarf Bard.
I love it!
Tattooed spell mages are a classic in D&D from way back in the day, before there was a distinction between Wizards and Sorcerers in the first place. This entire video is a great example for why having these as separate classes was a poor decision.
Interesting - I sort of feel the other way, the fact that the difference between wizard and sorcerer led to a completely different interpretation of the character’s personality tells me that they do represent different core fantasies.
Great/very helpful video. lol - that's a great website name..
While watching this I thought of the idea of the tattooed spellbook and the wizard being separate since they only need the spellbook to change spells. So you have a couple, probably lovers, where the fighter is tattooed with all the spells and the wizard can ...ahem... "study their body" over a long rest when selecting their memorised spells and extend the tattoo as they learn. Additionally the wizard may carry their components on various piercings.
Ooooh I do like that a lot!
I spend more time making characters in Hero Forge than I do on DnD beyond (because I haven't bought a subscription but still) thats how you get a Nuclear Warforged Wild Magic Barbarian folks
Interestingly I've also been influenced by GoW as my druid is based on Freya from 2018.
I dig it!
Uthadurn* not Vasselheim, I'm assuming...?
Vasselheim was very distrustful of arcane magic, which makes more sense over time, given the Age of Arcanum.
I actually think Vasselheim’s mindset and architecture crossed with Kraghammer’s location would be the best point of comparison for what I was picturing. I honestly don’t remember Uthodurn too well, it might also be accurate but I’d need to refresh my memory.
Whats next for this series? Do you intend to cover mechanics first in any of them? Thats how I like to build so im curious to see your take.
I’m not sure yet which one will come next in the series, but there will definitely be a mechanics-first video at some point! 😁
Early Squad!
Divine soul would be cool because clerics usually get their spells out by praying, uttering words of plea to a higher power, yet this character need no pleas of such, he just wills the wounds close and brings the anger of the gods upon his enemies, therefore he could be seen as a heretic or an abomination to utterly religious individuals... you know... like Jesus... Just Saying...
don't enjoy playing warlocks??? unsubbed 😛
I can’t cope with having so few spell slots lol
I would be interested to see how you approach building character based on preexisting picture.
That’s definitely going to be one of the videos in the series as well :)