Like Dragon Like Son - Episodes Tagged with “Subverting Tropes”

Changing the Way We Build Characters

Jay and Jack Oatway — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 16:00:00 +0800

If you are like us, you've probably built more characters than you will ever play. But what if you had to play a character to build them? The idea is that as a 0 level character, you play in a short mini-campaign that showcases an influential time in your character's life that shaped who they would become. We discuss how this work with starting with only 2d6 in each ability score, gaining stats, skill, languages and spells as your character blossoms. We also discuss some fun ways to take the levels out of leveling up, and look at ways exciting ways to motivate players to lean into the role play of character development.

We also discuss the idea of "rolling with emphasis" -- taking the most extreme result from rolling two d20s.

Welcome to Like Dragon Like Son, a podcast hosted by Jay and Jack Oatway where they discuss everything D&D, from character builds to personal experiences. Stay tuned for new episodes on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.

If you love Like Dragon Like Son and want to help us out, you can support us by sharing this podcast with your friends. It's the support of listeners like you which motivate us to put out more episodes, so thank you!

101 Things to Do In D&D Before You Die: Part 5

Jay and Jack Oatway — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 09:00:00 +0800

The summer celebration of our 100 episode milestone continues! Join us as we count down 101 Things to Do in D&D Before You Die! This week we focus on an area that sparked this podcast: building unusual characters. From 45-32 on our list, we will look at many of the different ways you can play against trope, step out from stereotypes, and play a character that is more interesting and rewarding than anything you've played before.

Welcome to Like Dragon Like Son, a podcast hosted by Jay and Jack Oatway where they discuss everything D&D, from character builds to personal experiences.

Stay tuned all summer as we continue our countdown to the #1 Thing To Do in D&D Before You Die!

Watch for new episodes on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Beyond Oathbreaker: Making Edgy Paladins

Jay and Jack Oatway — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 09:00:00 +0800

Sometimes we get misled by the name of a subclass, and probably none more so than Oathbreaker. We discuss where this unusual subclass comes from, the weird quirks it offers, and how to build something better. We also clear up the old javelin vs. spear debate (and why your Paladin might want to switch to spears). And we do some comparisons with Warlock, noting how Paladins are about the oath they make, and Warlocks are about who they make the oath to -- and how that affects the way you might want to roleplay them.

Adventures at Sea

Jay and Jack Oatway — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 18:00:00 +0800

From the decks of a ship to the bottom of the ocean, nothing says adventure like the life at sea. This week we look at ways that players and DMs can create characters and environments well adapted to water-borne combat.

How to Play An Amazing Goblinoid Character

Jay and Jack Oatway — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 09:00:00 +0800

Dare to live the wild life of a goblin, bugbear or hobgoblin! Join us this week as we delve deep into what we love about these interconnected races, and some of our favourite ideas for building PCs with them that break free of tired old stereotypes.

These characters are sometimes comical, sometimes chaotic, and as we discuss, maybe even sometimes stoic and serious -- but always full of fun to play. No one thinks they will fall as in love with their goblinoid character as they actually do.

Fantasy Robot Wars: Warforged vs Reborn

Jay and Jack Oatway — Fri, 16 Jul 2021 09:00:00 +0800

This week father and son face off in a showdown to decide which is better: making a fantasy robot character using the Warforged race from Eberron, or building one using the Reborn race from Van Richten's Guide. Two robots enter, but only one can prevail!

We compare features and traits, overall role play potential and additional add-ons. It's a close fought battler. Tune in to find out which race will best serve your next fantasy robot PC build.

Raising the Banneret: Workshopping a Revised Purple Dragon Knight

Jay and Jack Oatway — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 09:00:00 +0800

There are some subclasses which no one plays because, well, they kind of suck. We often ask what it would take to make them suck less -- but also not to get too overpowered that they make the DM want to pull out their hair. This week both Jay and Jack bring some ideas together on what the Banneret subclass (aka Purple Dragon Knight) is all about (leadership), and how to bring out the best of that theme.

We look to try to fix features if we can, or possibly replace them with something similar but functionally better -- like how do we improve on a feature connected to Second Wind or Action Surge, when both of those are so limitied in uses. We also try adding a few new features (bonus action: help) to make this subclass one of the most supportive fighters in the game, something that's a bit lacking within the class.

The Holy Con Man

Jay and Jack Oatway — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 09:00:00 +0800

Once again we offer a look at how to break out of tired tropes: this time with the Bard. Internet memes would have you believe that these characters only reason to exist is to seduce everything they come in contact with. So we want to go a different direction with this build, what if our bard is really very good at preaching and has found a home within religion -- and not just one religion. In fact, he's talked his way into every religion in town.

The acolyte background affords shelter to PCs who share the same religion as a temple or church they find...but what if a College of Eloquence Bard, with their Silver Tongue, convinces those who run the temple or church that he is, in fact, a priest within their religion (even if he's really not). Well, then it's healing for all his friends and a modest lifestyle for our bard. The trick is simply not to forget whcih religious ceremonies he needs to perform each day.

Sorcerer Redux: Better With Spell Points

Jay and Jack Oatway — Fri, 14 May 2021 09:00:00 +0800

In the back of the DM's Guide is an often overlooked section about using spell points instead of spell slots. While many dismiss this as too confusing, on closer examination, this might be just the ticket for giving sorcerers that extra love they deserve...that and a few other tweaks, like light armor proficieny and Constitution as their casting ability.

Also we take the training wheels off of Metamagic, allowing Sorcerers to truly demonstrate their full potentionial. Why limit them to just one metamagic option per spell? That would be like limiting a Monk to just one Monk feature per attack. What fun is that? We talk about fun ways you can spend from your enlarged spell point pool on multiple Metamagic options. And we look at some other features that Sorcery Points could be spent on. This class is starting to look good!

If you want a closer look at the revision of the Sorcerer class, check out this link: Sorcerer, Revised

The Raven Ranger: Building the Right Character for The Setting

Jay and Jack Oatway — Fri, 07 May 2021 09:00:00 +0800

We all like to build cool, interesting characters. We like breaking tropes, and coming up with original concepts. But often that's not enough. This episode, we look at not just building a good character, we look at building "the right character".

Even the best character build will be terrible if they don't fit in with the setting, and they don't fit in with the rest of the party. To get it right, players and DMs need to work together. The DM must be willing to discuss details about the world, to give away little pieces of the story to the player, and in exchange take little pieces of the character's backstory and make them part of the world.

We look at how we have done this with an unusual Swarmp Keeper Ranger build that is designed to be played in a "Ravenloft" setting -- just in time for the arrival of Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft. See link to character sheet below.

Links:

Vincent Rookvaunt, Raven Swarm Keeper — This character was built to fit in well with the Curse of Strahd setting

Turning a Old Subclass Into New Gold

Jay and Jack Oatway — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 09:00:00 +0800

This week we hope to inspire you to re-examine subclass features you may have overlooked. We take a second look at a the Forge Domain Cleric, and in particular their unique Channel Divinity. Join us as we discuss how our Kobold cleric build would potentially generate hundreds of gold coin per day, just through an act of devotion to their diety.

The idea is that as part of their daily prayers, the Kobold would perform their Channel divintiy to break down ordinary metal into precious gold. And then, depending how you roleplay them, either give it to the poor and needy, give it to their beloved dragon diety, or maybe just let the party spend it on magic items and stuff.

Putting More Dragon in Your Next Character Build

Jay and Jack Oatway — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 09:00:00 +0800

With the recent drop of new Unearthed Arcana focusing on draconic options, this week we unpack all the new ways that you can now boost your character's dragon ancestry. We discuss how we might choose between Chromatic, Metallic and Gem dragon lineages. We look at how you can build a "dragon-touched" race using custom lineage and the new dragon feats. And we unpack the lore surrounding some new dragon-inspired spells.

Also, we look at how Kobolds finally stop grovelling, grow a spine, and let out a might roar. That's right, no longer just a joke-race, Kobold's have a proper seat at the grown-ups table. With roars and tail attacks, they provide us with some interesting ideas for impressive new character builds. Hopefully, they will inspire you too.

Beyond Beast Mode: Getting the Most Out of Wild Shape

Jay and Jack Oatway — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 09:00:00 +0800

Druids are well known for being able to take the form animals, but recent additions to the rules provide new uses for the Wild Shape feature. From magical bow and arrows to fiery elemental companions, join us as we look at how the new features are transforming the way we can play Druids.

We will unpack the Wild Shape feature and discuss a few of the favourtie beast we like to see, and talk a bit about how to use your Druid as a tank for your party. Then we delve into Circles of Spores, Stars and Wildfire to look at how the new Druids are breaking out of the old beast box.

Big Shoes To Fill: Playing with Giants

Jay and Jack Oatway — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 09:00:00 +0800

Jack and Jay go up the beanstalk this week to talk about all about something really big: giants! We work our way through the Ordning (social structure), from lowly playable giant-kin like Goliaths and Firbolgs, all the way to the top of the clouds and into the storms! We talk about their magic, their runes, their culture -- and even some fun ways to have a fog giant as your warlock's patron.

We dig through lore hidden away in forgotten tomes (Volo's Guide to Monsters, Dndbeyond, and ForgottenWiki) to paint the larger than life picture of giant life. Tune in for loads of fun ideas on how to incorporate giants into your campaign, or how to build a one-shot around them. Also, learn a cool way to introduce a new halfling character to your party via a giant!

Get Your Fur On: How To Play Animal Races

Jay and Jack Oatway — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 09:00:00 +0800

With some new fey animalfolk races coming out in Unearthed Arcana, we take a look at all the features that the various animal races provide in D&D 5e. From Lizardfolk to Luxadons, Owlfolk to Leonin, we've got all the fur, claws, fangs, trunks, scales and feathers covered.

We talk about how the various races might work with different classes, and discuss ways to subvert the tropes, taking a fresh look at how to portray these races in a new light -- especially taking into consideration the changes to ability score modifiers made possible in Tasha's Cauldron of Everything. From cute to fur-rocious, it's all here.

Which Rogue Subclass Will You Play Next?

Jay and Jack Oatway — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 12:00:00 +0800

If you have ever thought about playing a rogue, then this episode is for you. First, yes, you should defintiely play a rogue. They are super fun, super easy, and incredibly valuable for any party. And they come in a rainbow of flavors...and that's the tricky part: which one is best?

We've got you you covered this week as we discuss the Rogue subclasses, and debate which one is the best. It's a hard choice, as all Rogues are great, and no party should go adventuring without one. However, some are more appealing than others. Tune in to find out which ones get top ranking.

Learning to Love Bloodhunters

Jay and Jack Oatway — Fri, 26 Feb 2021 09:00:00 +0800

Sometimes we can't get past the sight of blood...and because of that we don't make bloodhunters. We don't even taken the time to read the class features, or the sub-classes. Until someone comes along to take us by the hand, and show us some of the really cool things about this Critical Role class. Join us as Jack guides Jay on this learning journey.

We will also look at some cool ways to use Order of the Lycan to make a sort of "spiderman" like character, and how to re-skin the "blood" thing into something easier to digest -- spider venom!

Going, Going, Goth

Jay and Jack Oatway — Fri, 12 Feb 2021 09:00:00 +0800

This week we looked at the new UA lineages of Dhampirs, Hexblood and Reborn -- and talk about making scary characters. We also look at a Reborn Phantom Zealot build. And we discuss how these character may, or may not, fit into your next (or current) horror campaign.

Multiclassing With Two Spellcasting Classes

Jay and Jack Oatway — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 09:00:00 +0800

As part of a New Year Resolution to try new things in D&D, we have been making characters we wouldn't normally make, starting with a Druid-Warlock. It's a strange combo, but with a little creativity, we've come up with a cool pirate build for your next Swordcoast adventure. Or if you are looking to push the boundraies of all that is magically possible, we have a cleric-wizard that Jack recently tested in a one-shot game.

As usual, we do everything we can to work against trope and find a way to bring something original to the characters, and hopefully something more interesting to the games they are in. We encourage you to steal as much as you want from these builds.

Links:

Meet Salem Charms — The Druid-Warlock multiclass: here's an example of how to build this type of D&D character using options from the new Tasha's Cauldron of Everything. Her name is Salem Charms, she's part Circle of Stars, part Fathomless/Pact of Talisman warlock.
Sir Valencia Shadowrider — Character sheet for a level 20 Hobgoblin cleric-wizard that rides a demon and wields a lance

Resolutions for a New Year of Great D&D

Jay and Jack Oatway — Fri, 01 Jan 2021 09:00:00 +0800

It's important that we start the New Year off on the right foot, so we are setting our sights on some goals for the new year: which classes to play that we haven't given a chancve to, which races could we try that we've never tried before, how to play more with more people, and how far should we puch our mini collection?

Join us this week for some inspiration to set your 2021 goals for your best year of D&D ever.

Warping Our Minds: Building a Psionic Soul Sorcerer

Jay and Jack Oatway — Fri, 05 Jun 2020 08:00:00 +0800

Jay rebuilds an old psionic charcter with the new psionic rules: psionic soul sorcerer subclass. We review the new mechanics behind the ebb and flow of the psionic talent die. And we unpack Molochia, the Owl Sorcerer. She's a mad, abberant mind Tabaxi. And Jay is probably mad for wanting to play her.

Jack argues that there is a lot wrong with the new subclass. We argue about the value of the new Psionic Discovery for sorcerer spells. He wants to see more expanded spell list for Sorcerers. We weigh the value of psychic socerery vs. subtle casting. And we get into each other's head over telepathic connection. Overall it doesn't look good for Jay's build: will he still be able to make a cool cat that you'd want to steal?

Ready For Hell: The Heavy Metal Holy Ranger

Jay and Jack Oatway — Fri, 08 May 2020 18:00:00 +0800

In this episode, we go where no one wants to go: Ranger Land! Except that we make our Ranger into a psedo-paladin for a Descent into Avernus, or any fiendish/undead campaign setting. He's trading in his bow for melee weapons as a Strength Ranger -- a StRanger! We talk about how we like to build a stereotypical character out of a completely different class.

We also talk about how we distrust stats that people roll at home, why the point buy system works best, before we suit up the ranger in full plate and turn him into a holy knight who travels to fiendish planes to hold the line.

Then we get frustrated with favored terrain and favored enemies. We talk about a few simple table rules that won't break the game, while making these Ranger features suck less. Get ready to trade in your Divine Smite for a Zephyr Strike!

Firbolg Scout: The Stealthiest Giant

Jay and Jack Oatway — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 18:00:00 +0800

Why play a sneaky little rogue when you can play an 8' tall one who carries a heavy crossbow? Meet Captain Forrester, a firbolg scout, who can slip into the shadows at a moment's notice -- then drop huge sneak attack heavy bolts from cover. On top of that, we discuss the ranger class in 5e D&D, and what to consider when playing one -- or playing something even better.

We've got tips on how to use the hide rule, gain advantage as an unseen attacker, but not abuse it either. Also, we talk skulker feat, hidden step, and how to get your glass cannon setup to be a great skirmisher.

We also talk about what to do when a player feels that their character's story is done, and they want to play something new.

If you love Like Dragon Like Son and want to help us out, you can support us by donating to our patreon and sharing this podcast with your friends. It's the support of listeners like you which motivate us to put out more episodes, so thank you!

Two Generations Talking D&D

Jay and Jack Oatway — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 18:00:00 +0800

In this episode, we discuss getting started, give a walkthrough of a fitnuss junkie 'starlock' character build (Strength Warlock) with a therapy healing dog. Yes, this isn't your typical D&D build. We drop some hints and tricks on how to stand out with your next character when you get to the table. We also talk about why it's rewarding for DMs and players to start campaigns at higher levels.