So some friends of mine are playing a dnd game and I want to be batman as I used to do some volunteer work at a children's hospital where I dressed up as the character with them and that's where we are basing our characters on. It's heavily role play with some combat mixed in.
I know there is no way to really be batman in dnd (too complicated to have it all), but looking for basic ideas to get close enough if we start at lv 1.
So far, my thoughts are start as monk since most of batman's skills are hand to hand combat, eventually going shadow monk for the spells which I can reflavor as gadgets like darkness for a smoke bomb, darkvison for special binoculars, silence or pass without trace as just him being that stealthy when he vanishes. Darts for batarangs, otherwise I considered either taking the feat fighting initiate's blind fighting to really lean into the darkness idea. Then some ball bearings and other items we can get in the game to keep in theme.
Not sure about a multi class (Gloomstalker for the stealth?) since monks need all their levels, but what do people think? Appreciate any feedback or suggestions. FYI I've looked at artificer, but didn't find it very appealing, even if it helps fit the build
Every superhero punches people, so I wouldn't define batman as being good at punching people. But if that's what you want definitely go Monk. I'm no comic book fan, but from passive exposure, batman has always seemed to be more smart & tactical rather than just physically strong. I'd personally go for some kind of Rogue, probably using daggers - you can flavour them as spiked gauntlets or batarangs when thrown. Arcane Trickster would give you a few more spells that you could flavour as gadgets - you could get Fog Cloud for a smoke bomb, Sleep for knock out gas, and Disguise Self for his secret identity. Later you could MC into artificer if you wanted to, probably as a Artiliest or Armourer.
While monk sounds good if you can use Tasha I suggest going Fighter with the unarmed fighting style to L5 for the extra attack then Artificer with the spells and infusions played as stuff in that utility belt. probably aim for fighter (battle master) 11 for the third attack / Artificer 9 for access to L3 spells.this way you get to use armor as well which batman definitely has.
I would recommend an Armorer Artificer. It gives you two different modes (think different bat suits): Guardian: punching, protection, extra temp HP; Infiltrator: stealthy, electric batarang (lightning launcher), extra speed.
Plenty of spells can be flavored as gadgets really easily:
Wait for level two start with rouge then multiclass into monk focus on using batarangs(shuriken) and punches(unarmed strike) go for the neutral good. If you're rp heavy than make sure to use a deep voice and more seriously saving people.
Pokemon Master, Hero of Hyrule, Jedi Knight, Minecrafter, Celestial Being Beyond Comprehension, Bounty Hunter, Salmon Runner, Nailmaster, Yarn Yoshi Enjoyer, Animal Lover, Math Rock Roller, Nerd King in all Aspects.
(And, of course, Dragon Tamer. It is in the name, after all)
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So some friends of mine are playing a dnd game and I want to be batman as I used to do some volunteer work at a children's hospital where I dressed up as the character with them and that's where we are basing our characters on. It's heavily role play with some combat mixed in.
I know there is no way to really be batman in dnd (too complicated to have it all), but looking for basic ideas to get close enough if we start at lv 1.
So far, my thoughts are start as monk since most of batman's skills are hand to hand combat, eventually going shadow monk for the spells which I can reflavor as gadgets like darkness for a smoke bomb, darkvison for special binoculars, silence or pass without trace as just him being that stealthy when he vanishes. Darts for batarangs, otherwise I considered either taking the feat fighting initiate's blind fighting to really lean into the darkness idea. Then some ball bearings and other items we can get in the game to keep in theme.
Not sure about a multi class (Gloomstalker for the stealth?) since monks need all their levels, but what do people think? Appreciate any feedback or suggestions. FYI I've looked at artificer, but didn't find it very appealing, even if it helps fit the build
An inquisitive rogue can also fit, if you want to play up the detective angle. Or stay with monk and find a background that give you investigate.
For the gadgets, you could say that Batman’s not an artificer, but Alfred or Lucius Fox is, and they’re happy to share their infusions with you.
Every superhero punches people, so I wouldn't define batman as being good at punching people. But if that's what you want definitely go Monk. I'm no comic book fan, but from passive exposure, batman has always seemed to be more smart & tactical rather than just physically strong. I'd personally go for some kind of Rogue, probably using daggers - you can flavour them as spiked gauntlets or batarangs when thrown. Arcane Trickster would give you a few more spells that you could flavour as gadgets - you could get Fog Cloud for a smoke bomb, Sleep for knock out gas, and Disguise Self for his secret identity. Later you could MC into artificer if you wanted to, probably as a Artiliest or Armourer.
While monk sounds good if you can use Tasha I suggest going Fighter with the unarmed fighting style to L5 for the extra attack then Artificer with the spells and infusions played as stuff in that utility belt. probably aim for fighter (battle master) 11 for the third attack / Artificer 9 for access to L3 spells.this way you get to use armor as well which batman definitely has.
Wisea$$ DM and Player since 1979.
I would recommend an Armorer Artificer. It gives you two different modes (think different bat suits): Guardian: punching, protection, extra temp HP; Infiltrator: stealthy, electric batarang (lightning launcher), extra speed.
Plenty of spells can be flavored as gadgets really easily:
Wait for level two start with rouge then multiclass into monk focus on using batarangs(shuriken) and punches(unarmed strike) go for the neutral good. If you're rp heavy than make sure to use a deep voice and more seriously saving people.
I recommend Gloomstalker mixed with Oath of Vengeance Paladin.
I am Vengeance!
I am the night!
Find your own truth, choose your enemies carefully, and never deal with a dragon.
"Canon" is what's factual to D&D lore. "Cannon" is what you're going to be shot with if you keep getting the word wrong.
"Holy TTRPG, Batman!"
Pokemon Master, Hero of Hyrule, Jedi Knight, Minecrafter, Celestial Being Beyond Comprehension, Bounty Hunter, Salmon Runner, Nailmaster, Yarn Yoshi Enjoyer, Animal Lover, Math Rock Roller, Nerd King in all Aspects.
(And, of course, Dragon Tamer. It is in the name, after all)
"It's like I said. I'm smarter than you."