Greetings! I'm super new to 5e, but I've been listening to a lot of "Not Another D&D Podcast" and as a Southerner, I feel they really nailed creating an analog for a wholesome Christian teenager (we've swamped with those down here) with Beverly Toegold the 5th. It seemed like such a fun, silly RP, that I've been thinking about RPing a young, wholesome, Christian dad character.
Foundationally, I've got a few things in mind. I'd want at least one tool proficiency, I see this character as a somewhat affluent contractor, so I'd want some woodworking expertise. I'd also like to find a hometown in the world of 5e that would feel somewhat suburban and affluent, and where it would make sense that a contractor or builder would be able to become reasonably well off.
In NADD pod, they used Pelor, but I'd also be curious what might be the best analog to the modern American conception of Christianity. As far as class goes, I figure most home schooling, wholesome Christian contractor dads are almost certainly super into bow hunting, so I figure a Ranger mutliclass might fit the bill. I'm not super concerned with being OP, I'm mainly curious what combinations of abilities might synergize well with the concept!
Thanks in advance for any advice, and apologies for an blaring gaps in my knowledge!
I would say that it is hard for you to get a group with your 'christian dad'. For some, it may be offensive (they don't necessarily home school, or like hunting), too silly, or just not make sense in the world. Are thete any things that you want from this person? Have you considered a cleric, druid or character with the acolyte background?
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'The Cleverness of mushrooms always surprises me!' - Ivern Bramblefoot.
I feel you, it isn't meant to be offensive to any person or faith. I fortunately have a group, and acknowledge Christian dads aren't a monolith. Our DM is kind of shooting for a NADD pod vibe, so our group typically shoots for silly. I'll check out those suggestions. Thanks for responding!
If you're looking for a deity, Ilmater is basically Forgotten Realms Jesus. He's the god of endurance and martyrdom who basically died on a rack to demonstrate goodness, as I recall. Sticking with the Forgotten Realms, the Dalelands are the most suburban place that comes to mind, although other people might be better with the lore than I am. Hope that helps!
A Dalelands human Ranger (Beast Master) (who plays up his spellcasting as a connection to Ilmater more than to nature) would be a good idea. Bonus points if his Animal Companion is either A Stupidly Big and Loud Warhorse that enjoys mudding, or a friendly Golden Retriever :)
Sounds like it could be a really fun character, and a nice change of pace from the edgelords that so many people like to roll up. :)
In terms of a class, the one that immediately struck me as a good fit would be the Unity domain for Clerics that was in a recent Unearthed Arcana(and is available here in the character builder). The intro text reads as follows:
"A sense of oneness shines at the heart of healthy communities, whether bound together by friendship, blood, faith, or some other uniting force. The gods of unity deepen such bonds and delight in their strength. Clerics of these gods preside over marriages and other familial bonding customs, but they also nurture the emotional bonds of friendship and camaraderie. Their divine blessings bolster and protect allies in battle through these deep bonds and turn aside malign influences."
The domain description gives a few examples of deities who would fit the Unity domain, but there are probably others that would work too.
Creating something like a Forge Cleric of Gond(god of blacksmiths, carpenters, etc) could also be a good structure to use. Ultimately, building such a character is as much about the roleplaying as it is the mechanics. Whoever mentioned Druid Circle of the Shepherd, I think that could be an interesting fit as well.
Okay, but let's not also let the opportunity go by to be a wholesome Christian lifestyle YouTube personality! Sling around helpful advice and encouragement to your allies about living their best life like He wants for them! Here's ten easy tips about how Ilmater can help YOU pray your way to the best shape of your life! Hey bud, I used to think the Tavern keep was my friend, but I promise if you let him Ilmater can fill you up like an ale never has! Hey there, join me today for another fun installment of "Fryin' with the Cryin' God," where I show you how to recreate some of the authentic dishes from our favorite stories in Ilmater's gospel!
Eloquence Bard X/Mastermind Rogue 3, to be able to easily hand out help (or a little bit of disappointed condemnation) in and out of combat. Take lots of Divination and Illusion spells, for production value during your sermons/vlogs, instead of the usually-tempting mind control stuff. All Dex and Cha, pick up Inspiring Leader at some point for more content for your followers. Maybe take Encode Thoughts and hand out little daily affirmation bubbles to the party or NPCs that you think could use some help turning their lives around (even if they don't have a way to read them and promptly toss them out). Maybe splash another class, if your lifestyle brand is shooting for another theme than just "preachy" (Champion for sports? Druid for health?)
Greetings! I'm super new to 5e, but I've been listening to a lot of "Not Another D&D Podcast" and as a Southerner, I feel they really nailed creating an analog for a wholesome Christian teenager (we've swamped with those down here) with Beverly Toegold the 5th. It seemed like such a fun, silly RP, that I've been thinking about RPing a young, wholesome, Christian dad character.
Foundationally, I've got a few things in mind. I'd want at least one tool proficiency, I see this character as a somewhat affluent contractor, so I'd want some woodworking expertise. I'd also like to find a hometown in the world of 5e that would feel somewhat suburban and affluent, and where it would make sense that a contractor or builder would be able to become reasonably well off.
In NADD pod, they used Pelor, but I'd also be curious what might be the best analog to the modern American conception of Christianity. As far as class goes, I figure most home schooling, wholesome Christian contractor dads are almost certainly super into bow hunting, so I figure a Ranger mutliclass might fit the bill. I'm not super concerned with being OP, I'm mainly curious what combinations of abilities might synergize well with the concept!
Thanks in advance for any advice, and apologies for an blaring gaps in my knowledge!
I would say that it is hard for you to get a group with your 'christian dad'. For some, it may be offensive (they don't necessarily home school, or like hunting), too silly, or just not make sense in the world. Are thete any things that you want from this person? Have you considered a cleric, druid or character with the acolyte background?
'The Cleverness of mushrooms always surprises me!' - Ivern Bramblefoot.
I'll worldbuild for your DnD games!
Just a D&D enjoyer, check out my fiverr page if you need any worldbuilding done for ya!
I feel you, it isn't meant to be offensive to any person or faith. I fortunately have a group, and acknowledge Christian dads aren't a monolith. Our DM is kind of shooting for a NADD pod vibe, so our group typically shoots for silly. I'll check out those suggestions. Thanks for responding!
Your welcome. I think that Shepard druid can be good, summon a spirit, heal people. Summon creatures etc.
'The Cleverness of mushrooms always surprises me!' - Ivern Bramblefoot.
I'll worldbuild for your DnD games!
Just a D&D enjoyer, check out my fiverr page if you need any worldbuilding done for ya!
If you're looking for a deity, Ilmater is basically Forgotten Realms Jesus. He's the god of endurance and martyrdom who basically died on a rack to demonstrate goodness, as I recall. Sticking with the Forgotten Realms, the Dalelands are the most suburban place that comes to mind, although other people might be better with the lore than I am. Hope that helps!
Wizard (Gandalf) of the Tolkien Club
That is super helpful information! The deity especially. I was planning on playing a human so the Dalelands seem like a perfect fit!
A Dalelands human Ranger (Beast Master) (who plays up his spellcasting as a connection to Ilmater more than to nature) would be a good idea. Bonus points if his Animal Companion is either A Stupidly Big and Loud Warhorse that enjoys mudding, or a friendly Golden Retriever :)
dndbeyond.com forum tags
I'm going to make this way harder than it needs to be.
Hahaha or a chocolate lab
Forge cleric could be a good option to work in your contractor/handyman type dad.
Sounds like it could be a really fun character, and a nice change of pace from the edgelords that so many people like to roll up. :)
In terms of a class, the one that immediately struck me as a good fit would be the Unity domain for Clerics that was in a recent Unearthed Arcana(and is available here in the character builder). The intro text reads as follows:
"A sense of oneness shines at the heart of healthy communities, whether bound together by friendship, blood, faith, or some other uniting force. The gods of unity deepen such bonds and delight in their strength. Clerics of these gods preside over marriages and other familial bonding customs, but they also nurture the emotional bonds of friendship and camaraderie. Their divine blessings bolster and protect allies in battle through these deep bonds and turn aside malign influences."
The domain description gives a few examples of deities who would fit the Unity domain, but there are probably others that would work too.
Creating something like a Forge Cleric of Gond(god of blacksmiths, carpenters, etc) could also be a good structure to use. Ultimately, building such a character is as much about the roleplaying as it is the mechanics. Whoever mentioned Druid Circle of the Shepherd, I think that could be an interesting fit as well.
Ya'll are crushing it with these suggestions! Thank you all for the ideas and advice! I can't believe I waited this long to play this game.
Okay, but let's not also let the opportunity go by to be a wholesome Christian lifestyle YouTube personality! Sling around helpful advice and encouragement to your allies about living their best life like He wants for them! Here's ten easy tips about how Ilmater can help YOU pray your way to the best shape of your life! Hey bud, I used to think the Tavern keep was my friend, but I promise if you let him Ilmater can fill you up like an ale never has! Hey there, join me today for another fun installment of "Fryin' with the Cryin' God," where I show you how to recreate some of the authentic dishes from our favorite stories in Ilmater's gospel!
Eloquence Bard X/Mastermind Rogue 3, to be able to easily hand out help (or a little bit of disappointed condemnation) in and out of combat. Take lots of Divination and Illusion spells, for production value during your sermons/vlogs, instead of the usually-tempting mind control stuff. All Dex and Cha, pick up Inspiring Leader at some point for more content for your followers. Maybe take Encode Thoughts and hand out little daily affirmation bubbles to the party or NPCs that you think could use some help turning their lives around (even if they don't have a way to read them and promptly toss them out). Maybe splash another class, if your lifestyle brand is shooting for another theme than just "preachy" (Champion for sports? Druid for health?)
dndbeyond.com forum tags
I'm going to make this way harder than it needs to be.
Haha I dig the builds and roleplay ideas! I'm actually basing this character on a YouTuber, so you nailed it with these suggestions!