Gothic Lineages!? New Unearthed Arcana from Wizards of the Coast dropped yesterday and we're here to discuss it all, including impressions, details on how it would impact the game and how to interpret the rules, and what we think it means for D&D 5e moving forward. Link to the UA: https://media.wizards.com/2021/dnd/downloads/UA2021_GothicLineages.pdf Artist link for Preston's backdrop: https://www.twitch.tv/stumpyfongo https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimi...
Jan 28, 2021•53 min
Another "Team Up!" episode! What happens when you put an Order Cleric ("The Battery") together with a Phantom Rogue ("The Blender")? Liquified bad guys. https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized-100733548377750 https://twitter.com/dndoptimized Graph for this episode: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1caHH_NghgZxooQiEx0-Eg8d3VrEtzAXSCwb3LmOvYuo/edit?usp=sharing Master Team Comparison: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Q1R2S1BLRyf6FjnomB2nY262eIF3-fHG...
Jan 26, 2021•1 hr 23 min•Season 1Ep. 26
Today, I pose questions to the Dungeon Mistress about the (theoretical? illusory? actual?) differences between how women and men approach D&D, the dangers of Mansplaining, and my upcoming ASMR video... https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized-100733548377750 https://twitter.com/dndoptimized
Jan 21, 2021•45 min
Today we dive into the most commonly requested build I've had to date: a damage-focused small player riding their animal/construct companion as a mount. It's fun, powerful, and, well, adorable. https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized-100733548377750 https://twitter.com/dndoptimized Math/Graph for this episode: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13A35-6x_OPubm8Po1Gdpr6upFEuhIeEToTEXF_mJLTA/edit?usp=sharing Master Sustained Damage Comparison: https://docs.g...
Jan 19, 2021•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Whew! This is a long one. But it's because Mounted Combat in D&D5e can be so dang vague/confusing! Come listen in as we pick apart all of *my* questions about Mounted Combat, and then let us know your interpretation and questions we didn't get to! https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized-100733548377750 https://twitter.com/dndoptimized
Jan 14, 2021•1 hr 13 min
Remember King Midas? This character is kind of like that, except instead of everything turning to gold, it turns into a quivering pile of electrified pain. *Or* health and well-being. Your choice! https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized-100733548377750 https://twitter.com/dndoptimized Character Concept:(0:00) Levels 1-6:(6:53) Levels 7-9:(26:39) Levels 10-13:(37:53) Levels 14-17:(47:53) Final Thoughts:(52:36) Math/Graph for this episode: https://docs.google.c...
Jan 12, 2021•57 min•Season 1Ep. 24
What restrictions, if any, should be placed on multiclassing at your table? What requirements, if any, should a DM make of their players who want to multiclass? Why? Come listen in as I discuss with my DMs, and then join in the conversation! https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized-100733548377750 https://twitter.com/dndoptimized
Jan 08, 2021•38 min
You love D&D, but you also love professional wrestling. Is there a character build for you? Yes, my friend, there is. And guess what? It's also the hardest-hitting Monk I've ever seen. https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized-100733548377750 https://twitter.com/dndoptimized Intro:(0:00) Levels 1-6:(9:14) Levels 7-9:(31:32) Levels 10-13:(40:38) Levels 14-17:(45:31) Final Thoughts:(51:50) Math/Graph for this episode: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1B...
Jan 05, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 23
Q: Can the Double-Bladed Scimitar compete with other weapons for sustained damage per round? A: Maybe :) - Come see! https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized-100733548377750 https://twitter.com/dndoptimized
Dec 31, 2020•27 min
Today, we discuss Magic Items! How should players be rewarded with them? Should players be able to buy Magic Items? Craft them? How? Why? Why not? Come listen in and then join the conversation! https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized-100733548377750 https://twitter.com/dndoptimized
Dec 30, 2020•30 min
Ok FINE! I'll do an Artificer build! :) And, actually, upon completing it, I'm 100% ready to embrace the Steam Punk. This is one tanky mech suit. Come learn about the Armorer! Math/Graph for this episode: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1OXM226cIR-fWODYgxMw2nhyAYjAaH2RebBhSyum3EA4/edit?usp=sharing Master Tank Comparison: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/19XH-9FK6sPUGjOpFVg81-UXhb81cvg-zCnhbUi_Hxio/edit?usp=sharing Social Media Links: https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized-10073354837...
Dec 22, 2020•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Wherein I interview the Grand Poo-Bah of all DMs, Cory, and we chat about "Power Gamers" and how to "deal" with them, as well as whether or not the DM should assume the role of antagonist to their player's grand adventure. https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/
Dec 18, 2020•33 min
Can Two-Weapon Fighting ever really compete, damage-wise, with Great-Weapon Fighting in D&D 5e? Let's discuss. Master Sustained Damage Comparison: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HPMg7cDqOC-0-vNFgEV9E5WQLDdCOdI64Vbnu60pC78/edit?usp=sharing Social Media Links: https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized-100733548377750 https://twitter.com/dndoptimized
Dec 17, 2020•20 min
Time to update the rest of my builds to account for changes introduced with Tasha's Cauldron of Everything. Small nerfs for some, big buffs for others - come see who benefits the most! Intro:(0:00) Ep 9 - The Fightarian:(2:54) Ep 10 - The Bard Locker:(9:39) Ep 11 - Sustained DPR Spells:(22:25) Ep 12 - The Death Cleric:(24:25) Ep 13 - The Tankadin:(33:54) Ep 14 - Brainy and the Beast:(40:05) Ep 15 - The Support Bard (45:28) Ep 16 - The Yin Yang Team (52:00) Ep 17 - The Swashbuckler (55:14) Final ...
Dec 15, 2020•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Join me and 3 of my DMs/friends as we discuss our general impressions on Tasha's Cauldron of Everything AND try to answer this pressing question: "Can I take the new Custom Lineage option during character creation and still qualify for a feat that has a racial pre-requisite?"
Dec 10, 2020•25 min
So everyone keeps saying that, post Tasha's Cauldron of Everything, the Beast master is fixed now, right? So... is it? Let's find out! Links to math/graphs for this episode: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1TWf7ujb6YjNLF5JuHUKBaVs2ObXJt7QlsY291yBjYtE/edit?usp=sharing Master Sustained Damage Comparison: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HPMg7cDqOC-0-vNFgEV9E5WQLDdCOdI64Vbnu60pC78/edit?usp=sharing 0:00 - 9:45: Housekeeping/Preamble 9:45 - 23:35: Overview of Ranger/Beast Master changes...
Dec 08, 2020•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 20
You've been wanting to slide into my DMs, haven't you. Well, here's your chance.
Dec 02, 2020•20 min
Finally! It's time to update the Bladesinger, which is both the character I've had the most fun playing in D&D, and also the one that was most impacted by the changes from Tasha's Cauldron of everything. Interested in doing *amazing* sustainable damage each round while also having access to the best spell list in all of D&D? Then you want to be a Bladesinger. Come find out why. Links to math/graphs for this episode: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/19M-Nd_9TYqiSY6esAhORthAnBresUTY9...
Dec 01, 2020•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Wherein I definitively prove that I am not, in fact, Homelander. And also discuss Tasha's Cauldron of Everything, with a general overview and an update for my first 6 builds :). Updated Master Sustained Damage Spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HPMg7cDqOC-0-vNFgEV9E5WQLDdCOdI64Vbnu60pC78/edit?usp=sharing Social Media Links: https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized https://twitter.com/dndoptimized Music Credits: Achaidh Cheide - Celtic by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative ...
Nov 24, 2020•59 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Rogues are only good for burst damage, right? WRONG! Shocking even myself, if you build them right, and, of course, if things go according to plan in combat (which they *always* do... right?) the Rogue can put out sustained, single-target damage per round on par with OR EVEN BETTER THAN any build out there. Don't believe me? Come see. Math/Graphs for this episode: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ICBqQPAa0Mwa9ycfGs8ZFf3cQOV5MInOqcatXbVm0SA/edit?usp=sharing Master Sustained Damage Comparis...
Nov 16, 2020•42 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Two similar builds; one light, one dark. Fighting side by side, they are an incredibly destructive team, with capabilities to wreak havoc on the battlefield, while also providing support to their companions when needed. Who's the best teammate to pair with the powerful Hexblade Warlock? Come find out. Math/Graphs for this episode: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/14xwOrgJO3nZ8WRt0cpLMJVfI6tlz9KhWeheA-O0wOmY/edit?usp=sharing Master Team Comparison: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Q1...
Nov 10, 2020•49 min•Season 1Ep. 16
In our first ever build optimized for support/healing, we dive into the Lore Bard and wind up with a character that buffs, debuffs, controls, heals, inspires, leads, sings, and dances. This one does it *all* (except damage, which is totally overrated). Come check out the Lore Bard and be the companion that *every* team of adventurers wishes would pick them! Math for this episode: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16So1XGLJ3MmYAwO2-N3FozUxWsqhtyF8gFax5ruAs1o/edit?usp=sharing Master Sustained...
Nov 03, 2020•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 15
You asked, so here it is: our first ever episode optimized for team tactics as opposed to optimized for a single character. Today we discuss one of the best Area of Effect, Damage Over Time combos in all of D&D 5e: the Chronurgy Wizard and the Land (Underdark) Druid. One gets to be the anvil, one gets to be the hammer, and together, they lay waste to hordes of enemies simultaneously, by first locking them down, then subjecting them to withering damage over time spell effects, all at the cost...
Oct 27, 2020•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 14
Is the Beast Master *truly* worthless? Not by a long shot. Come learn how to bring both strong sustained damage *and* excellent control to the battlefield as we dive in to the most reviled sub-classes in all of D&D 5e! Links to math/graphs for this episode: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1TWf7ujb6YjNLF5JuHUKBaVs2ObXJt7QlsY291yBjYtE/edit?usp=sharing Master Sustained Damage Comparison: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HPMg7cDqOC-0-vNFgEV9E5WQLDdCOdI64Vbnu60pC78/edit?usp=sharing ...
Oct 19, 2020•34 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Finally! Another tank build so we can figure out who's the toughest D&D 5e character to kill (hint: it's this one). Come learn what makes the Tankadin the most durable adventurer in town, and the one *everybody* wants in their party. Math/Graphs for this episode: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11wbFe9UB6qbCWANJheGan6IWZ3eQUt2wI1RDdfbd7rE/edit?usp=sharing Master Tank Compairson: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/19XH-9FK6sPUGjOpFVg81-UXhb81cvg-zCnhbUi_Hxio/edit?usp=sharing Social...
Oct 08, 2020•37 min•Season 1Ep. 12
So you want to be a Cleric. You want to heal, bring your friends back from the dead, and lay waste to the undead. BUT you also want to do as much sustained damage as possible? You're in luck. Come learn about maximizing your damage while reveling in all your Cleric-y glory! Math/Graphs for this episode: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1LGcXASn0zEHg47il_dqXV5beibhdK9dFsIuK9C-6kOc/edit?usp=sharing Master Sustained Damage Comparison: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HPMg7cDqOC-0-vNFgE...
Sep 28, 2020•38 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Have you ever wanted to know which spells were most efficient for sustainable damage per round in D&D 5e? Well, wonder no longer! This episode, we break down which spells are going to give you the most damage out of your precious spell slots for both area and single target damage. Math/Graphs for this episode: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1B40XLwIE19qgxWI8TQ_lpUDzQJHgOKQmOg5R3lAeVqc/edit?usp=sharing Master Sustained Damage Comparison: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HPMg7cD...
Sep 22, 2020•49 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Is it possible to be a Bard *and* do great sustained damage? I submit that it is. Come learn about the Bard Locker build and be the all-singing, all-dancing, crap of the world, while simultaneously filling your enemies full of holes. Links to math/graphs for this episode: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1MeFd1tv_o4Xe-avjrS1QZJP-sMrbL27jeNsKCk0KL0M/edit?usp=sharing Master Sustained Damage Comparison: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HPMg7cDqOC-0-vNFgEV9E5WQLDdCOdI64Vbnu60pC78/edit?u...
Sep 09, 2020•43 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Fighter vs. Barbarian! Which strength-based character does the *best* sustained damage per round (DPR) in D&D 5e? Which one takes best advantage of the famous Great Weapon Master and Polearm Master feats? Or is there a way to multi-class them to be better than either alone? Come find out on this week's episode! Links to math/graphs for this episode: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Cnv72-B5ZT3JMiDpcPAPf3mWrXizWllBFZfgpYLUnqU/edit?usp=sharing Master Sustained Damage Comparison: https:/...
Aug 31, 2020•39 min•Season 1Ep. 8
A melee wizard!? Impossible, you say? I say it's the best sustained damage dealing character build in all of D&D 5e. And also the most fun I've ever had in combat in Dungeons and Dragons. Come learn about the dancing, singing, death-dealing, probably overpowered Bladesinger. Links to math/graphs for this episode: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/19M-Nd_9TYqiSY6esAhORthAnBresUTY991Z9KOjpIeQ/edit?usp=sharing Master Sustained Damage Comparison: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HPMg...
Aug 24, 2020•35 min•Season 1Ep. 7
