Slide into my DMs as we discuss grappling bears! Also, the challenge of balancing combat encounters for your players, and some tips and tricks for doing so effectively. I'd appreciate it if you'd consider supporting the channel by becoming a member! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9jQ2IsZj_CAS0bZgA6O2pA/join https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized-100733548377750 https://twitter.com/dndoptimized http://www.tiktok.com/@dndoptimized Intro:(0:00) Quick Ruling:...
May 07, 2021•51 min
Does Mercy exist in this Dojo? **Spoiler Warning** Yes Sensei. Yes it does. I'd appreciate it if you'd consider supporting the channel by becoming a member! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9jQ2IsZj_CAS0bZgA6O2pA/join https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized... https://twitter.com/dndoptimized http://www.tiktok.com/@dndoptimized Character Concept:(0:00) Level 1:(11:26) Levels 2-6:(16:11) Levels 7-9:(34:38) Levels 10-13:(54:30) Levels 14-17:(1:01:42) Final...
May 04, 2021•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 39
Quick Ruling: Does Halo of Spores scale with Character or Druid levels? Afterwards, my DMs and I discuss the best way to Play D&D in between actual sessions. Come join the chat! I'd appreciate it if you'd consider supporting the channel by becoming a member! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9jQ... https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized... https://twitter.com/dndoptimized http://www.tiktok.com/@dndoptimized Intro:( 0:00 ) Quick Ruling - Halo o...
May 01, 2021•50 min
You voted on what you wanted to see Treantmonk and I collaborate on, and the winner was the Rune Knight! Come find out how each of us built around this *very* powerful Fighter subclass. Make sure to subscribe to Treantmonk's Temple if you haven't! https://www.youtube.com/c/Treantmonks... https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized... https://twitter.com/dndoptimized http://www.tiktok.com/@dndoptimized Math/Graph for this episode: https://docs.google.co...
Apr 26, 2021•1 hr 38 min•Season 1Ep. 38
Today we talk about two things: 1 - Character Death, and 2 - Tips for improving interaction with players who are less engaged or maybe... *too* engaged. Come join the conversation! https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized-100733548377750 https://twitter.com/dndoptimized http://www.tiktok.com/@dndoptimized Intro:(0:00) Character Death:(5:00) Less-engaged players:(22:14) Spotlight Hogs:(37:45)
Apr 23, 2021•51 min
What if we could build a character that did significant sustained damage, irrelevant of the enemy's Armor Class or Saving Throws? https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized... https://twitter.com/dndoptimized http://www.tiktok.com/@dndoptimized Character Concept:(0:00) Level 1:(8:15) Levels 2-6:(15:00) Levels 7-9:(35:42) Levels 10-13:(47:32) Levels 14-17:(55:10) Final Thoughts:(1:04:35) Math/Graph for this episode: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13W...
Apr 19, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 37
The Necromancer, and, specifically, Animate Dead when used in conjunction with Necromancy and Oathbreaker Paladin buffs, is, I think, pretty broken. Come find out why and learn how to build this team to do ridiculous, and essentially unplayable damage, and join the conversation about how we might balance it in game. https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized... https://twitter.com/dndoptimized http://www.tiktok.com/@dndoptimized Character Concept:(0:00) Pro...
Apr 17, 2021•1 hr 20 min•Season 1Ep. 36
Today we chat a little more about managing a horde of Undead and then talk about the recently announced Unearthed Arcana: Draconic Options. Come join us! https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized-100733548377750 https://twitter.com/dndoptimized http://www.tiktok.com/@dndoptimized Suggestions for playing with Necromancers/Undead:(0:00) Draconic Options Intro:(16:43) Races:(19:43) Feats:(33:22) Spells:(46:12)...
Apr 16, 2021•1 hr 8 min
First of all: Familiars. Namely, Owls. Second of all: Combat. Some players love combat. Some prefer *everything else* we do in D&D and see combat as an inferior aspect of the game. How do you please both types? How much combat is the right amount of combat? https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized-100733548377750 https://twitter.com/dndoptimized http://www.tiktok.com/@dndoptimized Intro:(0:00) Quick Ruling - Help and Familiars:(4:40) Combat vs. Everything ...
Apr 08, 2021•47 min
Stealthy? Check. Great at scouting ahead, disarming traps, and picking locks? Check. Incredibly hard to kill and great at protecting your allies? Also check! Let's build a Rogue Tank. https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized... https://twitter.com/dndoptimized http://www.tiktok.com/@dndoptimized Character Concept:(0:00) Level 1:(14:19) Levels 2-6:(18:54) Levels 7-9:(33:33) Levels 10-13:(47:48) Levels 14-17:(54:57) Final Thoughts:(1:01:10) Math/Graph...
Apr 08, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 35
Three words: Spreadsheets of Desire. Also... what makes a good session 0? Why and how do you run one? Come join the conversation! I'd appreciate it if you'd consider supporting the channel by becoming a member! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9jQ2IsZj_CAS0bZgA6O2pA/join https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized-100733548377750 https://twitter.com/dndoptimized http://www.tiktok.com/@dndoptimized Intro:(0:00) Quick Ruling - Piercer and GWF?:(2:20) What is a Ses...
Mar 26, 2021•45 min
Previous version got cut short - apologies! Great sustained DPR, survivability, support, and utility all in one build!? Today we combine two subclasses that were new to Tasha's Cauldron of Everything into a regular Jekyll and Hyde - Path of the Beast Barbarian + Circle of Spores Druid = The Spore Beast! https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized-100733548377750 https://twitter.com/dndoptimized http://www.tiktok.com/@dndoptimized Math/Graph for this episode: http...
Mar 25, 2021•56 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Today we discuss the most recent Unearthed Arcana announcement - the Fey Folk! https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized-100733548377750 https://twitter.com/dndoptimized http://www.tiktok.com/@dndoptimized Intro:(0:00) Quick Ruling: Smiting:(1:56) Our upcoming campaign!:(8:10) Fey Folk:(11:38) Fairies:(13:58) Hobgoblins:(29:17) Owl Folk:(39:09) Rabbit Folk:(44:53)
Mar 19, 2021•56 min
You are dark, you are brooding, you are *not* Batman. You're a Blood Hunter. https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized-100733548377750 https://twitter.com/dndoptimized http://www.tiktok.com/@dndoptimized Math/Graph for this episode: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/101DFHEjSEX8JKXX0Ao-putc42BbTsiE7bnUS8c-V1GU/edit?usp=sharing Tier 1 Sustained DPR: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HPMg7cDqOC-0-vNFgEV9E5WQLDdCOdI64Vbnu60pC78/edit?usp=sharing Tier 2 S...
Mar 16, 2021•50 min•Season 1Ep. 33
So, we have a new reigning champion of survivability. And they're a Wizard. https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized-100733548377750 https://twitter.com/dndoptimized http://www.tiktok.com/@dndoptimized Math/Graph for this episode: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1UwX6zBcw2Gu6IPo-uTpIWXIFn6BGb9W1R5Ysacxu9nM/edit?usp=sharing Master Tank Comparison: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/19XH-9FK6sPUGjOpFVg81-UXhb81cvg-zCnhbUi_Hxio/edit?usp=sharing Charact...
Mar 09, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 32
How do you deal with conflict between your players' characters in game? Do you encourage it? Help resolve it? How do you avoid letting it spill over and into conflict between your players themselves? https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized-100733548377750 https://twitter.com/dndoptimized http://www.tiktok.com/@dndoptimized Custom Origin/Racial Feats:(0:00) Quick Ruling: Shadow Step and Darkness:(12:20) Character Conflict:(20:17) Player Conflict:(37:26)...
Mar 05, 2021•48 min
Well, our call to action worked! Crap! :) Actually, I'm pretty ok with this ruling, even if it surprises me. Come see why. https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized-100733548377750 https://twitter.com/dndoptimized http://www.tiktok.com/@dndoptimized
Mar 04, 2021•18 min
This week we're trying something new: recreating a character from non-D&D fiction as a D&D character—namely: Kaladin Stormblessed from Brandon Sanderson's Stormlight Archive. I had a lot of fun creating it, and am *very* interested in knowing your thoughts so please let me know! https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized-100733548377750 https://twitter.com/dndoptimized http://www.tiktok.com/@dndoptimized Character Concept:(0:00) Level 1:(14:34) Levels 2-...
Mar 03, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 31
Today we pause for a moment to ask Colby and friends a bunch of fan-submitted questions: How do you come up with your builds? What are your favorite in-game moments? What are your plans for the channel in the future? Do you even lift, bro? And many, many more. https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized-100733548377750 https://twitter.com/dndoptimized http://www.tiktok.com/@dndoptimized
Mar 02, 2021•1 hr 48 min
Wizards of the Coast announced their new book this week: Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft. Come join me and my DMs as we take a look at what we know about it so far, and attempt some really corny humor along the way! https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized-100733548377750 https://twitter.com/dndoptimized
Feb 26, 2021•57 min
Wait, you did all that damage with ... darts? Yup. Darts. Turns out, thrown weapons can be really, really good. https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized-100733548377750 https://twitter.com/dndoptimized Character Concept:(0:00) Level 1:(6:54) Levels 2-6:(12:42) Levels 7-9:(27:32) Levels 10-13:(35:10) Levels 14-17:(42:21) Final Thoughts:(47:57) Math/Graph for this episode: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1_oc9FTq31d2L3abCKwFrjmXyTzdEQsD9Qj5ayIqgH8w/edit?u...
Feb 24, 2021•51 min•Season 1Ep. 30
We hit 5,000 subscribers! Enough talk ... LET'S FIGHT! https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized-100733548377750 https://twitter.com/dndoptimized Intro:(0:00) Training:(4:28) Round 1:(13:25) Round 2:(20:10) Round 3:(26:53) Round 4:(32:55) Round 5:(37:50) Round 6:(44:29) Round 7:(49:23) Rounds 8-11:(54:22) Post-Game Analysis:(1:01:25)
Feb 23, 2021•1 hr 7 min
There are some problems with Thrown Weapons, and we need to talk about them. https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized... https://twitter.com/dndoptimized...
Feb 22, 2021•18 min
Who should describe the combat that takes place in game, the player, or the DM? Both? Neither? Why? Also: does each landed attack cause major physical harm, or is it mostly a series of near misses until the final, fatal blow is struck? Let us know your thoughts! Please follow art.ofavice on instagram and, more importantly, commission some amazing artwork! https://www.instagram.com/art.ofavice/ https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized-100733548377750 https://tw...
Feb 18, 2021•49 min
Our goal this week: to create a character who is an expert at shutting down enemy spell casters; they can stick to their opponent like glue, shrug off just about any spell that is thrown their way, and lock the Mage down until they take them out. https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized-100733548377750 https://twitter.com/dndoptimized Character Concept:(0:00) Level 1:(12:23) Levels 2-6:(19:17) Levels 7-9:(34:08) Levels 10-13:(38:57) Levels 14-17:(48:14) Final ...
Feb 16, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 29
Healing Potions as a Bonus Action? Critical Fail tables? Free Feat for everyone? Almost every table has house rules, and some are more common than others. Today we weight in on which ones are our favorites, which our least favorites and why. https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized-100733548377750 https://twitter.com/dndoptimized
Feb 11, 2021•59 min
In this episode, I give myself one rule: my character cannot harm any enemy directly. Instead, they must depend exclusively on their pets/companions for all damage in combat. I was pretty shocked with the results. I think you might be too :). https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized-100733548377750 https://twitter.com/dndoptimized Character Concept:(0:00) Level 1:(8:10) Levels 2-6:(15:55) Levels 7-9:(35:15) Levels 10-13:(45:55) Levels 14-17:(59:48) Final Thoug...
Feb 09, 2021•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 28
As a lot of you know, I keep a spreadsheet/graph that compares my different sustained DPR builds to one another. It's getting crowded on there, so it's time to split them up into two tiers. I thought I'd take a moment to rank them while I do so, just for fun :). https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized-100733548377750 https://twitter.com/dndoptimized Intro:(0:00) Tier 2:(6:28) Tier 1:(14:16)
Feb 08, 2021•24 min
Wanting to try create your own Homebrew campaign but nervous at the same time? Let my DMs calm your fears. https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized-100733548377750 https://twitter.com/dndoptimized Blessed Strikes + Reaper?:(0:00) Tips for Homebrew Creation:(9:55) Running the Campaign:(30:04)
Feb 05, 2021•43 min
The Paladin/Warlock multiclass is an oft-used, well-loved character build in D&D. But what's the best way to get the most out of all those smites? https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDoptimized/ https://www.facebook.com/DD-Optimized-100733548377750 https://twitter.com/dndoptimized Nova vs. Sustained damage:(0:00) Character Concept:(9:03) Level 1:(15:06) Levels 2-6:(23:24) Levels 7-9:(38:39) Crit Fishing:(46:53) Levels 10-13:(49:38) Levels 14-17:(54:53) Final Thoughts:(1:01:28) Graph for this episode:...
Feb 02, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 27
