A crafty Jester with deception skills and the ability to perform. Equipped with a handaxe and chainshirt, this character uses audacity and inspiring quips to manipulate foes.
Stat Block Level 1:
Literally Me[1]: male, human jester 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d6+0; hp 6; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 16, touch 12, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +0; Grp -1; Atk handaxe +1 (1d6+1/x3) or dagger +1 (1d4+1/19-20×2); Full Atk handaxe +1 (1d6+1/x3) or dagger +1 (1d4+1/19-20×2); SA Jester’s Performance, Fascinate, Inspiring Quip; SQ Jester’s Audacity +1; AL CN; SV Fort -1, Ref +4, Will +3; Str 5, Dex 14, Con 10, Int 16, Wis 8, Cha 16.
A versatile build combining spellcasting and assassination. Capable of dealing precise damage and using poisons effectively. Strong skillset and social manipulation.
Stat Block Level 5:
Literally Me[1]: male, human Jester 3/Warlock 2; CR 5; Medium humanoid (human); HD 2d6+10; hp 21; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 16, touch 12, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +2; Grp +3; Atk Dagger +4 melee (1d4+1/19-20) or Handaxe +4 melee (1d6+1/×3) or Eldritch Blast +2 ranged (1d6); Full Atk Dagger +4 melee (1d4+1/19-20) or Handaxe +4 melee (1d6+1/×3) or Eldritch Blast +2 ranged (1d6); SA Sneak Attack +1d6, Death Attack, Poison Use, Eldritch Blast 1d6; SQ Jester’s Audacity, Jester’s Performance, Fascinate, Inspiring Quip, Taunt, Detect Magic, Beguiling Influence, Summon Swarm; AL CN; SV Fort +0, Ref +6, Will +1; Str 14, Dex 14, Con 10, Int 16, Wis 8, Cha 16.
A versatile jester focused on assassination and spellcasting. Excels in melee and ranged combat, poison use, and deception.
Stat Block Level 10:
Literally Me[1]: male, human Jester 3/Warlock 2/Assassin 5; CR 10; Medium humanoid (human); HD 10d6; hp 35; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 12, flat-footed 18; Base Atk +6; Grp +4; Atk dagger +8 melee (1d4+1); Full Atk dagger +8 melee (1d4+1) or Eldritch Blast +8 ranged touch (1d6); SA Sneak Attack +3d6, Death Attack, Poison Use, Taunt; SQ +2 Save vs Poison, Uncanny Dodge, Eldritch Blast 1d6, Beguiling Influence; AL CN; SV Fort +2, Ref +9, Will +5; Str 14, Dex 14, Con 10, Int 16, Wis 8, Cha 16.
This character is an expert in stealth, assassination, and versatility. They excel in Death Attacks, Sneak Attacks, and poison use. With strong skills in disguise and combat, they are deadly and unpredictable.
Stat Block Level 15:
Literally Me[1]: male, human jester 3/warlock 2/assassin 10; CR 15; Medium humanoid; HD 15d6; hp 54; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 18, touch 12, flat-footed 16; Base Atk +10; Grp +10; Atk masterwork dagger +10 melee (1d4) or handaxe +8 melee (1d6); Full Atk masterwork dagger +10/+5 melee (1d4) or handaxe +8/+3 melee (1d6); SA Sneak Attack +5d6, Death Attack, Poison Use; SQ Eldritch Blast 1d6, Beguiling Influence, Detect Magic, Summon Swarm, Jester’s Audacity +1, Jester’s Performance, Fascinate, Inspiring Quip, Taunt, Uncanny Dodge, Improved Uncanny Dodge, Hide in Plain Sight, Create Poison, Refine Poison, Empower Poison, Lost in the Crowd, Heir’s Mark, Improved Hospitality, Dhurinda’s Trick, Dhurinda’s Touch; AL CN; SV Fort +10, Ref +10, Will +6; Str 5, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 8, Cha 16.
Skills and Feats:
Bluff +19, Craft(Poisonmaking) +21, Craft(Drugs) +21, Craft(Alchemy) +21, Disguise +19, Hide +18, Move Silently +18, Perform(Comedy) +20, Sleight of Hand +19; Mercantile Background, Least Dragonmark, Willing Deformity, Deformity(Madness), Deflect Arrows, Obtain Familiar, Craven, Improved Unarmed Strike, Improved Familiar, Darkstalker, Ability Focus(Death Attack). Special Attacks and Qualities: Sneak Attack +5d6, Death Attack (DC 18), Poison Use, Eldritch Blast 1d6, Create Poison, Refine Poison, Empower Poison, Lost in the Crowd, Heir’s Mark, Improved Hospitality, Dhurinda’s Trick, Dhurinda’s Touch. Possessions: Masterwork dagger, handaxe, chain shirt, shield.
Level 20 Brief:
This versatile assassin build excels at deception, melee combat, and casting spells. They can slay foes outright with Death Attack or a variety of poisons.
Stat Block Level 20:
Literally Me[1]: male, human Jester 3/Warlock 2/Assassin 10/Black Dog 5; CR 20; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d6+3d6+10d6+5d6; hp 90; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 12, flat-footed 18; Base Atk +12/+7/+2; Grp +11; Atk +13 melee (handaxe, 1d6+5) or +14 ranged (dagger, 1d4+5); Full Atk +13/+8/+3 melee (handaxe, 1d6+5) or +14 ranged (dagger, 1d4+5); SA Death Attack, Sneak Attack +5d6, Poison Use, Create Poison, Refine Poison, Empower Poison, Black Dog abilities; SQ Eldritch Blast 1d6, Beguiling Influence, Detect Magic, Summon Swarm, Uncanny Dodge, Improved Uncanny Dodge, Hide in Plain Sight, Heir’s Mark, Improved Hospitality, Dhurinda’s Trick, Lost in the Crowd, Dhurinda’s Touch; AL Chaotic Neutral; SV Fort +7, Ref +14, Will +13; Str 14, Dex 12, Con 10, Int 21, Wis 8, Cha 16.
Level 1: Jester – The journey begins with the core class, focusing on deception and performance abilities.
Levels 2-3: Warlock – Introducing eldritch powers that enhance the Jester’s trickery and combat potential.
Levels 4-13: Assassin – Sharpening lethal skills with sneak attacks and the deadly Death Attack feature.
Levels 14-18: Black Dog – A rare class that augments the Jester’s capabilities with unique skills and abilities.
Levels 19-20: Final touches that maximize the character’s strengths and refine their role within the party
Equipment Progression for the Literally Me Build
Here’s a detailed equipment plan for the “Literally Me[1]” Jester build, summarized in a table for readability:
Level Range
Equipment
Description
1-5
Chainshirt
Light armor providing a balance of protection and mobility.
Handaxe
Versatile and reliable for close combat.
Dagger
Backup weapon, useful for stealth and precision attacks.
6-10
Masterwork Handaxe, Masterwork Dagger
Improved versions of your basic weapons, offering enhanced attack bonuses.
Light Crossbow
For ranged sneak attacks and added versatility in combat.
11-15
Boots of Elvenkind
Boosts stealth, allowing for better sneaking and surprise attacks.
Cloak of Displacement
Provides a miss chance, improving survivability.
16-20
Dagger of Venom
Adds poison damage, complementing your assassination skills.
Amulet of Health
Increases Constitution, enhancing your health pool.
Levels 1-5: Focus on basic mobility and defense. The chainshirt and handaxe provide a solid foundation for protection and versatility in close combat.
Levels 6-10: Upgrade to masterwork versions of your weapons for better combat effectiveness. Adding a light crossbow gives you a ranged option for sneak attacks.
Levels 11-15: Invest in magical items like the boots of elvenkind to boost your stealth and the cloak of displacement for increased defense.
Levels 16-20: Seek out powerful artifacts like the dagger of venom to enhance your offensive capabilities and the amulet of health to bolster your resilience.
Combat Scenarios involving the Literally Me Build
Combat as a Jester is about unpredictability and flair. Here are some scenarios where our Jester build shines:
Ambush in a crowded marketplace: Blend in with the crowd, using your Jester’s charm to close in on your target.
Defending a stronghold: Turn the tables on attackers by setting traps and using your wits to outmaneuver them.
Magical duels: Employ your Warlock spells to confound and damage spellcasters who underestimate your arcane abilities.
Chasing down a fleeing target: Utilize your mobility and tracking skills to catch up and deliver a decisive blow.
“For every laugh, there’s a knife waiting in the shadows. The Jester build isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about deadly precision masked by a smile.”
Strengths & Weaknesses of Literally Me Build
Weakness
Counter
Limited Health
– Invest in defensive gear such as Amulet of Health (+2 Constitution), Ring of Protection (+2 AC), and Cloak of Resistance (+2 to all saves). – Use spells like False Life or Mage Armor for additional protection.
Spell Reliance
– Keep a variety of tools and weapons, such as a +1 dagger, a +1 handaxe, and alchemical items like Acid Flask and Alchemist’s Fire. – Learn and prepare spells that offer versatility, such as Disguise Self and Charm Person.
Close-Range Combat
– Master kiting and hit-and-run tactics using feats like Mobility and Spring Attack. – Use Tumble skill to avoid attacks of opportunity and maintain distance.
Heavily Armored Opponents
– Focus on abilities that bypass armor, such as Eldritch Blast (ranged touch attack) and Sneak Attack (precision damage). – Utilize items like Oil of Magic Weapon to enhance attacks.
Anti-Magic Fields
– Carry non-magical backup weapons, like a masterwork dagger and masterwork handaxe. – Utilize mundane skills like Sleight of Hand and Hide to remain effective even without magic.
Roleplaying Themes
Roleplaying a Jester is not just about cracking jokes; it’s about embodying a character that can navigate the fine line between humor and darkness. The He’s literally me Jester build offers rich opportunities for storytelling and character development that can make your D&D sessions unforgettable.
Themes & RP Opportunities
The duality of laughter and fear: Use your Jester’s antics to both amuse and unsettle.
Ambiguity of allegiance: Keep others guessing about your true intentions and loyalties.
The art of distraction: Leverage your performances to manipulate the flow of events.
The opportunity to delve into the subtleties of a character who is more than just amusement can be found in playing a jester. You have the power to craft a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking by the choices and actions you make.
Cultural Influence & Traditions
Inspiration from the trickster Loki in Norse mythology: Embrace a cunning and mischievous spirit.
The role of jesters in medieval courts: Use wit and humor as a tool to speak truths that others cannot.
The Commedia dell’arte tradition: Incorporate elements of improvisation and physical comedy into your performance.
Your Jester’s antics can be a powerful tool in gameplay. Use your performances to distract enemies, negotiate with NPCs, or lighten the mood during tense moments. The key is to keep your fellow players—and the Dungeon Master—engaged and entertained.
Leveling up the ‘He’s literally me[1]’ build requires a strategic approach. Focus on enhancing your charisma and dexterity, which are crucial for your performance and combat abilities. Prioritize skills and feats that bolster your role as both an entertainer and an assassin.
What equipment should I prioritize at each stage of the game?
In the early stages, prioritize equipment that enhances your mobility and stealth, such as a lightweight armor and silent footwear. As you progress, seek out magical items that complement your combat and performance skills, like enchanted instruments or daggers.
How can the Literally Me[1] build effectively contribute to a party dynamic?
The ‘He’s literally me[1]’ build can be a versatile asset to any party. Your Jester’s ability to adapt to various situations makes you an excellent scout, diplomat, and strategist. Use your unique skill set to support your allies in and out of combat, whether by disarming traps, entertaining to gain favor, or striking from the shadows when needed.
What are some common pitfalls to avoid while playing this build?
One pitfall to avoid is becoming too predictable. A Jester thrives on the unexpected, so vary your tactics and keep your enemies guessing. Additionally, be mindful of your character’s limitations—overextending in combat or relying too heavily on deception can lead to perilous situations.
How can I make roleplaying a Jester more authentic within the game’s setting?
To roleplay a Jester authentically, draw inspiration from historical and cultural sources. Study the language and mannerisms of jesters and incorporate them into your character’s interactions. Most importantly, remember that a Jester’s power lies in their ability to affect others—use this to your advantage, and your performance will be unforgettable.
Join the Stellar Dragons Discord
And if you’re eager to share your Jester’s tales or learn from fellow enthusiasts, don’t hesitate to join the Stellar Dragons Discord community. It’s a place where creativity thrives, and your next great adventure awaits! For more inspiration on character builds, check out our guide on Fochlucan College bards, masters of mystical arts and musical nature.
Writer, Editor, GM, Technologist – Andrew’s been playing TTRPGs since as far back as he can recall… at least sometime in the nineties… or was it the early 2000s?
It was not the face of a benevolent noble, a dangerously renowned temptress, or that of a mighty archmage who stared at the scribe. Instead, it was the very tired face of a quite normal man.
“Who… are you?” The Scribe asked, supremely confused.
“Yes,” the man smiled sadly at the Scribe, pausing to let the word hang in the air,” I’d imagine you wouldn’t remember me. I used to be the Lord Banker.”
The Scribe’s jaw dropped.
The Lord Banker had disappeared so long ago. He had been accused of murdering his own wife and practicing dark magic.
“I spent my youth as a regular man, a lower aristocrat. Sworn into the complacency of a mundane job, that of a banker. My marriage was arranged with a woman I couldn’t care less about. With a job that slowly killed me inside. So I became a jester.”
Complacency Kills
The Lord Banker paused for effect, a toothy grin across his face, “and a murderer. I committed atrocities because this whole world is but a comedy, a farce, a dream I shall wake up from at any point.”
His smile evaporated, “Or so I dared believe in the last fifteen years. I was once, like you, yearning to fit in but I realized just how uncaring the world is.”
A harsh tone overcame his voice, as he stared the Scribe in the eye, “This is our true enemy: Complacency. I had to break out.“
He stopped, looked at the arena, and continued with a much softer lilt, “But my time as this identity has come and gone.” There was a light nod from the man, “and now, I must wear someone else’s face.”
The Scribe, glancing at the door over his shoulder nervously, “…Why… why …” he stuttered, panicking, “are you…admitting all this?”
“Because it’s completely pointless, my friend. That’s the beauty of it, even if you were to go blabber about it, nobody would believe you,” the Lord Banker grinned wickedly, “After all…” He put on a mask, taking the appearance of the Scribe, though the grin did not fade.
“I am literally you, too. This whole confession, like everything else, has meant nothing…” His eyes gleamed, murderous…
Race
Human
Class
Jester 3/Warlock 2/Assassin 10/Black Dog
Ability Scores
5 Str 14/Dex 12/Con 10/Int 16/Wis 8/Cha 16
Skills
Bluff 4, Craft(Poisonmaking), Craft(Drugs), Craft(Alchemy), Disguise 4, Hide 8, Move Silently 8, Perform(Comedy) 6, Sleight of Hand 4
Equipment
A handaxe, a Chainshirt, a dagger, a shield
Flaws
Shaky, Murky Eyed
Goal
Yes, I went there. This build is pure distillation of the “He’s literally me” trope. Be it the Joker, Bateman, the Driver, Nightcrawler, Light Yagami. You name it, you can find some of the character’s aspect in this.
You’re extremely versatile as you’re not only a capable spell caster but a masterful melee combatant and more. Possessing the best Death Attack, as well as the ability to slay people with heart attacks you’re extremely effective at dispatching foes. Let’s not forget the ability to effectively deploy explosions, poisons, fists, and any melee weapons to dispatch adversaries you are the perfect murderer.
Not only that, but you’re a strong party face & an excellent skillmonkey.
As said, your versatility as a Literally Me Jester is second-to-none. After all, life’s a comedy – laugh it up.
Level Distribution
Level
Class
HD
Feat
Special
1
Jester
6
Mercantile Background, Least Dragonmark, Willing Deformity, Deformity(Madness)
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