The Jester is designed to taunt and demoralize enemies, drawing them away while remaining hard to hit.
Stat Block Level 1:
Mocking Menace[1]: male, human jester 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d6+2; hp 8; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 16, touch 12, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +0; Grp +0; Atk shortsword +2 melee (1d6/19-20) or whip +2 melee (1d3 nonlethal); Full Atk shortsword +2 melee (1d6/19-20) or whip +2 melee (1d3 nonlethal); SA Jester’s Performance, Fascinate, Inspiring Quip; SQ Jester’s Audacity +1; AL CN; SV Fort +2, Ref +4, Will +2; Str 10, Dex 15, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 16.
Skills and Feats:
Perform(Comedy) +7, Tumble +6; Run, Dodge.
Special Abilities:
Jester’s Performance (perform a comical act to distract foes), Fascinate (make foes fascinated), Inspiring Quip (give a morale bonus to allies). Possessions: Chain shirt, heavy shield, shortsword, whip.
Level 5 Brief:
The Jester is a master of taunting enemies, forcing them into attacking while remaining elusive. With spells, decent AC, and survival skills, the Jester disrupts foes effectively.
Stat Block Level 5:
Mocking Menace[1]: male, human jester 5; CR 5; Medium humanoid (human); HD 5d6; hp 20; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 17, touch 12, flat-footed 15; Base Atk +3; Grp +3; Atk shortsword +4 (1d6+0) or whip +5 (1d3+0); Full Atk shortsword +4 (1d6+0) or whip +5 (1d3+0); SA Jester’s Performance, Taunt; SQ Jester’s Audacity +2, Fascinate, Inspiring Quip; AL CN; SV Fort +3, Ref +6, Will +4; Str 10, Dex 15, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 16.
Skills and Feats:
Perform(Comedy) +11, Tumble +10; Run, Dodge, Deflect Arrows, Ability Focus(Taunt), Snatch Arrows. Special Attacks and Qualities: Jester’s Performance – treat as bardic music abilities but focused on demoralizing and mocking foes. Possessions: Chain shirt, heavy shield, shortsword, whip.
Level 10 Brief:
The Jester at level 10 excels at demoralizing and taunting foes. Amidst decent AC and survivability, he uses his abilities to make enemies chase him, setting them up for easy pickings. His equipment bolsters his evasion and versatility.
Stat Block Level 10:
Mocking Menace[1]: male, human Jester 10; CR 10; Medium humanoid (human); HD 10d6+20; hp 55; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 12, flat-footed 18; Base Atk +7; Grp +7; Atk Shortsword +9 melee (1d6+0) or Whip +9 melee (1d3+0, range 15 ft.); Full Atk Shortsword +9/+4 melee (1d6+0) or Whip +9/+4 melee (1d3+0, range 15 ft.); SA Jester’s Performance, Taunt, Buffoonery, Bone Rattler; SQ Jester’s Audacity +3, Fascinate, Inspiring Quip, Calming Performance; AL CN; SV Fort +5, Ref +9, Will +6; Str 10, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 18.
Skills and Feats:
Perform(Comedy) +15, Tumble +15; Run, Dodge, Deflect Arrows, Ability Focus(Taunt), Snatch Arrows, Mobility, Spring Attack, Weapon Finesse. Special Attacks and Qualities: Jester’s Performance provides various disorienting effects. Taunt and Buffoonery distract and demoralize enemies. Bone Rattler weakens foes’ resolve. Fascinate, Inspiring Quip, and Calming Performance grant various charms to sway combat. Equipment and items: Chainshirt, Heavy Shield, Shortsword, Whip.
Level 15 Brief:
This Jester build focuses on taunting and evasion, demoralizing enemies into attacking while staying out of reach. It excels at crowd control and survivability.
Stat Block Level 15:
Mocking Menace[1]: [male], Human Jester 15; CR 15; Medium Humanoid (Human); HD 15d6+30; hp 82; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 21, touch 13, flat-footed 19; Base Atk +11; Grp +11; Atk Shortsword +11 melee (1d6) or Whip +11 melee (1d3 nonlethal); Full Atk Shortsword +11/+6 melee (1d6) or Whip +11 melee (1d3 nonlethal); SA Taunt, Vexing Dialogue; SQ Jester’s Audacity +4, Calming Performance, Bone Rattler, Buffoonery, Vicious Lampoon; AL Chaotic Neutral; SV Fort +9, Ref +12, Will +7; Str 10, Dex 15, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 19.
Skills and Feats:
Perform(Comedy) +22, Tumble +20; Run, Dodge, Deflect Arrow, Ability Focus(Taunt), Snatch Arrow, Mobility, Spring Attack, Weapon Finesse, Goad, Improved Toughness. Special Attacks and Qualities: Taunt—Demoralize enemies; Vexing Dialogue—Confuse and anger opponents; Jester’s Audacity—Bonus to saves against fear; Calming Performance—Reduce hostility; Bone Rattler—Enhanced damage on taunted foes; Buffoonery—Protection from attacks of opportunity; Vicious Lampoon—Insult to demoralize. Possessions: Chainshirt, Heavy Shield, Shortsword, Whip.
Level 20 Brief:
At level 20, the Jester thrives on provoking enemies into attacking, then evading them. With high Charisma and Dexterity, their abilities to taunt and perform are unparalleled. They have spells, decent AC, and survivability, making them versatile and hard to deal with in combat.
Stat Block Level 20:
Mocking Menace[1]: male, human jester 20; CR 20; Medium humanoid (human); HD 20d6+40; hp 110; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 22, touch 12, flat-footed 18; Base Atk +15; Grp +15; Atk +18 melee (1d6+2/19-20, shortsword) or +20 melee (1d3+1, whip); Full Atk +18/+13/+8 melee (1d6+2/19-20, shortsword) or +20/+15/+10 melee (1d3+1, whip); SA Taunt, Buffoonery, Vicious Lampoon, Goad, Vexing Dialogue, Scathing Wit; SQ Jester’s Audacity +5, Jester’s Performance, Fascinate, Inspiring Quip, Deflect Arrow, Snatch Arrow, Calming Performance, Bone Rattler; AL CN; SV Fort +7, Ref +10, Will +13; Str 10, Dex 15, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 20.
Level 1: Establish mobility and defense with Run and Dodge.
Level 3: Boost your taunting power with Ability Focus (Taunt).
Level 5-9: Enhance battlefield control with Snatch Arrow, Mobility, and Spring Attack.
Level 10-14: Introduce fear and precision with Bone Rattler and Weapon Finesse.
Level 15-20: Dominate the field with Goad, Vexing Dialogue, and peak Jester’s Audacity.
Equipment Progression for the Mocking Menace Build
Level Range
Equipment
Description
1-5
Chainshirt, Heavy Shield, Shortsword, Whip
Chainshirt: Light armor with decent protection. Heavy Shield: Deflects unexpected blows. Shortsword: For precise strikes. Whip: Allows for crowd control and non-lethal damage.
5-10
+1 Chainshirt, +1 Shortsword, Cloak of Dexterity
+1 Chainshirt: Magic armor for increased protection. +1 Shortsword: Magic weapon for improved attacks. Cloak of Dexterity: Increases Dexterity, enhancing agility and attack rolls.
10-15
Cloak of Charisma, Boots of Elvenkind, Headband of Intellect
Cloak of Charisma: Boosts Charisma for better performances and abilities. Boots of Elvenkind: Enhances stealth. Headband of Intellect: Increases Intelligence, boosting skill checks.
15-20
+3 Chainshirt, +3 Shortsword, Ring of Protection, Amulet of Health
+3 Chainshirt: Provides significant AC bonus. +3 Shortsword: Deals additional damage and possibly extra effects. Ring of Protection: Enhances AC and saves. Amulet of Health: Boosts Constitution, increasing hit points.
Combat Scenarios & Strategies for the Mocking Menace
On an open field, use your speed to your advantage, darting in and out of enemy reach. In a dungeon, use corridors and doorways to funnel enemies into your traps. And in urban environments, use rooftops and alleyways to create a three-dimensional battlefield that only you can navigate effectively.
Use Taunt to control who’s attacking you, and make sure you’re ready to take a few hits.
Spring Attack is your bread and butter for hit-and-run tactics, so practice your timing.
Buffoonery isn’t just for laughs; it’s a powerful tool for controlling enemy movement.
Combat Scenarios
One-on-one duel: Use Taunt and your whip’s reach to keep your opponent off-balance.
Group encounter: Position yourself to disrupt as many enemies as possible with Buffoonery.
Defensive stand: Use your mobility to protect weaker party members and control the flow of enemies.
Ambush: Turn the tables on your attackers with Spring Attack, striking swiftly and then vanishing into the shadows.
Boss fight: Combine your Jester’s Audacity with Vicious Lampoon to weaken the boss and give your allies an edge.
Party Synergy for the Mocking Menace
Coordinate with your allies to create powerful combos. If you have a rogue in the party, use your Taunt to set up enemies for their Sneak Attack. A wizard or sorcerer will appreciate you keeping enemies at bay while they cast spells. And a cleric or paladin will be grateful for the breathing room to heal or smite.
You’re the wild card, the unpredictable element that keeps your enemies guessing. But you’re also the heart of the party, using your Jester’s Performance to inspire and Fascinate to calm tensions. Embrace this dual role and watch as your party becomes more than the sum of its parts.
Set up allies for success with Taunt and your disruptive abilities.
Work with spellcasters to control the battlefield and dictate the pace of combat.
Enhance and be enhanced by other party members’ skills and abilities.
Strengths & Weaknesses of the Mocking Menace Build
Weakness
Counter
Low Hit Points
– Improved Toughness Feat: Increases your hit points to help you withstand more damage.
Limited Spellcasting
– Use of Magic Items: Supplement your spellcasting with scrolls, wands, and other magical items.
Focus on Non-Lethal Damage
– Strategic Use of Bone Rattler: Use Bone Rattler to deal fear effects and set up lethal attacks from allies.
Reliance on Charisma
– Items like Cloak of Charisma: Boost your Charisma to enhance your Jester abilities and performances.
Vulnerable to Surprise Attacks
– Always have an escape plan: Use your mobility and environment to evade unexpected threats.
Roleplaying Themes with Playing a Mocking Menace Build
Your Jester is a complex character, a blend of humor and edge. They might use jokes to hide their battle scars or to disarm their foes before striking. Think about what drives your Jester to perform. Are they seeking approval, or do they use their humor as a weapon? Your Jester’s personality is a tool as vital as any weapon in their arsenal.
Backstory: What past events shaped your Jester into the Mocking Menace they are today?
Motivations: Are they after fame, fortune, or just the next laugh?
Relationships: How do they interact with the party and NPCs? Are they a lone wolf or the group’s glue?
Courtly Intrigues and the Artful Dodger
Your Jester excels in social situations, using their wit to navigate complex courtly intrigues. They can be a spy, a diplomat, or a saboteur, depending on what the situation demands. Use your Jester’s talents to gather information, sow discord among enemies, or broker peace.
Use Taunt to manipulate NPC emotions during negotiations or interrogations.
Leverage your Perform(Comedy) skill to win favor with influential figures or distract guards.
Employ Vexing Dialogue to confuse and frustrate opponents in verbal sparring.
Themes & RP Opportunities
Here’s a quick list of roleplaying themes and opportunities for your Jester:
Play the fool to gain access to restricted areas or information.
Use your humor to defuse tense situations or to escalate them when advantageous.
Embrace the unexpected, turning potential failures into surprising successes.
Cultural Influence & Traditions
The Jester archetype is steeped in history, with real-world jesters often serving as both entertainers and advisors. Drawing on these traditions can add depth to your character and the campaign world.
Here are some cultural influences and traditions to consider:
Adopt a specific style of dress or performance based on a historical period or culture.
Incorporate traditional jester tools like the bauble or marotte into your act.
Study the language and humor styles of different eras to flavor your Jester’s dialogue.
FAQ
Joining the Fray: How Can I Integrate a Jester into My Existing Campaign?
Integrating a Jester into an existing campaign can add a refreshing dynamic to the party. Here’s some options to do so:
Introduce the Jester: Have the Jester join the party during a performance or at a moment of comedic relief.
Highlight Their Skills: Showcase the Jester’s unique abilities early on to establish their role in the party.
Connect to the Story: Tie the Jester’s background to the campaign’s narrative to give them personal stakes in the adventure.
Balancing the Jester: How to Keep the Gameplay Fun and Fair
Use your abilities strategically, not to overshadow your party members but to support them. Be mindful of when to step into the spotlight and when to let others shine. And always remember, the goal is to create a story together, not just for yourself.
Reflections of Laughter: How to Roleplay a Jester Authentically?
To roleplay a Jester authentically, draw on the rich tapestry of jester lore and your creativity. Embrace the role of the trickster, but also show the depth of character behind the mask. Be spontaneous, be bold, and most importantly, be entertaining. After all, that’s what a Jester does best.
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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?
The lord and the scribe sat in the private lodge, which overlooked the arena for this special tournament.
The old lord looked pensive, “I am glad you accepted this rush job,” he said to the scribe, as the latter was preparing to write down the man’s memories.
“Always ready to serve one as illustrious as you, my lord. Shall we begin?” The older man, a respected wizard-scribe and fellow of the Lodge, asked graciously.
The lord turned his seat to face the scribe, with his legs crossed lazily. He then retrieved his goblet of wine and took a sip.
“Yes, I suppose it is time. For starters, I am no lord,” he shook his head lightly on the admission.
The scribe wrote what the man said but paused as he stayed silent,
“Sir?”
“I never was a lord to begin with. That man you think you know doesn’t exist. Never has,” mirth flashed over the older man’s face.
“Is…is that one of your tricks?” The scribe recalled about how his liege was reputed master trickster. Reportedly able, with both the magic and the mundane, to alter events to suit his needs.
“No more tricks my friend. Just the honest truth between you and I, for this one time…”
Race
Human
Class
Jester 20
Ability Score
Str 10/Dex 15/Con 14/Int 12/Wis 10/Cha 16
Skills
Perform(Comedy), Tumble
Equipment
Chainshirt, Heavy Shield, Shortsword and Whip.
Goal
The Jester is like the antibard, demoralizing and taunting opponents into attacking you.
So I made this build to force enemies into attacking you, yet being completely unable to reach you. This forces them to run after you as you and your team pick them off one by one.
Between your spells, spring attack, a decent AC and decent survivability, you are an absolute pain to deal with. Furthermore you’re versatile enough to deal with most situations fairly easily.
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