There arearchetypes like the heroor the trickster that many players use for their D&D characters.

However, archetypes inspired by folktales might be more impactful if you are into mythology or other folklore.

According to his lore, the Monkey King gained superpowers from Taoist practices.

Collage of D&D fifth edition, showing a five-headed dragon and a halfling descending on a rope

He is an agile, shrewd, magical being who can take on even the most dangerous foes.

Most alliterations feature Sun Wukong with a staff, and he also uses hand-to-hand combat against enemies.

Sun Wukongs martial prowess and unpredictable nature can make for an interesting roleplaying experience in D&D.

A high-level bastion build in Dungeons & Dragons against a background of an ancient ruin.

You may need to pay more attention to his ability to deceive enemies, as thats his greatest asset.

The rogue class is perfect for the character, whod rather use his brains than brawn.

The character focuses on tricking enemies or evading them, as he doesnt excel in combat.

A demonic creature in a split image with a ghostly portal in Dungeons & Dragons.

The character relies on quick thinking and a charismatic nature to deceive or manipulate enemies.

The character is wise and can manipulate magic to defeat foes or defend himself and his allies.

The archetype would use the wizard class in Dungeons & Dragons, of course.

Dungeons & Dragons image showing three druids in a collage side by side.

However, Merlins most powerful skills are the spells he can use to defeat the toughest enemies easily.

Lancelot was a commoner who struggled and rose through the ranks to become one of Arthurs most trusted.

The paladin class, who are holy champions of an oath, is thebest for this character archetype.

Split images of Frodo, Sauron, and Legolas in Lord of the Rings

Dragonborn Monk of the Astral Self via Wizards of the Coast

Paladins have mastery of weapons and armor, which is the bread and butter of the knight, Lancelot.

His flaws amidst his personification of perfection could make for an interesting plot point.

He was born with superpowers, and the warrior is massively strong.

A dragonborne monk with astrally-projected arms in Dungeons & Dragons.

Dragonborn Monk of the Astral Self via Wizards of the Coast

Bastions are one of the most unique ways to optimize your character build in Dungeons & Dragons.

Here are some great expert-level builds.

This is because Nezha is known for being violent and uncontrollable during fights.

Dungeons & Dragons image showing a rogue on a rooftop.

Art by Daniel Castiblanco

His mastery of elements and rage-induced state could be similar to theAvatar state from Avatar: The Last Airbender.

3Blade Of Honor

Issun-Boshi

Issun-boshi is the one-inch boy from Japanese folklore.

A backstory can be used regarding a character who needs to move forward and excel despite physical limitations.

A wizard in a green study casts a magic spell, as a creepy green phantom emerges from a pot of slime from D&D.

A Wizard In His Study by Olga Drebas

By the end of his quest, the hero had surfaced and saved the innocents.

Looking to create unique combat encounters for your high-level, expert players in Dungeons & Dragons?

Look no further than this list.

A paladin and a warlock facing a displacer beast in Dungeons & Dragons.

Art by Igor Grechanyi

He is extremely strong and has the courage to take on any foe; killing the dragon highlights this.

However, the character is fueled by his desire to earn glory and riches.

He doesnt fight for justice but instead fights to gain name and fame.

Barbarian art in the 2024 Players Handbook for Dungeons and Dragons.

Barbarian by Denman Rooke

Siegfried can work well with the fighter class in Dungeons & Dragons.

The character is complex, and his ambitions arent noble, but he can defeat enemies and save innocents.

A soulknife rogue with glowing blue eyes and a knife in hand in Dungeons & Dragons.

Soulknife Rogue by Yuhong Ding

Dungeons & Dragons 2024 Player’s Handbook art of a human psi warrior fighter.

Artwork by Javier Charro

An ancient gold dragon in Dungeons & Dragons.

Ancient Gold Dragon by Alexander Ostrowski

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