With the various classes and characters in Dungeons & Dragons, the number of archetypes you can think of when playing is up to you and your imagination. The characters’ abilities, how they act in the game, and their backstories all play an important part in the archetype.
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There are archetypes like the hero or 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.
8
Unpredictable Opponent
Sun Wukong
Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, can work well as an archetype for a monk build. According to his lore, the Monkey King gained superpowers from Taoist practices. 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.
The character is known for being quick but is also tricky, as his intentions aren’t always what they seem. Sun Wukong’s martial prowess and unpredictable nature can make for an interesting roleplaying experience in D&D. You may need to pay more attention to his ability to deceive enemies, as that’s his greatest asset.
7
Sneaky Lightning
Br’er Rabbit
Br’er Rabbit is part of African American folklore who uses deception to get the job done regardless of how bad the odds are stacked against him. The rogue class is perfect for the character, who’d rather use his brains than brawn. The character focuses on tricking enemies or evading them, as he doesn’t excel in combat.
A Mastermind rogue would fit the bill perfectly, blending social manipulation with fleet feet to escape when things go south. The character relies on quick thinking and a charismatic nature to deceive or manipulate enemies. As long as you stay true to Br’er Rabbit’s nature and use sneak rather than take down opponents head-on, you should be able to bring out the essence of the character.
6
The Wise Magician
Merlin
The fabled wizard of the Arthurian era, Merlin is one of the most famous magic users in folklore. While touted as a wizard, Merlin has been credited as a seer who would advise King Arthur and even a bard. 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.
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While most of his prophetic abilities wouldn’t be of much use in the game, his wisdom can come in handy. However, Merlin’s most powerful skills are the spells he can use to defeat the toughest enemies easily. His backstory might be of a young orphan human who has magical powers and must learn to use them properly. Alternatively, it could also be of an immortal wizard from a bygone era, waiting for his time in the spotlight again.
5
Holy Knight
Lancelot
King Arthur’s knights are among the most popular ancient fighters, and Lancelot is the most interesting of them all. Lancelot was a commoner who struggled and rose through the ranks to become one of Arthur’s most trusted. His courage and fearless fighting prowess could help you go against anyone, and his complex backstory can make role-playing more interesting.
The paladin class, who are holy champions of an oath, is the best for this character archetype. Paladins have mastery of weapons and armor, which is the bread and butter of the knight, Lancelot. With his trusty sword and his heavy armor shielding him, the knight is the best protection the innocent have from evil. His flaws amidst his personification of perfection could make for an interesting plot point.
4
Rebellious Fighter
Nezha
Nezha, from Chinese folklore, is a young boy who is attributed to being brave but rebellious against the authorities and thinks rules are meant to be broken. He was born with superpowers, and the warrior is massively strong. While he is generally considered to be a fighter, his fierce nature may align better with the berserker subclass of the barbarian class.
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This is because Nezha is known for being violent and uncontrollable during fights. The barbarian class in Dungeons & Dragons can tap into their rage to gain immense strength in exchange for their sense of self, which makes sense for this archetype. Nezha can also use magic and manipulate elements such as fire and water, which can add layers to the character. His mastery of elements and rage-induced state could be similar to the Avatar state from Avatar: The Last Airbender.
A Path of the Storm Herald barbarian would also make for a fitting subclass if you want to lean further into the magical forces of nature.
3
Blade Of Honor
Issun-Bōshi
Issun-bōshi is the one-inch boy from Japanese folklore. What the character lacks in size, he makes up for with his bravery and resilience in completing everything he sets his mind to. His smaller build can make for an interesting archetype where Issun-bōshi is a thief who can get into places that nobody else would even attempt.
The character’s unique stature can be a blessing for tricky situations, and even well-guarded fortresses can become easily accessible. That’s not to say he couldn’t fight, as when he needed to, he could use deception and his needle-sword to take on opponents. A backstory can be used regarding a character who needs to move forward and excel despite physical limitations.
If the DM wants to lean into this folktale, they can introduce a ogre or devil bad guy that rewards the player with a magical mace upon defeat.
2
The Reluctant Hero
Perseus
Perseus is the son of Zeus, who must go on a quest that requires killing Medusa to save Andromeda, who was going to be sacrificed to the Kraken. He is a demigod and has special abilities, but he didn’t want to be a hero and was forced into it by destiny. By the end of his quest, the hero had surfaced and saved the innocents.
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Perseus’ skills, thanks to his half-god blood, make him a formidable fighter who can survive many things that would easily kill mortals. This makes the fighter class a good choice for him, and his backstory can be about killing a set number of monsters or a significantly powerful monster to get his father to acknowledge him. The character’s inner turmoil, where he didn’t ask for a life of glory and heroism, has potential for an immersive character arc.
1
The Dragon’s Bane
Siegfried
Siegfried is a part of German and Norse mythology, and the character is most notably known for killing a dragon. 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 doesn’t fight for justice but instead fights to gain name and fame.
Siegfried can work well with the fighter class in Dungeons & Dragons. The character is complex, and his ambitions aren’t noble, but he can defeat enemies and save innocents. If you’re tired of characters who can do no evil and are good to the bone, then Siegfried’s selfish reasons for heroism could be the perfect archetype for you.
Dungeons & Dragons
- Original Release Date
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1974
- Player Count
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2+
- Age Recommendation
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12+ (though younger can play and enjoy)
- Length per Game
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From 60 minutes to hours on end.
- Franchise Name
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Dungeons & Dragons
- Publishing Co
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Wizards of the Coast
- Brand
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Dungeons & Dragons
