I just want to make a quick post about saying happy Father's Day to all the dads and father figures out there! If it wasn't for my dad, I would not be into all the fun, nerdy things I am into, which includes Dungeons and Dragons. Him and my uncle introduced me to it back when I was a kid during the days of 2nd Edition. It is actually why I bought the box set of Planescape because I remember playing that with him, and it helped to make that one of my favorite settings of all time!
To show my appreciation for DnDads out there, let's start out with some DnD dad jokes! Ooooooh yea. They are baaaad, so please do not judge the quality of Kobold Stew's content based on these alone. Then we're going to briefly talk about playing as a "dad" character in Dnd.
Q: What did the adventurers say to the monster blocking their path?
A: Move ogre!
Q: Who was the horse's favorite rap artist?
A: 50 Centaur
Q: What did everyone call the warrior who was happy all the time?
A: The GLADiator
A human, halfing, and dragonborn walk into a bar, the dwarf had darkvision
Q: What class did the pickup truck play in DnD?
A: A ranger
So, just for fun, how would one go about playing as a dad character in DnD? Would they need to wear +1 socks and sandals, wield a spatula, and use spells to shoot grill fire? For starters, naming your character Randy or Dave would be good. Then have them refer to their fellow party members as chief or sport.
To add to it, you might want to choose a class like Forge Cleric to focus on a dad as a handy man, or perhaps a Ranger with favored enemy being plants (as mechanically bad that would be) to represent their lawn mowing nature. An Oath of Devotion Paladin would be fun as they go around protecting their fellow party members.
When roleplaying the "dad," it is important to focus on the parent-like aspect of the character. Adopting the party as their surrogate children, and should want to protect them and look after them. This can spawn moments like those awesome dads who save their kids from flying baseball bats at games that we so often see. If there is a younger party member, the dad will probably become attached to them. They will chastise naughty or bad behavior, but not in a bad way like those self righteous Paladins so often do. Bust out the classic that always got me: "I'm not mad... I'm disappointed" line and watch your fellow character's heart break. You could even get one of those baby carriers that fit like a backpack as you tote around a young child in your adventures (though I personally cannot recommend it).
All jokes aside, the theme of fatherhood, or parenthood, is an often explored one in storytelling and can be a very interesting thing to explore. Almost requiring an "Inspirations" post of its own, one could look to sources like some great movies such as one of my personal favorites Road to Perdition or look at games like the new God of War or The Last of Us. When done well, the theme of fatherhood/parenthood can really resonate with people, and I think it is an interesting theme someone could bring to the tabletop with a character.
I think a major aspect of the dad character then would be sacrifice and compassion. Father figures to all of us do so much for us and reflecting that at the tabletop could be an awesome thing. So do yourself a favor and call your father or that person who was your father figure in life if you haven't yet today and tell them how much they mean to you. It would mean to world to them.
And to the dads and father figures that got their kids into DnD, thank you! The very first iterations of DnD were tested by Gygax and his kids. I hear great stories of people playing with their children all the time.
But anyway, I'm sorry about the short and all over the place post. I've been busy today, and didn't think to do this until today actually.
Happy Father's Day DnDads,
Puddins
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