The Character Forge: How to Play as Amaya in DnD 5e
Just watched season 3 of The Dragon Prince on Netflix. It’s so incredible, and while I was tempted to build Callum, he only knows a couple spells, and by the end of the series, who knows what he’ll be able to do. So, it’s best to wait and cover him closer to the end of the series. But let’s not kid ourselves, there are only two kinds of The Dragon Prince fans. Those who love Aunt Amaya, and liars. She’s great and hilarious. So, let’s build her as a DnD character.
First thing to address is that she’s deaf. Talk with your DM about how this works mechanically, but my DM friend has suggested that basically, the passive perception would become 0 except in instances where she can see or feel things, where it would become her standard score.
For race, Amaya is clearly a Human. Obviously.
For Alignment, Amaya holds her customs and regulations in very high regard. I would say she’s most definitely Lawful Good.
For background, General Amaya is a soldier.
One might look at Amaya and assume she’s a knight and quickly file her under Paladin. It was even my first thought. However, Paladins get magic, and The Dragon Prince has made it very clear that Callum is the first human to ever learn magic. So, that leaves Fighter as the most in-character choice for what Amaya would be. Specifically, a Champion is a fighter whose primary focus is strength and raw physical might.
Strength and Constitution will be the highest. You’re a big buff lady who hits like a truck, and is just as tough. You’ll want a decent Dexterity score to improve your AC so your shield will better protect you. Funnily enough, next is Wisdom. Despite being deaf, you’re oddly insightful about the true intentions of those around you, you’re a pretty good judge of character, and you notice little things others wouldn’t. We’ll dump Intelligence and Charisma. Amaya isn’t dumb, but she doesn’t strike me as the bookworm type, and being a deaf women with no spoken lines, has very little use for the Charisma-based skills.
Animal Handling
Athletics
Insight
Perception
Name: Amaya
Race: Human
Background: Soldier
Alignment: Lawful Good
Class: Champion Fighter (20)
Base Stats:
Strength: 20 (+5)
Dexterity: 16 (+3)
Constitution: 20 (+5)
Intelligence: 9 (-1)
Wisdom: 14 (+2)
Charisma: 9 (-1)
Saving Throws:
Strength: +11
Dexterity: +3
Constitution: +11
Intelligence: -1
Wisdom: +2
Charisma: -1
Combat Stats:
HP: 224
AC: 20
Speed: 30
Initiative: +5
Proficiency Bonus: +6
Passive Perception: 9
Dark Vision: 0 feet
Proficiencies and Expertise:
Athletics
Insight
Intimidation
Perception
Skills:
Acrobatics: +6 Medicine: -1
Animal Handling: +2 Nature: +2
Arcana: -1 Perception: +8
Athletics: +11 Performance: -1
Deception: -1 Persuasion: -1
History: -1 Religion: -1
Insight: +8 Sleight of Hand: +6
Intimidation: +5 Stealth: +6
Investigation: -1 Survival: +2
Damage Immunities:
Thunder*
Equipment:
Plate Armor
Shield
Longsword
Fighter Feature: Fighting Styles
Dueling: Add +2 to one-handed weapon attacks.
Protection: Impose disadvantage when foes target creatures other than you.
Action Surge: Take another action twice per rest.
Second Wind: Recover 1d10+20 HP once per rest.
Deafness: You automatically fail any saving throw that requires hearing. However, you are protected from charms and other such spells that require being able to hear. Thunder damage usually comes from sound-based damage, making you immune to such injuries.
Indomitable: Reroll a save you fail three times per long rest.
Military Rank: Loyal soldiers will bow to your authority and accommodate your party.
Observant: You can read lips and add +5 to Passive Perception and Passive Investigation.
Remarkable Athlete: add +3 to any STR, CON, or DEX checks you’re not proficient with. Running Long Jump improves by +5 feet.
Shield Master: Shove a creature as a bonus action after you’ve made an attack, add your shield’s AC to DEX saving throws, use your reaction to reduce half damage on a DEX saving throw to 0 damage.
Survivor: If your HP is half or less at the start of your turn, gain 10 HP.
With this build, you’re a tank. Don’t mistake a high AC for being a dodging master as much as a stopping yourself from getting hit master. In Amaya’s case, the high AC speaks to how good she is at using her shield to take the brunt of any amount of damage. How do you feel I did building Aunt Amaya? Does your table use different rules when using deaf or otherwise handicapped characters? How do you incorporate these traits into your builds? And as always, thanks for joining me in the Character Forge, where heroes are made.
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