Warforged 5e Complete Guide: Living Constructs of Dungeons and Dragons
Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) 5e is a tabletop role-playing game that offers endless possibilities for players. One of the many playable races in this game is the Warforged 5e, a type of living construct. In this guide, we’ll explore the history and lore of the Warforged 5e, their characteristics and abilities, and how to roleplay them effectively.
History and Lore of Warforged 5e
The Warforged were created during the Last War, a devastating conflict that raged across the continent of Khorvaire in the world of Eberron. They were built as soldiers, designed to be perfect warriors that could operate without rest or food.
Warforged were made by the artificers of House Cannith, one of the most powerful and wealthy houses in Khorvaire.
After the Last War ended, the Warforged were left without a purpose. Some continued to serve as soldiers, while others found work as laborers or bodyguards. Many Warforged sought to discover their own identities and purpose in life, often struggling to reconcile their artificial nature with their desire for individuality and free will.
Characteristics and Abilities of Warforged
Warforged 5e are made of metal, wood, and other materials, with a humanoid shape and features. They don’t have biological functions like eating or sleeping, but they do require maintenance and repairs.
They have a natural armor that gives them an AC of 13 + Dexterity modifier, and they are immune to disease and poison. However, they are vulnerable to effects that target objects rather than creatures, such as the “shatter” spell.
Warforged have a unique ability called “Integrated Protection,” which allows them to integrate armor and shields into their bodies. This gives them additional AC and allows them to wield weapons with both hands while still having a shield equipped.
Warforged also have “Sentry’s Rest,” which allows them to remain motionless for hours at a time without tiring or falling asleep. This ability can be useful for keeping watch or waiting in ambush.
Roleplaying a Warforged 5e
Warforged 5e are often described as stoic and unemotional, due to their artificial nature. However, this doesn’t mean they can’t have personalities and feelings. Some Warforged may struggle with their lack of emotions or may have a desire to learn and experience more about the world around them.
When roleplaying a Warforged, consider their purpose and background. Were they created for a specific task, such as warfare or labor? How do they feel about their purpose and their past? Do they have any quirks or personality traits that make them unique?
Another important aspect of roleplaying a Warforged soldier is how they interact with other characters. Do they have a sense of loyalty or duty to their companions? How do they feel about other races and creatures? Do they view them as equals or as inferior beings?
Different Builds using Warforged Characters
When creating a Warforged character with Warforged, there are many different builds that you can use. Here are a couple of examples:
Warforged Juggernaut
The Warforged Juggernaut is a tank build that focuses on high defense and damage absorption. This build utilizes the Warforged’s natural armor and Integrated Protection ability, as well as feats like Heavy Armor Master and Shield Master, to create a character that can take a lot of punishment.
The Juggernaut also has high Strength and Constitution scores, allowing them to deal heavy damage in melee combat and withstand attacks from enemies.
Warforged Artificer
The Warforged Artificer is a versatile build that uses the Warforged’s natural abilities to craft and create magical items. This build utilizes the Artificer class, which allows characters to create magical objects, infuse items with magical properties, and even construct their own mechanical servants.
The Warforged Artificer has high Intelligence and Constitution scores, allowing them to craft powerful items and withstand attacks from enemies. They can also use their Sentry’s Rest ability to work on projects for extended periods without rest.
Warforged Barbarian
A Warforged Barbarian is a powerful combination of a living construct and a fierce warrior. With their natural armor and resistance to poison and disease, Warforged Barbarians can charge into battle without fear of harm from these types of attacks. Their high Strength and Constitution scores also make them formidable in combat, able to deal and withstand heavy damage.
Additionally, Warforged Barbarians can use their Integrated Protection ability to equip shields and armor to further increase their defense. With their Sentry’s Rest ability, they can also recover quickly between battles, making them ideal for long campaigns and dungeon crawls.
Warforged Cleric
A Warforged Cleric is a unique combination of magic and machinery, blending the divine powers of their deity with their innate abilities as a living construct. They are often built to serve a specific deity, tasked with carrying out their divine will and spreading their teachings throughout the world.
Warforged Clerics are versatile characters who can both heal their allies and deal damage to their enemies, making them valuable members of any party. Their ability to resist many forms of damage also makes them excellent frontline combatants, able to stand their ground against even the toughest foes.
Warforged Clerics are a testament to the power of faith and technology, and their presence on the battlefield is sure to inspire their allies and strike fear into the hearts of their enemies.
Warforged Names
WF names are usually assigned by their creators or owners, but some choose their own names once they gain independence. Names often reflect their metallic and mechanical nature, as well as their role in society. Here are some examples of Warforged names with detailed descriptions:
- Bolt – This name refers to a Warforged with lightning-fast reflexes and swift movements. Bolt is a common name for Warforged Rogues or Monks who prioritize agility and speed over raw strength.
- Ironclad – This name is given to Warforged who are built for heavy combat and are nearly invincible on the battlefield. Ironclad is a fitting name for a Warforged Fighter or Paladin who is the party’s main tank.
- Gearspring – This name refers to a Warforged Artificer or Mechanic who specializes in repairing and maintaining other Warforged. Gearspring is a valuable member of the party, keeping everyone’s equipment in top shape and running smoothly.
- Sparkplug – This name is given to Warforged who are capable of unleashing devastating electrical attacks. Sparkplug is a common name for Warforged Sorcerers or Warlocks who specialize in lightning magic.
- Sentinel – This name is given to Warforged who are charged with protecting a specific person or place. Sentinel is a common name for Warforged who work as bodyguards or security guards.
Warforged Gender
Warforged are genderless constructs and do not have a biological sex. They are not designed to reproduce and do not have the physical features that are associated with male or female.
However, they may use gendered pronouns or adopt a gender identity for social or cultural reasons.
Some Warforged may also prefer to present themselves in a gendered way, such as using clothing or accessories that are typically associated with a specific gender.
Ultimately, the decision to give a Warforged a gender identity is up to the player and the DM, and it should be based on the character’s backstory and personality.
It’s worth noting that Warforged gender identity may not conform to the traditional binary concepts of male or female, and can encompass a wider range of gender identities.
Typical Warforged Questions
Q: Can Warforged 5e die of old age?
No, Warforged do not age like organic creatures do. They are constructs and do not have a natural lifespan.
Q: Can Warforged feel pain?
Warforged are designed to be immune to pain, so they do not feel physical pain like organic creatures do. However, they can still be affected by other types of damage, such as psychic or force damage.
Q: Can Warforged be charmed?
Yes, Warforged can be affected by charm spells and abilities. However, they do have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, as well as against being frightened or put to sleep.
Q: Can Warforged be healed 5e?
Yes, Warforged can be healed by magical means like any other creature. However, they do not gain the benefits of healing spells like Cure Wounds or Healing Word in the same way as organic creatures. Instead, they regain hit points equal to the spell’s level + their Constitution modifier.
Melody the Warforged Bard
I have a particular story in mind that I’d like to share with you about a Warforged Bard character named Melody who was built to entertain and inspire others.
One day, the party came across a group of goblins who were holed up in a cave. Melody had the idea to use her musical talents to lull the goblins into a false sense of security and gain the upper hand in combat.
As the party approached the goblin’s hideout, Melody began to play a soft and soothing melody on her lute. The goblins were immediately entranced by her music and began to sway back and forth.
The party quickly took advantage of the situation and attacked the goblins, who were caught off guard and outnumbered.
However, things didn’t go exactly as planned. As Melody continued to play her music, she accidentally hit a wrong note, causing the goblins to snap out of their trance and become angry.
They charged at the party, but Melody quickly improvised and played a fast-paced and energetic tune, inspiring her allies to fight back with renewed vigor.
In the end, the party emerged victorious, thanks in part to Melody’s quick thinking and musical talents.
The incident provided a memorable and funny moment for the players, and Melody became known as the Warforged Bard who could charm her enemies with a song.
In Conclusion
Warforged are a fascinating and unique race in D&D 5e, with a rich history and lore that offers plenty of opportunities for roleplaying and character development. Whether you choose to play as a stoic warrior or a curious explorer, Warforged are a great choice for players who want to try something different and explore the world of Eberron.
Have you ever played as a Warforged character in D&D 5e, and if so, what class did you choose and how did you roleplay your character’s unique background as a living construct?
