Dungeons and Dragons has countless realms, but one thing reigns supreme in the multiverse: there's always a troublemaker who talks too much. These roguish individuals can trick even the gods with their wily ways. So, it's no surprise that a confox like Nick Wilde from Zootopia would fit right in the Forgotten Realms. As for how he translates to the tabletop, here's my take on a Nick Wilde build for D&D 2024.
The Basics
- Species: Halfling
- Recommended Skills: Deception, Persuasion, Stealth, Performance (Add Expertise to these once available)
- Background: Conman (Custom)
- Ability Scores: Charisma +2, Dexterity +1
- Tool Proficiency: Thieves' Tools
- Origin Feat: Alert
- Weapon Mastery: Daggers, Hand Crossbow
- Class: Glamour Bard 17, Thief Rogue 3
Starting Stats
- Strength: 8
- Dexterity - 15
- Constitution - 14
- Intelligence - 10
- Wisdom - 10
- Charisma - 17
While there's an argument for making Nick a full Thief, I'd say he deserves a chance to a a Fantastic Mr. Fox. More than any of his thieving skills, Nick's true calling is being a charming rascal. Many of his schemes involve tricking people into believing he's something he is not. Being a whimsical D&D Bard perfectly represents that, especially those in the College of Glamour.
Flavor-wise, he could be a halfling who got a bit too overconfident stealing a fey artifact. Thus, he got fox-like features and was shunned for not fitting in anywhere. Before all that glamour though, start with three levels of Thief to gain those much needed bonus actions for thieving. From there, just max out Glamour Bard.
In combat, Nick isn't really the fighter. Even in the films, Judy gets her hands dirty more often, while Nick prefers to talk his way out of situations. Bardic Inspiration and Illusion spells work perfectly for his combat role. A supportive voice for allies and a very annoying nuisance for his foes. Plus, these illusions will help him stealth around the battlefield.
Recommended Feats
- Rogue 3, Bard 4 - Actor (Charisma +1)
- Rogue 3, Bard 8 - Ability Score Increase (Charisma +2)
- Rogue 3, Bard 12 - Speedy (Dexterity +1)
- Rogue 3, Bard 16 - Ability Score Increase (Dexterity +2)
Actor is a crucial feat to get as early as possible. Nick loves his disguises and showmanship, even before he became a jaded hustler. The Actor feat ensures Nick never fails to make people see what he wants them to see. Max out Charisma to both up your social checks and enhance spellcasting. The next feat, Speedy, makes him much tougher to hit in a chaotic battle, just the way he likes it.
Roleplay Advice
Nick Wilde is a smooth criminal, always confident in his lies and never missing a chance to make some cash. But when his past is touched upon or he sees something he deems overly sweet, he can get jaded very quickly. Even so, he will eventually warm up to his companions, while still maintaining his wild side.
See if you can form a full Zootopia D&D party with the folks over at the Wargamer Discord. If you want to complete the dynamic duo, check out our Judy Hopps D&D 5e build guide.