Spirit Warrior: The Weird Story Behind D&D's Strangest Monster

The spirit warrior is one of the most unique monsters from D&D history I've ever seen. This creature originally got its start in AD&D 2E with Spelljammer, and ever since has remained one of the strangest monsters ever put to print in D&D. So before I converted it to 5E D&D, this week, I took a deep dive into this fascinating creature's lore, ecology, and publication history to uncover everything, and I mean literally everything, there is to know. Special thanks to Newton Ewell, the creator of the spirit warrior, for agreeing to join us on today's episode!
#DungeonsAndDragonsLore #DnD #MonsterLore
The D&D 5E stat block for this monster - docs.google.com/document/d/1Q...
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All graphic design for this channel was done by the talented Akira Arruda. To contact her for graphic design work, check out her website here - www.AkiraArruda.ca
Most artwork in this video is provided courtesy of Wizards of the Coast. All other artwork is sourced below. If you own a piece of artwork that appears in this video and you would like it removed, please e-mail me at DungeonDadDM@gmail.com and it will be redacted immediately.
Spirit Warrior: / willpottorffart
Elven Army: bopchara.artstation.com/proje...
Sunblade elf: www.artofmtg.com/art/sunblade...
00:00 - INTRO
01:26 - TITLE CREDITS I GUESS
02:42 - PART 1 // WHAT IS A SPIRIT WARRIOR?
06:30 - PART 2 // FORGING THE WARRIOR
17:58 - PART 3 // A BRIEF TANGENT ABOUT OBSCURE 80'S ANIME & THE ORIGINS OF THE SPIRIT WARRIOR (I THINK)
22:23 - PART 4 // A CHAT WITH NEWTON
30:16 - PART 5 // COMBAT
34:10 - PART 6 // PLOT HOOKS
38:54 - FINAL THOUGHTS // A SURPISE SORT OF
43:03 - NEXT TIME ON DUNGEON DAD

Пікірлер: 1 300

  • @DungeonDad
    @DungeonDad Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching everyone! This video was a real labour of love, and I'm so stoked to finally share it with you all! Check out the full, uncut, interview with Newton here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/hKGgzJaIo9eberw.html&t= Check out Newtons artwork on Artstation and Deviant art by following these two links: www.deviantart.com/newtman001 AND www.artstation.com/newtonewell

  • @vulcorethegreat1220

    @vulcorethegreat1220

    Жыл бұрын

    I'm a use these but instead of bugs I'm going to use other creatures an basically have power ranger zords 🤣

  • @markporter2108

    @markporter2108

    Жыл бұрын

    I've found a lot of the creatures you've converted very useful. Any chance you might convert the LeShay (pgs. 202-203 of the Epic Level Handbook)?

  • @gigainpactinfinty

    @gigainpactinfinty

    Жыл бұрын

    Could we have a obsidian dragon video?

  • @KevinVideo

    @KevinVideo

    Жыл бұрын

    @@gigainpactinfinty It's on D-Dad's list of suggestions. I'll add your name to rest of the requesters. Got a decent number of people. It might be a bit as dragon stats take a while, and he likes to space out monster types.

  • @gigainpactinfinty

    @gigainpactinfinty

    Жыл бұрын

    @@KevinVideo thank you friend.

  • @About9000
    @About9000 Жыл бұрын

    Of course, now you've got to do an episode on that sentient constellation

  • @DungeonDad

    @DungeonDad

    Жыл бұрын

    Absolutely! Maybe I can convince Newton to come back!

  • @nextcaesargaming5469

    @nextcaesargaming5469

    Жыл бұрын

    The *WHAT*

  • @chaosphilosopher

    @chaosphilosopher

    Жыл бұрын

    @@nextcaesargaming5469 Bruh, you should try to get your hands on the old spelljammer monster compendiums, shit gets wild! Check out the Focoid!

  • @nobody1795

    @nobody1795

    Жыл бұрын

    @@nextcaesargaming5469 someone was scrolling the comments before watching the video

  • @kaikemeirapeixoto9673

    @kaikemeirapeixoto9673

    Жыл бұрын

    YES

  • @KruxisV
    @KruxisV Жыл бұрын

    Me clicking on thumbnail: "This looks like Dunbine" Me listening to description: "This sounds like Dunbine" Me 17 minutes into the video: "lol it actually is Dunbine"

  • @DIEGhostfish

    @DIEGhostfish

    11 күн бұрын

    Thanks, I was thinking Guyver but I knew it was "That other bioarmor thing"

  • @godricnecro
    @godricnecro Жыл бұрын

    What is said: "A bug raised by you is magically augmented into a weaponized Undead construct for war." What I heard: "Your best friend becomes a Mech suit and now you too can lift 10 times your own weight."

  • @davidtauriainen9116

    @davidtauriainen9116

    11 ай бұрын

    Maybe this redeems Beastmaster Ranger? :)

  • @thatonewitch

    @thatonewitch

    8 ай бұрын

    I'm not even able to join DnD yet, but now I want to join a campaign and get a giant moth mech

  • @asafoetidajones8181

    @asafoetidajones8181

    4 ай бұрын

    JAAAAAKEE SUUUUUIIIITT!!!

  • @Zthewise
    @Zthewise Жыл бұрын

    A spirit warrior based on a pill bug would be cool. Being able to curl up into a giant ball prioritizing rolling over smaller foes.

  • @beanman929

    @beanman929

    Жыл бұрын

    Or fired from giant cannon to smash through the enemy.

  • @muckyesyesindisguise3854

    @muckyesyesindisguise3854

    11 ай бұрын

    @@beanman929. Big chain and big arm

  • @jacksparrowismydaddy

    @jacksparrowismydaddy

    9 ай бұрын

    for 5 seconds my soul just left my body and I almost reached heaven. I freaking love this.

  • @gen.skeleskin1428

    @gen.skeleskin1428

    8 ай бұрын

    Basically no attack or speed but good luck actually hurting them lol

  • @9-bitfox

    @9-bitfox

    6 ай бұрын

    Cannon Bolt from Ben 10 but Bigger lol

  • @newtonewell5172
    @newtonewell5172 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for this great video!!! I'm really thrilled the Spirit Warrior captured your imagination. I cannot wait to see your expanded treatment of them! Also, thanks for chatting with me. This was an excellent episode!!!

  • @thecatfenix7907

    @thecatfenix7907

    Жыл бұрын

    It was really awesome to hear the background and idea of this creature's conception. Thank you from us as the viewers for everything you've done for dungeons & anime fans, and the role-playing community.

  • @DrunkenMoose100

    @DrunkenMoose100

    Жыл бұрын

    I'm about to go watch the full interview because your enthusiasm is contagious :)

  • @RiotKurhein

    @RiotKurhein

    Жыл бұрын

    That was indeed some dramatic lighting you had going there.

  • @Aquanios08

    @Aquanios08

    Жыл бұрын

    You’re so wholesome ❤

  • @RainbowRandolf

    @RainbowRandolf

    Жыл бұрын

    It is so fantastic that even the rarest D&D monsters are getting a second look thanks to channels like this, and giving credit to their creators such as yourself. Congrats on the recognition for a truly inspired inclusion to Spelljammer lore!

  • @johnlastname8752
    @johnlastname8752 Жыл бұрын

    Let's add these bad boys to Curse of Strahd. Ending a campaign with a mecha Strahd battle in the gothic horror landscape of Barovia would be cool AF.

  • @Wreckur4203

    @Wreckur4203

    Жыл бұрын

    "Magic Knights Rayearth" season 1, final two battles.

  • @DarkxDizi

    @DarkxDizi

    10 ай бұрын

    The finale to the anime adaptation of Count of Monte Cristo also fits the bill, for some reason.

  • @Balcamion79
    @Balcamion79 Жыл бұрын

    I ran a converted Spelljammer game before the 5e rules came out. They found a ship that was essentially a mech that transformed from ship to submarine to airship to mech warrior, but the pilot character was completely subsumed into it and could only manifest as a hologram on the ship.

  • @Illitha

    @Illitha

    11 ай бұрын

    "part of the ship, part of the crew"

  • @ShoggothLord

    @ShoggothLord

    10 ай бұрын

    Funnily enough, that kind of mech (barring the spelljamming part) already exists in oldschool D&D-not AD&D 2E but BECMI, as part of the Mystara setting. The Book of Wonderous Inventions not only outlines a magical mech that can transform into a shark-shaped submersible and an eagle-shaped plane, but rules for creating one!

  • @Balcamion79

    @Balcamion79

    10 ай бұрын

    @ShoggothLord sweet! My nerdy heart just flip flopped a bit. 🤓💓

  • @electricdanish912
    @electricdanish912 Жыл бұрын

    Me: *is subscribed to Dungeon Dad* Dungeon Dad: *Makes an Evangelion opening credits sequence so intricate, involved and hilarious as to make brave men weep* Me: Can I subscribe...twice?

  • @jacobhamilton2473

    @jacobhamilton2473

    Жыл бұрын

    You can't subscribe twice, but I'll subscribe for you

  • @gabefranzese2321
    @gabefranzese2321 Жыл бұрын

    I love the cruel angel's symphony opening. It had me lolling the entire time

  • @Darkness09ization

    @Darkness09ization

    Жыл бұрын

    Same. I started laughing immediately and saying "WTF?!"😆

  • @supersanttu7951

    @supersanttu7951

    Жыл бұрын

    Cruel Angel's Thesis?

  • @kindatim

    @kindatim

    Жыл бұрын

    @@supersanttu7951 yeah, but it kinda is a bit of a symphony.

  • @justinthompson6364

    @justinthompson6364

    Жыл бұрын

    The text of the OGL is what got me

  • @Creeperboom60

    @Creeperboom60

    Жыл бұрын

    @@supersanttu7951 theme song/intro from evangelion

  • @conanmaolcheann5088
    @conanmaolcheann5088 Жыл бұрын

    I can imagine a spirit warrior being granted to a Sorcerer-King’s most elite loyal Templars in a Dark Sun campaign, or maybe even being used by radical Preservers to fight back against the Sorcerer-Kings

  • @agentchaos9332

    @agentchaos9332

    Жыл бұрын

    I'm just imagining putting a Squishy, 120 hit point Lich Inside of one, so that the party has to destroy the mech first, and the fight lasts more then 2 rounds

  • @Sarindanvelor

    @Sarindanvelor

    Жыл бұрын

    @@agentchaos9332 tbh i could imagine that lich also having customized the spirit warrior with enhanced magical abilities as well turning them from from a nonthreat to a full on raidboss

  • @sirreginaldfishingtonxvii6149
    @sirreginaldfishingtonxvii6149 Жыл бұрын

    Newton's an _OG_ Anime entusiast! He watched 'em raw I tell ya. _Raw!_

  • @DungeonDad

    @DungeonDad

    Жыл бұрын

    No subtitles!

  • @mavericktitan7874
    @mavericktitan7874 Жыл бұрын

    This has to be my new favorite Dungeon Dad episode, hands down. Also, you can't just tease us with a passing mention of The Bionoid and _'not'_ make a video about them! Give us the good stuff, man!

  • @DungeonDad

    @DungeonDad

    Жыл бұрын

    There is a 100% chance that I will eventually make a video about bionoids, great dreamers, constellates, and basically anything Newton had a hand in at some point in the future haha.

  • @moxbby4585
    @moxbby4585 Жыл бұрын

    I'd love to see some spirit warriors based on crustaceans. Of course there's the giant enemy crab option but imagine a mantis shrimp spirit warrior or a lobster

  • @nvfury13

    @nvfury13

    Жыл бұрын

    Pistol Shrimp with a supercannon built into one claw.

  • @Hawdkoah
    @Hawdkoah Жыл бұрын

    My dad worked for TSR back in the 90's and I can confirm they were all into anime.

  • @Delmworks

    @Delmworks

    Жыл бұрын

    Considering things like record of lodoss war, goblin slayer and overlord, it’s safe to say a lot of anime is also into D&D

  • @greysnake2903

    @greysnake2903

    Жыл бұрын

    or Final Fantasy

  • @Delmworks

    @Delmworks

    Жыл бұрын

    @@greysnake2903 Trick question! A lot of FF1 takes from D&D! (it's very much it's own thing by now TBH)

  • @DIEGhostfish

    @DIEGhostfish

    11 күн бұрын

    @@Delmworks Lodoss war people invented their own P&P to avoid a risk of TSR taking them over. Swordworld it's the biggest in Japan to this day.

  • @HereticalKitsune
    @HereticalKitsune Жыл бұрын

    Wow, you really went the extra mile or ten with that glorious intro! You could give a spirit warrior to your low level party, they need to take care of it, repair it and go and fight bigger monsters.

  • @giosue_222
    @giosue_222 Жыл бұрын

    I can't believe it, I NEEDED THIS. As I'm a fan of Kaiju, from Godzilla's monster verse to Evangelion and Pacific Rim, I was thinking of introducing the Siege Crab into my campaign, as a sort of controllable mecha for fighting. But this... this is just what I was looking for. Thank you, I love you and I love the Evangelion style opening.

  • @fanusobscurus4309

    @fanusobscurus4309

    Жыл бұрын

    Check out an old anime called Aura Battler Dunbine. These things heavily draw from it.

  • @derekstein6193

    @derekstein6193

    Жыл бұрын

    Just because you found the Spirit Warrior doesn't mean you can't still use the Siege Crab. Make it a Gargantuan mobile enemy fort.

  • @giosue_222

    @giosue_222

    Жыл бұрын

    @@fanusobscurus4309 Thanks, for sure!

  • @giosue_222

    @giosue_222

    Жыл бұрын

    @@derekstein6193 I have to do it :)

  • @MyRYNOrunsHot
    @MyRYNOrunsHot Жыл бұрын

    So I wonder - would it be a neat idea to have these things in a section of the Shadowfell with a massive rift to the Astral Sea tearing through the region? You could have all manner of horrible space creatures and undead threats, while the Shadar-kai have started creating these spirit warriors to defend themselves?

  • @thomanator1000

    @thomanator1000

    Жыл бұрын

    Yooo then if it fits within the world the party have to rebuild and pilot a warforged collosus and have a lore friendly mech battle

  • @MyRYNOrunsHot

    @MyRYNOrunsHot

    Жыл бұрын

    @@thomanator1000 I do have Warforged - it'd be a different part of the world, but that could still work. I'd be remiss if they wasn't a chance to pilot one of these for the player. Gonna make my own variants with lots of weapon variety and fancy Shadar-Kai powers. Plus some ways for the pilot to enhance the mech.

  • @notoriousgoblin83

    @notoriousgoblin83

    Жыл бұрын

    Is this the plot to Evangelion?

  • @twilightgardenspresentatio6384

    @twilightgardenspresentatio6384

    Жыл бұрын

    Ro-Beasts!

  • @somenerdpng

    @somenerdpng

    Жыл бұрын

    I actually reworked the shadowfell in my world to me a place that is now in ruin but was once just an opposite reflection of the feywild. And is now in a war with undead creatures as they try to save what is left of their land and civilisations, and these are like the perfect weird creepy undead thing to be those big like “oh fuck, up the defenses”

  • @fanusobscurus4309
    @fanusobscurus4309 Жыл бұрын

    Honestly, to anyone that sees this, give Dunebine a watch. The show is great, and a great place to lift ideas from for a campaign.

  • @justagundam

    @justagundam

    Жыл бұрын

    It's on HiDive. Might be missing a few episodes.

  • @DarkeLourd

    @DarkeLourd

    3 ай бұрын

    Especially if you're a fan of classic UC Gundam. Dunbine was one of the projects series creator Yoshiyuki Tomino helmed between the original Mobile Suit Gundam and Zeta Gundam.

  • @kayinoue2497
    @kayinoue2497 Жыл бұрын

    I really want to run a campaign with these. This has been super evocative as an elder millennial whose adoptive Dad was an anime tape trader/underground distributor in the 80s/90s.

  • @DungeonDad

    @DungeonDad

    Жыл бұрын

    As soon as Newton mentioned he was a tape trader I immediately thought "This man knows what's up". Thanks for watching!

  • @lechking941

    @lechking941

    Жыл бұрын

    @@DungeonDad he did not just know HE WAS what was up. diffently his golden ticket.

  • @icanchangmynameonyoutube7468
    @icanchangmynameonyoutube7468 Жыл бұрын

    I didn't think DND would have Aura Battler in it but that is absolutely amazing that it does! And is the Bionoid inspired by Guyver? I need to play spell jammer if thats the case.

  • @Densoro
    @Densoro Жыл бұрын

    Man I was hooked as soon as I saw the Guyver comment. That's my childhood. And this video just kept getting better from there. A whole campaign of empathic body horrors sounds amazing, whether that's spirit warriors, bionoids, even warforged. I love studying the game of telephone behind my favorite character types -- like finding out Guyver was inspired by sentient armors full of C'thulhu tentacle slime called Void Units in Iczer 1.

  • @KevinVideo

    @KevinVideo

    Жыл бұрын

    Guyver is also my childhood too. Collected that back on VHS when it officially came out. And, wow, I haven't thought of Iczer One in forever.

  • @zenderas1434
    @zenderas1434 Жыл бұрын

    Hey, I am a huge mecha fan with nearly zero experience with DnD but this episode was really interesting as from the get go when you said "inseclike biomechs" I had to know if it was just a coincidence for the dunbine ovious reference, or if there was more to it. Very good content lad.

  • @zenderas1434

    @zenderas1434

    Жыл бұрын

    Also, something not mentioned is that after dunbine, there was another mecha anime by the same director Yoshiuki Tomino called Brainpowerd, which the mechs are alive, and mentally like a baby, so the pilot MUST form a good bond for the Brainpowered to draw its full power

  • @gtf234

    @gtf234

    Жыл бұрын

    @@zenderas1434 and they're spawns from scraps of an eldritch creature from beyond the stars that's just kinda stranded under the ocean. Yeah Brain Powerd just kinda works for splicing into this format.

  • @Otomazeman
    @Otomazeman Жыл бұрын

    These Spirit Warriors seems reminds me of the Wraith-Constructs/Ghost warriors from 40k Warhammer fiction. Where ironically they're also made by Space Elves and inwhich their Wraith-Constructs needed to be piloted by diseased Eldar's Spirit Stone(every Eldar has these stones on their chest. Whenever they die their spirits will inhabit these stones.) But the most important part for these Wraith-Constructs, they needed a Seer to guide them. Wraith-Construct classes: Wraithguard. Wraithblade. Wraithlord. Wraithseer. Wraithknight. (Twins are needed. ONE being Alive. TWO being the one who diseased.) Wraith fighter. Wraith ships. This is interesting the fact there's more Skeletal, Bug like machines that needed Spirits to pilot them.

  • @jroastpotatoes
    @jroastpotatoes Жыл бұрын

    The quality of your videos is truly impressive, I already wanted to support you, but you've excelled yourself with this. Cruel Angel intro, finding and interviewing the creator of the monster, making an extended version in the future?! Amazing work, signed up on Patreon before I even finished the vid.

  • @DungeonDad

    @DungeonDad

    Жыл бұрын

    Wow, thank you! I genuinely appreciate the kind words and the extra support a ton!

  • @blackwell4701
    @blackwell4701 Жыл бұрын

    The dramatic lighting during the interview makes it so much better and funnier imo. It's like those scenes with a mysterious senior director intercomming the teen/ya protagonist during an interlude to direct them on the next part of the plot.

  • @alicekurtina4788
    @alicekurtina4788 Жыл бұрын

    Oh my god, a 43 minute long video? I need popcorn for this! Btw, thank you for your efforts Dungeon Dad! Now imma get that popcorn.

  • @DungeonDad

    @DungeonDad

    Жыл бұрын

    Get some for me too! Thanks for watching!

  • @Sinsanities

    @Sinsanities

    Жыл бұрын

    wait, it's 43 minutes long? And I just watch the whole of it without noticing?

  • @kaowas
    @kaowas Жыл бұрын

    I am absolutely running this monster at some point. What a cool idea. Also kudos for Newton Ewell for meeting with you and giving us some awesome insight into his designs!

  • @ASquared544
    @ASquared544 Жыл бұрын

    One trait that I think would be cool for the Spirit Warrior: if you fail the save to try and control it by 5 or more, you become incapacitated and locked into the Spirit Warrior for 1 minute, and the Spirit Warrior can act as it pleases for that time. Just sounds really cool to try and control it and having it end up controlling you. Also I think part of why the Spirit Warrior art is so appealing is because it has a lot of avian traits in addition to humanoid and insectoid ones. The beak, the wings, it gives a kind of avian aspect to its silhouette.

  • @matthewhathaway5350
    @matthewhathaway5350 Жыл бұрын

    The intro alone made me need to use this monster for a specific player lol

  • @Fuegayles
    @Fuegayles Жыл бұрын

    Ok, this is one of the absolute coolest monsters you have ever done. I must also say, this is by far your best episode for your talk with the creator. Thankyou for showing us this!

  • @zanepoke1074
    @zanepoke1074 Жыл бұрын

    If you needed ideas for mechs you could do a spider mech that suits webs and ensnares it's target Or playing more into the nectar role you could use the bombardier beetle and give the napalm weapon a massive massive boost at the cost of speed or health, really lean on smart positioning and coordination. Finally my favorite one is a moth themed mech that specializes in psychic powers. It would definitely be slower than other mechs but could detect enemies and not need line of sight to attack or enhance or defend against psychic abilities.

  • @Ky_AnCom
    @Ky_AnCom Жыл бұрын

    Sir, I have a cold right now. That Cruel Angel's Thesis opening NEARLY KILLED ME because I started laughing so hard I started coughing until I couldn't breathe! I love it! Perfect way to open an episode like this!

  • @kquixotic
    @kquixotic Жыл бұрын

    I am HERE for a longer form Dungeon Dad video. What cool thing to watch; the extended form due to the depth of background was great!

  • @officersoulknight6321
    @officersoulknight63218 ай бұрын

    It would be fun to have a weird campaign where your character is basically raising an insect that acts as their spirit warrior over the campaign, but split it into not just going straight from a dead bug to a spirit warrior but a bunch of stages. Maybe you have to raise a bug, and after it dies, resurrect it as a familiar. And then over time, you feed your dead beetle undead and psychic energies until your bug becomes big enough and goes from helper to summon to a spirit warrior you have a psychic connection with.

  • @kottadragon
    @kottadragon Жыл бұрын

    Man, you really went above and beyond looking into the Spirit Warrior by tracking down the original inspiration and even getting Newton on.

  • @jameswebb4545
    @jameswebb4545 Жыл бұрын

    This is a seriously cool monster! I imagine it would be a brilliant addition to the Eberron game where the Spirit Warriors were the Karrnathi answer to Warforged Colossi.

  • @kindatim
    @kindatim Жыл бұрын

    Dude, the intro is stellar!! It's so cool. Also, the video is chef's kiss as always, and even more!

  • @lordk.gaimiz6881
    @lordk.gaimiz6881 Жыл бұрын

    The spirit warrior also makes me think of the esthetic from boo's astral managerie. I love these living vehicle/equipment monsters, which i guess mimics can also fit into.

  • @FedEx867
    @FedEx867 Жыл бұрын

    The interview was incredible and really makes this episode special. Excellent work on this one.

  • @ScottishTank907
    @ScottishTank907 Жыл бұрын

    This is probably my favorite episode of yours yet. Reaching out to the designer was an absolute delight, it is great to remember that every monster came from another person, and usually a really cool person.

  • @NoFame
    @NoFame Жыл бұрын

    That intro was everything.

  • @ikkeheltvanlig

    @ikkeheltvanlig

    9 ай бұрын

    Yes

  • @frankly_earnest
    @frankly_earnest Жыл бұрын

    There was so much deep Dad lore in the intro, I had to write a whole campaign about it ❤️ It's beyond cool that you covered this one...I think TES provides a great use for this creature à la Numidium: find the missing pieces to this creature to make it functional again, and make the world in your image by rejecting it. Simple, elegant, classy. It can be the central plot point, and what's great is that every party will use this in wildly different manners. Edit: also, I'm 90% certain the Spirit Warrior art inspired the Hork Bajjir species in Animorphs. Edit 2: Also, some of the Dunbine artwork inspired the Sinnoh region myths in Pokémon (looking at you, Arceus!). Edit 3: Doxy outro on point 👌

  • @user-hs1xb9tv6e
    @user-hs1xb9tv6e Жыл бұрын

    Got to say that this video really lived up to the hype. The spirit warrior is honestly one of the coolest things I have ever seen and the fact that wotc didnt brought it when they relesed the new spelljammer book is a crime (that and the withclight marauders, give us the kaiju fights we want you cowerds!).

  • @susanoo8468
    @susanoo8468 Жыл бұрын

    Just started DND two weeks ago. Out of curiosity and my love for mechs I ended up finding the TTRPG lancer but… you’re telling me I can be a Mech pilot in dnd? I couldn’t be happier

  • @kasperv967
    @kasperv967 Жыл бұрын

    The Eva intro was perfection.

  • @sliver8682
    @sliver8682 Жыл бұрын

    I'm running a game right now with Kythons as the main antagonist. Getting visions of end game with the Kython hoard breeding these exoskeletons to add to their swarm

  • @straightline2
    @straightline2 Жыл бұрын

    Immediately hit the like when I saw the Evangelion opening, 40 minutes later I don't regret it. That's the deepest delve of all in a monster's origin, you should be proud.

  • @TheOathOfEnma
    @TheOathOfEnma Жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much for following up on the others and my recommendation with the Spirit Warrior! I can only hope that eventually you move to converting the Bionoids (despite the lackluster art) and other things involving the Unhuman Wars. 🔥👀

  • @lordk.gaimiz6881
    @lordk.gaimiz6881 Жыл бұрын

    Hell yeah, though i swear you already had made a video about this monster. After all there is a google drive doc of them in your compilation (the one on Reddit i mean). Regardless, its always good to see more of your stuff ^^

  • @DungeonDad

    @DungeonDad

    Жыл бұрын

    So I had made the stat block in December 2022, but I delayed the video until after I had a chance to interview Newton!

  • @anasb.8647

    @anasb.8647

    Жыл бұрын

    @@DungeonDad what a fucking legend. i'm a new fan but this shit here is just pure wholesome, thank you for sharing this mate

  • @lordk.gaimiz6881

    @lordk.gaimiz6881

    Жыл бұрын

    @@DungeonDad i see i see

  • @phoboskittym8500
    @phoboskittym8500 Жыл бұрын

    Its one of my fave dnd creatures, i have adapted this concept for my own campaign, influenced by Vision of Esceflowne. They are the mecha space fighters of the Elven Space Navy, perfect for extended missions far from any vessel, you could even fly with one of these from Forgotten Realms to DragonLance.

  • @TKDB13
    @TKDB13 Жыл бұрын

    You have truly outdone yourself on this one! I was already wowed by the amount of effort put into (what I can only assume to be) a one-off gimmick opening, then the creature itself is super interesting...and then you pull out that awesome interview! Bravo sir, bravo!

  • @VictorSevenTV
    @VictorSevenTV Жыл бұрын

    "You're gonna have to bear with me because... it's A LOT." *Cue me getting visibly excited, imagining all the ways I can strike fear into the hearts of my players with this"

  • @lobeargaming2610
    @lobeargaming2610 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks to this, I now have something bigger planned after my ToA campaign. Involves the Albino Dwarf Spirit Warriors that exists in Chult, Red Wizards, and the section of the map that can lead players to a domain of dread in the south east. The dwarves have the general lore that can work, red wizards being there to discover more about soul monger, simply stumble upon the rituals near the entrance to the domain of dread. Similar to how the different tribes of goblins in Chult have varying characteristics, can make the same for the Albino Dwarves. Most tribes follow the base version (dinosaurs), but one tribe ties strongly to huge insects in the land. This all would happen after the events of destroying the soul monger as the Red Wizards would not want to leave empty handed. They continue searching the lands in order of not returning to Thay empty handed. Could lead to a war in the Sword Coast campaign with Thay having this new arsenal.

  • @masonabbey6353
    @masonabbey6353 Жыл бұрын

    Witchlight Marauders are discount Tyranids - change my mind

  • @jackrogers5712
    @jackrogers57128 ай бұрын

    The opening song in the style of Eva almost killed me. I was half asleep at the start of the video, but the moment I heard the music I sprang awake, opened my phone and laughed until it hurt at what I saw. You cemented your position as my favorite D&D KZreadr with this video. Thanks for the upload.

  • @mavimelon9386
    @mavimelon9386 Жыл бұрын

    Honestly this is SUCH a cool monster! I can see so many potential in putting just *one* of these bad boys around your world in a campaign! And just the whole design... it's incredible! This is absolutely one of my fav old monsters so far :) they also look like such gentle lads... like all the bugs in the world.

  • @patroclusilliad233
    @patroclusilliad233 Жыл бұрын

    So having watched this video I went looking up Aura Battler Dunbine. I just learned that there is a sequel series of sorts called Wings of Rean. I don't think it's dubbed or subbed, but it could be a cool source of more inspiration for a campaign. For other sources of inspiration for magical mechs, there is Magic and Knights, and Rayearth.

  • @brainrunnethout

    @brainrunnethout

    5 ай бұрын

    Also Vision of Escaflowne

  • @endormorre6567
    @endormorre6567 Жыл бұрын

    Please tell me someone else thought that the most powerful Spirit Worrier should be a dragon fly. You could give it perfectly silent flight and 390 vision along with a ridiculous flight speed as well as from the dragon all the standard dragon attacks including a recharge breath, and maybe even a dragon fear burst. I have also always loved magic items that level with you so you could have this Spirit Worrier start out as a Wyrmling, or larva, just a suit of powered full plate, and as their piolet levels up it would increase in 'age categories' and unlock it's most powerful abilities.

  • @Frraaanco
    @Frraaanco Жыл бұрын

    I love how Spirit Warrior is an unapologetic synonym for Aura Battler

  • @calebshaffer2283
    @calebshaffer2283 Жыл бұрын

    "That's not a Smith & Wesson! That's a Colt Navy revolver!"

  • @Lord_Senpai13
    @Lord_Senpai13 Жыл бұрын

    Sooo I’ve never played DnD, but I came across your videos looking up Monster Hunter things…. If there’s anyone in the Dallas Texas area that can teach me DnD I sooooo wanna learn and play

  • @DungeonDad

    @DungeonDad

    Жыл бұрын

    Somebody get on it!

  • @thecatfenix7907

    @thecatfenix7907

    Жыл бұрын

    Sadly I live one state over, but I'll take a look.

  • @Lord_Senpai13

    @Lord_Senpai13

    Жыл бұрын

    @@thecatfenix7907 thank you so much. 😌

  • @Blindy_Sama
    @Blindy_Sama Жыл бұрын

    Just the first few minutes of this brought me so much joy. The musical intro that is totally not neon Genesis evangelion. Among other things good job love these videos

  • @lordwoods8631
    @lordwoods8631 Жыл бұрын

    Alright, as a Canadian, I gotta bring up my childhood, this show aired in Canada and Japan. And I think it would make an amazing DND campaign. Spider Riders. Calling all Spider Riders, LETS RIDE LETS RIDE. Theme song was fire.

  • @eros5420
    @eros5420 Жыл бұрын

    Idk what's coolest; the creature, the fact you were able to get the guy to do an interview, or the creator's sheer enthusiasm and love for the topic (WOTC could take some notes.) Fantastic vid as always ❤️

  • @corkedscientist
    @corkedscientist Жыл бұрын

    Even having never seen the show or its title sequence, I must respect the absolute dedication to the bit.

  • @LeRodz
    @LeRodz Жыл бұрын

    Hey DD, just wanted to thank and congratulate you for the amount of effort and care you put into your work, this one in special. The research, the editing and even a interview the og mind behind the monster show how above and beyond you go with these videos. And of course thanks Newton for taking the time to come to the interview about his creation.

  • @kirktown2046
    @kirktown2046 Жыл бұрын

    Amazing, so many years later and we're STILL getting these Evangelion intro edits... Freaking love it! Dungeon Dad you're the mang :)

  • @TheHeartlessAlchemist
    @TheHeartlessAlchemist Жыл бұрын

    Ok, I did NOT expect one of my favorite childhood anime to be mentioned, that being Shurato. Newton truly is a very cultured man.

  • @critespranberry8872
    @critespranberry8872 Жыл бұрын

    Damn these guys were a thing this entire time? I was just using ATUMs from the Greasemonkey's Handbook to achieve bug mecha. Also why is Aura Battle Dunbine the only anime to do bug mecha?? it's such a neat idea edit: So to elaborate a bit; when I was in high school I wanted to play gundam 5e essentially but couldn't really find anything (I wanted zakus in the d20 system, for what I mean but 'gundam 5e' not just a gundam ttrpg) so I went on to find the Greasemonkey's Handbook which adds in mecha and power suits (as well as various vehichles such as tanks and trains) into D&D with flavoring to make it fit fantasy. I thought of using giant bug parts as a 'fantsy'ism to make the mecha fit and ended up finding Dunbine. Funny to see that even years later the community is still on the same wavelength as the old designers

  • @lucius6639
    @lucius6639 Жыл бұрын

    I got an ad exactly when the "Voltron will be back on after these messages" clip ended. 😂

  • @DUSTRUCT0
    @DUSTRUCT0 Жыл бұрын

    I would honestly watch the heck out of a series where you dig up the design inspirations for monsters over the years. SUPER cool addition to your catalogue of content!

  • @kommandobosssnikrot9283
    @kommandobosssnikrot9283 Жыл бұрын

    Goofiest smile on my face seeing the *chefs kiss* beautiful opening.

  • @FairyRingRAW
    @FairyRingRAW Жыл бұрын

    Ah yes, the mechanized chicken xenomorph gargantua

  • @benjaminmiller3523
    @benjaminmiller3523 Жыл бұрын

    The distinct lack of actual Evas during the opening made it so much more funny

  • @williamrish2736
    @williamrish2736 Жыл бұрын

    I loved everything about this episode, from the (I believe) shot for shot remake of the opening song, to the 'Next Week' segment. Just incredible!

  • @omega1735
    @omega1735 Жыл бұрын

    Ok just recently watched a video on the warforged colossus and now I have a very strange and fun idea to hopefully have this thing fight one

  • @mikefisher7071
    @mikefisher7071 Жыл бұрын

    I love the energy you bring to all your videos, they are full of inspiration!

  • @GeryonM
    @GeryonM Жыл бұрын

    7:58 I used this in a campaign once. The players were not happy with me. I thought they could handle it. It was only 1 and it was weakened from it's long dormancy but they, like a lot of PCs, pondered and debated too much and allowed it to consume a village. In the end they won but the cost was high.

  • @rmartikke
    @rmartikke Жыл бұрын

    Best opening ever. I intend to use Spirit Warriors to serve as environmental suits for my players to use when going to the Far Realm to save a princess stolen by Kaorti!

  • @cajunxn17
    @cajunxn17 Жыл бұрын

    I love this 🤩 I’m already imagining centipede and scorpion versions! Oh, and an aquatic mantis shrimp 😱 As far as suggestions, I’d love to see you cover the Phoelarch and Phoera. (And I’m going to keep bringing up Bebilith each time I comment too 😁)

  • @KevinVideo

    @KevinVideo

    Жыл бұрын

    Went and added the phoelarch and phoera to D-Dad's monster suggestion list.

  • @TheHippyProductions

    @TheHippyProductions

    Жыл бұрын

    mantis shrimp spirit warrior would be sick. mach punches creating air bubbles on LAND to explode things from a distance from sheer force

  • @godricnecro
    @godricnecro Жыл бұрын

    it has been some time since I first saw this glorious thing, and an idea has occurred to me, getting to Level 7 Oath of the Crown Paladin and becoming a Pilot.. Level 7 because {Divine Allegiance [SCAG p132] Starting at 7th level, when a creature within 5 feet of you takes damage, you can use your reaction to magically substitute your own health for that of the target creature, causing that creature not to take the damage. Instead, you take the damage. This damage to you can't be reduced or prevented in any way.} So you could be in your Spirit warrior, which would make it within 5 feet of you, and it doesn't say you have to see it get hit, so if it took damage while your current HP is higher than it's own, you could take the damage instead and be that one guy in mech anime that gets bloodied while they are in their mech. Now, a funny thing I had thought of.. at level 6 a Paladin gains {Aura of Protection [PHB p82] Starting at 6th level, whenever you or a friendly creature within 10 feet of you must make a saving throw, the creature gains a bonus to the saving throw equal to your Charisma modifier (with a minimum bonus of +1). You must be conscious to grant this bonus.} .. so, a paladin with a charisma of 16 has a +3.... the Spirit Warrior uses your bonuses when making saves... so if you are a traditional Paladin with Int dump of 8... now the Spirit Warrior uses your bonuses, and is a creature within 10 feet of you, so would it be a +2 or +5 to Int saves. like is it your bonus without the aura and then it uses the charisma bonus, or would it be double the charisma bonus because your saves get that bonus, which it would then have it's own? I'm 95% certain that it wouldn't apply that way, but it was something that crossed my mind.

  • @blankityblank4362
    @blankityblank43629 ай бұрын

    2:10 Absolutely loved the timing, lol. Cruel Angel Thesis is a great song.

  • @blankityblank4362

    @blankityblank4362

    9 ай бұрын

    5:19 And now I know why you used a song from Evangelion.

  • @lunar_lotus4841
    @lunar_lotus4841 Жыл бұрын

    As someone who Loves Nausicaa Valley of the Wind, this anime series is right up my ally.

  • @dalodulo1373
    @dalodulo1373 Жыл бұрын

    This probably one of the best finds in all of d&d for me and I appreciate you putting this up. Especially going that extra mile for the history and background.

  • @johnbray7887
    @johnbray7887 Жыл бұрын

    I can absolutely see a version of this designed for underwater combat (Can you guess what my current brew is themed around?). This is such a cool and flavor rich creature! Thank you for bringing it to light!!

  • @somedragonbastard

    @somedragonbastard

    Жыл бұрын

    Maybe a diving beetle or a water strider providing above water support

  • @1Lanavis1
    @1Lanavis1 Жыл бұрын

    after watching the whole video, i was really impressed with how in depth you got into this, including the irl backstory and the related interview. honestly, i am going to use this creature for a bbeg fight. In lieu of a mythic trait, they fight the guy in the mech first and when they defeat the mech, he emerges to fight them as himself

  • @glassberg5018
    @glassberg5018 Жыл бұрын

    I love deep dives into topics I had never even thought about before.

  • @Voc_spooksauce
    @Voc_spooksauce Жыл бұрын

    Woah look at all this effort put into a single video, great work to everyone involved!!! Cheers from Brazil, love this channel :>

  • @frankly_earnest
    @frankly_earnest Жыл бұрын

    Any chance you'll use this in your next Tall Tails campaign, Dungeon Dad? It would super cool to have one of these in your world...or even have all the older totem animals effectively act as undead mecha husks.

  • @DungeonDad

    @DungeonDad

    Жыл бұрын

    That is a very cool idea!

  • @msf2399
    @msf2399 Жыл бұрын

    Could go full King Arthur with that whole “only the chosen one can pilot it” thing.

  • @CharmingSenpai
    @CharmingSenpai Жыл бұрын

    This made me realize just how much Overlords writer loves DnD. Touch Me sama is a spirit warrior. ♥️

  • @Loganopterix
    @Loganopterix Жыл бұрын

    Now I can use one of my Dunbine models in game! Thank you for making this video!!

  • @tomc.5704
    @tomc.5704 Жыл бұрын

    I do declare, that sounds like Star Fox 64 during the opening

  • @allenridenour1826
    @allenridenour1826 Жыл бұрын

    2 campaign ideas. 1. Players are apart of a military that has the warriors as a unit. Can either be apart of a family who gets handed one or they have to come across some that will let them piolet them. Have a bad guy as the dark knight be the bbeg. Finish campaign. 2. Characters come back, fully leveled. Suits get taken over at the start by a necromancer and piolets killed. New Characters have to get new suits and stop old ones while finding out about necro.

  • @jessepinkman8133
    @jessepinkman8133 Жыл бұрын

    man i just recently found out about your videos, they're very well made and very fun to watch. Sucks that you're so extremely underrated but you're still amazing. Keep making what you're making

  • @pykeembers1575
    @pykeembers1575 Жыл бұрын

    I thought you were just going to do the first bit of the Eva opening but mad respect for you doing the whole thing. This monster has my mind running with all the possibilities. I am full on thinking of trying to transition it from bug to dragon and make Escaflowne usable. You have inspired me. Great work as always

  • @MrFormrlyknownas
    @MrFormrlyknownas Жыл бұрын

    That opening.... that opening... holy shnikees that opening... this is officially my favorite episode!

  • @Anemonemonemona
    @Anemonemonemona Жыл бұрын

    Thanks Dungeon Dad! I needed some way for my dragons to be extinct, now I have the best of motives for them to be dead... These war beetles fought them one by one in a crusade to kill every dragon existent. When the job was done, kingdoms tried to use it to win wars, but the pilots denied this purpose for their dear spirit warriors, so they buried themselves alive, deep in the underground, so no one could use their power for evil purposes... But today, there are people who are actively searching for these ancient war weapons. This turned out to be the best monster you covered! Congratulations!!! I would definitely watch podcasts with Newton about designing with old anime too, he looks like a cool guy!

  • @asturias0267
    @asturias0267 Жыл бұрын

    Maybe you could do modular mummified giants like the sand octopus you recently covered. That would be pretty neat.