Kender Guide 5e

Which 5e Classes Work With Kender?

Your Small size will restrict your ability to wield heavy weapons, which severely impacts some builds that are looking to make the most of the kender’s Taunt ability. Instead, kenders are at their best on the fringes of combat where they can fire ranged attacks into the fray, draw enemies towards them, then escape.

Artificer: With the exception of Battle Smiths, artificers usually don't have a consistent bonus action at the ready. This, combined with a high INT modifier makes Taunt a decent option, especially for Armorers who can back up their insults with a magically-augmented gauntlet to the face.

Barbarian: Barbarians really want to be wielding a heavy weapon so they can output max damage. That said, the kender's Taunt ability will be able to draw fire from weaker party members onto your buffed out barbarian. You'll have to pump either CHA, INT, or WIS to make the save DC for this effect worth it, which also goes against your barbarian instincts.

Bard: A fast-talking bard that throws insults at their foes is what kender do best and they already buff CHA for their spellcasting. That said, their Taunt ability may get in the way of your Bardic Inspiration because they both use bonus actions.

Cleric: Most clerics will be wanting to use spiritual weapon with their bonus action, which competes with the kender's Taunt.

Druid: Druids don't have a great use for their bonus action and naturally want to stack into WIS, so the kender's Taunt is quite effective. Unforutnately, Taunt can't be used while wildshaped, but Fearless can.

Fighter: The kender race is fairly build-specific for fighters. If you want to be a heavy armor wearing, great weapon wielding tank, the kender doesn't synergize well. However, if you don't want to wield a heavy weapon and can spare some ASIs for CHA, INT, or WIS, then kender's Taunt will be well-utilized with your heavy armor and d10 hit die.

Monk: Monks have the ability and WIS needed to make Taunt effective, though the bonus action will interfere with their Flurry of Blows.

Paladin: Kender work surprising well for paladins because they normally stack into CHA and don't have a ton of bonus action options, so Taunt will work well. Unfortunately, you won't be able to wield a heavy weapon, which isn't the end of the world. Last but not least, your Fearless ability is very on brand for a heroic paladin.

Ranger: Beyond hunter's mark, most rangers don't have a consistent use for their bonus action. This, combined with their propensity to stay at range and have a stacked WIS modifier, can make Taunt a very effective tool.

Rogue: Unfortunately, kender don't work particularly well as rogues. While they are known to be good at sneaking and stealing, the rogue's Cunning Action combined with their lack of CHA, INT, or WIS means that Taunt won't be very effective.

Sorcerer: The kender's Taunt gives sorcerers a decent bonus action ability. Unfortunately, with their measly hit dice and lack of armor, sorcerers really don't want enemies focusing fire on them.

Warlock: The kender's Taunt may compete with hex because they are both bonus actions. This, combined with their measly hit dice and lack of armor, means kender just aren't cut out for warlocks.

Wizard: The kender's Taunt gives wizards a decent bonus action ability. Unfortunately, with their measly hit dice and lack of armor, wizards really don't want enemies focusing fire on them.