Cloud Strife is the protagonist from the hit game Final Fantasy VII, and in the years since his debut, he has been featured or referenced in a plethora of other games, films, and literature. Cloud was originally a soldier enlisted in the shady military wing of an organization known as Shinra. Because of this, Cloud has become an expert swordsman, wielding his iconic Buster Sword to rain punishment down on his enemies. Throughout FFVII, players watched Cloud go from a proud and arrogant swordsman during the game's opening, to a softer, more caring character who struggles to open up to others and has a hard time living up to the memory of his friend. With power and character growth like this, Dungeons & Dragons players may want to recreate Cloud or base a character off of him for their next campaign. Here's how FFVII's hero can translate to the tabletop using Fifth Edition's rules.
The Best Race For Cloud
Cloud is a human, though Variant Human works better as it allows Cloud to assign a +1 bonus to two separate stats to better show the focused training of a Shinra soldier. Variant Humans also get access to a free feat and skill proficiency at the first level, which will help start this build off strong. Insight is useful, as it helps Cloud read the intentions of those around him, which is perfect for trying to get to the bottom of a situation. As for the feat, Sentinel is great for Cloud, as it allows him to better control the battlefield during combat. With Sentinel, the Disengage action has no effect when an enemy uses it to try and escape from Cloud's reach. An enemy that is hit by Cloud's opportunity attack has its speed reduced to zero until the end of the turn, and Cloud can also make an opportunity attack if a target within reach of his melee weapon attacks someone other than him.
The Best Class For Cloud
The fighter is clearly the best class for Cloud, as it represents his time as an infantryman with Shinra. However, because of his powerful Limit Break abilities, the Eldritch Knight subclass is the best choice. To better convey Cloud's skill with his large and unwieldy Buster Sword, take the Great Weapon Fighting option from the available level one Fighting Styles.
Cloud's Ability Scores
As an Eldritch Knight Fighter, Cloud should prioritize Strength, Constitution, and Intelligence. Clouds' high Strength score will allow him to land blows with his Buster Sword and cause them to do more damage while boosting Constitution will help him withstand blows that would otherwise kill or incapacitate him. Finally, Intelligence is necessary, as this is the Ability Score Eldritch Knights use to cast spells. Use the Ability Score increase obtained from the Variant Human race to put one point into Intelligence and either one point into Strength or Constitution.
Best Backgrounds For Cloud
The soldier is the best background, as this is what Cloud was before the events of Final Fantasy VII. However, there are some other options that can work depending on what version of Cloud the player wants to replicate. Faction Agent could work well for a Cloud that's in the mid-point of his story and working with members of Avalanche to bring down Shinra, while Mercenary Veteran is best for when playing Cloud during his time as a mercenary.
Cloud's Spells & Feats
Cloud has access to several spells as an Eldritch Knight, and those that complement his melee skills will work best for this build. Shield and Green Flame Blade are great examples. The shield adds a +5 bonus to Cloud's Armor Class until the start of his next turn, while Green Flame Blade ignites Cloud's Buster Sword in magical flames that leap to other enemies within close proximity of the one he attacks. At later levels, a spell-like Scorching Ray could also be used to imitate Cloud's Blade Beam ability. For feats, Cloud could make good use of Tough for when he needs the extra hit points to stay up close and personal for an extended period, while Inspiring Leader could represent a late-game Cloud who has finally managed to open up and gain the confidence to lead. However, the caveat is that Cloud needs a Charisma score of at least 13 to take this feat. If that's an unlikely prospect, then Martial Adept is an alternative to better demonstrate Cloud's acute ability with his sword. This lets him take two Maneuvers from the Fighter's Battle Master subclass and gain a single d6 Superiority Die.