D&D 5E Cooper

[rgoodbb]

So I have this Halfling Druid/Rogue called Cooper who is a cooper. Instead of a backpack, he carries a barrel on his back. When in combat, I envision him jumping into his barrel, casting Magic Stones and sling attacking from his pre-made cover. If necessary he could pull the lid (which is also his shield) over the top and hide.

The next paragraph is just me spewing out some build ideas so please skip to the bottom for my questions.

I can imagine him a bit like a hermit crab (He is a coastal druid) If someone looked in while he was hiding in there he could either Bamf out or shape into a spider and walk away. If his barrel got broke, as a cooper he could just make another or even cast mending.
If the barrel is rolling, he could shape into a giant hamster inside on-the-wheel. I wonder how mirror Image would work with that.
Two secret foot-holes in the bottom could be quite amusing for stealth move and set down again. Proper cartoon/carry-on stuff. The whole concept makes me smile with mild giddiness.


Q. Would the barrel give any cover if he slung a stone and either stayed stood or ducked back down afterward? If yes, what cover would you give?

Q. What other daft shenanigans could a barrel bring to the party?

Ps. I know this is an up to a DM answer but I’m just imagining a daft build right now and….you are all mostly DM’s. So what do you think? Cover or no cover?

Thanks for your time and replies.

 

[thethain]

Squeezing into a Smaller Space
A creature can squeeze through a space that is large enough for a creature one size smaller than it. Thus, a Large creature can squeeze through a passage that's only 5 feet wide. While squeezing through a space, a creature must spend 1 extra foot for every foot it moves there, and it has disadvantage on attack rolls and Dexterity saving throws. Attack rolls against the creature have advantage while it's in the smaller space.

Q1. You would get cover from ranged missile attacks, but would be counted as squeezing for anyone in melee. Thrown weapons such as spears/javelins/axes would damage the barrel and have a chance of punching through. Even crossbow bolts would have a chance of it.

Q2. Mobility of rolling downhill or down a waterway.

 

[aco175]

I may give a cover bonus to AC, but make speed half to compensate. I encourage the thought and playability of the concept, but part of it seems silly and I'm trying to come up with good things.

If it is a barrel you can climb in and hide, then I think it is too tall to properly sling out of it, maybe throw daggers. I can see granting advantage to hide checks in certain environments. I like the idea of a knot hole that flips open to see while you sneak. I could also see the lid being used as a shield or be able to lock in and the barrel be used to float across a river or such.

 

[transtemporal]

Your character is a barrel? I like it. I would give you advantage on charisma checks, because barrels are ace.

 

[rgoodbb]

They are a.........lot.......of fun!

 

[The Old Crow]

You're planning to shapeshift into a monkey, right?

 

[JonnyP71]

Keep chickens in Cooper's barrel.

Then he would also have a Coop.

 

[rgoodbb]

Keep chickens in Cooper's barrel.

Then he would also have a Coop.

As a multiclass Druid: Conjure Farmyard Chickens would almost certainly be doable.

 

[cooperjer]

I would caution you in using the barrel indefinitely. If your DM is on board with the concept then you would have little risk of loosing the barrel. However, per DMg p 246 - 247 the barrel would have an AC of 15 and between 4 and 18 HP assuming it's a wood (AC 15) barrel and the condition is between brittle / old (4 HP) to brand new (18 HP). Carrying something the size of your character on your back is an interesting concept. I think I've seen this in some anime.

I agree with the recommendations for cover and squeezing given above.

 

[rgoodbb]

I think I've seen this in some anime.

I have only seen Akira and Spirited Away. Or is that Manga? I get the two mixed up.