So, as a player (and to a somewhat greater extent as a DM) I like to build my character’s based off of the various real world cultures and aesthetics. For example, I have a Dragonborn Barbarian that I based around the Native American culture. Prior to making him, my knowledge of Native Americans was… incorrect to say the least. After doing the proper research, I feel like the character became a lot more interesting and real. Of course for the character I drew inspiration from a wide selection of tribes because in a fantasy setting I have that kind of license. Still need to learn some more before I feel confident actually presenting the character and not having him feel like some sort of awkward stereotype.

I also really like making characters that are direct references to famous actors/characters. I know I have a western aesthetic monk based on Jackie Chan’s character from Shanghai Noon. And, of course, the Two Weapon Fighting Half-Orc Barbarian based on Drax.

Anybody else like to do that sort of thing? I find the entire exercise to be incredibly fun