Whoa, this is interesting. I'm in a CoS game right now with a monk who is building toward a shadow monk/assassin multiclass. Since we're planning to play through level 10, my plan is to do Monk to 7, and then add 3 levels of Rogue at the end. Right now, I'm at level 4, and while sometime I kick myself for not taking a level in Rogue already for that sweet Sneak Attack and some extra skills, I don't really know where I'd dip earlier because IMO you kinda gotta take a monk to 7 or so. Extra Attack, Ki-Powered Strikes, and Evasion are all too good to pass up, at least in Strahd (where everything is trying to kill you and also magic).
D&D 5E Shadow Monk: Straight, or Monk/Rogue
nswanson27
First Post
Sure, you can, but using shadow step that way won't give you the advantage on your next melee attack. That's huge, since advantage allows you to sneak attack anything, even if there isn't an ally adjacent to the enemy. Plus, you'd be surprised how useful that extra 10 movement is in combat.
Much better to shadow step in, attack with advantage (and sneak attack), and run out far enough so nothing can hit you with melee (deflect missiles will handle arrows).
Once you get to lvl 6 monk, you'd have 55 movement with mobility feat. Even if you're in broad daylight (no shadow step), you still can get an extra 55 movement from cunning action (lvl 2 rogue), and you can pretty much kite anything - even things that fly. They'd have to use their action to dash to catch you, but then they can't attack that turn. Then you attack, run away (mobility), and repeat.
_Also, you can catch anything, since you're using your bonus action- action is available to attack for most things non-flying. If it's flying, you might need to dash (action) + dash (bonus action) + move = 165 feet, and then rely on your attack of opportunity to attack (and stun).
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Guest 6801328
Guest
Sure, you can, but using shadow step that way won't give you the advantage on your next melee attack. That's huge, since advantage allows you to sneak attack anything, even if there isn't an ally adjacent to the enemy. Plus, you'd be surprised how useful that extra 10 movement is in combat.
Much better to shadow step in, attack with advantage (and sneak attack), and run out far enough so nothing can hit you with melee (deflect missiles will handle arrows).
Once you get to lvl 6 monk, you'd have 55 movement with mobility feat. Even if you're in broad daylight (no shadow step), you still can get an extra 55 movement from cunning action (lvl 2 rogue), and you can pretty much kite anything - even things that fly. They'd have to use their action to dash to catch you, but then they can't attack that turn. Then you attack, run away (mobility), and repeat.
Also, you can catch anything, since you're using your bonus action- action is available to attack for most things non-flying. If it's flying, you might need to dash (action) + dash (bonus action) + move = 165 feet, and then rely on your attack of opportunity to attack (and stun).
Ok, that's pretty persuasive. However...if I go Tiefling (just because I want to) that means I'll have to make the choice between an ASI and Mobile at 4th. And 8th. And 12th...
Damn you, Choices!
nswanson27
First Post
Indeed.
Keep in mind though that you'll have 3 levels of play before you need to choose in your case.
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Guest 6801328
Guest
Indeed.
Four, if I start with Rogue 1.
nswanson27
First Post
Alexander Julian
First Post
ooo
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clutchbone
First Post
Be aware that you'll be attacking with disadvantage in darkness if you pick human, which doesn't really mix well with the preferred environment of a shadow monk, also disadvantage invalidates sneak attack. Either that or you're constantly burning 2 ki to cast darkvision.
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Guest 6801328
Guest
Shadow Step requires dim light, not darkness.
FrogReaver
As long as i get to be the frog
Personally I would go more heavy monk than heavy rogue. I might take a 1 level dip in rogue for expertise. I wouldn't go any further though. KI and scaling move speed and scaling weapon damage is too important for the monk IMO.
