D&D 5E Variant Monk that uses Strength instead of Wisdom?

NaturalZero · Jan 8, 2021

This is why I think every class should have gotten a subclass at level one. It's too clunky to expect someone to change their ability scores or build once they make a decision at level 3.

Ancalagon · Jan 8, 2021

NaturalZero said:
This is why I think every class should have gotten a subclass at level one. It's too clunky to expect someone to change their ability scores or build once they make a decision at level 3.

Or.... you start the game at level 3.

billd91 · Jan 8, 2021

If you feel the need for some kind of justification, check out Invincible Shaolin. Chu is sent to learn the Mantis style, which is characterized as a strength-based martial art. Seems perfectly reasonable to me, but I'd probably replace Dex instead of Wisdom and enable him to use Strength for his AC instead of Dex.

Mecheon · Jan 8, 2021

Cap'n Kobold said:
Bear in mind that Fighters are the martial, martial artists.

Fighters are also awful at doing unarmed combat, which is why the homebrewing space has so many options for a pugilist.

Anywho, switching monks to use strength is totally something I could see doable and should be an option as it is in line with what they do. Don't know the specifics as to how you'd rule it, but the flavour side looks fine

Campbell · Jan 8, 2021

I would consider either making the AC a flat bonus or base it off proficiency bonus. I would just base more physical DCs on either Strength or Dexterity depending on what was used to deliver the blow.

QuentinGeorge · Jan 8, 2021

There desperately needs to be an unarmed fighting specialist fighter. Would be STR based, get unarmed damage as per monk, but without the ki-based abilities or unarmoured AC bonus, but could wear heavy armour. Could even open up unarmed + shield combos, too.

Charlaquin · Jan 8, 2021

Campbell said:
I would consider either making the AC a flat bonus or base it off proficiency bonus. I would just base more physical DCs on either Strength or Dexterity depending on what was used to deliver the blow.

AC 10 + Prof Bonus + Dex or Wis would allow traditional Dex/Wis monks, Str/Dex “physical” monks, and Str/Wis “Stronks”.

Charlaquin · Jan 8, 2021

QuentinGeorge said:
There desperately needs to be an unarmed fighting specialist fighter. Would be STR based, get unarmed damage as per monk, but without the ki-based abilities or unarmoured AC bonus, but could wear heavy armour. Could even open up unarmed + shield combos, too.

I mean, just take the new Unarmed Fighting Style on your Fighter at that point.

Flamestrike · Jan 8, 2021

Charlaquin said:
I mean, just take the new Unarmed Fighting Style on your Fighter at that point.

Yeah, this.

Battlemaster fighter, unarmed fighting style, Tavern Brawler and Grappler feats.

Barbarian also works. Vuman with Fighting initiate (unarmed fighting) at 1st level.

Guest 6801328 · Jan 8, 2021

Ancalagon said:
Or.... you start the game at level 3.

I know a lot of people do that, but every time I've started a character at any level other than 1, forever after feel like that character isn't really legitimate, and I just don't get as invested in them or as attached to them.