Monk feats: 2nd Level - Deflect Arrows or Combat Reflexes?
- Thread starter MarauderX
- Start date
For a monk-mage, I'd probably pick Deflect Arrows. I've seen too many spells ruined by archers with readied actions.
I'm a little weird though, since I'd also be inclined to spend a feat on Snatch Arrows. My 3.0 monk character had that one, and I have fond memories of the single time it came into play. (We were attacked by a spellcaster wielding a minor artifact-- a distance throwing returning keen vorpal kukri. The look on the DM's face was priceless.
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I'm a little weird though, since I'd also be inclined to spend a feat on Snatch Arrows. My 3.0 monk character had that one, and I have fond memories of the single time it came into play. (We were attacked by a spellcaster wielding a minor artifact-- a distance throwing returning keen vorpal kukri. The look on the DM's face was priceless.
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Nail
First Post
This question is a bit campaign specific, as it depends on how the DM starts encounters. Lots of encounters I DM start at a distance, and missile weapons are a factor.
If yer DM is an "in yer face" kind of encounter guy, then comabt reflexes might be more handy....but only if you win initiative.
If yer DM is an "in yer face" kind of encounter guy, then comabt reflexes might be more handy....but only if you win initiative.
FluidDragon
First Post
At least Deflect Arrows is automatic and a free action now. But I still like the ability to have more AoO. More control of my character.
Xarls Taunzund
First Post
If your local mage is willing to cast Enlarge Person on you alot Combat Reflexes is awesome, otherwise Deflect Arrows is just as good a choice.
Xarls Taunzund
First Post
It isn't all that clear, though I would allow it after a successful Concentration check, DC as if casting defensively.
Zaruthustran
The tingling means it’s working!
Combat Reflexes, hands down. Mainly because it's such a widely-used pre-req for other feats and prestige classes.
For instance: Expert Tactician. This feat is a must-have for monks, since monks can trigger it by:
1. Going first. Monks usually have high Dex, so they often catch foes flat-footed.
2. Stunning Fist attacks. Stun is a great feat, since it makes the bad guy drop his weapons, take a -2 to ac, not act, and lose his dex bonus.
3. Sneaking. Monks have Hide, so they can get a surprise round on Foes.
A monk can potentially:
1. Get a surprise round against a foe, charging (an attack) that also triggers Expert Tactician (another attack)
2. Win Initiative, which triggers Expert Tactician again. The monk then Flurries. One of the Flurry attacks is a Stunning Fist attack that works. Alas, Expert Tactician already was triggered so no followup attack.
3. Opponent is stunned, so he can't act.
4. Monk's turn again. Another 2 flurries.
At first level, best case scenario is 7 attacks in 2 rounds (plus surprise round) with no counter attack. Nice!
-z
For instance: Expert Tactician. This feat is a must-have for monks, since monks can trigger it by:
1. Going first. Monks usually have high Dex, so they often catch foes flat-footed.
2. Stunning Fist attacks. Stun is a great feat, since it makes the bad guy drop his weapons, take a -2 to ac, not act, and lose his dex bonus.
3. Sneaking. Monks have Hide, so they can get a surprise round on Foes.
A monk can potentially:
1. Get a surprise round against a foe, charging (an attack) that also triggers Expert Tactician (another attack)
2. Win Initiative, which triggers Expert Tactician again. The monk then Flurries. One of the Flurry attacks is a Stunning Fist attack that works. Alas, Expert Tactician already was triggered so no followup attack.
3. Opponent is stunned, so he can't act.
4. Monk's turn again. Another 2 flurries.
At first level, best case scenario is 7 attacks in 2 rounds (plus surprise round) with no counter attack. Nice!
-z
Saeviomagy
Adventurer
I wouldn't even bother with that much. It's a free action. You can still take AoO's when you're casting. You can still make reflex saves when you're casting. Why not let someone use a relatively minor feat?
