Monk feats: 2nd Level - Deflect Arrows or Combat Reflexes?

[Darklone]

You can't take AoOs while casting full round spells (see that other thread about the dead barbarian ...).

Using Deflect arrows is no action at all.... it does not happen at your turn after all.

 

[Cyraneth]

You can't take AoOs while casting full round spells (see that other thread about the dead barbarian ...).

Using Deflect arrows is no action at all.... it does not happen at your turn after all.

Meaning you can do it whenever you like (and have a hand free, and see the arrow coming). Theoretically, you could be standing on one hand in a blizzard, balancing a kobold trapped in a resilient sphere on your feet, and still deflect the arrow, provided you see it coming. Just talking about extremes here...

- Cyraneth

 

[MarauderX]

Ok, I have decided. I am going to be getting Combat Reflexes earlier in order to get the feat Grappling Block sooner, and will pick up Deflect Arrows as the 2nd level monk feat.

I still hate the limitation of when you can choose the feats, and wish it was made into a pool of feats to choose from, much like the fighter, but somehow I don't think will be releasing revision 3.6 just for me.

 

[Camarath]

Grappling Block, now that is a worth wile feat, one of my personal favorites.

 

[Gizzard]

I took Combat Reflexes at level 1 under 3E, so I've been playing with both of these feats up until my current level of 6th.

Neither one has been particularly useful so far; Combat Reflexes was used once when our Cleric Turned the group of Skeletons I was in the midst of and they were forced to run past me. That's the problem with this feat; generally opponents are not going to run past you en-masse, so you won't get to use the multiple attacks portion. Similarly, the ability to use an AoO while surprised is pretty rare.

I got to use Deflect Arrows once also. (Our group is using the WotC module path so that's not just not a function of DM style.) It would have been really cool if I could have deflected that arrow as I ran across a very dangerous place, but the DC is pretty high and I failed. Another marginal feat due to the rarity and the high DC precisely when it is most useful.

I'm much more excited about the other two Feat-pairs in 3.5E; the Combat Reflexes v. Deflect Arrows is IMHO the weakest pair. At least its better than being forced to take Deflect Arrows though. ;-)

For instance: Expert Tactician. This feat is a must-have for monks...

Doesn't this require an INT of 13 or more? Very difficult for the already stat-crimped Monk.

 

[ForceUser]

Combat Reflexes by itself is merely okay. Combine it with reach, Large creatures, or Large creatures with reach and it is freaking insane. Since corners now count in 3.5 regarding attacks of opportunity, a Large creature with a Large reach weapon controls an amazing amount of territory: 64 5-foot squares.

If you think you can somehow aquire a reach weapon or a method to grow to Large size, get Combat Reflexes. If not, I'd go with Deflect Arrows.

 

[Jhamin]

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.

Ah, but in 3.5 you can make AOOs while flat footed if you have Combat Reflexes.....

 

[MarauderX]

Ah, but in 3.5 you can make AOOs while flat footed if you have Combat Reflexes.....

Actually, I think you can, although I don't have any books here.

Anyway, I can imagine that Combat Reflexes would work well if you have Great Throw. Toss baddie #1 into baddie #2; both get up from prone on their turns, only to provoke an AoO on each. That's when you toss #1 into #3, and #2 into #4...rinse and repeat.

 

[Chimera]

Neither one has been particularly useful so far; Combat Reflexes was used once when our Cleric Turned the group of Skeletons I was in the midst of and they were forced to run past me. That's the problem with this feat; generally opponents are not going to run past you en-masse, so you won't get to use the multiple attacks portion.

I'd agree that Combat Reflexes depends a lot on what you're fighting and that you don't often get the chance to use it to it's maximum effectiveness.

But if you're fighting hordes, or trying to hold a door or passageway, it's invaluable.

I still have fond memories of an early 3.0 game where my 4th level fighter stopped the charge of a horde of Goblins, then moved through them with near impunity, hacking them down as they tried to get to our spellcasters. Dex 14, Dodge, Combat Reflexes, Hold the Line, Mobility, Weapon Focus. 4 Goblins killed per round - until they started to avoid him...