Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="RogueJK" data-source="post: 7889709" data-attributes="member: 170">Haven't played it personally, but looking at it on paper, there's a significant drawback...Namely, using the Primal Savagery cantrip doesn't trigger the Monk's bonus action Martial Arts attack, Flurry of Blows, Stunning Strikes, Extra Attack, etc.For example, a 1st level Monk would be making 2x unarmed strikes for a maximum possible 2d4+6 if all attacks hit and you have a 16 DEX (or a few more points if they're using a 1d8 monk weapon like a Spear/Quarterstaff for one of those attacks).Compare to a 1st Level Monk with Magic Initiate Druid making 1x Primary Savagery attack for 1d10 on a hit.The monk making unarmed strikes will not only will be hitting more often, and doing more damage on average, they will also have twice as many opportunities to crit.Moving up to 5th level, a 5th level Monk would be making 3x or 4x (Flurry) unarmed strikes for 3d6+12 or 4d6+16, if they all hit and you have an 18 DEX by that point.  (A few points more if they're using a 1d8 Spear/Quarterstaff monk weapon for one of those attacks.)Compare to a 5th level Monk (or 4th level Monk/1st Level Druid) making 1x Primal Savagery attack for 2d10 acid damage.In addition to hitting more often, critting more often, and doing more average damage, the monk making unarmed strikes can now Stun with some of their hits too.  (And potentially do other things with these hits, depending on their subclass.)Plus, Primal Savagery's acid damage is one of the more commonly resisted elemental damage types, which starts being an issue about now.  Whereas at 6th level, the Monk starts doing magical bludgeoning damage with his unarmed strikes.Bumping up to 10th level, you're looking at a 10th level Monk making the same 3x-4x unarmed strikes for 3d6+12 or 4d6+16, or +14/+18 if you're up to 20 DEX at that point.  (A few points more if they're using a Spear or Quarterstaff monk weapon for one of those attacks.)Compare to a 10th level Monk or 9th level Monk/1st Level Druid making 1x Primal Savagery attack for 3d10.  Getting a bit closer in average damage, but still lagging.  And still doing Acid damage, with no Stun or subclass features.  And still hitting and critting less often.I haven't specifically crunched the percentages against every AC at every level, but overall, the monk with unarmed strikes is almost certainly hitting more often and doing greater average damage than a Monk relying on Primal Savagery.  Plus they're definitely Stunning, Critting, and using their attack-related subclass features more often.</blockquote>

Verification