D&D (2024) Playtest Packet 6: Monk reactions?

[Gradine]

FWIW, they have a disclaimer right there at the top of the doc that they're aware that not everything is fully balanced against backward compatible options and that that's not something they're focusing on at the moment but will work on prior to print. Still worth pointing out where the math isn't mathing appropriately.

Like most things in this document, I absolutely love where the Monk has gone. The one thing it needs is a starting boost to Discipline Points. Like adding your Wis modifier in addition to your Monk level.

The new Way of the Elements Monk is miles better than the original. You miss some of the versatility (no more Avatar Water Whip for you!) but you gain way more in return.

 

[Charlaquin]

And I noticed that Monks have to use STR for the save DCs on the Shove or Grapple options for Unarmed Strike, in Martial Arts the use DEX only applies to attack rolls.

Seems like a simple oversight. I recommend everyone point this out in the survey feedback.

 

[OldSchoolGamerGirl]

I am a little shocked that monks don't get a fighter like "add a mastery" but only to there unarmed strike

 

[TwoSix]

I am a little shocked that monks don't get a fighter like "add a mastery" but only to there unarmed strike

Just give unarmed strike the light property and the Nick mastery.

 

[mellored]

I am a little shocked that monks don't get a fighter like "add a mastery" but only to there unarmed strike

Unarmed attacks can chose between damage, trip, shove, or grapple. Plus you can stun, and your subclass gets you lots of other features, and consider that you can make 4 attacks at level 1...

So it would be a bit OP to have mastery on unarmed attacks.

Monks can do plenty of tactical stuff without it.

 

[Jefe Bergenstein]

Still fairly unimpressive. They really only have 1 class feature at first level, since unarmored defense and martial arts are just armor/weapon proficiency by another name. 2/3 are used just to equal the baseline of "having equipment". Can you imagine a class whose starting features were "has shortsword, has breastplate, weapon mastery"?

Anything that brings them up to fighter baseline needs to not count for power budget. Throw them a fighting style, start Discipline points at first level and add their proficiency bonus to the number given.

 

[Horwath]

I am a little shocked that monks don't get a fighter like "add a mastery" but only to there unarmed strike

increase in a damage die for unarmed is a mastery in itself.

 

[Horwath]

monks really need light armor proficiency.
Then if you wear it, just add half(round down) wis mod to AC.

 

[Jefe Bergenstein]

increase in a damage die for unarmed is a mastery in itself.

Not really, it's the bare minimum to function. Bringing you to the baseline of "having equipment" isn't a meaningful class feature. The once time every other campaign where the pc's are captured and the monk gets gear while everyone else doesn't is a super niche ribbon less valuable than thieves cant.

 

[Horwath]

Not really, it's the bare minimum to function. Bringing you to the baseline of "having equipment" isn't a meaningful class feature. The once time every other campaign where the pc's are captured and the monk gets gear while everyone else doesn't is a super niche ribbon less valuable than thieves cant.

base damage of unarmed is 1, feature gives it d6 at start, also all light simple weapons become d6 too.
then you can use mastery for handaxe and dagger. you have 3 attacks with d6 damage, two of those get dex bonus, and maybe attack with unarmed with advantage.

not bad for 1st level.