D&D 5E Tortle Monks?

[embee]

I was trying to, but it doesn't seem to work as well as I had hoped with the Monk class.

Did you try the Way of Shadow subclass?

Also, pick a character. I'd recommend Donatello because quarterstaff is a monk weapon. You could argue Michelangelo as nunchaku are just flails used for threshing and one could make a case that that isn't a martial weapon, regardless of what the PHB and DMG say.

 

[Argyle King]

Did you try the Way of Shadow subclass?

Also, pick a character. I'd recommend Donatello because quarterstaff is a monk weapon. You could argue Michelangelo as nunchaku are just flails used for threshing and one could make a case that that isn't a martial weapon, regardless of what the PHB and DMG say.

I looked through some of the subclasses. I thought something like kensei might work for focusing on a specific weapon.

The main stumbling block is that some of the core components of the class don't work with the race.

 

[jgsugden]

If you want to build a PC archetype (and actually play it), but the rules do not service the archtype well, ask the DM to allow some modifications. Some DMs will turn you down. Others are going to put player fun above absolute adherence to the fine details of a rule, and will allow you to make some modifications. As a note - some DMs are insanely against thee types of modifications and can be quite rude when they are discussed.

If a player wanted to play a Tortle Monk in my games, and said they were discouraged that so much of the Tortle abilities were lost on a monk, I would offer the following adjustments:

* You can use your claws as Monk Weapons. [Net effect - they get the option to deal slashing damage with their monk unarmed attacks].

* If you have not moved since the start of your turn, your AC from unarmored defense increases by one. [Net effect - you get a little defensive bonus for holding your ground and using your shell, but only when you don't move].

Neither is game breaking, and they both allow the 'Tortleness' to shine through. Of course, someone will likely respond that a suggestion like this is going to murder kittens, so YMMV.

 

[embee]

I looked through some of the subclasses. I thought something like kensei might work for focusing on a specific weapon.

The main stumbling block is that some of the core components of the class don't work with the race.

If you want to build a PC archetype (and actually play it), but the rules do not service the archtype well, ask the DM to allow some modifications. Some DMs will turn you down. Others are going to put player fun above absolute adherence to the fine details of a rule, and will allow you to make some modifications.

Exactly.

If you came to me and said, "Hey... I'm looking to do TMNT in the campaign. Can I?" I'd give it due consideration. It certainly sounds fun (I'm sure it's been done). So, let's see how to make it work. I might not put it in a Ravenloft campaign, but then again, I might.

Batman vs TMNT is a real thing that really exists so why not? The worst that can happen by asking is you get told "no."

 

[J-H]

Tortle is the only way I've found to do a STR monk.
Dex monk is still generally superior because you get higher AC over time, and can combine Crusher, Open Hand, and Elven Advantage for knockdowns, shoves, and advantage-granting every turn.

 

[Guest 6801328]

I don't know, in fact tortles are probably a viable STR-based monk. (Removes the DEX dependency for having a decent AC)

Makes the new Crusher feat more compelling.

 

[Charlaquin]

* You can use your claws as Monk Weapons. [Net effect - they get the option to deal slashing damage with their monk unarmed attacks].

I’m pretty sure you can just do this by RAW. Obviously different DMs will have different interpretations, but the tortle claws feature lets you use your claws to make unarmed strikes and the monk martial arts feature lets you use your martial arts damage die for unarmed strikes. So there shouldn’t be any reason you can’t apply that martial arts damage die to unarmed strikes with your claws. That would also make the Slasher feat work with your unarmed strikes, which is pretty neat.

As for Unarmored Defense, being able to dump Dex for Strength and still have 17 AC isn’t nothing, especially if the Encumbrance rules are being used. Maybe combine with the Grappler feat if you need more reason to favor Strength over Dex.

 

[jgsugden]

Tortle is the only way I've found to do a STR monk.
Dex monk is still generally superior because you get higher AC over time, and can combine Crusher, Open Hand, and Elven Advantage for knockdowns, shoves, and advantage-granting every turn.

Strength monk builds I've seen:

• Moon druid / monk.
• Barbarian / monk (for the DR - you can survive with a lower AC).
• A normal monk with a Strength Belt. This seems to be the most efficient build, honestly.

 

[Guest 6801328]

I'd love to see a really creative monk subclass specifically designed for (although not limited to) Tortles.

And, no, not the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle class.

I'd want some kind of ability where if you do nothing (don't attack, don't move) you get some kind of resistance/defensive bonuses, so that it would stack with shell defense, but would also be useful if you don't have shell defense.

 

[Eltab]

I mean, I get that a wood elf monk would be mechanically superior in some ways* but if a tortle monk sounds fun I'd say go for it. The minor benefits you get from race don't really matter all that much outside of white room analysis.

*I tried one but it died almost immediately because all elves I play are cursed.

From my experience, a Wood Elf Monk is exactly the kind of guy who can run away from danger. Far away. And even try to Hide as soon as he gets outdoors.
However my Wood Elf Monk kept sneaking towards the danger, and due to huge base speed was stealthing while keeping to what the other PCs considered a normal pace.