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UA Monks Introduces the Kensai and Tranquility Traditions
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<blockquote data-quote="TwoSix" data-source="post: 7704974" data-attributes="member: 205"><p>The d4 is mostly there so it keeps pace with a standard monk attack progression at low levels. If you use a quarterstaff for your Attack and unarmed strike for bonus action, you'll do 1d8+1d4+6 (assuming 16 Dex for a low level monk). Kensei using a greatsword will do 2d6+1d4+3, which is pretty much identical. (13 avg versus 12.5). Where kensei pulls ahead is when you use flurry of blows, since that damage is identical [2x(1d4+dex)] whether you use a kensei weapon or a martial weapon. The other benefit is being able to mix in the shield bonus (the +2 AC bonus) when needed, without a real drop off in your offensive output. Mixing in a unarmed strike with a weapon attack post level 5 to boost AC is pretty phenomenal, especially since (I think) you can use a full unarmed strike as a BA as long as you make at least Unarmed Strike as part of the Attack action.</p><p></p><p>All told, I'm pretty impressed with Kensei. Not better than Open Hand, but comparable, and the aesthetics of a monk using a greatsword is just fantastic. I have a new front runner for my next character.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="TwoSix, post: 7704974, member: 205"] The d4 is mostly there so it keeps pace with a standard monk attack progression at low levels. If you use a quarterstaff for your Attack and unarmed strike for bonus action, you'll do 1d8+1d4+6 (assuming 16 Dex for a low level monk). Kensei using a greatsword will do 2d6+1d4+3, which is pretty much identical. (13 avg versus 12.5). Where kensei pulls ahead is when you use flurry of blows, since that damage is identical [2x(1d4+dex)] whether you use a kensei weapon or a martial weapon. The other benefit is being able to mix in the shield bonus (the +2 AC bonus) when needed, without a real drop off in your offensive output. Mixing in a unarmed strike with a weapon attack post level 5 to boost AC is pretty phenomenal, especially since (I think) you can use a full unarmed strike as a BA as long as you make at least Unarmed Strike as part of the Attack action. All told, I'm pretty impressed with Kensei. Not better than Open Hand, but comparable, and the aesthetics of a monk using a greatsword is just fantastic. I have a new front runner for my next character. [/QUOTE]
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