Perhaps this character is a hardcore martial artist who believes in a nihilist philosophy. Or we could twist our sage wisdom to sound abnormal. The movement of elements could offer this character a Taoist outlook on the universe. I like to think of Grand Master Oogway from Kung Fu Panda as a Tortle monk of this variety. I could play this character as a source of Wisdom and calm thought. The monk is always self-improving, often speaking slowly and thoughtfully. DnD 5e Guide to Building a Monk Way of the Shadow However, the monk offers an Eastern flavor to the typical Western philosophies these tropes are based in. Our monk is one with nature-similar to a ranger or druid. Having a high Wisdom score allows this character to pull off skill checks like Insight, Animal Handling, Perception and Survival. We should consider role playing options for this type of character-who is far more than a brawler with magic. It’s easy to compare to a spellcaster and be disheartened, but wizards can’t throw blows like a monk. It’s important to remember all of monk abilities and use them together. Higher-level abilities include Unarmored Movement (move 10 feet faster), Feather Fall, Deflect Missiles and several enhancements to my physical body. These are all cool abilities, but our path opens these abilities up to spell attacks. Patient Defense allows me to use the dodge action as a bonus action.Step of the Wind allows me to disengage or dash as a bonus action.Flurry of Blows adds an extra unarmed attack after a landed blow.I gain ki points equal to my monk level, and can use them at level 2 for 3 techniques: My important Ki abilities come at level 2, which is the source of power I’ll use for my elemental techniques and monk moves. Unarmored Defense allows me to use my Wisdom modifier + Dexterity Modifier for my AC instead of armor. It also allows me to roll a bonus unarmed strike when I attack with a monk weapon. Martial Arts allows me to roll 1d4 for unarmed strikes, using my Dexterity modifier for the damage and attack rolls. For my two proficient skills, I’ll choose Insight and Acrobatics to crank up the monk flavor.Īt first level, I gain Martial Arts and Unarmored Defense, which set me up in my own unique system of combat. I can also choose artisan’s tool or a musical instrument. I’ll set this character up with a cool monk weapon-a staff, short sword, or, my personal favorite, nunchaku. Build a classic monk and choose a monk weapon that relates to your elementįirstly, we need to build a basic monk. Firbolg’s are another bulky choice, a solid candidate for an earth-style monk with a +2 Wisdom modifier. This turtle-like race is bulky but gains a +2 Wisdom bonus and extra shelled armor. Tortles could make fun earth or water specialists. These races tend to lean toward the Dexterity bonus, with the wood elf and kenku adding a +1 to Wisdom. High Dexterity and Wisdom scores will add to our character’s AC, damage output and monk abilities.įor agile monks of air or fire, try wood elf, drow, tabaxi, kenku or goblin. So, now that we want to play a monk, we should consider a race that would benefit a monk’s strengths. Focus on one element and use spell attacks at the right momentĬhoose a class with high Dexterity and/or Wisdom modifiers.Build a classic monk and choose a monk weapon that relates to your element.Choose a class with high Dexterity and/or Wisdom modifiers.However, used discerningly, you can work in a powerful elemental technique at the right moment.Ĭonsider the following when building a monk following the Way of the Four Elements in DnD 5e. You won’t be a primary caster, as these spells will be cast with ki points.
![way of the 4 elements 5e way of the 4 elements 5e](https://www.dndbeyond.com/attachments/thumbnails/2/519/300/785/poaappb-01.png)
Playing this sort of monk, you’ll need to focus on Wisdom and Dexterity. The best example of this character is Aang from Avatar: The Last Airbender. Some monks focus on perfecting a single element, while others blend all four elements together. These monks can pull from air, fire, earth and water to cast these spells as they swiftly move through the battlefield. A monk belonging to the Way of the Four Elements is a martial spellcaster in Dungeons and Dragons 5e.