I don’t like that it comes in so late despite being a signature ability (the Monk has this problem in general where it just keeps getting random abilities instead of improving what it already has which makes it feels random and disjointed. I think it’s a bad feature and overrated. (As a side note, the Four Elements monk is generally considered weak, and when you take that out of the equation Ki seems to be more valuable than 1 spell level per Ki.) Which makes it quite worthwhile compared to other Ki costs. So I'd place it around a 2nd level spell in value. (Which also makes it easier to reapply.)Įach Stunning Strike is less powerful than a multi-target action denial like Fear or Hypnotic pattern, but is more powerful than a 1st level spell like Tasha's that doesn't contain the "keep repeating for each hit" and avoids the "attacks give another save" vulnerability. So you can't look at the value of a single Stunning Strike, but rather in being able to repeat it in the same round, like casting multiple spells, and how it makes all of the rest of your attacks that round and the next round with advantage. That multiple-save-per-round is also great for doing things like draining Legendary saves from a big foe. While CON is one of the worst saves to go against, between choice of target and the unique ability to force multiple save-or-suck saves per round is quite powerful. When you pick targets, like enemy casters, with low CON, Monks become action denial specialists. It's not a full striker/DPR as mechanically supported. The monk features support a skirmisher style - able to get to vulnerable targets. Stunning Strike is likely the defining aspect of the base monk class. Also gets the same change to martial arts as the monk. Martial Savant - Strength or Dex based, gets some maneuvers, no stunning strike or other really mystical stuff, but can performs feats of physical prowess. Also martial arts attack doesn’t have to be unarmed, but it’s the same damage regardless. Monk - as phb, except we replace stunning strike with a restrained effect, and a few other options like a “if the target moves more than 5 ft before the end of your next turn, they take XYZ damage”, and a force damage “melee weapon attack with a range of 30ft”, and an iron fist style “big single strike”, and we beef up deflect arrows to be deflect attacks. Can deflect any spell attack and either boost their AC until start of next turn or add damage of the same type to their next attack. Swordmage - You get Int to AC, a mark ability that can be used offensively or protectively, and a small spell list you cast at 1/spell level, at a half caster rate, and ritual casting. Perhaps at level 1 you choose between 3 types of “mystic” you are. You have to combine extra attack, martial arts, flurry of blows, and stunning strike, to reach that. You’re gonna run out of ki fast if you’re using it on every attack and using flurry regularly, but yeah it’s very good while you have ki to spend.įull casting, though, I think is too much. To that end - I consider the monk's ability to use Stunning Strike to be the equivalent of the benefit of a full spellcaster. The utility of it will depend upon the DM to an extent, but a strategic player in a typical game that is not designed to negate the monk can consistently neutralize one (or more) of the most significant threats in a combat. For example, my 5th level monk was charging into combats with a Bless and advantage from several sources on a regular basis at 5th level. except it isn't hard to make sure a monk hits. But you have to hit and that is far from guaranteed. So that would be once in 20 times that DC difference makes a difference. Oh, but the DC will be lower than the wizard, right? For many monks, that DC is only going to be 1 less than a wizard of the same level. You might get thst stun on the first attempt - but you can have up to three more chances if you need it. That is like triple disadvantage - if you need all 4 - which you might not. At 5th level a monk can force an enemy to make 4 saves to avoid being stunned. Stunning strike is ridiculously powerful.
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