D&D 2024 PHB MONK CHANGES: Monks are scary now guys… And I love that!

RPGBOT.Podcast

In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we break down the changes to the Monk class in the 2024 rules of Dungeons and Dragons.

Summary

In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we break down the changes to the Monk class in the 2024 rules of Dungeons and Dragons. We highlight the problems with the previous version of the Monk class, including resource limitations and lack of damage output. We then go on to discuss the improvements in the 2024 rules, such as the increase in the martial arts die, the ability to use Dexterity for save DCs, and the removal of the requirement to take the attack action for bonus action attacks. We also cover the new features like Monk's Focus, Deflect Attacks, and the changes to Stunning Strike.

We’re excited about the improvements made to the Monk class. We cover the changes to the Stunning Strike ability, the addition of force damage to the Empowered Strikes feature, and the improvements to the Way of Mercy and Way of Shadow subclasses. There are improvements to the Monk's saving throws but a lack of a level 20 feature.

We warp up with the changes to the Monk class in the 2024 rules. We talk about the new wording of the Shadow Arts feature and how it affects the Darkness spell. We discuss the changes to the Way of the Four Elements subclass, which has been greatly improved and is now considered one of the most fun subclasses to play. They share their thoughts on the Open Hand Monk subclass and its underwhelming features. The episode ends with a discussion on how to balance powerful monster effects like Stun or Paralyzed versus player enjoyment.

Links

• Player’s Handbook (affiliate link)
• Content from RPGBOT.net
• 2024 DnD 5e Transition Guide
• 2024 DnD 5e Monk Class Guide
• 2024 DnD 5e Monk Subclasses Guide
• Previous RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes
• MONKS Levels 1 – 4 – Ascend to Greatness or Stumble in the Shadows – RPGBOT.Podcast S4E53
• MONKS Levels 5 - 20 - Beyond the Flurry of Blows

Takeaways

• The previous version of the Monk class had resource limitations and lacked damage output.
• The 2024 rules of Dungeons and Dragons have made significant improvements to the Monk class.
• The martial arts die has been increased, allowing for more damage.
• Dexterity can now be used for save DCs, making the Monk more versatile.
• Bonus action attacks no longer require the attack action, providing more flexibility in combat.
• New features like Monk's Focus and Deflect Attacks enhance the Monk's abilities.
• Stunning Strike has been modified, offering advantage on the next attack against the target.
• Overall, the hosts are excited about the improvements made to the Monk class in the 2024 rules. The Stunning Strike ability has been modified in the 2024 rules, with changes to the duration of the stun and the requirement for a melee weapon attack.
• The Empowered Strikes feature now allows Monks to deal force damage with their attacks, which bypasses common damage resistances.
• The Way of Mercy subclass remains largely unchanged, but the Way of Shadow subclass has undergone significant revisions, including the ability to see in magical darkness.
• Monks now have proficiency in all saving throws and can reroll any failed save with the Disciplined Survivor feature.
• The lack of a level 20 feature for Monks in the 2024 rules is seen as a disappointment. The wording of the Shadow Arts feature in the 2024 rules has caused confusion regarding the Darkness spell and its interaction with the Monk's abilities.
• The Way of the Four Elements subclass has been greatly improved in the 2024 rules and is now considered one of the most fun subclasses to play.
• The Open Hand Monk subclass is seen as the most underwhelming subclass in the 2024 rules.
• Balancing powerful monster effects like Stun or Paralyzed with player enjoyment can be achieved by making combat turns faster and allowing players to still do something on their turn.

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