5e Monk/Barbarian - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 supreme_slayer Sep 22, 2014 18:55:43	Hello there. I'm a player who's been around since 3.5 and just finished reading the PHB about a week ago, and had my first game with it a few days ago. Correct me if I'm wrong, though, but it seemed like there was no longer an alignment or multiclass restriction on either the Barbarian nor the Monk, and that gave me the idea for a character that I had been wishing could be possible for oh so long: Barbarian Monk. The explanation behind all of this is that they began as a Barbarian, but they found that they flew into rages too easily when they got drunk, which was often. So after an accident, they decided to try and find a way to control their anger while not giving up the alcohol they loved so much, and were taken in by a troup of drunken masters for tutelage. I've been fiddling around with this idea for quite some time now, but I just can't seem to come up with anything good. The classes are surprisingly still quite polarizing despite being usable together now, as they both want to focus on their specfic features. However, raging and then following up the next turn with a Flurry of Blows sounds extremely tempting. Requiring Strength, Dex, Con and Wis brings you back to the original Monk problem, though... Plus you don't apply magic to your fists until Monk 6. is there anyone who could give me some advice regarding this, besides simply "don't do it" or "roll well"? I could possibly start as a Monk instead and change the flavor from there, if that helps any.
#2 Veleria Sep 23, 2014 9:57:09	It is a hard combination to make work. Barb wants str for berzerking and monk wants wis for save dc. With limited points ac will suffer. A fighter can synergize much better using dex for attacks. No reason a fighter can't have a temper. You background concept is better represented as rp and does not need to be a game mechanic.
#3 Yunru Sep 23, 2014 10:12:18	Monks don't need Dex asides from for AC. You'll suffer, especially with Wis and Con both wanting attention, but I'd suggest starting as a Monk (unfortunately it's either or for Unarmored Defense, you can't get both), focusing on Str and Wis. Throw a 14 in Dex, and you're AC'll be 12+Wis Mod which is basically studded leather. Look up the Grappler's Handbook, it's probably the best a Barb/Monk'll do, and it'll do it well. Your HP will suffer (Con being at most a 10 with point-buy), but level 3 barbarian lets you pick up Bear Totem, which somewhat mitigates that.
#4 supreme_slayer Sep 24, 2014 8:06:09	@Veleria: While it may be true that the background doesn't require the classes, the background was created to justify the classes, not the other way around. @Yunru: I have already looked at the grappler's handbook, and it seems like a good side objective. However, I'm not so sure about what you said about a 10 in Con. The idea I've come up with (again, based on low experience with 5e) is listed below. I don't feel that focusing Barbarian over Monk would really benefit me, since I would need to take at least 6 levels and pick up Ki-Empowered Strikes in Monk to make it worthwhile. Half-Orc Barbarian/Monk Half Orc Barb 4 (Totem)/Monk 14 (Open Palm)/Fighter 2 (Duelist) \\\\ [Not sure if Barbarian 6 would be better or not, since they get an additional Rage and a minor ability) I would have to pick Monk first for this, since I need the AC bonus to come from Wis Level 1 - 27 point buy: 14 14 14 13 9 8 (27 point buy) After racial modifers: Str 16, Wis 14, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 9, Cha 8 (+2 Str and +1 Con for being Half-Orc) After ability bonuses: Str 20, Wis 18, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 9, Cha 8 ( or 16 Wis+ Grappler feat) Background and skills would depend on what I go with in the end. Shortsword as chosen monk weapon to use, with axe (ono) as a backup. So I end up with: Rage 3/day (+2 damage) with Bear Totem Reckless Attack Danger Sense Spirit Seeker Unarmored Defense (Wisdom) Martial Arts (1d8 unarmed) with Ki-Empowered Strikes 14 Ki Points Flurry of Blows, Patient Defense, and Step of the Wind Unarmored Movement +25 (walk verticle surfaces and liquids) Stunning Strike Deflect Missiles Extra Attack Evasion Stillness of Mind Purity of Body Tongue of the Sun and Moon Diamond Soul (The only reason I went all the way to level 14. Need to make up for those horrible INT and CHA scores somehow) +Open Hand Technique Wholeness of Body Tranquility (Rather ironic on this character) Fighting Style (Duelist) Second Wind Action Surge This depends on a few different things, really. If you can could your unarmed attack for Barbarian's Rage, then it's golden. Unarmed attacks are considered "simple melee weapons" on the chart after all. And let's be honest, it's kind of stupid if it doesn't let you get the damage. I'm mad, so I only gain extra damage on attacks with swords and axes, even though I also perform Strength-reliant tasks more easily. No way would it make you punch harder! If they don't count, then this idea just doesn't work. If it does count, then turn 1 I can Rage as my bonus action and still get two attacks with my shortsword at +4 damage (+2 from rage, +2 from Duelist) Following turn, attack twice with short sword, Flurry of Blows for +2 damage each hit, plus force a save against being knocked prone). I also have an Action Surge I could possible use, for a total of 5 attacks while raging (+10 damage if they all succeed). If any of the hits are a crit, my racial ability will boost the damage further. +25 movement and Step of the Wind makes it easier to chase down enemies while still raging. Evasion + Danger Sense is a pretty amazing combination in my opinion. Not only do I gain advantage on Dex saves, but I also get to dodge completely out of damage when I make them. Diamond Soul gives my other saves, most notably Int and Cha, not so weak now either! Action Surge + Stillness of Mind means I can shake myself out of an effect that might be stopping me from continuing my rage, then still get in four attacks for the turn..
#5 Jell_Moo Sep 24, 2014 5:18:22	While it may sound weird, I would consider dropping the two Fighter levels for Rogue levels. Cunning Action will give you Dash and Disengage as a bonus action for free, which will help free up some valuable Ki Points for items other than battlefield mobility. And while it's only 1 dice of Sneak Attack, it still more or less cancels out with the Duelist Fighting Style.
#6 Lawolf Sep 24, 2014 8:13:05	Honestly, I would suggest going straight barbarian and taking the tavern brawler feat. If you really want to be more of a hybrid, design a barbarian subclass (drunken master). Monk Barbarian is less than effective.
#7 JRutterbush Sep 24, 2014 13:12:46	Your stats don't need to be quite so spread out. You can go with a half-orc and have 16, 14, 14, 8, 14, 9 which still gives you a 14 AC. Not the best, but not horrible. Or you could go 16, 14, 16, 8, 12, 8, which gets you a 15 AC and keeps your Monk save DC's from being too bad. Especially since you won't have many things that care about saves anyway. With the resistance you gain while raging (especially if you pick Bear) you don't need a super-high AC anyway.
#8 supreme_slayer Sep 25, 2014 7:26:17	@Lawolf: While it definitely isn't the greatest of multiclasses, you have to admit that it has some interesting interactions. You end up having to give up around 3 AC since you can't use Dex as your attacking stat, but you end up with: Higher HP, Danger Sense + Evasion, Reckless Attack + Flurry of Blows means you can increase the likelyhood of all attacks hitting, and with the chance of being stunned or knocked prone by each of them, that's pretty dangerous. Not to mention Rage + Bear Totem means they'll survive longer while raging, in addition to their 4 attacks per round gaining +2 damage. Making a Drunken Master as a Monastic Tradition might work, though it would essentially be the same as Way of the Open Palm since tripping and such is integral to the style, but minus Tranquility and Quivering Palm. The main class would need some minor changes as well, but subclasses aren't supposed to do that. @JRutterbush: That's the spread I'm using in my example.
#9 hejtmane Apr 06, 2015 12:04:32	Barb and Monk both have unarmored defense could you not use the Barb unarmored defense or am I missing something. Barb 10 +dex mod + con mod Monk 10+dex mod +wis mod You could do this go Barb 1st level Go human get +1 to all stats or use the green variant in PHB 31 bottom right corner Get +1 to two traits gain a feat grab tavern brawlr get +1 to str and con Beauty of Tavern brawler you geta bonus action on unarm strikes or improvised weapon to grapple the opponet which mixes with Monk and barb Then work up you Barb to three or mix in your monk after 1st level and move them up so then you go with Barb unarmored still getting high enough in Barb for bear totem at 3rd level + 2 rages Or am I lookign at this all wrong
#10 MasterNamer Apr 06, 2015 11:51:23	You could use the barbarian unarmored defense.
#11 Kentus Apr 06, 2015 12:41:00	I would probably start as a barbarian, first story-wise and because I can't get a second unamored defense (PHB 164), so I stick with the barbarian's. Then go all the way to 8th level, as a Totem Warrior (you can use the Berserker as well, but I would rather have the bear's spirit and the wolf's aspect) and then start my training as a monk and train in the way of the shadow. Why? Because I only need the WIS13 for the multiclass in the first place and even though stunning strike is neat, I rather keep my physicals up, instead on relying on my WIS. And because I think a spiritual barbarian who gets ninja training is awesome. Favored abilities are STR and CON, even though I need the DEX&WIS 13 for multiclassing. Maybe a half-orc as race. In the end, I would use a two-handed weapon for the first attack, let go with one hand for a bitch slap as a second attack and another hit with a bonus action.
#12 Writhani Apr 06, 2015 17:58:38	hejtmane wrote:
#13 Kentus Apr 06, 2015 18:37:07	Writhani wrote:
#14 Writhani Apr 06, 2015 18:40:26	True enough, I had forgotten about that specific requirement to trigger the martial arts bonus attack.
#15 supreme_slayer Apr 06, 2015 20:03:36	This thread is super duper old. I've since pretty much given up on the concept since the two classes do not play nice with each other. I ended up with a drunken master monk who just uses Open Palm to represent the different techniques. Tavern Brawler barbarian isn't a horrible idea, since drunken fist focuses on grappling in addition to tripping and catching the opponent off guard. You could reflavor the weapon you use to whatever you want, including taking the stats from an existing weapon for an improvised one, and if you use a shield, that too. Just depends on your DM's discretion I guess. Some time in the future I would like to make a "drunken fist" subclass that's better than the old one I made though. Basically just Open Palm with a few different features.

Post/Author/DateTime

Post

supreme_slayer

Sep 22, 2014 18:55:43

Hello there. I'm a player who's been around since 3.5 and just finished reading the PHB about a week ago, and had my first game with it a few days ago. Correct me if I'm wrong, though, but it seemed like there was no longer an alignment or multiclass restriction on either the Barbarian nor the Monk, and that gave me the idea for a character that I had been wishing could be possible for oh so long: Barbarian Monk.

The explanation behind all of this is that they began as a Barbarian, but they found that they flew into rages too easily when they got drunk, which was often. So after an accident, they decided to try and find a way to control their anger while not giving up the alcohol they loved so much, and were taken in by a troup of drunken masters for tutelage.

I've been fiddling around with this idea for quite some time now, but I just can't seem to come up with anything good. The classes are surprisingly still quite polarizing despite being usable together now, as they both want to focus on their specfic features. However, raging and then following up the next turn with a Flurry of Blows sounds extremely tempting. Requiring Strength, Dex, Con and Wis brings you back to the original Monk problem, though... Plus you don't apply magic to your fists until Monk 6.

is there anyone who could give me some advice regarding this, besides simply "don't do it" or "roll well"? I could possibly start as a Monk instead and change the flavor from there, if that helps any.

Veleria

Sep 23, 2014 9:57:09

It is a hard combination to make work. Barb wants str for berzerking and monk wants wis for save dc. With limited points ac will suffer. A fighter can synergize much better using dex for attacks. No reason a fighter can't have a temper. You background concept is better represented as rp and does not need to be a game mechanic.

Yunru

Sep 23, 2014 10:12:18

Monks don't *need* Dex asides from for AC. You'll suffer, especially with Wis and Con both wanting attention, but I'd suggest starting as a Monk (unfortunately it's either or for Unarmored Defense, you can't get both), focusing on Str and Wis. Throw a 14 in Dex, and you're AC'll be 12+Wis Mod which is basically studded leather.

Look up the Grappler's Handbook, it's probably the best a Barb/Monk'll do, and it'll do it well.

Your HP will suffer (Con being at most a 10 with point-buy), but level 3 barbarian lets you pick up Bear Totem, which somewhat mitigates that.

supreme_slayer

Sep 24, 2014 8:06:09

@Veleria: While it may be true that the background doesn't require the classes, the background was created to justify the classes, not the other way around.

@Yunru: I have already looked at the grappler's handbook, and it seems like a good side objective. However, I'm not so sure about what you said about a 10 in Con. The idea I've come up with (again, based on low experience with 5e) is listed below. I don't feel that focusing Barbarian over Monk would really benefit me, since I would need to take at least 6 levels and pick up Ki-Empowered Strikes in Monk to make it worthwhile.

Half-Orc Barbarian/Monk

Half Orc Barb 4 (Totem)/Monk 14 (Open Palm)/Fighter 2 (Duelist) \\\\ [Not sure if Barbarian 6 would be better or not, since they get an additional Rage and a minor ability)

I would have to pick Monk first for this, since I need the AC bonus to come from Wis

Level 1 - 27 point buy: 14 14 14 13 9 8 (27 point buy)

After racial modifers: Str 16, Wis 14, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 9, Cha 8 (+2 Str and +1 Con for being Half-Orc)

After ability bonuses: Str 20, Wis 18, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 9, Cha 8 ( or 16 Wis+ Grappler feat)

Background and skills would depend on what I go with in the end.

Shortsword as chosen monk weapon to use, with axe (ono) as a backup.

So I end up with:

Rage 3/day (+2 damage) with Bear Totem

Reckless Attack

Danger Sense

Spirit Seeker

Unarmored Defense (Wisdom)

Martial Arts (1d8 unarmed) with Ki-Empowered Strikes

14 Ki Points

Flurry of Blows, Patient Defense, and Step of the Wind

Unarmored Movement +25 (walk verticle surfaces and liquids)

Stunning Strike

Deflect Missiles

Extra Attack

Evasion

Stillness of Mind

Purity of Body

Tongue of the Sun and Moon

Diamond Soul (The only reason I went all the way to level 14. Need to make up for those horrible INT and CHA scores somehow)

+Open Hand Technique

Wholeness of Body

Tranquility (Rather ironic on this character)

Fighting Style (Duelist)

Second Wind

Action Surge

This depends on a few different things, really. If you can could your unarmed attack for Barbarian's Rage, then it's golden. Unarmed attacks are considered "simple melee weapons" on the chart after all. And let's be honest, it's kind of stupid if it doesn't let you get the damage. I'm mad, so I only gain extra damage on attacks with swords and axes, even though I also perform Strength-reliant tasks more easily. No way would it make you punch harder! If they don't count, then this idea just doesn't work.

If it does count, then turn 1 I can Rage as my bonus action and still get two attacks with my shortsword at +4 damage (+2 from rage, +2 from Duelist)

Following turn, attack twice with short sword, Flurry of Blows for +2 damage each hit, plus force a save against being knocked prone). I also have an Action Surge I could possible use, for a total of 5 attacks while raging (+10 damage if they all succeed). If any of the hits are a crit, my racial ability will boost the damage further.

+25 movement and Step of the Wind makes it easier to chase down enemies while still raging.

Evasion + Danger Sense is a pretty amazing combination in my opinion. Not only do I gain advantage on Dex saves, but I also get to dodge completely out of damage when I make them. Diamond Soul gives my other saves, most notably Int and Cha, not so weak now either!

Action Surge + Stillness of Mind means I can shake myself out of an effect that might be stopping me from continuing my rage, then still get in four attacks for the turn..

Jell_Moo

Sep 24, 2014 5:18:22

While it may sound weird, I would consider dropping the two Fighter levels for Rogue levels. Cunning Action will give you Dash and Disengage as a bonus action for free, which will help free up some valuable Ki Points for items other than battlefield mobility. And while it's only 1 dice of Sneak Attack, it still more or less cancels out with the Duelist Fighting Style.

Lawolf

Sep 24, 2014 8:13:05

Honestly, I would suggest going straight barbarian and taking the tavern brawler feat. If you really want to be more of a hybrid, design a barbarian subclass (drunken master).

Monk Barbarian is less than effective.

JRutterbush

Sep 24, 2014 13:12:46

Your stats don't need to be quite so spread out. You can go with a half-orc and have 16, 14, 14, 8, 14, 9 which still gives you a 14 AC. Not the best, but not horrible. Or you could go 16, 14, 16, 8, 12, 8, which gets you a 15 AC and keeps your Monk save DC's from being too bad. Especially since you won't have many things that care about saves anyway. With the resistance you gain while raging (especially if you pick Bear) you don't need a super-high AC anyway.

supreme_slayer

Sep 25, 2014 7:26:17

@Lawolf: While it definitely isn't the greatest of multiclasses, you have to admit that it has some interesting interactions. You end up having to give up around 3 AC since you can't use Dex as your attacking stat, but you end up with: Higher HP, Danger Sense + Evasion, Reckless Attack + Flurry of Blows means you can increase the likelyhood of all attacks hitting, and with the chance of being stunned or knocked prone by each of them, that's pretty dangerous. Not to mention Rage + Bear Totem means they'll survive longer while raging, in addition to their 4 attacks per round gaining +2 damage.

Making a Drunken Master as a Monastic Tradition might work, though it would essentially be the same as Way of the Open Palm since tripping and such is integral to the style, but minus Tranquility and Quivering Palm. The main class would need some minor changes as well, but subclasses aren't supposed to do that.

@JRutterbush: That's the spread I'm using in my example.

hejtmane

Apr 06, 2015 12:04:32

Barb and Monk both have unarmored defense could you not use the Barb unarmored defense or am I missing something.

Barb 10 +dex mod + con mod

Monk 10+dex mod +wis mod

You could do this go Barb 1st level

Go human get +1 to all stats or use the green variant in PHB 31 bottom right corner

Get +1 to two traits gain a feat grab tavern brawlr get +1 to str and con

Beauty of Tavern brawler you geta bonus action on unarm strikes or improvised weapon to grapple the opponet which mixes with Monk and barb

Then work up you Barb to three or mix in your monk after 1st level and move them up so then you go with Barb unarmored still getting high enough in Barb for bear totem at 3rd level + 2 rages

Or am I lookign at this all wrong

#10

MasterNamer

Apr 06, 2015 11:51:23

You could use the barbarian unarmored defense.

#11

Kentus

Apr 06, 2015 12:41:00

I would probably start as a barbarian, first story-wise and because I can't get a second unamored defense (PHB 164), so I stick with the barbarian's. Then go all the way to 8th level, as a Totem Warrior (you can use the Berserker as well, but I would rather have the bear's spirit and the wolf's aspect) and then start my training as a monk and train in the way of the shadow. Why? Because I only need the WIS13 for the multiclass in the first place and even though stunning strike is neat, I rather keep my physicals up, instead on relying on my WIS. And because I think a spiritual barbarian who gets ninja training is awesome.

Favored abilities are STR and CON, even though I need the DEX&WIS 13 for multiclassing. Maybe a half-orc as race. In the end, I would use a two-handed weapon for the first attack, let go with one hand for a bitch slap as a second attack and another hit with a bonus action.

#12

Writhani

Apr 06, 2015 17:58:38

hejtmane wrote:

#13

Kentus

Apr 06, 2015 18:37:07

Writhani wrote:

#14

Writhani

Apr 06, 2015 18:40:26

True enough, I had forgotten about that specific requirement to trigger the martial arts bonus attack.

#15

supreme_slayer

Apr 06, 2015 20:03:36

This thread is super duper old. I've since pretty much given up on the concept since the two classes do not play nice with each other. I ended up with a drunken master monk who just uses Open Palm to represent the different techniques. Tavern Brawler barbarian isn't a horrible idea, since drunken fist focuses on grappling in addition to tripping and catching the opponent off guard. You could reflavor the weapon you use to whatever you want, including taking the stats from an existing weapon for an improvised one, and if you use a shield, that too. Just depends on your DM's discretion I guess.

Some time in the future I would like to make a "drunken fist" subclass that's better than the old one I made though. Basically just Open Palm with a few different features.