- The weapon table doesn't list unarmed strike as a finesse weapon.
- Monks allow you to make unarmed strikes using Dexterity, but doesn't make them finesse weapons.
- Sneak Attack requires the finesse property.
So a monk/rogue (ie ninja) can't Sneak Attack with unarmed strike, they need to use short swords or something. But unfortunately this doesn't work with the bonus action attack/Flurry of Blows which has to be with an unarmed strike!
This sucks, was hoping to fight this way with my Naruto style ninja build! Am I missing something here or you just can't do it?
You can't. It's dumb. Most folks around here agree it should just require a light weapon rather than light and finesse.
So you sneak attack with your main hand weapon, and theny flurry with your unarmed off-hand. What is the problem?
Wuzzard wrote:
CriticalBastard wrote:
Might be interesting to note: The designers have responded to this topic, and have said "won't break the game" about letting a monk/rogue sneak attack with their unarmed strike.
The only thing I take even the slightest exception to in this thread is the OP's notion that you "can't"...
Says who?
5e is neither doctrine nor a legal brief. It is a set of guidelines used by your group to play D&D. Do what makes sense for you.
unarmed strike at low levels for monk does less damage than a weapon you are allowed to use. So even getting DM to agree that you can sneak attack with unarmed strike you are less optimal. You are sticking to your character concept by taking a slight nerf. The DM should give you inspiration each time you gimp your attack like that. 
souldoubt wrote:
This edition is about rulings, not rules. By the strict statutory RAW, you can't. By the spirit of the rules, any decent DM should allow it. I would allow it at my table!
Cyber-Dave wrote:
CriticalBastard wrote:
I'm wondering if adding monk damage and rogue damage is one of those things you'd regret in latter levels.
Because a monks damage scales, while a rogues sword or rapier does not scale, obviously (only the sneak attack damage does)
Adding a scaler on to another scaler.
ChrisCarlson wrote:
Arithezoo wrote:
ChrisCarlson wrote:
Cyber-Dave wrote:
FFSAA wrote:
FFSAA wrote:
If a weapon has the Finesse property, then you can apply your Dexterity to attack and damage instead of Strength.
If you are a Monk, then you can apply your Dexterity to attack and damage to your unarmed attacks instead of Strength.
Strict logic does not say that monks have the finesse property. So RAW, no. I would say that it should apply, and it's an omission of terminology (not wanting to confuse people with weapon properties before discussing weapons), except that the martial class fighting styles key off of weapon properties, and the Rogue specifically calls out Finesse weapons as a requirement. Personally, I'd still let it run. It feels right.
CriticalBastard wrote:
Joe_the_Rat wrote:
ChrisCarlson wrote:
FFSAA wrote:
AaronOfBarbaria wrote:
Joe_the_Rat wrote:
CriticalBastard wrote:
CriticalBastard wrote:
The_White_Sorcerer wrote:
ChrisCarlson wrote:
I would House rule sneak attack with unarmed strike. I see rogue's as being very good at sucker punches.
A Rogue should be able to sneak attack with a sap too.
As for a monk's martial attack. I see a quick strike to a vital point, like a karate chop to the throat, as being a finesse style attack, and supportive conceptually with sneak attack damage applications.