Fixing Monk Subclasses

2 changes really.... 1. Regarding the feature, Disciple of the Elements. Change it from the current language to instead read that whenever you gain a level in this class, you can switch out one of your elemental disciplines with another you qualify for. This is minor but something that would be an improvement those less game changing than it could be due to change #2.

Jason Osterbind

I have a thought on the Four Elements monk fix in the video. It is still percolating but seems even simpler than the fix you proposed while still accomplishing a similar goal. [Edit: didn't turn out all that less complicated after typing up my thoughts, ymmv]

Jason Osterbind

So, we've seen the fix to a class/some archetypes that could potentially distort the game due to lack of power. I think it would be a wise move to now suggest some fixes to the archetypes that distort the game due to their excess of power (Tasha's Clerics, I'm looking at you).

I love the flavor of KI, but not every subclass really needs it. I agree having a separate pool for the Way of the Four Elements Monk is fine, its the same thing as spell slots really. A trackable resource, but it does make the 4 elements monk stronger. Great Job.

DOUGLAS REYNOLDS

This is your best fix to the monk yet Chris. I'd love to see it as a pdf.

Theodore Sroka

Some unsolicited feedback: 1. In addition to the points made above, I think your revised Shadow Arts is too powerful at level 3 (four second-level spell slots compared to any full caster’s two) and does not scale. 2. Chi (Chinese) and ki (Japanese) are synonymous in the real world. Why not just give the Way of Four Elements monk some extra ki points? 3. Personally, I find the number of known elemental disciplines limiting and would look to increase this. My fixes: Way of the Shadow Shadow Arts Starting when you choose this tradition at 3rd level, you learn the darkness, darkvision, pass without trace, and silence spells. You can cast each of these spells without expending a spell slot. Once you cast any combination of these spells in this way a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, you can’t cast these spells in this way again until you finish a long rest. You can also cast these spells using spell slots you have of the appropriate level or 2 ki points, and you can cast these spells without providing verbal, somatic, or material components. Additionally, you learn the minor illusion cantrip if you don’t already know it. Way of the Four Elements Disciple of the Elements … You know the Elemental Attunement discipline and a number of other elemental disciplines of your choice equal to your proficiency bonus... (Max out at 6 additional elemental disciplines, rather than 4.) Extra Ki At 3rd level, you learn to tap into a wellspring of elemental energy. Whenever you meditate to regain expended ki after a long rest, you gain an extra amount of ki points equal to half your monk level, rounded up. You can only spend these extra ki points on your Elemental Disciplines. (This could also be “twice your proficiency modifier”.)

These are pretty elegant fixes, they’re all simple but effective. The only one bugging me is the Shadow Monk (per short rest or cast with 2 Ki after the first free cast would solve IMO). Which monk subclass would now have the highest power ranking? I think it’s between Mercy and Astral.

Krakenbreath

No, the intention is they can cast each once per long rest instead of 2 ki per casting.

Treantmonk's Temple

I wasn’t clear on the Shadow Arts fix. They get one cast of each spell per LR at no cost, but can they cast one (say darkness) an additional time at a cost of two ki? Or is there no way to cast any of the spells a second time with this feature? I would think 2 ki for extra castings is reasonable, and that one per LR max feels like it doesn’t allow the class to really do what it was supposed to do.

Would the Shadow monk still be able to cast Darkness etc additional times by spending Ki or only once per long rest total? ( Edit: I've rewatched and the implication is once per day each. ) I guess heavy obscurement during each fight along with the base fixes could get out of hand, but ninjas are awesome so maybe they deserve to be?

Marius Smit

Yeah, this works. Not sure monks should gave spells, per se’ but spell like affects does function.

Glenn Wilson