So I have only played one monk in 5e.  It was a Monk-Wizard multiclass that died at level 2.  I have never played a Barbarian.

I am thinking of going with a Long Death Monk.  Based on what is said online and what I have seen in play with other players and as a DM, Monks struggle to find a role they are good at.

I think I want to build it as a tankish character and want some opinions on if it will work.  I am taking Barbarian to get martial weapon proficiency so I can use better weapons than the Monk selection.

Start as a Monk S13,D16,C13,I9,W16,CH8

Take Barbarian at 2nd level, then go Monk through level 13.  Shadow Touched (wisdom) at 5th level, +1Con/+1Wis at 9th level and +2 Wisdom at 12th level.

The plan is to minimize the damage she takes through selective use of step of the wind-dodge, along with damage reduction through blessing of the raven queen or using my 2 rages to reduce damage.  I don't plan on using flurry of blows much at all and only plan to selectively use stunning strike.  Since the subclass abilities do not use Ki, this will leave me a lot of key for dodging.

Once I get to 12th level and pick up mastery of death I figure she will be really hard to down in combat.

Thoughts?

What weapon are you planning on using?  If you want a d10 weapon then I suggest going Half Elf for weapon training (High or Wood Elf heritage) to pick up proficiencies in long sword, short sword (monk already have), long bow and short bow.

This may remove the need for a Barb multiclass so that you can have a starting CON of 16 alongside a 16/17 WIS/DEX which opens up the option of taking a handy half feat at level 4.

Quote from ThelonelyMagi >>

What weapon are you planning on using?  If you want a d10 weapon then I suggest going Half Elf for weapon training (High or Wood Elf heritage) to pick up proficiencies in long sword, short sword (monk already have), long bow and short bow.

This may remove the need for a Barb multiclass so that you can have a starting CON of 16 alongside a 16/17 WIS/DEX which opens up the option of taking a handy half feat at level 4.

Quote from ThelonelyMagi >>

What weapon are you planning on using?  If you want a d10 weapon then I suggest going Half Elf for weapon training (High or Wood Elf heritage) to pick up proficiencies in long sword, short sword (monk already have), long bow and short bow.

This may remove the need for a Barb multiclass so that you can have a starting CON of 16 alongside a 16/17 WIS/DEX which opens up the option of taking a handy half feat at level 4.

But you would lose the Shadar Kai Blessing of the raven Queen which is very powerful.

Also I want to be able to use whatever weapons we find (the DM does not give players magic items, what you randomly find is what you get).  So going Barbarian opens up every melee weapon that is not 2-handed or special.  So as far as non-magic weapons I would be looking at a Warhammer probably but after that whatever magic we find.

Have you considered one of the Cleric subclasses that give martial weapon proficiencies?  Personally I just don't like sinking 13 into STR when you will get very little back for that investment.

Quote from ThelonelyMagi >>

Have you considered one of the Cleric subclasses that give martial weapon proficiencies?  Personally I just don't like sinking 13 into STR when you will get very little back for that investment.

Ok, I think you are right.  I am not sure about Cleric, none of them feel good thematically.  Maybe I will look at Fighter or Ranger as they are both easy dex multiclasses with Monk.

I think a War Cleric might work.  The deity might have just chosen to bless the monk for their valors in combat and expect little in return.

Plus look at Trance if the Shadar Kai. You can change proficiency of tools and weapons after long Rest. 

Ranger gloom stalker

I think ranger works well, and if you dip 2 levels, you get hunters mark to deal 1d6 extra per attack, weapon mastery in daggers to make another attack, and you can take a 3rd level to get a subclass.