I have a trace of optimization in myself, hence the thread in the first place... :) You've made some excellent points here!
I had never considered the versatility of Shadow Step. I guess I looked at it as just another bonus action option to add to the list, but it really does rise to the top of that list, doesn't it? A super-Disengage, super-Dash, and an advantage in the mix, and all without spending Ki. Given the dim nature of the setting, this will be extra effective in the game I'm in. I'm really looking forward to it now!
Dipping into Fighter instead of Ranger is enticing, as you've explained. I'm getting Dueling with just one level, getting an ASI and Extra Attack, and I'm only a level away from that Shadow Step. Assassin really underscores the "Cobra Kai" strategy, and encourages Darkness Shananigans, like you said. If my focus were either one of those, then I'd probably shift over to them.
But I guess neither of them is my focus. Maybe I'll rewind and start from the beginning:
After my PC died, my DM said that there was an opportunity for a Githzerai to easily fold into the group, effectively locking the race in my mind. Now, they're already monkish in flavor, which leaned me strongly toward Monk, but the fact that I'm getting a +1 Int and +2 Wis really gave me pause. I decided that I really wanted to make that high Wis work for my new character.
Now, I was just coming off a Cleric PC, and another player was starting to explore adding a level of Twilight Cleric to his Druid, so I shied away from those Wis-based classes, so as not to step on the toes of other players. We've got a Rogue laying in damage like it's nobody's business, a Barbarian swinging like the Great Bambino, and a Ranger laying in arrows from afar. So I wondered what I could do with that high Wis. Well, Monks love a high Wis, but they like a high Dex better. Rangers can make really good use of high Wis, but again, Dex is paramount. Because it's a Gith, I'm starting my build with a Dex no higher than 15, so I'd want to dedicate my first ASI to a Dex boost (at the very least) to hedge up that initial weakness, and I want to make sure I feel glad that I've got a high Wis.
And that's where I started considering Gloom Stalker. It's using that high Wis, but it wasn't fully tapping into the character concept I had in my mind, so I started to see how it and Monk would interact. Turns out, that Wis can be surprisingly effective, and lead to abilities in my concept that I hadn't anticipated, as we've discussed here. It adds to my AC, it adds to my Initiative, and it adds to my Spell Save DCs. Sure, the build is less effective than others who specialize for those specific outcomes, but I guess that's the tradeoff: for the sake of expertise and specialization, I get some variety. I'm not as "ambushy" as Assassin, but I've got ambushy abilities, and that high Wis isn't a superfluous trait. I might not be coming out of the gate as powerful as a Monk/Fighter, but again, that Wis is working for me, and not just sitting there. I might not be as bamfy as a full-on Shadow Monk (yet), but I'm on that track, and will get to be all those things in just a few levels. That, to me, sounds better than being one of those things now...
Sweet! We are just trying to help you think through these things and if you like the dynamic then great and there is some really cool stuff going for it... what's more I think that flexibility is a form of optimisation also. And yeah I’d encourage you to try to get a magical item out of your DM that lets you see through magical darkness... or say an item you can throw that brings dim-light... ‘throwing shade’... 😅
My PC at Level 10 will be a Mercy Monk 6 / Eldritch Knight Fighter 4 with both Polearm Master and Warcaster... when I get there it is going to be awesome - Booming Blade is my main synergy but there are many many others. However, the real strength in the build is that a. It plays how I want to i.e. lots of options and combos that I need to strategise with... b. The flavour works with who my character is.
But I am currently Monk 1/ Fighter 2 and it’s going to be a long slog to get to that, but by level 5 I am finally going to have 2/3 of my character concept... but bear in mind that this is a long game to get to that... and it’s mostly my tactics so far that are keeping me ‘competitive’ (co-operativly).
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
D&D, Youth Work and the Priesthood sadly do not typically interact... I do what I can!
Sweet! We are just trying to help you think through these things and if you like the dynamic then great and there is some really cool stuff going for it... what's more I think that flexibility is a form of optimisation also. And yeah I’d encourage you to try to get a magical item out of your DM that lets you see through magical darkness... or say an item you can throw that brings dim-light... ‘throwing shade’... 😅
This exactly! We just want to make sure that you understand what you're giving up for your dip into the other class to partially bring flavor into the mix while also trying to make a concept as effective as it can be. Your idea can be fun and you will likely eventually be able to do some crazy things with it, especially with some ranger spells and combined with some of the other abilities both classes get.
Also, I second the trying to talk to your dm about a magic item for darkvision. If you do that, you could still take the race you want but go fully monk, or even still the 3/3+. Maybe even make it something that your character was given as a parting gift from your race to make your way in the world. At lvl 6 you should have at least one common or uncommon item.
I was going to try to throw up some raw numbers for damage, but I think that's unnecessary given that it's not your primary concern. But do understand that while Dex is a monks primary score, you could get away with a 16 Dex and a 18-20 Wis no problem. Both add to your AC, and Wis makes your stunning strike harder to save against. You might only have a +7 to hit rather than a 9, and a +3 or 4 to dmg rather than 5, but ultimately it's not going to matter that much. Wis monks are very viable.
Belx, I apologize. I was typing my last post when yours came up, and didn't see it until after I'd posted mine. And I want to thank both of you for this help. It's been insightful and productive, and (at least I think) good spirited. I hope I'm not giving the impression that I feel otherwise.
I think we've done a good job of zeroing in on the crux of the question: If I insist on Gloom Stalker, is the delay to other features worth the benefits? I think we can come to a consensus that, optimally, it doesn't. The benefits of sticking to straight Shadow Monk outweigh anything I'd pick up with taking the "scenic route". You said it best, Belx: this build comes into its own around level 8 or 9. 2-3 levels from where I'm starting, which can translate into years. Can I wait that long?
The single greatest argument I've seen against my build has been that Shadow Step. I always knew I wanted it, but I'm starting to see just how versatile it can be, not just for story and flavor (which has always been my emphasis in gaming) but also mechanically. True, I've got a level progression that avoids having to slog through disappointing levels to reach that sweet spot, but I need to recognize how impatient I get with things like this. When I factor in how frustrated I've gotten in the past while waiting for a particular level, and how we may or may not be wrapping things up with this setting any way, I should make sure that this is a character who has already "come into his own" at 6th level. I don't know that I should count on growth for this guy.
And I've been talking to my DM about a magic item. The party all got magic items on a day when I couldn't make it to the session, and it's not like they had a spare one for me for when I came back. At 6th level, I should have something this time around. Dos246, you mentioned the Gem of Seeing, which would be awesome! I'll suggest it to my DM.
Cheeky_Hamster, I've seen Shadow Blade. Our Rogue tosses one around with devastating effect. I'm hesitant to do the same because I don't want to steal his thunder.
Belx, I apologize. I was typing my last post when yours came up, and didn't see it until after I'd posted mine. And I want to thank both of you for this help. It's been insightful and productive, and (at least I think) good spirited. I hope I'm not giving the impression that I feel otherwise.
I think we've done a good job of zeroing in on the crux of the question: If I insist on Gloom Stalker, is the delay to other features worth the benefits? I think we can come to a consensus that, optimally, it doesn't. The benefits of sticking to straight Shadow Monk outweigh anything I'd pick up with taking the "scenic route". You said it best, Belx: this build comes into its own around level 8 or 9. 2-3 levels from where I'm starting, which can translate into years. Can I wait that long?
The single greatest argument I've seen against my build has been that Shadow Step.
Jedi, it has been all good spirited from my side and I want to ensure you that I only meant to make you realize what you'd be missing by going with the original concept. I wasnt trying to point you away from it if you still wanted to go with it by any means, more to show you the options from the Shadow Monk side. I've never played a gloom stalker or even multi-classes so I was trying to focus on my experience and what best info I could provide. Sounds like you'll take that information into account when making your decision, and thats all I ask for :) Whatever path you take should be one that you have fun playing with in both the short and long term.
As to your point, I would agree with you that Shadow Step is a hugely important class defining ability that has the potential to push the fun envelope as well as proving a ton of mechanical benefits. For instance, in our last session we were sneaking up on a goblin camp to retrieve an item stolen by them (not low level gobbos as we're 10) and rather than trudge along the ground I was able to shadow step through the trees avoiding any traps or pitfalls that the rest of my group had to work to avoid. Prior to that we were traveling back to our home town and I was scouting the road following a bad that had woken the party in the middle of the night searching for someone we had hidden. I followed the party using pass without a trace and my 65 (natural) movement speed and 60 ft shadow step to easily outdistance their horses and keep ahead of them and to the side to make sure they didnt double back on the party and ambush them. Toss in the benefit of having that first attack after a step be at advantage, and you have a super versatile ability.
It was a long 5 levels waiting for my monk to get those levels to get the step and I sympathize with you and your wait if you decide to go with the gloom :) But rest assured you'll likely still have fun along the way.
However, yes I would recommend asking for either of those seeing in the dark items if you're not going to go with the gloom combo as that ability will make your life vastly easier, especially if the setting is set in almost permanent dim light.
Best of luck in your decision! And keep us updated on what you ultimately go with :D
So I had an idea for a magic item if my DM isn’t cool with the Gem of Seeing. Essentially, it would be an amulet or circlet or something that expands/enhances the Githzerai Detect Thoughts ability: “Whenever you cast the Detect Thoughts spell to detect the presence of creatures you can’t see, they become visible to you.” That basically gets me Devil’s Sight for a minute once per long rest. Thoughts?
That would be basically a sentient creature specific blindsight... but since it is a really cool and specific combat use of Detect Thoughts (a non-combat concentration spell) I would totally allow that, in fact if you did it in the moment I might just give you more bonuses:
Niche but... Enemies are not able to gain advantage against you due to the flanking rule.
Yeah. It’s a way I can see in my own darkness without dipping into Warlock, which sounds awesome. Pick up a stone, cast Darkness on it, then Detect Thoughts inside that area to kick blinded butts!
Yeah. It’s a way I can see in my own darkness without dipping into Warlock, which sounds awesome. Pick up a stone, cast Darkness on it, then Detect Thoughts inside that area to kick blinded butts!
You could just cast darkness on a dagger... which then gives you the option of throwing the dagger and teleporting to it later!
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
D&D, Youth Work and the Priesthood sadly do not typically interact... I do what I can!
That would be basically a sentient creature specific blindsight... but since it is a really cool and specific combat use of Detect Thoughts (a non-combat concentration spell) I would totally allow that, in fact if you did it in the moment I might just give you more bonuses:
Niche but... Enemies are not able to gain advantage against you due to the flanking rule.
I'm with Hamster on this. It sounds like a fun and unique magic item that's useful and not too powerful. Even for a level 6. Hell, it could even be something that's used and becomes more powerful as you level up. Maybe giving you more uses per day or something of the sort.
As for the darkness, just remember that you can't teleport into the darkness you cast as you have to be able to see where you're going. But you can port next to it and walk into the darkness easily enough.
Yeah, bamfing into Darkness might get a little iffy, but dim light is rather ubiquitous in our setting, so finding a place to jump to won't typically be a problem.
I like the idea of the magic item scaling with the PC's level. I haven't heard back from my DM on whether or not he's okay with the Gem of Seeing, which is more powerful and versatile. I'm just trying to develop something he might go for that still gets me what I'm hoping for.
Oh damn! That's going to help a lot with your combat capabilities for sure. And the gem is huge now that you have a little more versatility with your in and out of combat utility.
I’m really leaning toward Monk 6 at this point. When trying to fit what I want most into six levels (and Shadow Step being as spectacular as it is), the straight class progression seemed the best. I may shift over toward Gloom Stalker from here, because I really think there are some cool interactions between the two subclasses, but that will depend on how long I’m playing this guy. If it’s only for a couple of levels then I’ll never see Gloom Stalker, so I might just stay on Monk.
There is some definite benefits in the future to go Gloom 3 if you want to eventually and you can level up that far in game with this character in a reasonable amount of time, but I do like starting with the 6. Id say good call on leaving things open in the future to multi-classing, so good compromise :)
Getting to 9 with monk would be a good next step if thats as far as you're going to take it so you can get the Evasion and walk on walls/water. But if you find that the combats and features of the Gloom plays well into your campaign its not a bad idea to go that way too.
Good on you for taking all the advice and making a good informed decision on this! Good luck in your campaign!
Thanks! I'm not the type to ask for advice and then get upset when it's something other than my original idea. :)
Level 9 I think will be a milestone no matter which way I go, like you said. Sticking with Monk, I'll have Evasion (a wonderful defensive feature), Stillness of Mind (also defensive), an ASI or Feat (maybe Alert or Mobile?), and an Unarmored Movement Improvement (handy positioning tool in a pirate setting, IMO), to say nothing of more Ki. Conversely, a Gloom Stalker approach gets me an edge on tracking Mind Flayers (and other Aberrations), especially if they're in mountains, a +2 to my (now Vicious) shortsword, a handful of spells to put in my quiver, and the Gloom Stalker goodness we've talked about... if I get to level 9. If 9 looks out of reach, I think I'll stick with Monk, but if it's in reach, then it will depend on whether I'm looking to improve my offense or my defense, because that's where it looks like the line is drawn for the next three levels at least.
I think you cant go wrong with either Alert or Mobile as they're both really powerful feats. I personally took Mobile on my monk at 4 and it has been a huge boon to me in combat as I get to save my Ki for the disengage ability and simply hit things as I run by, along with the +10 to movement I have an absurd amount of move. At 10 I have 65 with the wood elf monk. Im actually faster than a horse in overland travel.
But yes, the Gloom spells give you some more versatility as well as the ability to find things that are hidden from others. That part will be huge depending on whether or not your campaign stays going in that direction for sure.
I have a trace of optimization in myself, hence the thread in the first place... :) You've made some excellent points here!
I had never considered the versatility of Shadow Step. I guess I looked at it as just another bonus action option to add to the list, but it really does rise to the top of that list, doesn't it? A super-Disengage, super-Dash, and an advantage in the mix, and all without spending Ki. Given the dim nature of the setting, this will be extra effective in the game I'm in. I'm really looking forward to it now!
Dipping into Fighter instead of Ranger is enticing, as you've explained. I'm getting Dueling with just one level, getting an ASI and Extra Attack, and I'm only a level away from that Shadow Step. Assassin really underscores the "Cobra Kai" strategy, and encourages Darkness Shananigans, like you said. If my focus were either one of those, then I'd probably shift over to them.
But I guess neither of them is my focus. Maybe I'll rewind and start from the beginning:
After my PC died, my DM said that there was an opportunity for a Githzerai to easily fold into the group, effectively locking the race in my mind. Now, they're already monkish in flavor, which leaned me strongly toward Monk, but the fact that I'm getting a +1 Int and +2 Wis really gave me pause. I decided that I really wanted to make that high Wis work for my new character.
Now, I was just coming off a Cleric PC, and another player was starting to explore adding a level of Twilight Cleric to his Druid, so I shied away from those Wis-based classes, so as not to step on the toes of other players. We've got a Rogue laying in damage like it's nobody's business, a Barbarian swinging like the Great Bambino, and a Ranger laying in arrows from afar. So I wondered what I could do with that high Wis. Well, Monks love a high Wis, but they like a high Dex better. Rangers can make really good use of high Wis, but again, Dex is paramount. Because it's a Gith, I'm starting my build with a Dex no higher than 15, so I'd want to dedicate my first ASI to a Dex boost (at the very least) to hedge up that initial weakness, and I want to make sure I feel glad that I've got a high Wis.
And that's where I started considering Gloom Stalker. It's using that high Wis, but it wasn't fully tapping into the character concept I had in my mind, so I started to see how it and Monk would interact. Turns out, that Wis can be surprisingly effective, and lead to abilities in my concept that I hadn't anticipated, as we've discussed here. It adds to my AC, it adds to my Initiative, and it adds to my Spell Save DCs. Sure, the build is less effective than others who specialize for those specific outcomes, but I guess that's the tradeoff: for the sake of expertise and specialization, I get some variety. I'm not as "ambushy" as Assassin, but I've got ambushy abilities, and that high Wis isn't a superfluous trait. I might not be coming out of the gate as powerful as a Monk/Fighter, but again, that Wis is working for me, and not just sitting there. I might not be as bamfy as a full-on Shadow Monk (yet), but I'm on that track, and will get to be all those things in just a few levels. That, to me, sounds better than being one of those things now...
Sweet! We are just trying to help you think through these things and if you like the dynamic then great and there is some really cool stuff going for it... what's more I think that flexibility is a form of optimisation also. And yeah I’d encourage you to try to get a magical item out of your DM that lets you see through magical darkness... or say an item you can throw that brings dim-light... ‘throwing shade’... 😅
My PC at Level 10 will be a Mercy Monk 6 / Eldritch Knight Fighter 4 with both Polearm Master and Warcaster... when I get there it is going to be awesome - Booming Blade is my main synergy but there are many many others. However, the real strength in the build is that a. It plays how I want to i.e. lots of options and combos that I need to strategise with... b. The flavour works with who my character is.
But I am currently Monk 1/ Fighter 2 and it’s going to be a long slog to get to that, but by level 5 I am finally going to have 2/3 of my character concept... but bear in mind that this is a long game to get to that... and it’s mostly my tactics so far that are keeping me ‘competitive’ (co-operativly).
This exactly! We just want to make sure that you understand what you're giving up for your dip into the other class to partially bring flavor into the mix while also trying to make a concept as effective as it can be. Your idea can be fun and you will likely eventually be able to do some crazy things with it, especially with some ranger spells and combined with some of the other abilities both classes get.
Also, I second the trying to talk to your dm about a magic item for darkvision. If you do that, you could still take the race you want but go fully monk, or even still the 3/3+. Maybe even make it something that your character was given as a parting gift from your race to make your way in the world. At lvl 6 you should have at least one common or uncommon item.
I was going to try to throw up some raw numbers for damage, but I think that's unnecessary given that it's not your primary concern. But do understand that while Dex is a monks primary score, you could get away with a 16 Dex and a 18-20 Wis no problem. Both add to your AC, and Wis makes your stunning strike harder to save against. You might only have a +7 to hit rather than a 9, and a +3 or 4 to dmg rather than 5, but ultimately it's not going to matter that much. Wis monks are very viable.
Also have you thought about Shadow Blade? It counts as a Monk weapon and you could get it from Warlock 3...
Belx, I apologize. I was typing my last post when yours came up, and didn't see it until after I'd posted mine. And I want to thank both of you for this help. It's been insightful and productive, and (at least I think) good spirited. I hope I'm not giving the impression that I feel otherwise.
I think we've done a good job of zeroing in on the crux of the question: If I insist on Gloom Stalker, is the delay to other features worth the benefits? I think we can come to a consensus that, optimally, it doesn't. The benefits of sticking to straight Shadow Monk outweigh anything I'd pick up with taking the "scenic route". You said it best, Belx: this build comes into its own around level 8 or 9. 2-3 levels from where I'm starting, which can translate into years. Can I wait that long?
The single greatest argument I've seen against my build has been that Shadow Step. I always knew I wanted it, but I'm starting to see just how versatile it can be, not just for story and flavor (which has always been my emphasis in gaming) but also mechanically. True, I've got a level progression that avoids having to slog through disappointing levels to reach that sweet spot, but I need to recognize how impatient I get with things like this. When I factor in how frustrated I've gotten in the past while waiting for a particular level, and how we may or may not be wrapping things up with this setting any way, I should make sure that this is a character who has already "come into his own" at 6th level. I don't know that I should count on growth for this guy.
And I've been talking to my DM about a magic item. The party all got magic items on a day when I couldn't make it to the session, and it's not like they had a spare one for me for when I came back. At 6th level, I should have something this time around. Dos246, you mentioned the Gem of Seeing, which would be awesome! I'll suggest it to my DM.
Cheeky_Hamster, I've seen Shadow Blade. Our Rogue tosses one around with devastating effect. I'm hesitant to do the same because I don't want to steal his thunder.
Decisions to make... :)
Jedi, it has been all good spirited from my side and I want to ensure you that I only meant to make you realize what you'd be missing by going with the original concept. I wasnt trying to point you away from it if you still wanted to go with it by any means, more to show you the options from the Shadow Monk side. I've never played a gloom stalker or even multi-classes so I was trying to focus on my experience and what best info I could provide. Sounds like you'll take that information into account when making your decision, and thats all I ask for :) Whatever path you take should be one that you have fun playing with in both the short and long term.
As to your point, I would agree with you that Shadow Step is a hugely important class defining ability that has the potential to push the fun envelope as well as proving a ton of mechanical benefits. For instance, in our last session we were sneaking up on a goblin camp to retrieve an item stolen by them (not low level gobbos as we're 10) and rather than trudge along the ground I was able to shadow step through the trees avoiding any traps or pitfalls that the rest of my group had to work to avoid. Prior to that we were traveling back to our home town and I was scouting the road following a bad that had woken the party in the middle of the night searching for someone we had hidden. I followed the party using pass without a trace and my 65 (natural) movement speed and 60 ft shadow step to easily outdistance their horses and keep ahead of them and to the side to make sure they didnt double back on the party and ambush them. Toss in the benefit of having that first attack after a step be at advantage, and you have a super versatile ability.
It was a long 5 levels waiting for my monk to get those levels to get the step and I sympathize with you and your wait if you decide to go with the gloom :) But rest assured you'll likely still have fun along the way.
However, yes I would recommend asking for either of those seeing in the dark items if you're not going to go with the gloom combo as that ability will make your life vastly easier, especially if the setting is set in almost permanent dim light.
Best of luck in your decision! And keep us updated on what you ultimately go with :D
Thanks. I appreciate everyone’s help.
So I had an idea for a magic item if my DM isn’t cool with the Gem of Seeing. Essentially, it would be an amulet or circlet or something that expands/enhances the Githzerai Detect Thoughts ability: “Whenever you cast the Detect Thoughts spell to detect the presence of creatures you can’t see, they become visible to you.” That basically gets me Devil’s Sight for a minute once per long rest. Thoughts?
That would be basically a sentient creature specific blindsight... but since it is a really cool and specific combat use of Detect Thoughts (a non-combat concentration spell) I would totally allow that, in fact if you did it in the moment I might just give you more bonuses:
Niche but... Enemies are not able to gain advantage against you due to the flanking rule.
Yeah. It’s a way I can see in my own darkness without dipping into Warlock, which sounds awesome. Pick up a stone, cast Darkness on it, then Detect Thoughts inside that area to kick blinded butts!
You could just cast darkness on a dagger... which then gives you the option of throwing the dagger and teleporting to it later!
Ooh, that's even better!
I'm with Hamster on this. It sounds like a fun and unique magic item that's useful and not too powerful. Even for a level 6. Hell, it could even be something that's used and becomes more powerful as you level up. Maybe giving you more uses per day or something of the sort.
As for the darkness, just remember that you can't teleport into the darkness you cast as you have to be able to see where you're going. But you can port next to it and walk into the darkness easily enough.
Yeah, bamfing into Darkness might get a little iffy, but dim light is rather ubiquitous in our setting, so finding a place to jump to won't typically be a problem.
I like the idea of the magic item scaling with the PC's level. I haven't heard back from my DM on whether or not he's okay with the Gem of Seeing, which is more powerful and versatile. I'm just trying to develop something he might go for that still gets me what I'm hoping for.
He went with the Gem of Seeing, and tossed in a Vicious Shortsword as well...
Oh damn! That's going to help a lot with your combat capabilities for sure. And the gem is huge now that you have a little more versatility with your in and out of combat utility.
Did you decide on single or multi-class?
I’m really leaning toward Monk 6 at this point. When trying to fit what I want most into six levels (and Shadow Step being as spectacular as it is), the straight class progression seemed the best. I may shift over toward Gloom Stalker from here, because I really think there are some cool interactions between the two subclasses, but that will depend on how long I’m playing this guy. If it’s only for a couple of levels then I’ll never see Gloom Stalker, so I might just stay on Monk.
There is some definite benefits in the future to go Gloom 3 if you want to eventually and you can level up that far in game with this character in a reasonable amount of time, but I do like starting with the 6. Id say good call on leaving things open in the future to multi-classing, so good compromise :)
Getting to 9 with monk would be a good next step if thats as far as you're going to take it so you can get the Evasion and walk on walls/water. But if you find that the combats and features of the Gloom plays well into your campaign its not a bad idea to go that way too.
Good on you for taking all the advice and making a good informed decision on this! Good luck in your campaign!
Thanks! I'm not the type to ask for advice and then get upset when it's something other than my original idea. :)
Level 9 I think will be a milestone no matter which way I go, like you said. Sticking with Monk, I'll have Evasion (a wonderful defensive feature), Stillness of Mind (also defensive), an ASI or Feat (maybe Alert or Mobile?), and an Unarmored Movement Improvement (handy positioning tool in a pirate setting, IMO), to say nothing of more Ki. Conversely, a Gloom Stalker approach gets me an edge on tracking Mind Flayers (and other Aberrations), especially if they're in mountains, a +2 to my (now Vicious) shortsword, a handful of spells to put in my quiver, and the Gloom Stalker goodness we've talked about... if I get to level 9. If 9 looks out of reach, I think I'll stick with Monk, but if it's in reach, then it will depend on whether I'm looking to improve my offense or my defense, because that's where it looks like the line is drawn for the next three levels at least.
I think you cant go wrong with either Alert or Mobile as they're both really powerful feats. I personally took Mobile on my monk at 4 and it has been a huge boon to me in combat as I get to save my Ki for the disengage ability and simply hit things as I run by, along with the +10 to movement I have an absurd amount of move. At 10 I have 65 with the wood elf monk. Im actually faster than a horse in overland travel.
But yes, the Gloom spells give you some more versatility as well as the ability to find things that are hidden from others. That part will be huge depending on whether or not your campaign stays going in that direction for sure.
Yeah that much was observable and appreciated :-) It’s just a shame really that thread’s on D&D beyond are so inconsistently contributed to. The class ones are a but more reliable though, I have posted a few Homebrew items to get feedback and nobody has commented at all (https://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/dungeons-dragons-discussion/homebrew-house-rules/56514-party-partizan-a-spear-that-makes-people-drunk for example).
But yeah, reflection and shameless plug out of the way... has been a good conversation and I agree with your decision making, let us know how it goes.