I've been looking around and checking forums, and sage advice and I either get conflicting information or no straight answer. It's about the timing of flurry of blows vs moving in combat breaking up attacks. so for reference
Moving Between Attacks
If you take an action that includes more than one weapon attack, you can break up your movement even further by moving between those attacks. For example, a fighter who can make two attacks with the Extra Attack feature and who has a speed of 25 feet could move 10 feet, make an attack, move 15 feet, and then attack again.
Flurry of Blows
Immediately after you take the Attack action on your turn, you can spend 1 ki point to make two unarmed strikes as a bonus action.
You can break up your movement on your turn, using some of your speed before and after your action. For example, if you have a speed of 30 feet, you can move 10 feet, take your action, and then move 20 feet.
So, can a monk: Attack target 1, move, and bonus action flurry of blows target 2? Or because it states "immediately after the attack action" flurry of blows can only be done before moving. So now it becomes: Attack target 1, flurry of blows, move, attack target 2 if character has an extra attack.
All of the events on your turn are happening in unison. DM's may vary on this but I for one would defiantly allow you to move and target another creature because it doesn't specify that it must be on the same target.
DM's may vary on this but I for one would defiantly allow you to move and target another creature because it doesn't specify that it must be on the same target.
I would agree with Conal's interpretation and would adjudicate that way as a DM. I get that the "immediately after" verbiage makes it somewhat questionable as to when those extra flurry attacks take place, but I don't see any rule rationale that would prevent a character from moving (as long as they have movement remaining). In fact, the Druken Master subclass potentially relies on moving between their flurry of blows...
Intoxicated Frenzy
At 17th level, you gain the ability to make an overwhelming number of attacks against a group of enemies. When you use your Flurry of Blows, you can make up to three additional attacks with it (up to a total of five Flurry of Blows attacks), provided that each Flurry of Blows attack targets a different creature this turn.
So a DM could mandate that all five (5) of those attacks have to occur immediately, but that would require the monk to be swarmed by at least five targets anytime they use this ability (since they have to target a different creature with each attack). If the monk cannot move before all those attacks are made, then this 17th-level power just became fairly weakened. The monk should be able to swagger between multiple opponents landing hits with flurry of blows versus only being able to punch themselves out of a dogpile situation.
Quoted ability only applies to a particular subclass, but it's something like this that cements it in my mind that your flurry of blows should be able to be broken up with some movement.
RAW, you can spend the point, move and then attack. You can even move again and make the second attack after.
RAI, I interpret this as immediate attacks. It's a flurry of blows, after all. Imagine some anime protagonist making 100 punches in a moment or something. They don't run around between every attack.
That's just my interpretation though, feel free to ignore it.
At 17th level, you gain the ability to make an overwhelming number of attacks against a group of enemies. When you use your Flurry of Blows, you can make up to three additional attacks with it (up to a total of five Flurry of Blows attacks), provided that each Flurry of Blows attack targets a different creature this turn.
So a DM could mandate that all five (5) of those attacks have to occur immediately, but that would require the monk to be swarmed by at least five targets anytime they use this ability (since they have to target a different creature with each attack). If the monk cannot move before all those attacks are made, then this 17th-level power just became fairly weakened. The monk should be able to swagger between multiple opponents landing hits with flurry of blows versus only being able to punch themselves out of a dogpile situation.
Quoted ability only applies to a particular subclass, but it's something like this that cements it in my mind that your flurry of blows should be able to be broken up with some movement.
While I do get the sentiment, not all class features are always strong. A great example of such an ability, even though it is level 11 and not 17, is the Hunter Ranger's Whirlwind attack.
Whirlwind Attack
You can use your action to make a melee attack against any number of creatures within 5 feet of you, with a separate attack roll for each target.
Obviously, this is a weak ability. Unless there are 3 or more enemies around, you'd be better off attacking normally. Of course, it's a subclass that has lost all of its power to newer subclasses and that's just sad. That's not what I'm trying to say though. My point is that we have examples of similar ideas elsewhere, except it's a better version of it, at the cost of a higher level.
That's just how I see it though and I'm probably the unpopular opinion on this matter. Either way, the decision of your DM is what matters in the end.
movement can generally break up any type of action that involves more than one attack. Attack action has multiple attacks from Extra Attack? Go ahead and move between them. Bonus Action has multiple attacks due to Flurry of Blows? Go ahead and move between them. Move after the Attack Action and before the Bonus Action? Go ahead.
spending the ki point modifies what you can use a bonus action to do, it isn't necessarily part of using the bonus action. You can spend the ki now and then use the bonus later on, if for some reason you think there's an advantage to that... or even not end up taking the bonus action at all, if you're just looking to flex by spending ki for no reason :)
for Flurry of Blows specifically, "Immediately after you take the Attack action" is the timing of when the ki point must be spent, not when the bonus action must be taken. You can't finish your attack action, move around, then decide to spend the ki point once you get through a door and see what's on the other side. But you can finish your attack action, spend a ki point, move through a door, and then use your Bonus Action attacks on the enemy in there (or, decide you're in over your head, and turn around and leave without using the Bonus Action at all, or use it for something else like Misty Step!)
I was researching information about the movement allowed between the Extra Attack and the bonus attacks granted by FoB when I came across this valuable insight. Thanks a lot.
I believe it's more fitting to incorporate here my research and the example at the end rather than initiating a new post.
Recently, I stumbled upon this Tweet from Jeremy Crawford (2018):
Question: Can a monk move between the hits of Flurry of Blows?
Answer: Whenever you take an action that includes more than one weapon attack, you can move between those attacks if you have enough movement to do so. This rule applies to bonus actions, which are a type of action, and to unarmed strikes, which are weapon attacks.
So, taking also into account this Tweet from him (2017): "Flurry of Blows happens after the Attack action, not after attacks within that action.", and including the Extra Attack feature, this could be a flow of actions:
Movement (optional)
1st attack in Attack action
Movement (optional)
2nd attack in Attack action
Movement (optional)
Spend 1 ki point and...
1st attack in FoB
Movement (optional)
2nd attack in FoB
Movement (optional)
I know the tweets are no longer considered official, but as far as I saw, those weren't included in Sage Advice (unfortunally)
TarodNet has one of the best answers I've ever seen on dndbeyond, thanks!
Thanks a ton, my friend. You just brightened my day.
Just to add, my answer won't be accurate if we're using the 2024 version of the rules. It looks like movement is now only allowed during the Attack Action (e.g., between Extra Attacks), not during a Bonus Action (e.g., Flurry of Blows) or a Reaction. However, moving before or after those types of actions is still allowed in 2024.
I've been looking around and checking forums, and sage advice and I either get conflicting information or no straight answer. It's about the timing of flurry of blows vs moving in combat breaking up attacks. so for reference
Moving Between Attacks
If you take an action that includes more than one weapon attack, you can break up your movement even further by moving between those attacks. For example, a fighter who can make two attacks with the Extra Attack feature and who has a speed of 25 feet could move 10 feet, make an attack, move 15 feet, and then attack again.
Flurry of Blows
Immediately after you take the Attack action on your turn, you can spend 1 ki point to make two unarmed strikes as a bonus action.
You can break up your movement on your turn, using some of your speed before and after your action. For example, if you have a speed of 30 feet, you can move 10 feet, take your action, and then move 20 feet.
So, can a monk: Attack target 1, move, and bonus action flurry of blows target 2? Or because it states "immediately after the attack action" flurry of blows can only be done before moving. So now it becomes: Attack target 1, flurry of blows, move, attack target 2 if character has an extra attack.
All of the events on your turn are happening in unison. DM's may vary on this but I for one would defiantly allow you to move and target another creature because it doesn't specify that it must be on the same target.
Buyers Guide for D&D Beyond - Hardcover Books, D&D Beyond and You - How/What is Toggled Content?
Everything you need to know about Homebrew - Homebrew FAQ - Digital Book on D&D Beyond Vs Physical Books
Can't find the content you are supposed to have access to? Read this FAQ.
"Play the game however you want to play the game. After all, your fun doesn't threaten my fun."
Well.. it says you 'spend the point' to take the two blows.. doesn't say when you take that bonus action.
Itinerant Deputy Shire-reave Tomas Burrfoot - world walker, Raft-captain, speaker to his dead
Toddy Shelfungus- Rider of the Order of Ill Luck, Speaker to Friends of Friends, and Horribly big nosed
Jarl Archi of Jenisis Glade Fee- Noble Knight of the Dragonborn Goldcrest Clan, Sorcerer of the Noble Investigator;y; Knightly order of the Wolfhound
I would agree with Conal's interpretation and would adjudicate that way as a DM. I get that the "immediately after" verbiage makes it somewhat questionable as to when those extra flurry attacks take place, but I don't see any rule rationale that would prevent a character from moving (as long as they have movement remaining). In fact, the Druken Master subclass potentially relies on moving between their flurry of blows...
So a DM could mandate that all five (5) of those attacks have to occur immediately, but that would require the monk to be swarmed by at least five targets anytime they use this ability (since they have to target a different creature with each attack). If the monk cannot move before all those attacks are made, then this 17th-level power just became fairly weakened. The monk should be able to swagger between multiple opponents landing hits with flurry of blows versus only being able to punch themselves out of a dogpile situation.
Quoted ability only applies to a particular subclass, but it's something like this that cements it in my mind that your flurry of blows should be able to be broken up with some movement.
RAW, you can spend the point, move and then attack. You can even move again and make the second attack after.
RAI, I interpret this as immediate attacks. It's a flurry of blows, after all. Imagine some anime protagonist making 100 punches in a moment or something. They don't run around between every attack.
That's just my interpretation though, feel free to ignore it.
While I do get the sentiment, not all class features are always strong. A great example of such an ability, even though it is level 11 and not 17, is the Hunter Ranger's Whirlwind attack.
Obviously, this is a weak ability. Unless there are 3 or more enemies around, you'd be better off attacking normally.
Of course, it's a subclass that has lost all of its power to newer subclasses and that's just sad. That's not what I'm trying to say though. My point is that we have examples of similar ideas elsewhere, except it's a better version of it, at the cost of a higher level.
That's just how I see it though and I'm probably the unpopular opinion on this matter. Either way, the decision of your DM is what matters in the end.
Varielky
I think it means you can move.
Winner!
Definitive answers:
dndbeyond.com forum tags
I'm going to make this way harder than it needs to be.
I was researching information about the movement allowed between the Extra Attack and the bonus attacks granted by FoB when I came across this valuable insight. Thanks a lot.
I believe it's more fitting to incorporate here my research and the example at the end rather than initiating a new post.
Recently, I stumbled upon this Tweet from Jeremy Crawford (2018):
So, taking also into account this Tweet from him (2017): "Flurry of Blows happens after the Attack action, not after attacks within that action.", and including the Extra Attack feature, this could be a flow of actions:
I know the tweets are no longer considered official, but as far as I saw, those weren't included in Sage Advice (unfortunally)
That's right. 5E is more movement fluid than ever, enabling movement before, after and between attacks of an action.
TarodNet has one of the best answers I've ever seen on dndbeyond, thanks!
Thanks a ton, my friend. You just brightened my day.
Just to add, my answer won't be accurate if we're using the 2024 version of the rules. It looks like movement is now only allowed during the Attack Action (e.g., between Extra Attacks), not during a Bonus Action (e.g., Flurry of Blows) or a Reaction. However, moving before or after those types of actions is still allowed in 2024.
I indeed created a thread to discuss it: 2024 Moving between Attacks - Rules & Game Mechanics