Ever since I have heard about the Shadar-Kai race, I've been trying create a character. Since I'm somewhat new to D&D especially 5E, I was thinking of creating a Monk. But I don't know which would work thematicly as well as mechanically for the Shadar-Kai. I'm trying to choose between The Way of the Shadow, or The Way of the Long Death.
Shadow monks are one of the all rounder subclasses that are great to play - but beware if you have a standard array (15 and lower starting stat) then you may suffer as a monk from a lack of armour. (thats monks of all flavours not shadow specific) If you go for shadow read up on what darkness / blindness does and how it effects combat, the more you know the more it can help and the less chance there is of ruining your parties ability to see. It also fits well with the shadow realm aspect of the Shadar Kai - You could try a fast one though and ask your DM if you became a Kensai at third whether they would allow your weapon choice to be the shadarkai chain the monster versions of the shadar kai use. Its a bit of a stretch.(many monsters use weapons that if a party member used them would be outrageous)
Long death is in its element when you are capable of scything through hordes of lesser enemies easily, each replenishing your temporary hits. If you cant or your campaign wont feature hordes or medium groups past 3rd then be wary.
Ah, I too was attempting to create a Shadar-Kai monk...I am committed to creating a Long Death monk, and their background was PERFECT for the subclass.
It was difficult to form a backstory for the Long Death monk without falling into the normal "death-obsessed" trope the wiki describes.
But the Shadar-Kai do not have to be obsessed with death; it simply is a part of their culture. The Shadowfell is tied to the afterlife; and all Shadar-Kai accept the fact that their soul is bound to the gloomy plane, and that many will likely turn shadows or wraiths upon their death.
I angle the backstory that, the Shadar-Kai harnesses the darkness inside them, and attempt to master it, in order to "bend" the laws of death.
My Shadar-Kai is actually a cheerful, positive individual who maintains this optimism, as he knows he ultimately will pass into shadow, and wishes to enjoy life to the fullest.
i made a shadar kai way of the shadow monk and i loved it definitely a good combo as its heavily focused on teleportation but do what you like (ive neve played a long death monk)
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Ever since I have heard about the Shadar-Kai race, I've been trying create a character. Since I'm somewhat new to D&D especially 5E, I was thinking of creating a Monk. But I don't know which would work thematicly as well as mechanically for the Shadar-Kai. I'm trying to choose between The Way of the Shadow, or The Way of the Long Death.
What do you think?
Definitely the Way of the Long Death.
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Shadow monks are one of the all rounder subclasses that are great to play - but beware if you have a standard array (15 and lower starting stat) then you may suffer as a monk from a lack of armour. (thats monks of all flavours not shadow specific) If you go for shadow read up on what darkness / blindness does and how it effects combat, the more you know the more it can help and the less chance there is of ruining your parties ability to see. It also fits well with the shadow realm aspect of the Shadar Kai - You could try a fast one though and ask your DM if you became a Kensai at third whether they would allow your weapon choice to be the shadarkai chain the monster versions of the shadar kai use. Its a bit of a stretch.(many monsters use weapons that if a party member used them would be outrageous)
Long death is in its element when you are capable of scything through hordes of lesser enemies easily, each replenishing your temporary hits. If you cant or your campaign wont feature hordes or medium groups past 3rd then be wary.
Welcome to the game and have fun!
Ah, I too was attempting to create a Shadar-Kai monk...I am committed to creating a Long Death monk, and their background was PERFECT for the subclass.
It was difficult to form a backstory for the Long Death monk without falling into the normal "death-obsessed" trope the wiki describes.
But the Shadar-Kai do not have to be obsessed with death; it simply is a part of their culture. The Shadowfell is tied to the afterlife; and all Shadar-Kai accept the fact that their soul is bound to the gloomy plane, and that many will likely turn shadows or wraiths upon their death.
I angle the backstory that, the Shadar-Kai harnesses the darkness inside them, and attempt to master it, in order to "bend" the laws of death.
My Shadar-Kai is actually a cheerful, positive individual who maintains this optimism, as he knows he ultimately will pass into shadow, and wishes to enjoy life to the fullest.
i made a shadar kai way of the shadow monk and i loved it definitely a good combo as its heavily focused on teleportation but do what you like (ive neve played a long death monk)