If one plays a Shadow Monk do you think that it makes the Grappler feat somewhat redundant? I can see that the Grappler feat is now a great feat for a monk as it allows them a good chance at getting advantage on all of their remaining attacks. However, a Shadow monk can get advantage using a Darkness spell. Given this, should one be inclined to skip the Grappler feat for something else in the case of the Shadow monk, or are there other benefits making it worthwhile?
As with most things in the game it depends on your playstyle and party.
First I will say Darkness isn't 100%. Having a method to generate advantage when fighting creatures that can see you is worthwhile.
Second, grapple has tanking value in that they have disadvantage to attack anyone but you.
Third grappling is not something everyone wants to do. You might prefer to dualwield and grab weapon mastery. You might be playing a small monk and feel too limited to take advantage.
Fourth, your party may have spells that can take advantage of your grapple and drag. You can also grab critical targets and drag them into disadvantageous positions.
Grappling and dragging guys through spike growth, wall of fire spirit guardians etc... is an excellent tactic. It's basically weaponozing your movement and monks have alot of movement.
It synergizes well if you can pull off a successful Stunning Strike (level 5), since Stunned is an automatic failure on STR and DEX saving throws, like the ones used to resist being Grappled.
Since being Grappled often requires the Foe's action to break, many foes can wind up having to decide between attacking everyone at Disadvantage (assuming the Monk is in Darkness), or not attacking at all and trying to break the Grapple on their turn.
Darkness also requires Concentration, Grappler does not.
I think Grappler is significantly better for the Warrior of the Elements Monk, who can hold foes out of reach while grappling, move them around, or even toss them 10' straight up (DM permitting), while grappling but I think it's still a decent option for other types of Monks.
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🎵I'm on top of the world, looking down on creation, wreaking death and devastation with my mind.
As the power that I've found erupts freely from the ground, I will cackle from the top of the world.🎵
I can’t even get Way of the Shadow as an option. Bought a couple of books and none of them are giving me any other options than Way of the Hand.
To use the 2024 version of Way of the Shadow, you need to own the 2024 Player's Handbook and use the 2024 version of the Monk class.
To use the 2014 version of Way of the Shadow, you need to own the 2014 Player's Handbook and use the 2014 version of the Monk class. Make sure "2014 Rules" is checked on the Home tab of the character builder.
Grappling and dragging guys through spike growth, wall of fire spirit guardians etc... is an excellent tactic. It's basically weaponozing your movement and monks have alot of movement.
I don't see how you can grapple and drag anyone through spike growth without also taking damage? If you had some way to fly, then maybe you could if get a carrying capacity.
Grappling and dragging guys through spike growth, wall of fire spirit guardians etc... is an excellent tactic. It's basically weaponozing your movement and monks have alot of movement.
I don't see how you can grapple and drag anyone through spike growth without also taking damage? If you had some way to fly, then maybe you could if get a carrying capacity.
A Grappled target is still in their own square. You maneuver them so that they are in the circle of Spike Growth, while you remain outside it. If you only have Reach of 5', you run around the exterior while holding them just inside the area.
If your Grappling Reach is longer, you have more options.
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🎵I'm on top of the world, looking down on creation, wreaking death and devastation with my mind.
As the power that I've found erupts freely from the ground, I will cackle from the top of the world.🎵
If one plays a Shadow Monk do you think that it makes the Grappler feat somewhat redundant? I can see that the Grappler feat is now a great feat for a monk as it allows them a good chance at getting advantage on all of their remaining attacks. However, a Shadow monk can get advantage using a Darkness spell. Given this, should one be inclined to skip the Grappler feat for something else in the case of the Shadow monk, or are there other benefits making it worthwhile?
As with most things in the game it depends on your playstyle and party.
First I will say Darkness isn't 100%. Having a method to generate advantage when fighting creatures that can see you is worthwhile.
Second, grapple has tanking value in that they have disadvantage to attack anyone but you.
Third grappling is not something everyone wants to do. You might prefer to dualwield and grab weapon mastery. You might be playing a small monk and feel too limited to take advantage.
Fourth, your party may have spells that can take advantage of your grapple and drag. You can also grab critical targets and drag them into disadvantageous positions.
Grappling and dragging guys through spike growth, wall of fire spirit guardians etc... is an excellent tactic. It's basically weaponozing your movement and monks have alot of movement.
It synergizes well if you can pull off a successful Stunning Strike (level 5), since Stunned is an automatic failure on STR and DEX saving throws, like the ones used to resist being Grappled.
Since being Grappled often requires the Foe's action to break, many foes can wind up having to decide between attacking everyone at Disadvantage (assuming the Monk is in Darkness), or not attacking at all and trying to break the Grapple on their turn.
Darkness also requires Concentration, Grappler does not.
I think Grappler is significantly better for the Warrior of the Elements Monk, who can hold foes out of reach while grappling, move them around, or even toss them 10' straight up (DM permitting), while grappling but I think it's still a decent option for other types of Monks.
🎵I'm on top of the world, looking down on creation, wreaking death and devastation with my mind.
As the power that I've found erupts freely from the ground, I will cackle from the top of the world.🎵
Charisma Saving Throw: DC 18, Failure: 20d6 Psychic Damage, Success: Half damage
I can’t even get Way of the Shadow as an option. Bought a couple of books and none of them are giving me any other options than Way of the Hand.
To use the 2024 version of Way of the Shadow, you need to own the 2024 Player's Handbook and use the 2024 version of the Monk class.
To use the 2014 version of Way of the Shadow, you need to own the 2014 Player's Handbook and use the 2014 version of the Monk class. Make sure "2014 Rules" is checked on the Home tab of the character builder.
pronouns: he/she/they
I don't see how you can grapple and drag anyone through spike growth without also taking damage? If you had some way to fly, then maybe you could if get a carrying capacity.
A Grappled target is still in their own square. You maneuver them so that they are in the circle of Spike Growth, while you remain outside it. If you only have Reach of 5', you run around the exterior while holding them just inside the area.
If your Grappling Reach is longer, you have more options.
🎵I'm on top of the world, looking down on creation, wreaking death and devastation with my mind.
As the power that I've found erupts freely from the ground, I will cackle from the top of the world.🎵
Charisma Saving Throw: DC 18, Failure: 20d6 Psychic Damage, Success: Half damage