Hello all! I've just started playing DnD a few months ago, and am now in a sandbox-style multi-session campaign. I have a level 8 Open Hand monk, and I now have to decide whether to take an ASI or a feat. I have 19 DEX and 16 WIS, so I could either max my DEX and put my wisdom at an odd number, or I could take a cool feat like Sentinel or a DEX half-feat. My role in the party is mostly control (with stunning strike) and distract, while our rogue and ranger pump out insane amounts of damage. What should I do?
Well, the correct answer would be "Whatever you think will be the most fun for your character".. but I guess that's a cop out.
On one hand, maxing out your stats earlier is never a bad thing, but sometimes the extra oomph from a feat could be more beneficial. Sentinel is a great feat for any melee character imo, and if you're playing as a control character then it's definitely a must-have at some point...
All that said, I think you'd be better off just getting a +1 dex feat. If you're going to be putting wisdom at an odd number anyway, until you get another ASI opportunity, it's the same as if you hadn't done anything, so maxing out dex right now should be your priority. Depending on what your character's race is, there are plenty of good feats to choose in this regard;
There seems to be four most optimal choices for you right now:
DEX +1 half-feat
WIS +2
DEX +1, WIS +1
a feat
From an optimisation standpoint, the choice seems to be clear. If there's a DEX half-feat you want, now is the time to get it. You'd be getting all the benefits of bumping an ability modifier on top of the benefits of the feat all in a single ASI. In contrast, should you pick any of the other choices, you'd only be getting one or the other.
If however there is not a single DEX-based half feat you really want, then the second best thing, I would argue, is actually WIS +2. The reason is your subclass: the Way of the Open Hand. All monks are somewhat reliant on their Ki Save DC, but for you it holds especially true because of your Flurry of Blows. You cause a lot more saves than any other kind of monk. And for the enemy to fail the save as often as possible, you need a lot of Wisdom.
I'd really only go for DEX +1, WIS +1 right now if you want a higher initiative, want to succeed in DEX saves more often, or if there's a WIS half-feat you really want to take at level 12. You really don't need the extra accuracy or damage since the rest of your party already rocks in the damage department anyway.
As for full feats, if there's a feat out there that you really think is mandatory for your character, then of course take that. But know that monks are generally speaking not a very good class for taking lots of feats: You really do need your DEX and your WIS as high as you can get them. Therefore know that if you take the feat, it might be better to let it be your only one. So choose wisely.
Wow, thanks for the advice! I hadn't even considered just taking a +2 to wisdom, although it makes total sense considering my role in the party. The only feat I would consider taking is sentinel, although how I've been playing my monk, the only time enemies walk away from me are when I'm unconscious. The only half-feat I could feasibly take is Athlete, as I am already proficient in DEX saving throws and would waste half of the Resilient feat.
Your choice of race changes that calculus dramatically: if you are an Elf/Half-Elf, you want to take the Elven Accuracy feat, hands down. Full stop.
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You don't know what fear is until you've witnessed a drunk bird divebombing you while carrying a screaming Kobold throwing fire anywhere and everywhere.
Personally, I'd probably take the +2 to Wisdom. It'll boost your AC, your Wisdom saves(always important), and bump up the DC of your Monk abilities. This includes the ever-popular Stunning Strike, as well as the effects you learned by following the Way Of The Open Hand(knocking them prone or pushing then 15ft).
You could always do +1 dex, and +1 to something else, which leaves you open for a different half-feat later.
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Any time an unfathomably powerful entity sweeps in and offers godlike rewards in return for just a few teensy favors, it’s a scam. Unless it’s me. I’d never lie to you, reader dearest.
What is your Con, if it is odd I would consider +1 dex +1 con
I don't think any of the available Dex half feats are particularly good for a you but resilient wis is always nice so you could go +1 dex +1 wis now and get that at 12.
+2 wis is also a good option in which case if you expect to go to lvl 16+ you would probably get the +1 dex +1 wis at 12 allowing resilient wis at 16 to max your two main stats.
My con is sitting at a lovely 16, so no need to upgrade it yet :) I think I will do the +2 wis, it seems like it will do the most good for both myself and my party!
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Hello all! I've just started playing DnD a few months ago, and am now in a sandbox-style multi-session campaign. I have a level 8 Open Hand monk, and I now have to decide whether to take an ASI or a feat. I have 19 DEX and 16 WIS, so I could either max my DEX and put my wisdom at an odd number, or I could take a cool feat like Sentinel or a DEX half-feat. My role in the party is mostly control (with stunning strike) and distract, while our rogue and ranger pump out insane amounts of damage. What should I do?
Thanks!
Well, the correct answer would be "Whatever you think will be the most fun for your character".. but I guess that's a cop out.
On one hand, maxing out your stats earlier is never a bad thing, but sometimes the extra oomph from a feat could be more beneficial. Sentinel is a great feat for any melee character imo, and if you're playing as a control character then it's definitely a must-have at some point...
All that said, I think you'd be better off just getting a +1 dex feat. If you're going to be putting wisdom at an odd number anyway, until you get another ASI opportunity, it's the same as if you hadn't done anything, so maxing out dex right now should be your priority. Depending on what your character's race is, there are plenty of good feats to choose in this regard;
Athlete grants a +1 to STR or DEX.
Elven Accuracy is a good pick for a dex melee/ranged/spellcaster. DEX, WIS, INT, or CHA +1.
Arguably better than Elven Accuracy is the gnomish racial feat Fade Away, DEX/INT +1 and the ability to turn invisible as a reaction to taking damage.
Squat Nimbleness is pretty good for a monk, you probably don't like being restricted. DEX +1.
There are some other feats that increase dex, but those are my personal favorites for that purpose.
It's ok Ranger, you'll always be cool to me.. Unless druid gets another use for its wild shape charges.
There seems to be four most optimal choices for you right now:
From an optimisation standpoint, the choice seems to be clear. If there's a DEX half-feat you want, now is the time to get it.
You'd be getting all the benefits of bumping an ability modifier on top of the benefits of the feat all in a single ASI. In contrast, should you pick any of the other choices, you'd only be getting one or the other.
If however there is not a single DEX-based half feat you really want, then the second best thing, I would argue, is actually WIS +2. The reason is your subclass: the Way of the Open Hand. All monks are somewhat reliant on their Ki Save DC, but for you it holds especially true because of your Flurry of Blows. You cause a lot more saves than any other kind of monk. And for the enemy to fail the save as often as possible, you need a lot of Wisdom.
I'd really only go for DEX +1, WIS +1 right now if you want a higher initiative, want to succeed in DEX saves more often, or if there's a WIS half-feat you really want to take at level 12. You really don't need the extra accuracy or damage since the rest of your party already rocks in the damage department anyway.
As for full feats, if there's a feat out there that you really think is mandatory for your character, then of course take that. But know that monks are generally speaking not a very good class for taking lots of feats: You really do need your DEX and your WIS as high as you can get them.
Therefore know that if you take the feat, it might be better to let it be your only one. So choose wisely.
Wow, thanks for the advice! I hadn't even considered just taking a +2 to wisdom, although it makes total sense considering my role in the party. The only feat I would consider taking is sentinel, although how I've been playing my monk, the only time enemies walk away from me are when I'm unconscious. The only half-feat I could feasibly take is Athlete, as I am already proficient in DEX saving throws and would waste half of the Resilient feat.
Thanks for the input!
What race is your character?
Your choice of race changes that calculus dramatically: if you are an Elf/Half-Elf, you want to take the Elven Accuracy feat, hands down. Full stop.
You don't know what fear is until you've witnessed a drunk bird divebombing you while carrying a screaming Kobold throwing fire anywhere and everywhere.
I’m a feral tiefling, so unfortunately no elven feats for me!
Personally, I'd probably take the +2 to Wisdom. It'll boost your AC, your Wisdom saves(always important), and bump up the DC of your Monk abilities. This includes the ever-popular Stunning Strike, as well as the effects you learned by following the Way Of The Open Hand(knocking them prone or pushing then 15ft).
You could always do +1 dex, and +1 to something else, which leaves you open for a different half-feat later.
Any time an unfathomably powerful entity sweeps in and offers godlike rewards in return for just a few teensy favors, it’s a scam. Unless it’s me. I’d never lie to you, reader dearest.
Tasha
What is your Con, if it is odd I would consider +1 dex +1 con
I don't think any of the available Dex half feats are particularly good for a you but resilient wis is always nice so you could go +1 dex +1 wis now and get that at 12.
+2 wis is also a good option in which case if you expect to go to lvl 16+ you would probably get the +1 dex +1 wis at 12 allowing resilient wis at 16 to max your two main stats.
My con is sitting at a lovely 16, so no need to upgrade it yet :) I think I will do the +2 wis, it seems like it will do the most good for both myself and my party!