So I'm thinking of playing an astral self Monk in an upcoming oneshot, and I want to make sure I understand its level 3 class feature correctly. You summon the extra arms for 10 minutes, during which time you gain these benefits:
"While the spectral arms are present, you gain the following benefits:
You can use your Wisdom modifier in place of your Strength modifier when making Strength checks and Strength saving throws.
You can use the spectral arms to make unarmed strikes.
When you make an unarmed strike with the arms on your turn, your reach for it is 5 feet greater than normal.
The unarmed strikes you make with the arms can use your Wisdom modifier in place of your Strength or Dexterity modifier for the attack and damage rolls, and their damage type is force."
As I understand it, you can only use the arms to make unarmed strikes, right? You can't hold a weapon or activate a magic item or open a door with them. However, you could hold a quarterstaff in two hands with your real hands (gaining the extra damage from versatile) and then unarmed strike with your astral arms, right? The only effect that seems to imply they can do something other than make unarmed strikes is that you can use your wisdom modifier when making strength checks, but I assume that's more of the arms "helping" you with whatever strength check you're making.
Based on the subclass description, I'd say your interpretation is right:
- A monk who follows the Way of the Astral Self believes their body is an illusion. They see their ki as a representation of their true form, an astral self...
- Your mastery of your ki allows you to summon a portion of your astral self...
- these spectral arms hover near your shoulders or surround your arms (your choice)
EDIT: oh, also the illustration! (pretty cool, BTW)
So I'm thinking of playing an astral self Monk in an upcoming oneshot, and I want to make sure I understand its level 3 class feature correctly. You summon the extra arms for 10 minutes, during which time you gain these benefits:
"While the spectral arms are present, you gain the following benefits:
As I understand it, you can only use the arms to make unarmed strikes, right? You can't hold a weapon or activate a magic item or open a door with them. However, you could hold a quarterstaff in two hands with your real hands (gaining the extra damage from versatile) and then unarmed strike with your astral arms, right? The only effect that seems to imply they can do something other than make unarmed strikes is that you can use your wisdom modifier when making strength checks, but I assume that's more of the arms "helping" you with whatever strength check you're making.
Am I getting this right?
Based on the subclass description, I'd say your interpretation is right:
- A monk who follows the Way of the Astral Self believes their body is an illusion. They see their ki as a representation of their true form, an astral self...
- Your mastery of your ki allows you to summon a portion of your astral self...
- these spectral arms hover near your shoulders or surround your arms (your choice)
EDIT: oh, also the illustration! (pretty cool, BTW)