

These spells have the same casting time, effects, etc as the spell. As a Monk that also casts spells, you’re not exactly conventional so it might not be as straightforward as you may expect.Įlemental Disciplines that allow you to cast spells generally follow the typical rules of spellcasting. Let’s start by covering the Four Element Monk’s spellcasting. There’s A LOT to this so I’m going to break the feature down as well as possible. Just be mindful that you can only swap one out at a time and can only do so at levels 6, 11, and 17. If a certain discipline isn’t getting you the same value that it did at lower levels, it’s good to look for ways to trade up. Whenever you learn a new Elemental Discipline, you can also replace one of your existing Elemental Disciplines with another. You gain a new discipline of your choice at level 6, 11, and 17. As you level up, more Elemental Disciplines become available to you.īy default, you know the Elemental Attunement discipline (which we’ll cover in more detail below) and one more of your choice. Most let you cast spells using your ki but some provide other effects. These abilities are called Elemental Disciplines. Instead of gaining new features as you level up, you can gain new abilities within the Disciple of the Elements feature. Related: Monk Weapons in D&D 5e Explained Disciple of the Elementsĭisciple of the Elements is the only actual feature that the Four Elements Monk gains. I’ll offer some thoughts, ideas, or opinions for each of these Elemental Disciplines as well. So we’re going to cover your sole feature then we’ll look at the Elemental Disciplines that you can take within that feature.

Where other Monk subclasses gain features at levels 3, 6, 11, and 17, those are instead the levels at which you can attune to new Elemental Disciplines. It’s a little weird, but that’s what this guide is for! The Way of the Four Elements Monk only gains one actual feature, but they are able to customize and add to it as they level up.
Stunning strike 5e full#
They might expect that from the Wizard in the back, but not from you!Īlso Check Out: The Full Monk Class Guide for D&D 5e! Way of the Four Elements Monk Abilities If multiple enemies line up, you can instead punish them with a high-value use of something like Burning Hands. If a foe gets too close and out of position, you can punish them with a Flurry of Blows or Stunning Strike. With the majority of these in combination with your features from the core Monk class, you’ll likely be bobbing and weaving between the party’s front and mid sections in combat. You definitely don’t want to be sticking around the party’s back lines like a regular caster would, but you won’t be gaining many features to help you hold the frontlines.īecause the specific elemental disciplines you take are meant to mimic and enhance spell effects, your positioning is going to largely depend on what combination of disciplines you take. With your limited ki resource that recharges on a short rest, you’re more akin to a Kung Fu Warlock than a sagely Wizard or naturally gifted Sorcerer. The features you gain from the Way of the Four Elements subclass make you more like a caster than anything. Most Monks are skirmishers who are meant to swoop in, hit fast and often, then continue zipping around the battlefield. Role in the PartyĪs a Four Elements Monk, you’re a bit of an odd duck. These effects are made possible through their sheer force of will and mastery of their own ki. However, the Monk isn’t mixing reagents to produce these spell effects like a Wizard would. This manifests in the form of techniques that those who are familiar with the arcane arts might recognize. Through their training and discipline, these Monks can use their ki to call upon the forces of fire, water, wind and earth to assist them. Monks who follow the tradition of the Way of the Four Elements take inspiration from nature. You might unleash attacks with scorching tendrils of fire then follow up with a powerful blast of wind to blow your enemies away. You don’t have to lock yourself into disciplines of a specific element type. This subclass offers a ton of customization as you level up and gain new Elemental Disciplines. Mechanically, the Way of the Four Elements Monk is like a hybrid between the traditional Monk and a spellcaster. 6 Conclusion – The Way of the Four Elements Monk in D&D 5e What is the Four Elements Monk.5 Is the Way of the Four Elements Monk Good?.3 Way of the Four Elements Monk Abilities.
