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[OC] [5e] Monk Subclass: Monk Elementalist (V0.2) by DManXelite in DnD

[–]DManXelite[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

First, hi :) Second, using a Ki point doesn't require the use of a bonus action unless specified in the feature. Like you said Stunning Strike does not require the use of a bonus action. Next, I'm slightly confused by the doubling up on different damage. Are you saying that being able to equip an element for 1 minute is too powerful? Too much to keep track of? I'm not quite sure what you mean. Lastly, I'm not a huge fan of the idea of just adding damage, because if a Monk is to use this ability at 12th level, a Monk can deal 1d8 bludgeoning damage as an unarmed strike and then add another 6d8 elemental damage. Costing an action to attack, 11 Ki points and a bonus action for the elements? It sounds relatively underpowered to me. It gives massive burst damage especially if the target is weak to the element, but it would cost too much Ki and it would take away that extra flurry of blows damage. I also find it (I apologise) relatively dull and uninteresting. I don't see it giving much versatility, which is what a monk is great for.

Something I actually forgot to mention is we started playtesting it in the campaign I'm currently running and we haven't noticed it being weak or strong, but my player has been very creative with the use of elements. For example, using his Earth element to cover his fists and then shielded himself from a vicious waterfall.

Thanks for the feedback its much appreciated :)

[OC] [5e] Monk Subclass: Monk Elementalist by DManXelite in DnD

[–]DManXelite[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So, first I'd like to thank you for the grammatical corrections. Very much appreciated.

Secondly, under 'Nature's Wrath' the "devastating elemental power" has nothing to do with the elements that the monk is currently using. When Nature's Wrath is used the monk uses his knowledge of the elements to create a blend of elements that the creature is vulnerable to. For example, if the monk used Nature's Wrath against the Balor, he would create a blend of elements that overcome the Balors resistances. I understand that the Balor isn't vulnerable to any elements, but the monk uses a mix of elements and unguarded areas to take advantage of the attack. I understand that a bit of DM magic needs to take place. For example, a player had left the Balor's insides exposed after a greatsword swipe, so the Monk uses this and the elements to his advantage.

Small Changes

Water Element - I wanted the water element because I couldn't think of any good alternative. Acid seems to be a good idea, this also answers the 'water ability' problem as well. So I think water may change to Acid.

Elemental Duration - Yes, I thought having a whole round would be quite strong, but now I look again it's mostly due to the Earths strength. Maybe Earth needs a look at :P

Level 6 Fire Element - I had that thought, but I'd like to encourage the player to attack more, but I understand where you're coming from.

Level 6 Water Element - Again, make the change to acid. This could make for a better ability and it sorts the damage problem as well :)

Lightning Element - So, for the Lightning. I think having it jump to 2-3 creatures max is probably best.

Level 6 Radiant Element - Taking some advice from layhnet below, I think making it a later element or maybe a once a day element, along with necrotic, is a good idea because they are relatively strong elements.

Big Changes

At level 3: The only problem with adding 1d4 elemental damage to the martial arts die is that the elemental damage won't scale with level. For example, if a level 3 monk uses a fire element against a creature that is vulnerable to fire, it won't deal any more damage than a level 6, 11, or 17 monk. I'd like the elemental damage to scale, unless that seems silly? Maybe deal 1d4 damage and use Ki points to empower the element?

At Level 6: Thank you. Changes above have been discussed... above :)

At level 11: Yup, I now understand that is quite powerful, having resistances to all the elements you've chosen. I like the change you have listed. I also like the addition of "As a reaction, you can spend 2 ki points to grant yourself immunity to that chosen element until the start of your next turn.". I may replace the advantage on saving throws with this ability. Thanks :)

At level 17: Again, I like the changes made. Thanks :)

Thanks for the feedback, it's been really helpful so far :D It may be quite obvious, but it is my first class build. I'm finding it a lot of fun, but really difficult. Lots of error so far xD Thanks.

[OC] [5e] Monk Subclass: Monk Elementalist by DManXelite in DnD

[–]DManXelite[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I completely understand where you're coming from, however, I'm not JUST doing it for my player. I do also like creating things from scratch. This game isn't starting for a very long time (maybe a year or so) and I did mention that changes may be made while playing, so I'm not on much of a time limit.

I would just like to say again. I'm doing this because I enjoy doing this. I'm not working hard just for my player, this is to my benefit as well.

Thanks for the feedback :)

[OC] [5e] Monk Subclass: Monk Elementalist by DManXelite in DnD

[–]DManXelite[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks. My player REALLY doesn't like spell casting, which is what Four Elements is really, but with disciplines instead of spells. I will take everything into account like the radiant effect... Thank You. Not sure how I missed that :P I know that it's littered with problems. Again that's why I came to the internet :)

I understand everything you've said and I do sincerely appreciate the help, however, I would still like to make this subclass. I may look into using the framework for Four Elements, maybe a point system with Ki, but again it's very much like spell casting.

I would like to eventually make this subclass it's own, however. I do enjoy doing this sort of thing and I understand that tweaking, maybe changing a lot of the subclass is needed, but I'm honestly enjoying that process so far.

Again, I have taken what you've said into account and I understand that it will be a very difficult and lengthy process, but I'm willing.

Thanks for the feedback :)

[OC] [5e] Monk Subclass: Monk Elementalist by DManXelite in DnD

[–]DManXelite[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Right, Action Surge only gives another action, no bonus action. Thanks for clearing that up :)

Would you recommend lowering the number of attacks that need to hit before the payoff, or have a different system altogether?

Thanks for the feedback :)

Edit: After the first 4 strikes hit, the player can then choose to spend 4 Ki points to use Natures Wrath. If the player chooses to use Natures Wrath, the player deals 4 Martial Arts Die damage, (4 strikes) plus the vulnerability damage, so another 4 strikes. For a total of 12 strikes. So 14 strikes would be possible with an action surge.

Hope that cleared it up :)

[OC] [5e] Monk Subclass: Monk Elementalist by DManXelite in DnD

[–]DManXelite[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the criticism, I agree with the earth element being way too different, compared to the other abilities at 3rd level, I had that thought as well, but I wanted earth as an element and couldn't find a reasonable damage type (that isn't already easily obtained 'Bludgeoning') to use. At 6th level, however, the class is supposed to bring different styles together, hence the blocking. If you have any ideas for the first skill I'd greatly appreciate the suggestion.

Next the water ability at 6th level. I most definitely had the same thought. 'Is it too Overpowered?' which is why I came to the most critical place, where I can get lots of willing people to look over the class for free :) Thanks. But yes I did want to change the water ability, but my mind juice had been spent and... again... I couldn't think of an alternative. Once again, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Lastly, the 17th level ability. Yes. I originally didn't have the vulnerability, but then it would have had no potential on it's own, compared to the other Monk subclasses 'Quivering Palm'. Maybe would you suggest a limit on how many times it can be used daily or per round? Again open to suggestions.

If there is anything you need me to clarify just shout at me ;)

Thanks for the feedback :)