Wizards of the Coast (WotC) released the initial playtest for D&D; Next, the newest edition of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D;) in May of 2012. The initial playtest only included four character classes: fighter, cleric, wizard, and rogue. Later playtests tried to add the sorcerer and the warlock, but those proved untenable. The November playtest added the monk class and it has mechanics that are nearly as good as the four classes that have been in the playtest since the beginning. Read ahead for a guide to the monk class as re-imagined and presented in D&D; Next.
Synopsis – The D&D; Next monk is a warrior that gives up raw power and hardiness in order to gain versatility. This version of the class looks almost identical to the 3rd edition version, though it uses mechanics that are much more refined. While the monk is very combat effective, it is only slightly more effective outside of combat than a fighter. This is a big departure from previous versions of the class. The D&D; Next version uses a combination of maneuvers and ki abilities, which both provide increased combat options. The class relies on both to be effective, which makes it one of the most complex classes to play in this edition.
Basic Information – This class’ primary attributes are dexterity and wisdom, though it arguably needs a high constitution, too, due to a lack of good ranged attack options. Also, it sports moderate hit points, moderate value hit dice, no armor proficiencies, and is proficient in a very small selection of weapons. The monk character has a large number of special abilities. At first level alone, the character gains the ability to add wisdom to armor class when not wearing armor, increased damage and accuracy with unarmed attacks, additional trained skills, the ability to use maneuvers, and the ability to use ki. At later levels more maneuvers are earned as well as more ki abilities and uses and immunity to disease, charm, and fear.
Maneuvers – Maneuvers are one of the two core mechanics of the class. The monk has maneuver dice based on the character’s level. These dice can be spent to use maneuvers and refresh every round. All maneuvers are used by spending maneuver dice. Normally these dice are rolled and the result of the roll determines the effectiveness of the maneuver, though in some cases the dice are simply spent. Maneuvers allow a character to perform various in-combat actions, including dealing extra damage, making additional attacks, avoiding attacks, and moving more quickly. The maneuvers represent a wide variety of combat actions that are representative of techniques that monks have been able to use across all previous editions of D&D.;
Ki – Ki represent the mystical abilities of a monk. The current class build only has two ki abilities: stunning fist and purity of body. These abilities respectively allow a character to stun an enemy and to heal. Unlike maneuvers, ki is only usable a few times per day, making it a valuable resource. Both abilities are good, though the latter only becomes available at 5th level, so there is no decision about which to use until that point.
