The Arcane Hand Monk: D&D Build

Today I'm joined by Kelly and Monty from the Dungeon Dudes to talk about their new book, "Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim," and do a build for one of my favorite subclasses from it. Get comfy 'cuz this one goes loooooooong ;).
Check out Plain Terrain Battle Maps here: www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
Find Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim here: www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
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Intro to Drakkenheim:(0:00)
Plain Terrain Battle Maps:(13:26)
Level 1:(15:34)
Levels 2-6:(23:50)
Levels 7-9:(53:27)
Levels 10-13:(1:06:21)
Levels 14-17:(1:25:08)
Final Thoughts:(1:33:55)
Outtakes:(1:43:00)
Math/Graph for this episode: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
Master Sustained Damage Comparison (5 tabs):
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
Thanks to LudicSavant for the amazing DPR calculator! forums.giantitp.com/showthrea...)
Music Credits:
Achaidh Cheide - Celtic by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/
Angevin 120 loop by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/
Celtic Impulse - Celtic by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/
Fiddles McGinty by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/
Lord of the Land by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/
Master of the Feast by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/

[@DnDDeepDive]

I know - my audio is coming out the left speaker and Kelly is coming out the right - sorry about that - hopefully it doesn't make you too dizzy!

[@matthewbannister4665]

I just turned my headphones round, problem solved! Thanks for yet another great episode

[@jamieswiftdrake9530]

Hey, it’s better than all the sound coming out of one speaker or neither! The audio is great :) Also, I’ve just got to the part where you’ve just started talking about Eldritch Flurry and your giddy handclap is exactly how I felt on hearing it haha. #MonksaretheOne(D&D)

[@ACloud27]

Didn't even notice. Now I can't unhear it 😂

[@abcrasshadow9341]

I just installed a stereo to mono sound extension just for this episode!

[@romanabanin2216]

didn't notice until you've pointed lol

[@PatRiot-le7rd]

Monty's suggestion of calling the collab d6 was a great way to start off the video. Great job, gents!

[@Way2Fr13D1]

We need all the d6 collabs. Would love to see more builds using these new sub classes and a more detailed full builds using the apothecary.

[@nickbazzoli6200]

Not me getting why the serie is called d4 now thanks to that joke.

[@scottydog50]

3d4

[@Mashamazzi]

It wouldn’t fit thematically but wouldn’t d4+2 give you a higher roll more often?

[@coreypacillo8204]

Then it's settled. All colab videos should be called "d6"❤

[@TreantmonksTemple]

Monty hit the nail on the head when he mentions how WOTC monk subclasses tend to promise something, then dial it back. Spell slots, a Monk with a resource that doesn't expend Ki, novel idea ;) Edit: Lol, yes I was still watching at the end, and yes I did love it.

[@pzalterias5154]

Ok, the top tier dnd content creators are all here

[@bwaresunlight]

Well looks we need another episode called D8 now. Get in There Treantmonk!

[@chrisvossler8795]

I'm now curious how you would build an Arcane Hand Monk 🙂

[@JaxonBurn]

The gang’s all here!

[@lostsoulman]

Hi Chris. If Colby plays the arcane monk in a campaign what will you play? Wizard?

[@wandrilleturle36]

Last week, Colby : we have reached the end of the dungeon dude's challenge series This week Colby: Surprise 🎉😂

[@chrisvossler8795]

He reached the end of *that* challenge series. But I do recall the Dudes suggesting in a video that they needed someone to look at all their subclasses and see just how breakable they are. And that the "someone" to do it would be Colby...

[@arandomweeb3834]

I am in nerd heaven right now. Seriously, Dungeon Dudes + Colby? That's a dream team!

[@Leif47]

Avengers Endgame: “The ultimate crossover” D4 + Dungeon Dudes: “Hold our beers”

[@reginaldkelly7809]

ur trippin with no luggage xD

[@TheKilogram1000]

I'm more excited for this, than when That's So Raven, Suite Life of Zack and Cody, and Hannah Montana had a crossover episode.

[@bluebird3281]

Wait is Colby really Treantmonk in a blonde wig?

[@TheKilogram1000]

@@bluebird3281 I’ve never seen them in the same room

[@ojodeoro1106]

The fact they landed on 6 ds is so beautiful.

[@sexlexia3966]

Cuz we all know a d6 is S tier! 😅

[@ryanparker4006]

Glad to see the two-channel crossover! Two of my favorites. Maybe more in the future?

[@DrAndrewJBlack]

Yes, more of these collabs in the future.

[@jonnymazzola7124]

Yes please, we want more!! 🙏

[@jonathanrich9281]

Ahhhh, a Monk with Misty Step, Shield, and Booming Blade?! YES! Just reflavor a little, and you can use Booming Fist to do Thunder damage with your punches and kicks, and Shield can just be entering a defensive stance and blocking all attacks. And Misty Step is a literal anime Flash Step. I love this so much! Finally a monk caster that doesn’t suck! I can’t wait to see the polearm-focused Monk, too. I’m totally buying this thing just for the Monk subclasses alone.

[@tylerduke9798]

Is it in the dungeon dudes book? Or a different resource

[@nicholaswalker2278]

Its in Sebastian Crow's Guide to Drakkenhiem. @@tylerduke9798

[@coryrothwell319]

​@tylerduke9798 All of the new subclasses and the Apothecary class are in their second book, Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim. Both Monks are fantastic.

[@relaxedfantasyreview]

D6 forever 🤩💯

[@jordanprice6457]

This is the monk subclass we’ve always deserved

[@bobbyLNZ]

Hi, love both of these channels and now they're together to build which is also my favorite thing of D&D character building is awesome

[@WokAwayFu]

For someone who literally hasn’t ever played a real game of D&D, I love watching both the Dungeon Dudes’ and D4s’ content. You three guys are so wholesome and I love that you guys are friends outside of just D&D. It’s very inspiring to see how much a TTRPG can really bring people together. 😇

[@infra_r3d133]

Dude, we have to find you a table! Unless you’re happy just watching from a distance, which is fine

[@WokAwayFu]

@@infra_r3d133 I would love to actually be part of a campaign one day, but my life and schedule currently just doesn’t have room for it. Not without sacrificing something else important. But thank you!

[@gagecampbell5629]

@@WokAwayFu since you don’t have much time to play, you should totally watch High rollers. It’s such a good group

[@BLynn]

The Arcane Hand Monk: D&D Build #148 [Now with Dungeon Dudes added!!] Level 1:(see above) [monk 1, race & feat] Level 2:(see above) [monk 2] Level 3:(@27:07) [monk 3 & sub-class] Level 4:(@41:07) [monk 4 & ASI] Level 5:(@42:03) [monk 5] Level 6:(@44:17) [monk 6] Level 7:(see above) [monk 7] Level 8:(@1:01:50) [monk 8 & ASI] Level 9:(@1:01:59) [monk 9] Level 10:(see above) [monk 10] Level 11:(@1:07:25) [monk 11] Level 12:(@1:16:12) [monk 12 & ASI] Level 13:(@1:16:35) [monk 13] Level 14:(see above) [monk 14] Level 15:(@1:26:09) [monk 15] Level 16:(@1:26:26) [monk 16 & ASI] Level 17:(@1:26:46) [monk 17]

[@dbacon1975]

Dungeons of Drakkenheim subclasses are truly the first 3rd party subclasses i've found that aren't scared of making the subclasses a little more balanced and when needed, more powerful without going too far. I feel like every other book I've grabbed over the years are so afraid being accused of power creep, that they back off to the point where I'm just not interested. Great job, gang! @DnDDeepDive, I hope you do more of their subclasses, you'll love them all!

[@JamesTaylor-oh1sd]

I will always be a fan of homebrew Monk subclasses. Monk is one of the coolest classes in 5e and it just underperforms. This video, as always, is spectacular so far, and I always love the Dungeon Dudes videos!!

[@darrenromanko2414]

When I saw Colby in the dungeon dudes lair, I was way more excited than I should have. I loved it all.

[@Sonareklipse]

I just finished playing a 3.5 campaign where I was an Enlightened Fist. I had the most incredible time building it and playing it. I'm still riding some of those highs and can't wait to watch this!

[@joseacevedo8314]

Colby, filming with the Dudes has another benefit along with their great knowledge of D&D, they make you look extra swole. Put those guns away, man!! Another great build.

[@leokoten]

I don't know why but I burst out laughter after the d4 to d6 transition! Nice video Colby, Kelly and Monty!

[@johndidato]

Love seeing the collaboration between my two favorite DnD KZbin channels! Let's get Chris in there as well!

[@NerdNyren]

Nice to see 3 geeks sitting down and being geeky together. I liked hearing the thought process behind the class. Good job, Dudes and Colby!

[@clay4816]

Is it just me or am I hearing Colby out of my left speaker and the dungeon dudes out of my right speaker? my eyes and ears are conflicting.

[@DnDDeepDive]

yeah I think it had to do with the set up in their studio. Hopefully it doesn't make you too dizzy!

[@Treebohr]

I just like that Kelly's audio comes from the right even though he's on the left, and Colby's audio comes from the left even though he's on the right.

[@Wintermute909]

When I was a kid I was confused when reading a caption under a picture "xyz is the one on the right" because I'd think it meant their right, not our right looking at the picture!

[@ikaemos]

This is what it must feel like to be hit by Stunning Strike. 😵‍💫

[@GryphonDes]

Kelly & Monty : the Drakkenheim book is phenomenally fun! And it is so beautifully done as well -- thanks for making it & thanks to Colby for slapping it down straight up for us to enjoy!

[@bobswag710]

What an absolute amazing collab, both Monty and Kelly did an excellent job with this format

[@meredithsalt8397]

you guys are the best - we need more D6 @DnDDeepDive‧ @DungeonDudes and a campaign. I wanted to play a pole-arm monk in a game but was told isn't wasn't a viable option with how monks were written. Thank you, Colby, Kelly, and Monty 💖

[@daveyfunk]

I don't even play DnD but I watch your videos and Dungeon Dudes videos for some reason haha I like the theory crafting and seeing how it might adapt to BG3 and you guys together seems a real meeting of minds concerning the best build content on KZbin

[@20storiesunder]

Never too late to start :)

[@daveyfunk]

@@20storiesunder yeah, been thinking about local groups :)

[@OGPedXing]

Haha such an epic collaboration! I love the D6 and Colby as a guest Dude!

[@intrepidfool]

BG3 led me to your site and then led me to Dungeon Dudes site (subscribing to both). I then bumped into the Dungeon Dudes briefly at Gamehole Con this past weekend. Fun to see them collaborating with you on your awesome channel.

[@ikaemos]

Impressive! Going by Colby's spreadsheet, this build has a higher base average DPR across all measuring points than any other sustained damage build - *78* (!) vs. the #2 spot Bladesinger's 74. However, it strikes me as more of a burst/sustained hybrid build; you're spending a lot of resources to get those numbers! 1 ki on every turn for Flurry, 2 ki on Focus Power (Spirit Shroud), 3 ki on Meditative Casting (Haste) = 8 ki in 3 rounds (not counting ki for rerolling saves with Diamond Soul or fixing attack rolls with Focused Aim), and 2 spell slots. Sure, once you rev up, you can keep going for 10 more rounds, but you're unlikely to ever need that. I think it deserves the spot, given how hungry it is.

[@jesserohn4618]

I love the collaboration! It's fun to see two of my favorite channels working together. Also, I enjoy the longer video.

[@sammayes948]

this gives my dungeon dudes and d4 loving soul a big smile. cant wait to get the book and try this monk!

[@joaod.carvalho182]

Now that's a dream team!

[@cambrasher3875]

Because of Jujutsu Kaisen’s popularity this year, I have seen so many requests on Reddit and the like for a good magic monk build. Now I can just send them this. Nice work boys.

[@B.J.Camire]

Thank you so much for this. I'd gladly watch any number of more episodes of d6!

[@agustindanessa7016]

3 of my all time favourite youtubers in one video? LET GOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

[@andrewwhite1697]

Ohhh boy I've been playing the arcane hand and it's been amazing. Love the added omph of magic with the attacks. Also the cleric multiclass for more juice is amazing

[@KingYejob]

I love your longer videos, cause I watch videos while at work and this kind of long form content is great for passing the time

[@Vossiga]

Monk love. Fiiiinally!! And the best three dudes to do it!

[@Nexidal]

I'd have to take Fly, if for no other reason than I couldn't get enough of the Matrix as a kid. In fact, this subclass would be very fitting for a Neo build. 😎

[@lolimmune]

Yo, I Do love this video. I've been pumped for this crossover for a while. Finally got it. Not disappointed. Now all we need is a game.

[@eddienash4400]

This collaboration was absolutely fantastic. I love you guys nodding and shaking your head in agreement about this Monk. I loved watching Colby gets so giddy about this and Kelly and Monty, just your reactions to the damage reports were just so enjoyable to watch. Thanks for such an awesome Collab guys. Keep up the great work.

[@leahwilton785]

Would love to see more D6's in the future, this was a joy. Edit: Hope you enjoyed your visit to Toronto :]

[@painappledad1352]

Three of my favorite ppl together 💛

[@julius2790]

Love you guys and this video. I've been checking out your commander subclass for fighters and that is EXACTLY the kind of character I'd love to play. Really impressed with your subclasses.

[@ziggymack2233]

Dude, Canadian KZbin is where it’s at

[@HealingSwordsman]

Sometimes it feels like a Monk in current D&D is almost doing a job on the battlefield that youd think thematically a rogue would be doing (Finishing off softer or weakened targets hard to conventionally reach)

[@lovelaven6491]

Lovely collaboration, lovely build, loved it!

[@Rockin501s]

Yaaassss to D6. Love both channels. Great video guys!

[@patrickbruce645]

We are about 5 sessions into our drakkenheim campaign. One of the players is a way of the serpent Monk. The other party members are a gloom stalker ranger, light cleric and an evocation wizard. The sub-class you presented fits seamlessly into the party. I'm excited to see where they go! Thank you! I can't wait to play an apothecary.

[@MachineWraith]

Awesome collab! Great and interesting build as always, Colby! As an aside, I absolutely love the Apothecary class that the Drakkenheim book adds.

[@Fairburne69]

What a wonderful episode. I was smiling ear to ear listening to this. I want more more more. 🎉🎉🎉

[@geraldaugustus739]

Welcome to Toronto, amigo! Kind of funny, but I love build videos, and you and the dudes are my two go tos. But also I'm adhd so I set the playback speed to 2x for the dudes and 1.5x for you. Hearing you all at 1.75x is trippy!

[@Streamsofsilver996]

God what a great group. And an awesome subclass! Great collab!!!

[@linkatronic]

Great collaboration! What an awesome build! Would love to see more optimized solo class builds!

[@srob127]

Best Wednesday Morning of my life! Thank you all for this great collaboration! Keep it up D6! Love you guys!

[@DanteScream666]

So comfort video thanks guys!

[@Steven.T.Y.]

Subscribed before 1000, now look at this channel, it's amazing how fast you've grown Colby! Great job!

[@f.a.santiago1053]

I want a path of the Colby Barbrian 'cause DAAANG, my guy, you are SWOL!!

[@TheLaensman]

Watching this with headphones was a trip, the sound is inverted, as in hearing the person to the right in my left ear

[@rfedin0708]

I love seeing this type of collaboration! And on the monk too 100% perfection

[@sayerrobin]

AS a player who monk multi-classes a lot, I love this single class monk.

[@nilcraify]

Yeah... love this video and walk through and LOVE D4 and The dungeon dudes!!!

[@danileinx]

5 levels on Nature Cleric gives you both Shillelagh and Spirit Shroud with extra attack by level 10. It changes things a bit and looses some of the later features, but honestly in quite a good way. This is basically what I've been trying to attempt with a Ranger5/ClericX build but with more BA attacks (War Cleric) and with BB+Extra Attack (not an option for Arcana Cleric). This is now the trigger for me to actually want to play a Monk.

[@Synamint87]

I wanna see more builds from this amazing book!

[@Tusitala1967]

Alright I've been waiting for this. 🙂One of the things I love about the Dudes is that they keep their channel very clean. Sure Monty loves gruesome blood, horror, and guts (who doesn't?), but I think I was watching for two years before I ever heard Kelly drop a curse word during a moment of character panic. I would say it's maybe a Canadian thing, but Colby has the same vibe. It's very heartwarming that these guys and Treant Monk are all friends who talk behind the scenes and exchange ideas; which is all to our benefit.

[@andrewblack1928]

This is why my daughters & I, who love to watch DnD Creators, watch their channels together. Well done and clean content.

[@Tusitala1967]

@@andrewblack1928 Don't get me wrong, I grew up watching Eddie Murphy and I have worked in kitchens my whole life. I drop eff bombs like blitzkrieg, but I admire their restraint and general decorum. 🙂

[@matttaylor3120]

We loved it! Loved the extra Drakkenheim lore about the monks!

[@ryancline9201]

I loved these 3 creators coming together and making this class🧡

[@DR-023-17]

So cool to hear about the character design process! Love both of these channels, hope everyone has a great day!

[@Wintermute909]

I think my happiest YT d&d day was when I discovered that my two favourite channels knew each other......but not anymore because today is even better!

[@paulmurphy5520]

This is so awesome!

[@OMNIhydra1]

I bought their book specifically for this subclass. Just hearing that there was a Monk subclass with spell slots was all I needed to drop the cash for that PDF. It's so cool. 100% my next character is gonna be one of these dudes.

[@jayson.m]

Love seeing all 3 of you on the screen together!

[@timscott7151]

This is great! Thank you.

[@simonmoody8400]

Kelly and Monty's reactions to both 'The Cheese Grater' and then being told what it is was priceless. Thanks guys!

[@joshuabateman829]

The Dungeon Dudes are my Canadian brothers!? What a great thing to learn. I'm new to D&D online community and D4 is one of my fave cooking channels and the Dudes for sleeping. Colby, you can be Canadian too, I'll ask the PM to houserule it.

[@luanmartins5250]

it is already awesome that this is a monk video, and now with my favorite colab. Love you guys

[@diavoloinc]

What a great episode ❤

[@blenden1000]

Love it! I really enjoy the extra long deep dives! Thanks for giving me 2 hours of awesomeness to listen too! Also, the unedited version is still amazing and still feels organized and streamlined. Kudos sir!

[@Mononocleosus]

This.... this absolutely makes my heart the happiest 💜

[@ballentime1530]

Amazing video duders. Incredibly inspiring!

[@Jango1989]

This was great! I always love to see the d4 + dungeon dudes combo!

[@casperpiper]

This was so cool. I had to watch in segments due to work, but I loved being one of the first to see it!!! Thank you for this subclass class. It absolutely makes sense!!!

[@jonnymazzola7124]

What an AMAZING video!! I love your collabs, I was hoping so much to watch a deep dive of this subclass, and I would love to watch a deep dive into way of the serpent monk! Thank you Colby and thank you Dungeon Dudes!

[@joshd8443]

Super entertaining video. Loved the back-and-forth feedback

[@eyedoc8567]

Great video. I really loved the interaction. Keep up the great work!

[@moonlightmaps]

Such a great video! Super happy to sponsor this one and help bring it to life!

[@jamesfoster9613]

This was like my Avengers level D&D content (similar to all ya'll playing with Treantmonk...what a year or two ago?). SIMPLY AWESOME I hope you are able to do more collabs, even if its via video, and I hope you do more SCGTD subclasses. I'd love your take on Hex Oath Paladin, Cosmic Warlock, or Shadow Domain Cleric (my personal three favs lol)!

[@zTom_]

Brilliant class, Dudes! 👍 Cool video from the D6 crew 💪😎

[@midwesternpickle]

this subclass sounds super fun! good work all

[@YItGottaBeBlack]

I giggled too hard at the beginning mention of the episode making it d6. Ahhh… that tickled me. Thank you.

[@galacticcannibl1966]

I spent a lot of good hours watching both of your channels very fun to watch both of you. well all 3 of you

[@Sunprayer]

I loved the colab you guys did!

[@garyboyles5762]

Enlarge/Reduce what a fine spell to explain Avatar state... Edit: I feel a 3 level dip of Sorcerer in this class would be really fun! Start 3 Sorc, Metamagic applied to play, twin or subtle spell would be good flavor.

[@tphilli469]

Great collaboration, Thank you!

[@jernada6794]

The collaboration we have been wanting! Thanks guys!

[@EmmettBMF]

It was a great episode, love it when you spend hours on a build, with the Dungeon Duds as well. Even better

[@chacepassmore6474]

This is such a good episode oml! Not just cause of the dudes, but I love the build