The Master of Shadows: d4

[@idontrembe1]

A high half-elf only happens when you find the druids stash of mushrooms!

[@DnDDeepDive]

lol

[@dankahrs5433]

lol add some Spore Druid

[@oathboundhero1782]

Haha. Idea for a campaign. The spore druid is a dealer, and the BBEG owes him money, so he rounds up a party of his other clients. Chef feat.

[@BLynn]

The Master of Shadows: d4 #102 Level 1:(see above) [monk 1 & race] Level 2:(see above) [monk 2] Level 3:(@14:19) [monk 3 & sub-class] Level 4:(@16:12) [monk 4 & ASI] Level 5:(@17:27) [monk 5] Level 6:(@19:07) [warlock 1 & patron] Level 7:(see above) [warlock 2 & eldritch invocations] Level 8:(@26:42) [warlock 3 & sub-class] Level 9:(@30:31) [warlock 4 & ASI] Level 10:(see above) [monk 6] Level 11:(@34:15) [warlock 5 & eldritch invocation] Level 12:(@40:09) [warlock 6] Level 13:(@41:09) [warlock 7 & eldritch invocation] Level 14:(see above) [warlock 8 & ASI] Level 15:(@44:29) [warlock 9] Level 16:(@45:27) [warlock 10] Level 17:(@46:52) [warlock 11]

[@xezzee]

Love you ❤ thanks.

[@bonzwah1]

The type of character that I love the most are Jedi (and sith), so I actually love envisioning monks as long sword wielders, and I actually ask the opposite of my dm, to reflavor the flurry of blows as more long sword strikes haha.

[@MrRawryorawr]

Am I the only one who thinks it's weird that you can cast darkness as a shadow sorcerer using points and see within it, but not as a monk using your ki points?

[@Baes_Theorem]

As a Shadow Monk player, it pisses me off almost every session.

[@MrRawryorawr]

@@Baes_Theorem I allow it at my table home-brew. Could talk to your DM.

[@mevensen]

@@MrRawryorawr talked to my DM, no home brew, ended up with a blindsight dagger, instead

[@konstantinospetrakis2418]

Treantmonk fixed that.

[@cswishman]

​@@konstantinospetrakis2418 what was Treant Monk's solution?

[@shanelilly9673]

I humbly request for availability, a d4 T-Shirt that says “Don’t Say That” The outtakes are fantastic and I can’t be the only one that thinks so…

[@DnDDeepDive]

ha ha - good idea :)

[@paigemackie8942]

The bloopers are great

[@oathboundhero1782]

I second!

[@jonahsirvatka3769]

Right on time. I’m lucky enough to be able to have videos on in the background at work, and your vids are the best part of my Tuesdays ❤️

[@richardboyd1790]

Yeah! This is why when he does surveys about his videos I never complain about their time. Hell I'll take more.

[@chrisham7769]

Most definitely. I need a job where I can work with his videos in the background. Ty Colby

[@branharak1331]

He should get into audiobooks, he has the voice for it

[@richardboyd1790]

@@branharak1331 soothing poetry to relax and fall asleep too. Narrated by Colby

[@risperdude]

Colby could make a killing in asmr too. But I love having this run in my background at work too.

[@corymorse4271]

My solution to a shadow monk build is to start sorcerer, build towards shadow sorcerer 3/monk 5 and split tactics between hex (hexblood for race), darkness, and shadow blade which combined with using ki for stun attempts allows 3 solid attacks per round. Focus other spells on defense and fight in darkness whenever possible. Love your approach with warlock.

[@todddavis3880]

Hex and Darkness are both concentration spells.

[@corymorse4271]

@@todddavis3880 all three spells I referenced are concentration spells which is why I would split my tactics based on which spell is best in the situation. Hex is better for a boss fight, darkness is best for mass battle, and shadow blade is great for hit and run tactics in a dark area against one or a few strong opponents.

[@I7IDanny]

I'm currently playing a longsword Monk in the Dungeon of the Mad Mage - I've themed her unarmed strikes as things like hilt bashing and pommel striking, fighting like a sword-art kind of fighter. It's great fun!

[@theFunkyThumb]

Just in time. One of my lower level campaigns has a shadow monk thats been feeling underpowered lately, so this will be perfect for him. Thank you again, as always Colby

[@ShurikenSean]

I always thought this was a cool combo of warlock and monk, both getting back stuff on short rests and adding hex to so many attacks. but anytime I brought it up people said "hex is terrible" "this multiclass is unoptimized" but it seems underrated and really fun to play

[@X20Adam]

Worth noting is that the dark patch created by Summon Fey doesn't prevent you from seeing if you have dark vision. That is specific to the darkness spell, not magical darkness in general. This has been confirmed.

[@crownlexicon5225]

Have the fey put the darkness on you. It would still give you advantage and the like and I think enemies would be less likely to move away

[@jackchaplin3794]

Beat me to it. It's a very useful aspect, plus it's unlikely to piss of your party cause it doesn't really effect them. But to note power that wasn't noticed, it's a good idea to put it on enemy spell casters if you can stop them from moving cause now they can't cast any sight based spells. But also if you put it on yourself you become immune to sight based spells/ features against most creatures. Hold person? They can't see you, they can't target you.

[@greypilgrim9967]

I have to admit, I was expecting you to do shadow monk (4), gloom stalker (4) and arcane trickster (rest of the way). But I still really liked this. Going genie warlock made a lot of sense for SR benefits. Bravo!! 👏👏👏

[@authorindisguise5173]

Mixing monk and warlock is brilliant. The MADness is rough, but short-rest Spirit Shroud works so well with Flurry. I tried to build a monk-to-cleric, but ranger with Hunter always ended up looking like a better foundation. It's a pity about Summon Fey. One thing I really hate about 5e is how locked down the turn order is, and the bizarre design decisions that lead to things like you going AFTER your mount. Definitely an area that benefits from house rules

[@quendi5557]

one thing I would like to say is that Hex can be very useful for lowering passive perceptions, since gving dis to a skill means that it's passive goes down by 5.

[@TheBlackZodiacGhost]

Would love to see your take on a concept I call the "Mindbender". The premise is to make a "face" character, that specializes in all the different ways to affect the minds of people/enemies, and deal mainly psychic damage.

[@jonlibby7231]

That could be fun

[@WAMTAT]

Abberant sorcerer, bard, GOOlock could work really well

[@chrisham7769]

I love the your openings Colby! Definitely puts a smile on my face and makes me feel welcomed!

[@theresnoracelikegnome]

Summon Fey’s darkness is actually a little better than it seems. Most melee enemies will just step out of it to attack you, but only 5 feet sideways to avoid AoO. Then you just step into the darkness for your advantage. You can also just put it in an empty square near several enemies and move there on your turn.

[@karlhorlacher8727]

Love the build. I'd love to see your take on a build that takes the most advantage of the short rest mechanic. It may be a duo character build, but it could be an interesting take on a hybrid nova/sustained damage build where the nova damage comes from blowing all resources before a short rest, then the sustain comes from getting the resources back multiple times a day.

[@agilemind6241]

Race: Half-Elf Ability Scores: STR 8, DEX 15+1, CON 13+1, INT 8, WIS 13, CHA 14+2 ASIs: +2 Cha, +2 Cha, Feat: Tough Build path: 5-Hexblade - Invocations: Improved Pact Weapon, Thirsting Blade, Eldritch Smite, Spells: Booming Blade / Green Flame Blade, Hellish Rebuke, Shield, Hex, Misty Step, Counterspell, Summon Undead 5-Swords Bard - Fighting Style: Dueling, Spells: Command, Faerie Fire, Healing Word, Heroism, Aid, Hold Person, Catnap*** (so you can SR whenever you want!), Fear + 2 Utility spells of your choice 3-Battlemaster Fighter - Fighting Style: Archery, Action Surge, Maneuvers: Goading Attack, Tripping Attack, Riposte 7- Mercy Monk - Hand of Harm, Flurry of Blows, Evasion Play-style: Conjure either a +1 Longbow or +1 Longsword as your pact weapon (you are equally adept with both). Use Goading Attack + Defensive Flourish + Shield to tank like a champ either in melee or at range (or use Riposte for dmg if Shield wasn't necessary). Use Tripping Attack / Eldritch Smite to knock flying enemies out of the sky. When you are in melee, use Flurry of Blows + Hand of Harm to maximize damage and debuff the enemy or use Patient Defense to maximize tankiness. When you are at range, use Healing Word or Hex for your BA. At level 20: HP: 146 AC: Half-plate 17 + 1d8 (+5 optional) for an average 27 with 2 ways to give DA to the enemy to hit us. "Sustained" DPR (melee - no Hex): 2x [1d8+5+2+1] * 0.7 (chance to hit) + 1d8 (Flourish) + 1d8 (SD) + (Flurry of Blows) 2x 1d6+2 0.55 (chance to hit) = 30.5 "Sustained" DPR (melee - with Hex): 2x [1d8+5+2+1+1d6] * 0.7 (chance to hit) + 1d8 (Flourish) + 1d8 (SD) + (Flurry of Blows) 2x [1d6+2+1d6]* 0.55 (chance to hit) = 39.3 Extra Burst Damage: 2x [1d8+5+2+1] * 0.91 (Action Surge at Adv) + 4d8 (Eldritch Smite) + 1d6+1 (Hand of Harm) + 6*PROF (HBC) = 81.25 SR Resources: 5x BI (1d8) added to our AC & Damage using Defensive Flourish 1x Action Surge 1x Hexblade Curse 4x SupDice (1d8) added to our Damage 2x 3rd level slots (which we can use for Catnap to SR as often as we want!, and added to our damage via Eldritch Smite) 7x Ki used for Flurry of Blows & Hand of Harm

[@HeroG9000]

Oooh genie warlock is a neat twist I wasn’t expecting! You there’s some homebrew and in older additions there are a shadow genie witch would fit the theme sooo well! You could even skin one of the other Djinn as the Shadow Djinn.

[@bifflechips-t5r]

Dungeon Dad put out a video a few months ago to update the Khayal to 5e, a genie from the Shadowfell. I'd allow the shadow genie as one of the choices for sure.

[@Blexventures]

I am so glad I found your content! Thank you for the story and metrics of these builds.

[@jacobyullman5005]

I think it would be really fun to play a Dao Genie Warlock with the Scaled Toughness draconic gift from Fizban's. As far as I can tell this is the only way to get resistance to all Bludgeoning/Slashing/Piercing damage at all times. No multiclassing required, and it's always active, unlike Barbarian which needs to be Raging.

[@irakhlin]

One simple solution for the Summon Fey is to cast the darkness on your square which also protects you from other creatures in the fight.

[@lypiberri7173]

Would love to see a strength based character sometime soon. It's been a while

[@miguelangelus959]

0:07 strength based Colby

[@TylerWx]

Yeah, that would be great. Everyone plays Dex based in 5e.

[@רועיצור-ג1כ]

Shield master two months ago

[@DnDDeepDive]

@@miguelangelus959 lol

[@DnDDeepDive]

Ok, just finished the script for one :). Will be out... in two weeks!

[@rcschmidt668]

Colby, don’t despair the mistakes of the past. Your character Ariana was one building block to set the foundation of experience we love to watch you bring to each video. Episode 102 is so good by learning what works and does not work with each character build. Keep moving forward! 🤓

[@michaelyoung7261]

“Welcome home!” -Colby, every video Thank you, I feel welcomed.

[@comfortablegrey]

I personally like the blind fighting style rather than devil's sight. It's not ranged (so can't shadow step through your own magical darkness) but it works if an ally casts obscuring mist, or similar, in combat. You can still teleport through regular darkness, and the character doesn't need to make a pact.

[@ztsnyder]

I like trying to flavor attacks around the outcomes of roles. Even misses can be fun because you can flavor those into setups for other attacks. On the topic of using your body as a weapon, I flavored a missed attack followed into a crit by saying, “Swinging her quarterstaff overhead down onto the orc, she didn’t factor in the sidestep. Thinking quickly, she twisted as she landed, took a knee, and followed through with that momentum to cause the staff to rocket back up into the poor orc’s groin.” It was a big hit at the table when all the guys that pictured it did the same face. So yes, in a way I am with you on flavoring using your body as a weapon.

[@schuepbachr]

Re: Monk hand to hand vs hand and weapon fighting. Depends on the fantasy I'm trying to achieve? If I'm trying to do a Tony Jaa, yes. Just punchy-kickies. If it's cruching tiger, hidden dragon, weapons and wushu, baybee.

[@thefakeslimshady8881]

Hey, I have a character concept idea. ‘The oneiromancer’/‘the dreamer’ a character focused on sleep and dreams. Possibly focussing on enchantment and illusion spells and possibly some divination (if you want to lean into the oneiromancy idea) and likely with fear and or charming effects. Love your videos, keep up the good work.

[@estherclawson6876]

Legendary urn of whispering warriors. Lol. The ending bloopers are always so amusing. Thanks for keeping them in somewhere. Sorry it took so many days to finish the video. Life does that sometimes I guess.

[@baseupp12]

I swear when DnD 5.5e comes out in a few years it better include a monk rework.

[@AnaseSkyrider]

Some suggestions on my wishlist include: - Adjusted Monk MA die scaling up to 1d12, OR adding a d4 with each upgrade instead of increasing the size. - The Martial Arts attack doesn't require a bonus action, and FoB does one fewer attacks? Maybe? - WIS mod extra ki points. - Turn ki techniques into a pool of moves you can learn, a la Battlemaster Maneuvers. Add more techniques. - Add scaling to some of the techniques, because "more ki points is your scaling" is not good enough. E.g. at level 11, you can spend 1 more ki point to: hit once more with FoB, give disadvantage to your stunning strike, etc. - An extra ASI a la Rogues? - A way to turn ki points into temp HP, because squishy? OR, upgrade the Monk class hit die to a d10. - Fix the class capstone. Regain 10 ki points when you roll initiative, OR, steal the Barbarian capstone and make it DEX+WIS instead. - Let Monks, or at least Kensei, use shields? Seems totally dumb, I see the kung fu master picking up an improvised shield all the time. - Remove some of the restrictions on Martial Arts. Unarmored Defense and Unarmored Movement requires you to not wear armor, that's fine, but Martial Arts should restrict just based on using monk weapons, just like how Barbarian's Rage is restrictive to making Strength attacks. Martial Arts also forcing you to not use armor and shields to work is just stupid. - Stunning Strike, in addition to the scaling suggestion, should either not require an attack roll, OR, should remove the target's reaction regardless of if it succeeds the saving throw. - Better Monk feats! An equivalent for like Metamagic Adept that grants a couple ki points and a technique! - More Monk magic items! There are two or so magic items in the entire game that help Monks with their unarmed strikes. It's ridiculous that it took until Fizban's to acquire an item that improved your Ki Save DC or added ki points.

[@mischief2344]

@@AnaseSkyrider just give more ki points and they will be fine

[@AnaseSkyrider]

@@mischief2344 Monk balance is rough. They're actually pretty good at low levels, and they don't get enough boosts at high levels. The extra ki points mostly helps at low levels, not the high levels where spending ki every round still falls behind the more powerful party members.

[@agilemind6241]

@@mischief2344 More actually does nothing to help the balance of the class. Ki is constraining only up until level 11 and Monk is on par damage-wise with other martials up until level 11. The problem with Monk is that there is almost no offensive bonus and only 1 defensive bonus after level 11, everything else is utility / ribbon, and with limited MC options the class just kind of stagnates at level 11.

[@agilemind6241]

@@AnaseSkyrider Scaling to MA die to a d12 does very little. Adding d4s is much better and fits the monk more thematically - robust reliable damage instead of high-variance damage. More ki techniques isn't an improvement, just like Battlemaster you'll end up with 3-4 good ones that everyone uses and 6 bad ones that are simply traps. Monks really aren't that squishy, about the same as a Rogue TBH. Fix the class capstone. - Capstones do not matter almost no one plays to level 20. Kensei getting light/medium armour and shields seems way more fitting than that Agile Parry they have. More Monk magic items! -> this really isn't necessary, monks can use regular magic weapons like any other martial, I don't know why DMs don't give them out.

[@vinspad3]

Happy to see you 'go back to where it started.' Wonderful build.

[@accidentalhero3051]

Considering how much I loved this build video, the fact that the highlight was a Jimmy Eat World reference is saying a lot! I love this channel so much!

[@Notharah]

Sadly you cannot move your Hex to a new target if you used your Flurry of Blows on the round you killed it, as both use a bonus action. Still, I think Hex works really well on those tougher foes that take a few rounds of blows to down :)

[@genxmonk70]

But - Hex > Stunning Strike > Your party kills it > Move Hex and Repeat ?

[@Notharah]

@@genxmonk70 yes, that would work, as stunning strike is part of the initiating attack that hit, and not a separate bonus action like flurry. 😎

[@LittleBananaJoe]

You could ready your own action for the trixie fae to get in position, cast darkness, and then you do the entire thing. You would lose your reaction and therefore most likely an opportunity attack but it works

[@givemeanaxe]

Lol watching you use a longsword for your monk the way I do. *chefs kiss

[@jstogdill9195]

Build idea: MacGuyver/A-Team - 2 levels Knowledge Domain Cleric and at least 6 levels any Artificer. Channel divinity gives proficiency in any desired toolset. Artificer tool expertise gives expertise in any known toolset. Queue up the ‘80s building montage music and build your butt off for a solid 10 minutes. I’m picturing a deep gnome with a Mr. T hairstyle!

[@oshermdaddy2058]

Just started a campaign where I plan to use your shadow blade build. This build is just as cool. I would love to play it at some point.

[@bridog9313]

Something I noticed right away on your channel is that each video is the exact same volume. Which for me is a huge appreciation. And you have a nice speaking voice. I always find that I put your channel on right before bed because good content, and I know the next video will be the same volume.

[@steeldrago73]

You could cast it on something you carry, cover the object like a lantern, have the fae place it on the big creatures head somehow.

[@lukelloyd8976]

Once again, you create a fantastic build that I would not have conceived of; had I just seen the brief/title for the build. chapeau monsieur!

[@cedriclankes3115]

I have to say youre voice is very soothing almost like asmr quite relaxing while I write down the Details I must admit.

[@DnDDeepDive]

Thanks!

[@Avigorus]

If I'm gonna ask to reflavor a weapon, I'll generally try to keep it mechanically similar to some degree, like a handaxe/light hammer as a shield (on a Kensai), a club as knuckles, a dagger as a katar, that kind of thing.

[@theblindbuildergrandminuti5648]

Ah, since it’s your revisiting your first 5e character, it’s very fitting to use the first intro music.

[@martimusprime5267]

The first class I played when introduced to 5e was also a Shadow Monk. It was pretty fun.

[@MiroAcronymity]

I'll play something similar for my next character: 1 rogue, 1 twilight cleric, 6 shadow monk, rest rogue and arcane trickster to get more spells and utillity. Possible take another cleric level for dim light on demand, but I think there will be many other ways to get it. No feats apart from mobile and perhaps warlock magic initiate. While an elf would be optimal, I opted for a Kenku for rp and utility reasons. My DM allows my character to see into his own magical darkness, so all I needed was darkvision and twilight cleric also gives a nice bump to initiative rolls.

[@manfredhase2289]

I love to hear that metal theme again. Like it much better. And btw. welcome back. Hope your vacation was a good one!

[@Axel-zc6xj]

For the AC issue, have you thought about picking up the Armor of Shadows invocation for mage armor? You're not wearing armor, so it doesn't interfere with martial arts, and with max DEX you get to 18 AC. Helps not have to deal with WIS too much.

[@utkarshgaur1942]

Like some others have said, I recommend putting the tricksy fey's darkness on yourself.

[@danielwhite6324]

I had a similar idea behind my last character, but I started with 3 levels of gloomstalker ranger, then 8 levels of way of shadow monk, and then assassin rogue. With blind fighting as my ranger fighting style and the darkness spell, I could deal a considerable amount of damage. In natural darkness, it was even better, because I was an orc, and could move a ridiculous number of feet in the first round to deal a metric butt ton of damage... usually to unsuspecting victims.

[@Flaraen]

I think instead of bumping cha at the end I would take sentinel, it would give you more attacks which is good if buffing through spirit shroud, and it would enable you to keep them in the darkness if using any of the spells that generate that.

[@grizzlednerd4521]

Shadow Monk seems to also synergise with Gloom Stalker...essentially being automatically invisible in normal darkness (even after attacking), with 120 darkvision, wis bonus to initiative, bonus attack on first round, Hunter's Mark and/or Favoured Foe, Fighting Style...and no need to MAD more with CHA. If I was looking at DPS with a warlock, not sure why I wouldn't go with Pact of The Blade and Eldritch Smite. The smite goes off after you know you've hit, and makes most foes prone with no save...so extra damage and advantage on your now prone foe.

[@FabulousJejmaze]

That Breath of the Wild-looking character art is actually one of my favorites I've ever seen in one of your videos. It fits so surprisingly well with the theme of the character!

[@Bootsofwings]

My own home rules for my tables for monks is to do ki how spell slots use to work, at first level you get 2 ki points, then at second you get 1, and just alternate every level back and forth.

[@johngleeman8347]

20:56 It's okay Colby. We all have to accept that we live under the tyrannical rule of the hexblade. XD

[@brynwtsn]

I came up with a build that you might like to take on. It's a sustained damage build that focuses on 2 adjacent enemies. You need 6 levels in Bladesinger for their special extra attack. 3 levels of Hunter for Horde Breaker, and 3 levels in Rogue for Phantom. After that I would continue Rogue. You get a lot of versatility from Rogue stuff and 6 wizard levels. This uses two weapon fighting (I'd take that fighting style from Ranger) probably get the two weapon fighting feat as well. Maybe elven accuracy. You are using a shadow blade and shortsword (or rapier if you have the feat). If there's 2 adjacent enemies you hit enemy 1 with upcast shadowblade, horde breaker lets you attack enemy 2 with it as well. Then you cast green flame blade with rapier or shortsword on enemy 1, doing additional damage to enemy 2. Then you can attack enemy 1 with shadowblade again with bonus action. Then you do your full sneak attack dice to enemy 1 and half to enemy 2 with any of those hits. That's 4 attacks every round and the only resource you used is a 3rd level slot for shadow blade. Now you attack as much as a 20th level fighter.

[@mcullennz]

it could be a wood or high half-elf, both can get elf weapon training. Also, a Longtooth Shifter beast barbarian can be making 3 attacks at level 3 and 4 attacks at level 5

[@wandrilleturle36]

Listening to you at work, it's past 8pm here and I am so happy to hear from you 😄

[@emulationemperor8924]

Personally, I allow my friend's Monk to regain their wisdom modifier number of Ki points at the start of battle now, regardless of them being out of Ki points or not. Baldur's Gate 3 and some other later 5e features showed me the quality of life that was offered by guaranteeing resources at the start of battle. It really helps the Monk go for a few smaller encounters without begging for a short rest at every moment.

[@darrenromanko2414]

Another wonderful video. I thought you would take Shadow Sorc in this build but going Warlock filled the same itch. Thank you and have a most excellent week.

[@storyspren]

I do the opposite of that weapon reflavoring sometimes, I had a kensei monk for longsword reasons (pre-Tasha's by like a year or two) and his bonus action strikes were often with the pommel or quillons :D

[@werdnotrom11]

I haven't seen it mentioned in the comments yet, but it'd be worth noting that when you use the vessel short rest you don't replenish ki: you can't fit the 30 mins meditation in 10 mins. Otherwise a very flavorful build :)

[@lovelaven6491]

Fun build Colby! Been tinkering with a half-elf "ninja" for my brother to go with my half-elf "samurai", so this fits great! Will try a version were I trade the monk levels to rogue as well and see which he like the best. PS. The "samurai" is a Battlemaster Fighter/Vengeance Paladin.

[@jasongaylard2547]

I went for full on shadow. Shadar-Kai Shadow Monk with an Undead patron ghostly master. Shadow/Kai step wether is dark or not. Temp HP + potential resistance. Fear on hit so its harder for enemy to hit back against me or my summoned shadow.

[@Blossom_Nova]

Very cool build. Been waiting for shadow monklock for a while and this didn't disappoint. Summon Fey was a cool option I hadn't considered, hard to make it work, but getting extra damage AND advantage is very very good for a Monk. My other idea, though much MUCH less cool, is to multiclass with Spores Druid instead and merely use the Eldritch Adept feat to grab Devil's Sight. Darkness + Symbiotic Entity seems like another good combo of getting advantage and at least a little extra damage, and it's less MAD, but regardless, love the build (and also enjoy Jimmy Eat World :P)

[@egbboy1]

Its always a great day when I see genie warlock used

[@Ahglock]

I've used the darkness from the summon fey by having it target me. Less likely to run imo as they aren't blind to everyone. And all enemies will have disadvantage attacking you. And while yes occasionally I lose out on advantage or in your case super advantage attacks, i retain the defense of applying disadvantage to all enemies and stopping some spells etc. Edit to explain the tactic a bit more, I move in and cast the spell, the fey appears next to the enemy, stabs them twice, it then fey steps behind me out of reach of the enemy places the shadow around me before backing up 10 feet. It is now out of conflict without the enemy getting an AoO if it gopes after the fey, and its likely away from other enemies. Round 2, I'm still in shadow, I attack with advantage, the fey runs up, stabs and repeats the procedure. When I go after new enemies there is a round where I don't have advantage.

[@yodaleiaheehoo9960]

It’s me again the dude that really only comments on the outtake songs. 😆Did not expect a throwback to Futures which is such an underrated album. I feel like most of the time when talking about J.E.W. it’s Bleed American and Clarity that are mentioned but they have other great albums. They are from my hometown and I’ve talked with Tommy on a few occasions worked for his parents during HS and a bit after. I’ve seen them live at every album tour and actually had backstage passes for the Futures tour. Many of their records are sitting on my shelf, I apologize for the giant text block but hearing you sing that got me excited 😁

[@DnDDeepDive]

Nice! Super jealous!

[@Jacob-sb3su]

Would love to see a build using the new Plasmoid race from Spelljammer! So many shenanigams with ots features

[@theresnoracelikegnome]

Doubt he’ll do one until it’s officially released. But I’d love to see it at that time.

[@carternoguchi9577]

Always look forward to Tuesday cuz of this channel

[@gabriellaini]

My favorite character that I made was a Djinn Genie warlock 2 / Kensei monk 7. he was a Tabaxi for the monster speed. This was pre Tashas, so no dedicated weapon feature. on top of that he had the eldrich claw tatoo. Unfortunately he met his demise in the hands (better yet eyes) of a beholder. He was the most flexible character that I ever played, quickly changing from ranged to meelee combat to help the party. It was a ton of fun

[@grizzlednerd4521]

An option to bump early monk damage even higher is taking the Fighting Style feat and picking up Unarmed Fighting. Once your Martial Arts reach 1d8, you can swap it out for another style...like Thrown Weapon Fighting or Dueling (depending on your style of monk). V.Human Battle Master 4 + Long Death 16 is an interesting build imo.

[@fasterpet]

Love the combo of shadow monk and warlock. Most of the spells you use don't actually rely on cha to be effective, so I would probably bump wisdom for better monk ac. The free mage armor as an invocation could work if you prefer to dump wis and boost dex. From playing a hexbow, an 18 ac is hard to hit when covered by shadow of moil. Still think you should have a "balanced/solo" character build where you fight the enemies in your tank build and see if you defeat them before they kill you. Perhaps add a tarrasque as a level 20 option...

[@exqueue3813]

I read that as "hexbro" and now I want a build for it.

[@aaronstout1323]

I liked the idea so much I wrote a book with this as the hero. (Arcane Ninja)

[@Latholan]

I always love your videos, your perspective, and your insight! One suggestion though; when you need to update your spreadsheets in the future, please consider your color-blind audience. I often find myself struggling to match the colors in the legend to the lines on the chart. That said, your content is always top notch and I'm proud to be able to support your work.

[@pdubb9754]

I very much love the idea of a monk with a staff, inspired of course by the classic Looney Tunes cartoon Robin Hood Daffy. "Shake hands with Friar Duck,"

[@Ghrank]

I was just planning a shadow monk build! You have a weird knack for releasing videos related to a concept I'm planning. Love it. I'd also love to see if you could work something out using the Zephyr Strike spell. It's a cool and unique spell, but just seems not as good compared to Hunter's Mark. I'm sure there's a build involving it in there somewhere

[@chacepassmore6474]

Have you ever watched "Dungeons of Drakkenheim?" It's a series by the Dungeon Dudes. They have a player (Jill) Who played a Tabaxi Gloomstalker Ranger with Zephyr Strike. She was busted

[@Ghrank]

@@chacepassmore6474 I know of it but never watched it. I'll have a look 🙏

[@chacepassmore6474]

@@Ghrank It's such a good series oml! Please do

[@danielfaubert1903]

Was literally just thinking about how I'd like my next character to be a shadow monk infiltrator. Looking forward to seeing how this build turns out

[@benjeffries2610]

I really feel like this channel has had a level up as it neared 💯 and the characters have become much more rounded and practical. Love the channel.

[@Nerotoxicman]

i would love to see a build around eldritch blast! and make it all about how many eldritch blast we can make!

[@Ash.King.Y]

Love the improvement! That's a mature aproach! I hope you can check the combination beast barbarian/ soulknife rogue (7). I want to see your aproach of 4 attacks at 8th level + utility.

[@DnDDeepDive]

On the to do list!

[@danielluna9213]

I don't think Psychic Blades works with Extra Attack as "The blade vanishes immediately after it hits or misses its target."

[@Ash.King.Y]

@@danielluna9213 You are right. But the extra attack will be claw attack. So two psychic blades and 2 claws. The idea is: As beast barbarian 3 you can do an extra claw attack - "Once on each of your turns when you attack with a claw using the Attack action, you can make one additional claw attack as part of the same action." As barbarian 5 you have extra attack, so 3 attacks at this point. Adding soulknife 3 you can use the bonus action attack - "After you attack with the blade, you can make a melee or ranged weapon attack with a second psychic blade as a bonus action on the same turn, provided your other hand is free to create it". Assuming str 18 and using reckless attack, your turn will be: Attack 1 - Psychic Blade: 1d6+2d6 (sneak)+6 (str4+rage2) = 16.5 Extra attack - First Claw: 1d6+6 (str4+rage2) = 9.5 Extra claw attack - Second Claw: 1d6+6 (str4+rage2) = 9.5 Offhand bonus action Psychic Blade: 1d4+6 (str4+rage2) = 8.5 And you have other options: psychic blade + tail + psychic blade and have the reaction to pump your AC; psychic blade + bite + psychic blade and do some vampire creepy stuff.

[@danielluna9213]

@@Ash.King.Y oooh got it! It does look pretty cool!

[@agilemind6241]

@@Ash.King.Y Is that RAW? I recall the wording of the Beast Claws making it sound like they fill your hands thus wouldn't synergize with Soul Knife.

[@andreyrojasmadrigal6940]

Intro caught me off guard lol. Build looks very divertida to try

[@JoshSmith-lc2sn]

I love the justification at the beginning lol

[@JoshuaSmith-hl1xj]

That's funny she was a wood elf. My first character was a female wood elf light cleric. U keep doing these darkness themes makes me miss my 4e nethermancer, Nevar.

[@mercifulmemelord2623]

Gnome rune knight barb. Proficiency/situational advantage with all six saving throws and rune knight eliminates the downside of disadvantage with heavy weapons. I just like the idea of a gnome getting upset when you insult his height so he gets real big and real mad

[@jordanw2741]

Watching your videos about monks make my heart so happy. I love the flavour of monks, but the optimizer side of my brain prevents me from choosing them (even though I have a blast playing them in one shots). Hope Wotc buffs the class in 5.5e.

[@gregd9178]

METAL INTRO!!! Best intro ever!!!

[@TMRyan]

I was very excited for this episode after the preview!

[@perlygatekeeper]

Colby, I couldn't find your Ep 4 write up so I rewatched it and did the best I could. You may have to check it, but it could serve as a good start if you'd like it.

[@DnDDeepDive]

Will put that one on the to do list

[@isaackarr6576]

When times are hard and things are hard I stand strong and I shine bright.

[@mortvanesreca]

Im sooooo hyped for this Episode

[@izitest2785]

0:07 WHAT A FLEX! Quite the intro xD

[@DnDDeepDive]

😬😬😇😇

[@alexhowe2593]

Thanks for this man, my gf was looking for some fun changes w a shadow monk

[@AuthoritativeNewsNetwork]

The genie patron in the vessel for the monk is giving me Ancient Master Xianxia/Xuanhuan vibes, definitely re-flavouring my eldritch blasts as launching Ki punches across the room.

[@occultcenturion1131]

HaDOOOken!

[@micahpeltier554]

Shadow monk was my first character too! He died to owlbears at level 3, so...

[@DnDDeepDive]

RIP

[@TheHatmanMC]

WAIT YOUR FIRST CHARACTER IN 5E WAS THE SAME AS MINE!!! I loved my Vermini Gaeprit, Ive tried recreating her so many times, never quite got there though. I hope this video helps me with this!

[@onyourleft3946]

May have missed it in the video, but I’m curious as to why you chose to go genie over hexblade since wouldn’t hexblade curse be the best for damage

[@reespewa]

Unfortunately the magical darkness summon fey creates doesn't block darkvision like it does with the darkness spell. It's a silly mechanically inconsistent rule, but it's what it is. It still works if the creature lacks darkvision though!

[@yasch3696]

Wuhuuuuu new episode! Im so glad i always forget that you upload once a week and always get pleasently surprised :D