Can monks use Dex to shove?

Can Monks Use Dex to Shove?

In the world of Dungeons & Dragons, monks are known for their agility, quick reflexes, and ability to use their surroundings to their advantage. One of the most iconic abilities of monks is their use of martial arts, which allows them to perform impressive feats of physical prowess. But can monks use their Dexterity (Dex) score to shove enemies? In this article, we’ll delve into the rules and provide a definitive answer to this question.

The Short Answer

According to the official 5th edition Dungeons & Dragons rulebook, monks can use their Dexterity score to attack and damage with their unarmed strikes. However, when it comes to grappling and shoving, monks are limited to using their Strength (Str) score. This means that monks cannot use their Dexterity score to shove enemies.

The Rules

To understand why monks can’t use their Dexterity score to shove, let’s take a closer look at the rules. In the Player’s Handbook, it states that when a monk uses their martial arts ability, they can use their Dexterity score to attack and damage with their unarmed strikes. This ability is specifically designed for ranged attacks and doesn’t apply to grappling or shoving.

On the other hand, the rules for grappling and shoving are governed by the "Grappling" section of the Combat chapter in the Player’s Handbook. According to this section, when a creature is grappled, they are considered to be restrained and cannot move. To end the grapple, the grappled creature must make a Strength (Athletics) check, or the grapper can make a Strength (Athletics) check to maintain the grapple.

Why Strength and Not Dexterity?

So, why can’t monks use their Dexterity score to shove? The reason lies in the design of the monk’s martial arts ability. The ability is specifically designed for ranged attacks, and the game designers chose to use Strength instead of Dexterity for grappling and shoving because it makes more sense from a mechanical and narrative perspective.

Using Strength for grappling and shoving makes sense because it reflects the physical strength and power required to restrain an opponent. It also allows for a clearer distinction between the monk’s martial arts ability and their grappling ability. If monks could use their Dexterity score to shove, it would blur the lines between their martial arts ability and their grappling ability, making the game more confusing and less intuitive.

Implications for Monks

So, what does this mean for monks who want to use their Dexterity score to shove? Unfortunately, it means that they will have to rely on their Strength score for grappling and shoving. However, this doesn’t mean that monks are at a disadvantage. In fact, many monk builds focus on building high Strength scores, which makes them formidable grapplers.

Additionally, monks have access to a range of abilities that allow them to manipulate and disorient their opponents, making them less effective at grappling and shoving. For example, the monk’s "Slow Fall" ability allows them to fall safely from any height, which can be useful when trying to escape from a grapple.

Conclusion

In conclusion, monks cannot use their Dexterity score to shove enemies. The rules for grappling and shoving are governed by the Strength score, and the monk’s martial arts ability is designed for ranged attacks. While this may be disappointing for some players, it’s an important aspect of the game’s design and mechanics.

By understanding the rules and limitations of the monk’s abilities, players can create more balanced and effective builds that take advantage of their strengths and weaknesses. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a new player, this article should provide a helpful guide to the world of monk martial arts and grappling.