What Qualifies as a Monk Weapon?
The monk class in Dungeons and Dragons is known for its agility, speed, and versatility. One of the key aspects of a monk’s abilities is their versatility with weapons. But, what exactly qualifies as a monk weapon? In this article, we’ll break down the rules and limitations of monk weapons, as well as provide some tips and examples to help you make the most of this class.
Direct Answer: What Qualifies as a Monk Weapon?
According to the official Dungeon and Dragons 5th edition rulebook, monk weapons are short swords and simple melee weapons without the heavy or two-handed properties. This includes weapons such as daggers, shortswords, handaxes, and clubs. Monk weapons can also be thrown, such as javelins, darts, and hatchets.
Simple Weapons
Simple weapons are melee weapons that do not require special training or proficiency. They are often used for close combat and are accessible to characters of all types. Simple melee weapons that qualify as monk weapons include:
• Claws
• Clubs
• Darts
• Handaxes
• Shuriken
• Warhammers (specific types, such as the Moradin’s Monk Hammer, which can separate into two light hammers)
• Short swords, including the Dagger
Heavy and Two-Handed Weapons
Heavy and two-handed weapons are more powerful and heavier than simple weapons. Monks cannot use heavy or two-handed weapons, as they are not designed for their proficiency. Examples of heavy and two-handed weapons that do not qualify as monk weapons include:
• Heavy hammers
• Morningstars
• Warblades
• Greataxes
• Great hammers
Thrown Weapons
Monk weapons can also be thrown, using the Thrown property. Thrown weapons must be light enough to be thrown, and the wielder must have the required proficiency to use them. Examples of thrown weapons include:
• Javelins
• Darts
• Hatchets
• Shuriken
Finesse Weapons
Monk weapons can also qualify as finesse weapons, which means the wielder can use the Dexterity modifier instead of Strength when determining the attack roll. The following weapons are finesse weapons:
• Daggers
• Shortswords
Warhammers with Finesse
A special type of warhammer, such as the Moradin’s Monk Hammer, can separate into two light hammers, and each light hammer can use the Dexterity modifier.
Tips and Examples
Here are some tips and examples to help you better understand what qualifies as a monk weapon:
• A warhammer with no special properties is considered a simple melee weapon, but it is not automatically a monk weapon.
• A warhammer with the thrown property qualifies as a monk weapon and can be thrown.
• A warhammer that can separate into two light hammers, such as the Moradin’s Monk Hammer, qualifies as a monk weapon and can be used as two separate melee weapons.
In conclusion, monk weapons are simple melee weapons without the heavy or two-handed properties, thrown weapons, and finesse weapons. Understanding what qualifies as a monk weapon can help you make the most of the monk class and create memorable characters.