Does the monk's Martial Arts feature replace the damage die type, the die number, or both?Does using versatile weapons with 2 hands disqualify them as Monk weapons?Would a monk with the Tavern Brawler feat have improvised weapons count as monk weapons?Are using unarmed strikes and monk weapons the same thing?Does a Monk's Martial Arts die replace all of a magic weapon's damage, or only the die portion of it?Does Martial Arts Damage Apply to Ranged Attacks with Monk Weapons?The Kensei's level 6 features seem lackluster compared to other ways of spending a ki point; what is its niche?How can I use a polearm with Reach as a Monk/Kensei weapon?Are there ways other than Kensei Weapons or Hex Warrior to use an ability other than STR for non-finesse melee weapons?Can a Level 6 Kensei Monk make an improvised weapon magical?Does the double-bladed scimitar's special attack let you use your ability modifier for the damage of the attack?

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Does the monk's Martial Arts feature replace the damage die type, the die number, or both?


Does using versatile weapons with 2 hands disqualify them as Monk weapons?Would a monk with the Tavern Brawler feat have improvised weapons count as monk weapons?Are using unarmed strikes and monk weapons the same thing?Does a Monk's Martial Arts die replace all of a magic weapon's damage, or only the die portion of it?Does Martial Arts Damage Apply to Ranged Attacks with Monk Weapons?The Kensei's level 6 features seem lackluster compared to other ways of spending a ki point; what is its niche?How can I use a polearm with Reach as a Monk/Kensei weapon?Are there ways other than Kensei Weapons or Hex Warrior to use an ability other than STR for non-finesse melee weapons?Can a Level 6 Kensei Monk make an improvised weapon magical?Does the double-bladed scimitar's special attack let you use your ability modifier for the damage of the attack?






.everyoneloves__top-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__mid-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__bot-mid-leaderboard:empty margin-bottom:0;








8












$begingroup$


I'll get more into the question's details, but the reason I ask this is the Kensei Monk. Kensei monks cannot use Heavy weapons, which results in them being unable to use all Two-Handed weapons, but the Double-Bladed Scimitar is a two-handed weapon that is not heavy.



Since a Double Bladed Scimitar usually does 2d4 damage, if a level 5 monk replaced the die using Martial Arts to a d6, would the Double Scimitar change into 2d6 damage or 1d6 damage?










share|improve this question









New contributor



KenseiMonker is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.






$endgroup$







  • 2




    $begingroup$
    Welcome to RPG.SE! Feel free to take the tour if you haven't already. This is a neat first question, but I'm a bit unclear on where the "Double Bladed Scimitar" comes from. Could you specify in which book (or other source) the official rules on this weapon can be found?
    $endgroup$
    – Gandalfmeansme
    8 hours ago











  • $begingroup$
    @Gandalfmeansme: The double-bladed scimitar is an item from the Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron. KenseiMoniker, can you confirm whether that's the weapon you're referring to?
    $endgroup$
    – V2Blast
    8 hours ago











  • $begingroup$
    I'm glad my answer was helpful to you, but in the future, you may want to wait a bit before accepting an answer. You might still get a better one!
    $endgroup$
    – Chris Starnes
    7 hours ago










  • $begingroup$
    @ChrisStarnes That's a fair point, but I figured that there wouldn't be a better as the ruling seems fairly clear, especially since you pointed out how the rulebook references other classes' features that use weapon damage die, and that monk doesn't do that. Regardless, I'm still keeping an eye on the thread, so if I better answer comes up I'll be sure to switch to that one.
    $endgroup$
    – KenseiMonker
    7 hours ago

















8












$begingroup$


I'll get more into the question's details, but the reason I ask this is the Kensei Monk. Kensei monks cannot use Heavy weapons, which results in them being unable to use all Two-Handed weapons, but the Double-Bladed Scimitar is a two-handed weapon that is not heavy.



Since a Double Bladed Scimitar usually does 2d4 damage, if a level 5 monk replaced the die using Martial Arts to a d6, would the Double Scimitar change into 2d6 damage or 1d6 damage?










share|improve this question









New contributor



KenseiMonker is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.






$endgroup$







  • 2




    $begingroup$
    Welcome to RPG.SE! Feel free to take the tour if you haven't already. This is a neat first question, but I'm a bit unclear on where the "Double Bladed Scimitar" comes from. Could you specify in which book (or other source) the official rules on this weapon can be found?
    $endgroup$
    – Gandalfmeansme
    8 hours ago











  • $begingroup$
    @Gandalfmeansme: The double-bladed scimitar is an item from the Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron. KenseiMoniker, can you confirm whether that's the weapon you're referring to?
    $endgroup$
    – V2Blast
    8 hours ago











  • $begingroup$
    I'm glad my answer was helpful to you, but in the future, you may want to wait a bit before accepting an answer. You might still get a better one!
    $endgroup$
    – Chris Starnes
    7 hours ago










  • $begingroup$
    @ChrisStarnes That's a fair point, but I figured that there wouldn't be a better as the ruling seems fairly clear, especially since you pointed out how the rulebook references other classes' features that use weapon damage die, and that monk doesn't do that. Regardless, I'm still keeping an eye on the thread, so if I better answer comes up I'll be sure to switch to that one.
    $endgroup$
    – KenseiMonker
    7 hours ago













8












8








8


1



$begingroup$


I'll get more into the question's details, but the reason I ask this is the Kensei Monk. Kensei monks cannot use Heavy weapons, which results in them being unable to use all Two-Handed weapons, but the Double-Bladed Scimitar is a two-handed weapon that is not heavy.



Since a Double Bladed Scimitar usually does 2d4 damage, if a level 5 monk replaced the die using Martial Arts to a d6, would the Double Scimitar change into 2d6 damage or 1d6 damage?










share|improve this question









New contributor



KenseiMonker is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.






$endgroup$




I'll get more into the question's details, but the reason I ask this is the Kensei Monk. Kensei monks cannot use Heavy weapons, which results in them being unable to use all Two-Handed weapons, but the Double-Bladed Scimitar is a two-handed weapon that is not heavy.



Since a Double Bladed Scimitar usually does 2d4 damage, if a level 5 monk replaced the die using Martial Arts to a d6, would the Double Scimitar change into 2d6 damage or 1d6 damage?







dnd-5e class-feature weapons damage monk






share|improve this question









New contributor



KenseiMonker is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.










share|improve this question









New contributor



KenseiMonker is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.








share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited 8 hours ago









V2Blast

29.5k5106178




29.5k5106178






New contributor



KenseiMonker is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.








asked 8 hours ago









KenseiMonkerKenseiMonker

433




433




New contributor



KenseiMonker is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.




New contributor




KenseiMonker is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.









  • 2




    $begingroup$
    Welcome to RPG.SE! Feel free to take the tour if you haven't already. This is a neat first question, but I'm a bit unclear on where the "Double Bladed Scimitar" comes from. Could you specify in which book (or other source) the official rules on this weapon can be found?
    $endgroup$
    – Gandalfmeansme
    8 hours ago











  • $begingroup$
    @Gandalfmeansme: The double-bladed scimitar is an item from the Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron. KenseiMoniker, can you confirm whether that's the weapon you're referring to?
    $endgroup$
    – V2Blast
    8 hours ago











  • $begingroup$
    I'm glad my answer was helpful to you, but in the future, you may want to wait a bit before accepting an answer. You might still get a better one!
    $endgroup$
    – Chris Starnes
    7 hours ago










  • $begingroup$
    @ChrisStarnes That's a fair point, but I figured that there wouldn't be a better as the ruling seems fairly clear, especially since you pointed out how the rulebook references other classes' features that use weapon damage die, and that monk doesn't do that. Regardless, I'm still keeping an eye on the thread, so if I better answer comes up I'll be sure to switch to that one.
    $endgroup$
    – KenseiMonker
    7 hours ago












  • 2




    $begingroup$
    Welcome to RPG.SE! Feel free to take the tour if you haven't already. This is a neat first question, but I'm a bit unclear on where the "Double Bladed Scimitar" comes from. Could you specify in which book (or other source) the official rules on this weapon can be found?
    $endgroup$
    – Gandalfmeansme
    8 hours ago











  • $begingroup$
    @Gandalfmeansme: The double-bladed scimitar is an item from the Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron. KenseiMoniker, can you confirm whether that's the weapon you're referring to?
    $endgroup$
    – V2Blast
    8 hours ago











  • $begingroup$
    I'm glad my answer was helpful to you, but in the future, you may want to wait a bit before accepting an answer. You might still get a better one!
    $endgroup$
    – Chris Starnes
    7 hours ago










  • $begingroup$
    @ChrisStarnes That's a fair point, but I figured that there wouldn't be a better as the ruling seems fairly clear, especially since you pointed out how the rulebook references other classes' features that use weapon damage die, and that monk doesn't do that. Regardless, I'm still keeping an eye on the thread, so if I better answer comes up I'll be sure to switch to that one.
    $endgroup$
    – KenseiMonker
    7 hours ago







2




2




$begingroup$
Welcome to RPG.SE! Feel free to take the tour if you haven't already. This is a neat first question, but I'm a bit unclear on where the "Double Bladed Scimitar" comes from. Could you specify in which book (or other source) the official rules on this weapon can be found?
$endgroup$
– Gandalfmeansme
8 hours ago





$begingroup$
Welcome to RPG.SE! Feel free to take the tour if you haven't already. This is a neat first question, but I'm a bit unclear on where the "Double Bladed Scimitar" comes from. Could you specify in which book (or other source) the official rules on this weapon can be found?
$endgroup$
– Gandalfmeansme
8 hours ago













$begingroup$
@Gandalfmeansme: The double-bladed scimitar is an item from the Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron. KenseiMoniker, can you confirm whether that's the weapon you're referring to?
$endgroup$
– V2Blast
8 hours ago





$begingroup$
@Gandalfmeansme: The double-bladed scimitar is an item from the Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron. KenseiMoniker, can you confirm whether that's the weapon you're referring to?
$endgroup$
– V2Blast
8 hours ago













$begingroup$
I'm glad my answer was helpful to you, but in the future, you may want to wait a bit before accepting an answer. You might still get a better one!
$endgroup$
– Chris Starnes
7 hours ago




$begingroup$
I'm glad my answer was helpful to you, but in the future, you may want to wait a bit before accepting an answer. You might still get a better one!
$endgroup$
– Chris Starnes
7 hours ago












$begingroup$
@ChrisStarnes That's a fair point, but I figured that there wouldn't be a better as the ruling seems fairly clear, especially since you pointed out how the rulebook references other classes' features that use weapon damage die, and that monk doesn't do that. Regardless, I'm still keeping an eye on the thread, so if I better answer comes up I'll be sure to switch to that one.
$endgroup$
– KenseiMonker
7 hours ago




$begingroup$
@ChrisStarnes That's a fair point, but I figured that there wouldn't be a better as the ruling seems fairly clear, especially since you pointed out how the rulebook references other classes' features that use weapon damage die, and that monk doesn't do that. Regardless, I'm still keeping an eye on the thread, so if I better answer comes up I'll be sure to switch to that one.
$endgroup$
– KenseiMonker
7 hours ago










2 Answers
2






active

oldest

votes


















13












$begingroup$

Martial Arts would replace the normal damage, if the weapon didn't have the special property



The monk's Martial Arts ability says (PHB, p. 78; emphasis mine):




You can roll a d4 in place of the normal damage of your unarmed strike or monk weapon. This die changes as you gain monk levels, as shown in the Martial Arts column of the Monk table.




The normal damage of a Double Bladed Scimitar is 2d4, which you can choose to replace with 1d4 (1d6, 1d8, or 1d10, as you level up) if you want. Or rather, you could, if the Double Bladed Scimitar did not have the special property (as V2Blast pointed out). Way of the Kensei allows you to use a weapon with the two-handed property, but still prevents you from using one that has the special property.



Putting the special property aside for a moment, each die you roll for damage from a weapon is referred to as a "weapon damage die". For example, the barbarian's Brutal Critical feature (PHB, p. 49; emphasis mine):




Beginning at 9th level, you can roll one additional weapon damage die when determining the extra damage for a critical hit with a melee attack.




If Martial Arts was intended to apply to each weapon damage die individually, we could expect it to be worded something like this:




<fake> You can roll a d4 in place of the normal damage of your unarmed strike or each weapon damage die of your monk weapon. This die changes as you gain monk levels, as shown in the Martial Arts column of the Monk table. </fake>







share|improve this answer











$endgroup$












  • $begingroup$
    Thanks! I thought that might be the case, but wasn't quite sure. Excellent answer.
    $endgroup$
    – KenseiMonker
    8 hours ago






  • 2




    $begingroup$
    It may also be worth pointing out, once OP confirms whether they're referring to the double-bladed scimitar from WGtE, that a Kensei monk can't choose a weapon with the special property as a kensei weapon: "Choose two types of weapons to be your kensei weapons: one melee weapon and one ranged weapon. Each of these weapons can be any simple or martial weapon that lacks the heavy and special properties."
    $endgroup$
    – V2Blast
    8 hours ago










  • $begingroup$
    @V2Blast Good point! I had heard of the weapon before, but I don't have access to WGtE, so I missed that. Edited.
    $endgroup$
    – Chris Starnes
    8 hours ago










  • $begingroup$
    @V2Blast I realized that after the fact, but I thought most DMs would allow it as the feature granted from Double Bladed Scimitars via their special trait is functionally the same as a monk using their bonus action for an unarmed strike. Still, via RAW rulings, you'd be right.
    $endgroup$
    – KenseiMonker
    7 hours ago


















5












$begingroup$

The Martial Arts feature replaces the damage die/dice itself



The monk's Martial Arts feature says:




At 1st level, your practice of martial arts gives you mastery of
combat styles that use unarmed strikes and monk weapons, which are
shortswords and any simple melee weapons that don’t have the
two-handed or heavy property.



You gain the following benefits while you are unarmed or wielding only
monk weapons and you aren’t wearing armor or wielding a shield:



  • You can use Dexterity instead of Strength for the attack and damage
    rolls of your unarmed strikes and monk weapons.


  • You can roll a d4 in place of the normal damage of your unarmed
    strike or monk weapon.
    This die changes as you gain monk levels, as
    shown in the Martial Arts column of the Monk table.



As it says, you can roll a single d4 as your damage die (changing to a d6, d8, etc. as you level up). It does not keep the number of your existing weapon; it just replaces it. (The druid cantrip shillelagh works the same way.) This is true regardless of the weapon's original damage dice or number of damage dice.



Chris Starnes' answer further elaborates on this fact.



...But double-bladed scimitars can't be kensei weapons



The Way of the Kensei's Path of the Kensei feature expands the list of weapons that count as monk weapons for you (XGtE, p. 34; emphasis mine):




Kensei Weapons. Choose two types of weapons to be your kensei weapons: one melee weapon and one ranged weapon. Each of these weapons can be any simple or martial weapon that lacks the heavy and special properties. The longbow is also a valid choice. You gain proficiency with these weapons if you don’t already have it. Weapons of the chosen types are monk weapons for you.




Unfortunately, the double-bladed scimitar (WGtE, p. 73-74) doesn't qualify as a kensei weapon, because it has the "special" property (in addition to the "two-handed" property), and describes it below:




Special. When you take the [A]ttack action and make a two-handed attack with a double-bladed scimitar, you can use a bonus action to make a melee attack with the blade at the opposite end of the weapon. This attack uses the same ability modifier as the primary attack. The weapon’s damage die for this attack is a d4, and it deals slashing damage.




Because it has the special property, the double-bladed scimitar can not be chosen as a kensei weapon. As such, the Martial Arts feature doesn't apply to it (nor do the monk's other features tied to monk weapons).






share|improve this answer









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    2 Answers
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    active

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    2 Answers
    2






    active

    oldest

    votes









    active

    oldest

    votes






    active

    oldest

    votes









    13












    $begingroup$

    Martial Arts would replace the normal damage, if the weapon didn't have the special property



    The monk's Martial Arts ability says (PHB, p. 78; emphasis mine):




    You can roll a d4 in place of the normal damage of your unarmed strike or monk weapon. This die changes as you gain monk levels, as shown in the Martial Arts column of the Monk table.




    The normal damage of a Double Bladed Scimitar is 2d4, which you can choose to replace with 1d4 (1d6, 1d8, or 1d10, as you level up) if you want. Or rather, you could, if the Double Bladed Scimitar did not have the special property (as V2Blast pointed out). Way of the Kensei allows you to use a weapon with the two-handed property, but still prevents you from using one that has the special property.



    Putting the special property aside for a moment, each die you roll for damage from a weapon is referred to as a "weapon damage die". For example, the barbarian's Brutal Critical feature (PHB, p. 49; emphasis mine):




    Beginning at 9th level, you can roll one additional weapon damage die when determining the extra damage for a critical hit with a melee attack.




    If Martial Arts was intended to apply to each weapon damage die individually, we could expect it to be worded something like this:




    <fake> You can roll a d4 in place of the normal damage of your unarmed strike or each weapon damage die of your monk weapon. This die changes as you gain monk levels, as shown in the Martial Arts column of the Monk table. </fake>







    share|improve this answer











    $endgroup$












    • $begingroup$
      Thanks! I thought that might be the case, but wasn't quite sure. Excellent answer.
      $endgroup$
      – KenseiMonker
      8 hours ago






    • 2




      $begingroup$
      It may also be worth pointing out, once OP confirms whether they're referring to the double-bladed scimitar from WGtE, that a Kensei monk can't choose a weapon with the special property as a kensei weapon: "Choose two types of weapons to be your kensei weapons: one melee weapon and one ranged weapon. Each of these weapons can be any simple or martial weapon that lacks the heavy and special properties."
      $endgroup$
      – V2Blast
      8 hours ago










    • $begingroup$
      @V2Blast Good point! I had heard of the weapon before, but I don't have access to WGtE, so I missed that. Edited.
      $endgroup$
      – Chris Starnes
      8 hours ago










    • $begingroup$
      @V2Blast I realized that after the fact, but I thought most DMs would allow it as the feature granted from Double Bladed Scimitars via their special trait is functionally the same as a monk using their bonus action for an unarmed strike. Still, via RAW rulings, you'd be right.
      $endgroup$
      – KenseiMonker
      7 hours ago















    13












    $begingroup$

    Martial Arts would replace the normal damage, if the weapon didn't have the special property



    The monk's Martial Arts ability says (PHB, p. 78; emphasis mine):




    You can roll a d4 in place of the normal damage of your unarmed strike or monk weapon. This die changes as you gain monk levels, as shown in the Martial Arts column of the Monk table.




    The normal damage of a Double Bladed Scimitar is 2d4, which you can choose to replace with 1d4 (1d6, 1d8, or 1d10, as you level up) if you want. Or rather, you could, if the Double Bladed Scimitar did not have the special property (as V2Blast pointed out). Way of the Kensei allows you to use a weapon with the two-handed property, but still prevents you from using one that has the special property.



    Putting the special property aside for a moment, each die you roll for damage from a weapon is referred to as a "weapon damage die". For example, the barbarian's Brutal Critical feature (PHB, p. 49; emphasis mine):




    Beginning at 9th level, you can roll one additional weapon damage die when determining the extra damage for a critical hit with a melee attack.




    If Martial Arts was intended to apply to each weapon damage die individually, we could expect it to be worded something like this:




    <fake> You can roll a d4 in place of the normal damage of your unarmed strike or each weapon damage die of your monk weapon. This die changes as you gain monk levels, as shown in the Martial Arts column of the Monk table. </fake>







    share|improve this answer











    $endgroup$












    • $begingroup$
      Thanks! I thought that might be the case, but wasn't quite sure. Excellent answer.
      $endgroup$
      – KenseiMonker
      8 hours ago






    • 2




      $begingroup$
      It may also be worth pointing out, once OP confirms whether they're referring to the double-bladed scimitar from WGtE, that a Kensei monk can't choose a weapon with the special property as a kensei weapon: "Choose two types of weapons to be your kensei weapons: one melee weapon and one ranged weapon. Each of these weapons can be any simple or martial weapon that lacks the heavy and special properties."
      $endgroup$
      – V2Blast
      8 hours ago










    • $begingroup$
      @V2Blast Good point! I had heard of the weapon before, but I don't have access to WGtE, so I missed that. Edited.
      $endgroup$
      – Chris Starnes
      8 hours ago










    • $begingroup$
      @V2Blast I realized that after the fact, but I thought most DMs would allow it as the feature granted from Double Bladed Scimitars via their special trait is functionally the same as a monk using their bonus action for an unarmed strike. Still, via RAW rulings, you'd be right.
      $endgroup$
      – KenseiMonker
      7 hours ago













    13












    13








    13





    $begingroup$

    Martial Arts would replace the normal damage, if the weapon didn't have the special property



    The monk's Martial Arts ability says (PHB, p. 78; emphasis mine):




    You can roll a d4 in place of the normal damage of your unarmed strike or monk weapon. This die changes as you gain monk levels, as shown in the Martial Arts column of the Monk table.




    The normal damage of a Double Bladed Scimitar is 2d4, which you can choose to replace with 1d4 (1d6, 1d8, or 1d10, as you level up) if you want. Or rather, you could, if the Double Bladed Scimitar did not have the special property (as V2Blast pointed out). Way of the Kensei allows you to use a weapon with the two-handed property, but still prevents you from using one that has the special property.



    Putting the special property aside for a moment, each die you roll for damage from a weapon is referred to as a "weapon damage die". For example, the barbarian's Brutal Critical feature (PHB, p. 49; emphasis mine):




    Beginning at 9th level, you can roll one additional weapon damage die when determining the extra damage for a critical hit with a melee attack.




    If Martial Arts was intended to apply to each weapon damage die individually, we could expect it to be worded something like this:




    <fake> You can roll a d4 in place of the normal damage of your unarmed strike or each weapon damage die of your monk weapon. This die changes as you gain monk levels, as shown in the Martial Arts column of the Monk table. </fake>







    share|improve this answer











    $endgroup$



    Martial Arts would replace the normal damage, if the weapon didn't have the special property



    The monk's Martial Arts ability says (PHB, p. 78; emphasis mine):




    You can roll a d4 in place of the normal damage of your unarmed strike or monk weapon. This die changes as you gain monk levels, as shown in the Martial Arts column of the Monk table.




    The normal damage of a Double Bladed Scimitar is 2d4, which you can choose to replace with 1d4 (1d6, 1d8, or 1d10, as you level up) if you want. Or rather, you could, if the Double Bladed Scimitar did not have the special property (as V2Blast pointed out). Way of the Kensei allows you to use a weapon with the two-handed property, but still prevents you from using one that has the special property.



    Putting the special property aside for a moment, each die you roll for damage from a weapon is referred to as a "weapon damage die". For example, the barbarian's Brutal Critical feature (PHB, p. 49; emphasis mine):




    Beginning at 9th level, you can roll one additional weapon damage die when determining the extra damage for a critical hit with a melee attack.




    If Martial Arts was intended to apply to each weapon damage die individually, we could expect it to be worded something like this:




    <fake> You can roll a d4 in place of the normal damage of your unarmed strike or each weapon damage die of your monk weapon. This die changes as you gain monk levels, as shown in the Martial Arts column of the Monk table. </fake>








    share|improve this answer














    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer








    edited 8 hours ago

























    answered 8 hours ago









    Chris StarnesChris Starnes

    4,86411341




    4,86411341











    • $begingroup$
      Thanks! I thought that might be the case, but wasn't quite sure. Excellent answer.
      $endgroup$
      – KenseiMonker
      8 hours ago






    • 2




      $begingroup$
      It may also be worth pointing out, once OP confirms whether they're referring to the double-bladed scimitar from WGtE, that a Kensei monk can't choose a weapon with the special property as a kensei weapon: "Choose two types of weapons to be your kensei weapons: one melee weapon and one ranged weapon. Each of these weapons can be any simple or martial weapon that lacks the heavy and special properties."
      $endgroup$
      – V2Blast
      8 hours ago










    • $begingroup$
      @V2Blast Good point! I had heard of the weapon before, but I don't have access to WGtE, so I missed that. Edited.
      $endgroup$
      – Chris Starnes
      8 hours ago










    • $begingroup$
      @V2Blast I realized that after the fact, but I thought most DMs would allow it as the feature granted from Double Bladed Scimitars via their special trait is functionally the same as a monk using their bonus action for an unarmed strike. Still, via RAW rulings, you'd be right.
      $endgroup$
      – KenseiMonker
      7 hours ago
















    • $begingroup$
      Thanks! I thought that might be the case, but wasn't quite sure. Excellent answer.
      $endgroup$
      – KenseiMonker
      8 hours ago






    • 2




      $begingroup$
      It may also be worth pointing out, once OP confirms whether they're referring to the double-bladed scimitar from WGtE, that a Kensei monk can't choose a weapon with the special property as a kensei weapon: "Choose two types of weapons to be your kensei weapons: one melee weapon and one ranged weapon. Each of these weapons can be any simple or martial weapon that lacks the heavy and special properties."
      $endgroup$
      – V2Blast
      8 hours ago










    • $begingroup$
      @V2Blast Good point! I had heard of the weapon before, but I don't have access to WGtE, so I missed that. Edited.
      $endgroup$
      – Chris Starnes
      8 hours ago










    • $begingroup$
      @V2Blast I realized that after the fact, but I thought most DMs would allow it as the feature granted from Double Bladed Scimitars via their special trait is functionally the same as a monk using their bonus action for an unarmed strike. Still, via RAW rulings, you'd be right.
      $endgroup$
      – KenseiMonker
      7 hours ago















    $begingroup$
    Thanks! I thought that might be the case, but wasn't quite sure. Excellent answer.
    $endgroup$
    – KenseiMonker
    8 hours ago




    $begingroup$
    Thanks! I thought that might be the case, but wasn't quite sure. Excellent answer.
    $endgroup$
    – KenseiMonker
    8 hours ago




    2




    2




    $begingroup$
    It may also be worth pointing out, once OP confirms whether they're referring to the double-bladed scimitar from WGtE, that a Kensei monk can't choose a weapon with the special property as a kensei weapon: "Choose two types of weapons to be your kensei weapons: one melee weapon and one ranged weapon. Each of these weapons can be any simple or martial weapon that lacks the heavy and special properties."
    $endgroup$
    – V2Blast
    8 hours ago




    $begingroup$
    It may also be worth pointing out, once OP confirms whether they're referring to the double-bladed scimitar from WGtE, that a Kensei monk can't choose a weapon with the special property as a kensei weapon: "Choose two types of weapons to be your kensei weapons: one melee weapon and one ranged weapon. Each of these weapons can be any simple or martial weapon that lacks the heavy and special properties."
    $endgroup$
    – V2Blast
    8 hours ago












    $begingroup$
    @V2Blast Good point! I had heard of the weapon before, but I don't have access to WGtE, so I missed that. Edited.
    $endgroup$
    – Chris Starnes
    8 hours ago




    $begingroup$
    @V2Blast Good point! I had heard of the weapon before, but I don't have access to WGtE, so I missed that. Edited.
    $endgroup$
    – Chris Starnes
    8 hours ago












    $begingroup$
    @V2Blast I realized that after the fact, but I thought most DMs would allow it as the feature granted from Double Bladed Scimitars via their special trait is functionally the same as a monk using their bonus action for an unarmed strike. Still, via RAW rulings, you'd be right.
    $endgroup$
    – KenseiMonker
    7 hours ago




    $begingroup$
    @V2Blast I realized that after the fact, but I thought most DMs would allow it as the feature granted from Double Bladed Scimitars via their special trait is functionally the same as a monk using their bonus action for an unarmed strike. Still, via RAW rulings, you'd be right.
    $endgroup$
    – KenseiMonker
    7 hours ago













    5












    $begingroup$

    The Martial Arts feature replaces the damage die/dice itself



    The monk's Martial Arts feature says:




    At 1st level, your practice of martial arts gives you mastery of
    combat styles that use unarmed strikes and monk weapons, which are
    shortswords and any simple melee weapons that don’t have the
    two-handed or heavy property.



    You gain the following benefits while you are unarmed or wielding only
    monk weapons and you aren’t wearing armor or wielding a shield:



    • You can use Dexterity instead of Strength for the attack and damage
      rolls of your unarmed strikes and monk weapons.


    • You can roll a d4 in place of the normal damage of your unarmed
      strike or monk weapon.
      This die changes as you gain monk levels, as
      shown in the Martial Arts column of the Monk table.



    As it says, you can roll a single d4 as your damage die (changing to a d6, d8, etc. as you level up). It does not keep the number of your existing weapon; it just replaces it. (The druid cantrip shillelagh works the same way.) This is true regardless of the weapon's original damage dice or number of damage dice.



    Chris Starnes' answer further elaborates on this fact.



    ...But double-bladed scimitars can't be kensei weapons



    The Way of the Kensei's Path of the Kensei feature expands the list of weapons that count as monk weapons for you (XGtE, p. 34; emphasis mine):




    Kensei Weapons. Choose two types of weapons to be your kensei weapons: one melee weapon and one ranged weapon. Each of these weapons can be any simple or martial weapon that lacks the heavy and special properties. The longbow is also a valid choice. You gain proficiency with these weapons if you don’t already have it. Weapons of the chosen types are monk weapons for you.




    Unfortunately, the double-bladed scimitar (WGtE, p. 73-74) doesn't qualify as a kensei weapon, because it has the "special" property (in addition to the "two-handed" property), and describes it below:




    Special. When you take the [A]ttack action and make a two-handed attack with a double-bladed scimitar, you can use a bonus action to make a melee attack with the blade at the opposite end of the weapon. This attack uses the same ability modifier as the primary attack. The weapon’s damage die for this attack is a d4, and it deals slashing damage.




    Because it has the special property, the double-bladed scimitar can not be chosen as a kensei weapon. As such, the Martial Arts feature doesn't apply to it (nor do the monk's other features tied to monk weapons).






    share|improve this answer









    $endgroup$

















      5












      $begingroup$

      The Martial Arts feature replaces the damage die/dice itself



      The monk's Martial Arts feature says:




      At 1st level, your practice of martial arts gives you mastery of
      combat styles that use unarmed strikes and monk weapons, which are
      shortswords and any simple melee weapons that don’t have the
      two-handed or heavy property.



      You gain the following benefits while you are unarmed or wielding only
      monk weapons and you aren’t wearing armor or wielding a shield:



      • You can use Dexterity instead of Strength for the attack and damage
        rolls of your unarmed strikes and monk weapons.


      • You can roll a d4 in place of the normal damage of your unarmed
        strike or monk weapon.
        This die changes as you gain monk levels, as
        shown in the Martial Arts column of the Monk table.



      As it says, you can roll a single d4 as your damage die (changing to a d6, d8, etc. as you level up). It does not keep the number of your existing weapon; it just replaces it. (The druid cantrip shillelagh works the same way.) This is true regardless of the weapon's original damage dice or number of damage dice.



      Chris Starnes' answer further elaborates on this fact.



      ...But double-bladed scimitars can't be kensei weapons



      The Way of the Kensei's Path of the Kensei feature expands the list of weapons that count as monk weapons for you (XGtE, p. 34; emphasis mine):




      Kensei Weapons. Choose two types of weapons to be your kensei weapons: one melee weapon and one ranged weapon. Each of these weapons can be any simple or martial weapon that lacks the heavy and special properties. The longbow is also a valid choice. You gain proficiency with these weapons if you don’t already have it. Weapons of the chosen types are monk weapons for you.




      Unfortunately, the double-bladed scimitar (WGtE, p. 73-74) doesn't qualify as a kensei weapon, because it has the "special" property (in addition to the "two-handed" property), and describes it below:




      Special. When you take the [A]ttack action and make a two-handed attack with a double-bladed scimitar, you can use a bonus action to make a melee attack with the blade at the opposite end of the weapon. This attack uses the same ability modifier as the primary attack. The weapon’s damage die for this attack is a d4, and it deals slashing damage.




      Because it has the special property, the double-bladed scimitar can not be chosen as a kensei weapon. As such, the Martial Arts feature doesn't apply to it (nor do the monk's other features tied to monk weapons).






      share|improve this answer









      $endgroup$















        5












        5








        5





        $begingroup$

        The Martial Arts feature replaces the damage die/dice itself



        The monk's Martial Arts feature says:




        At 1st level, your practice of martial arts gives you mastery of
        combat styles that use unarmed strikes and monk weapons, which are
        shortswords and any simple melee weapons that don’t have the
        two-handed or heavy property.



        You gain the following benefits while you are unarmed or wielding only
        monk weapons and you aren’t wearing armor or wielding a shield:



        • You can use Dexterity instead of Strength for the attack and damage
          rolls of your unarmed strikes and monk weapons.


        • You can roll a d4 in place of the normal damage of your unarmed
          strike or monk weapon.
          This die changes as you gain monk levels, as
          shown in the Martial Arts column of the Monk table.



        As it says, you can roll a single d4 as your damage die (changing to a d6, d8, etc. as you level up). It does not keep the number of your existing weapon; it just replaces it. (The druid cantrip shillelagh works the same way.) This is true regardless of the weapon's original damage dice or number of damage dice.



        Chris Starnes' answer further elaborates on this fact.



        ...But double-bladed scimitars can't be kensei weapons



        The Way of the Kensei's Path of the Kensei feature expands the list of weapons that count as monk weapons for you (XGtE, p. 34; emphasis mine):




        Kensei Weapons. Choose two types of weapons to be your kensei weapons: one melee weapon and one ranged weapon. Each of these weapons can be any simple or martial weapon that lacks the heavy and special properties. The longbow is also a valid choice. You gain proficiency with these weapons if you don’t already have it. Weapons of the chosen types are monk weapons for you.




        Unfortunately, the double-bladed scimitar (WGtE, p. 73-74) doesn't qualify as a kensei weapon, because it has the "special" property (in addition to the "two-handed" property), and describes it below:




        Special. When you take the [A]ttack action and make a two-handed attack with a double-bladed scimitar, you can use a bonus action to make a melee attack with the blade at the opposite end of the weapon. This attack uses the same ability modifier as the primary attack. The weapon’s damage die for this attack is a d4, and it deals slashing damage.




        Because it has the special property, the double-bladed scimitar can not be chosen as a kensei weapon. As such, the Martial Arts feature doesn't apply to it (nor do the monk's other features tied to monk weapons).






        share|improve this answer









        $endgroup$



        The Martial Arts feature replaces the damage die/dice itself



        The monk's Martial Arts feature says:




        At 1st level, your practice of martial arts gives you mastery of
        combat styles that use unarmed strikes and monk weapons, which are
        shortswords and any simple melee weapons that don’t have the
        two-handed or heavy property.



        You gain the following benefits while you are unarmed or wielding only
        monk weapons and you aren’t wearing armor or wielding a shield:



        • You can use Dexterity instead of Strength for the attack and damage
          rolls of your unarmed strikes and monk weapons.


        • You can roll a d4 in place of the normal damage of your unarmed
          strike or monk weapon.
          This die changes as you gain monk levels, as
          shown in the Martial Arts column of the Monk table.



        As it says, you can roll a single d4 as your damage die (changing to a d6, d8, etc. as you level up). It does not keep the number of your existing weapon; it just replaces it. (The druid cantrip shillelagh works the same way.) This is true regardless of the weapon's original damage dice or number of damage dice.



        Chris Starnes' answer further elaborates on this fact.



        ...But double-bladed scimitars can't be kensei weapons



        The Way of the Kensei's Path of the Kensei feature expands the list of weapons that count as monk weapons for you (XGtE, p. 34; emphasis mine):




        Kensei Weapons. Choose two types of weapons to be your kensei weapons: one melee weapon and one ranged weapon. Each of these weapons can be any simple or martial weapon that lacks the heavy and special properties. The longbow is also a valid choice. You gain proficiency with these weapons if you don’t already have it. Weapons of the chosen types are monk weapons for you.




        Unfortunately, the double-bladed scimitar (WGtE, p. 73-74) doesn't qualify as a kensei weapon, because it has the "special" property (in addition to the "two-handed" property), and describes it below:




        Special. When you take the [A]ttack action and make a two-handed attack with a double-bladed scimitar, you can use a bonus action to make a melee attack with the blade at the opposite end of the weapon. This attack uses the same ability modifier as the primary attack. The weapon’s damage die for this attack is a d4, and it deals slashing damage.




        Because it has the special property, the double-bladed scimitar can not be chosen as a kensei weapon. As such, the Martial Arts feature doesn't apply to it (nor do the monk's other features tied to monk weapons).







        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered 7 hours ago









        V2BlastV2Blast

        29.5k5106178




        29.5k5106178




















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