Multiclass Monk + Bard, need some advice

[Captflake]

Hello there,

for one of my playthroughs I multiclass a Monk with Bard because I wanted to try out both classes but couldnt decide ;)
Now again I can't decide: Should I go lvl 8 Monk + lvl 4 Bard to get all three extra traits (or how they're called...) or should I go lvl 7 Monk + lvl 5 Bard to get the level 3 spells?

What's your opinion on that? Which might proof more helpful?

[Husker_85]

Monks are MAD enough to begin with and you want to add a charisma class? Monk and Bard are probably my two favorite classes but I wouldn't multi them. Have you considered a Monk + Thief instead? You can keep that flavor of being a quick-witted monk but they synergize much better.

[victorvnv]

My advice is to not multiclass them at all lol

[dolby]

Originally posted by Captflake:

Hello there,

for one of my playthroughs I multiclass a Monk with Bard because I wanted to try out both classes but couldnt decide ;)
Now again I can't decide: Should I go lvl 8 Monk + lvl 4 Bard to get all three extra traits (or how they're called...) or should I go lvl 7 Monk + lvl 5 Bard to get the level 3 spells?

What's your opinion on that? Which might proof more helpful?

i would suggest you get a mod that lets you add feats, that way you are not tied to 4 levels and can keep the same amount of feats as if you played a single class.

5e multiclassing has a delay that's taxing enough on it own without the need to tie ASI/feat to class levels instead of character levels.

The game will play 1000% better if you do it cos level 12 is a ♥♥♥♥ level cap for multiclassing ..

[dolby]

Originally posted by JF:

Originally posted by Isaac_Clark:

Monks are MAD enough to begin with and you want to add a charisma class? Monk and Bard are probably my two favorite classes but I wouldn't multi them. Have you considered a Monk + Thief instead? You can keep that flavor of being a quick-witted monk but they synergize much better.

If you only select buff and utility spells, it's viable as you can just dump charisma as your save DC will not matter much. Level 3 bard is nice - lore let you get cutting word - a very good reaction, 3 proficiencies and expertise.

You also get song of rest and Jack of all trades at level 2.

Fun cantrips : mage hand, friends, light (if you do have darkvision).
Level 1 spells : Longstrider, speak with animals, heroism.
Level 2 spells : invisibility, Detect Toughts, Knock, Silence.

None of those depends on high charisma.

Lore 6/Open hand monk6 would let you :

- Get level 3 spells and access to Hex or Hunter's mark with magical secrets wich would add 1d6 on every attack (flurry of blow - ouch).
- Plant Growth dows not require a saving throw so it's viable if you want to dump cha, and speak with dead is also fun.
- You also regain your cutting words on a short rest.

You still get the level 6 open hand effect that let also let you stack another 1d4+wis on every strike.

So, with Hex and flurry of blow, you can attack 4 times and add +1d6+1d4+wis+dex to each attack, use cutting word as a reaction to protect yourself or other characters, have access to lot of fun utility spells, get expertise in acrobatics and athletics, and you still can dump cha.

Not a bad build, I think.

well technically he can dump constitution and just use amulet of greater health and go dex 17 wisdom 16 charisma 15... the biggest issue is that monk doesn't get spell slots...but still sword bard or other inspiration have their use... like you said...

[dolby]

Originally posted by JF:

Originally posted by dolby:

well technically he can dump constitution and just use get the necklace and go dex 17 wisdom 16 charisma 15... the biggest issue is that monk doesn't get spell slots...

If you dump cha, you will not need to dump dex or con. Also, level 6 bard gives you 4/3/3 spell slots, wich is what a level 12 half caster, like a ranger or paladin gets. Not bad.

yeah it would work fine just not minimaxi... cos we don't have stats rolling. he can always just use more scrolls i guess and he gets access to one handed weapons with dex modifers so that's cool for any bard...

[Ereghor the Enigmatic]

Only if it's 3 levels of blades bard? But losing a feat and monk's level 10 benefits for limited spellcasting (based on what's normally a dump stat for monks) and a few so-so advantages (+2 on weapon attacks from Duelling and the special moves you get, song of rest, inspiration which you can't really use for, well, inspiring because of action economy) is not exactly particularly applicable. Otherwise it should instead be a full bard with maybe 1 monk level for the wisdom bonus to AC and the BA unarmed attacks fighting naked (or, well, wearing the Cat's Grace/Bull's Strength robe depending on your weapon choice).

Granted, the game's easy enough that min-maxing is not necessary, so even wackier character concepts can work well enough.

[mudakonn]

Maybe then STR based Monk with Tavern Brawler and Bard (3 levels) is there just for subclass You want and you maybe keep that last level for bard to get feat no 3?

With Sword Bard You get fighting style dueling - extra 2 damage if other hand is empty (does this work with Monk - it should if main hand holds Monk weapon) How would flourishes work with staff?

I the end how much these 3 levels would help monk game play much since you def want to get 9 levels of Monk not 6. Bard spells are helpful for sure - detect thoughts, feather fall, longstrider, see invis.

[Pan Darius Cassandra]

Bard-8/Monk-4

[wendigo211]

Originally posted by mudakonn:

With Sword Bard You get fighting style dueling - extra 2 damage if other hand is empty (does this work with Monk - it should if main hand holds Monk weapon) How would flourishes work with staff?

Duelling doesn't work unarmed.

@ OP: There really are no synergies to exploit with a Bard/Monk. You would probably be better off just going for a Paladin 2/Bard 10, taking Tavern Brawler and fighting unarmed. That said, You probably want to do something like:
STR 16
DEX 8
CON 14
WIS 12
INT 8
CHA 16
Make a Paladin 2/Monk 2/Bard (Sword) 8. That gets you: 2 feats, smites, heavy armor, 5 uses of Bardic Inspiration, 3 Ki Points, monk bonus unarmed strike, flurry of blows and a CL of 9 for spell slot purposes.

Regardless, if you're multiclassing a Bard, you definitely want at least 5 levels for Font of Inspiration, unless if you plan on long resting a lot.

[Captflake]

Hi there,

lovely discussion I started there, thanks for all the input :D
So I am not trying to min-max or exploit any synergies. I made this concept because I was indecisive and also like it from a roleplaying point of view. You know, the travelling monk, that can also play an instrument. A bit like Aang if he was better at playing flute ;) (and also had a dark urge to kill everyone o_o)

I know these two classes aren't the best for multiclassing. Also, the character is already made so, the skill points are spent and I am really just not sure what to do for the last levels :)

[mudakonn]

Originally posted by Captflake:

Hi there,

lovely discussion I started there, thanks for all the input :D
I am really just not sure what to do for the last levels :)

Then basically You need to decide if You take even levels for last feat or take odd levels for extra abilities (like bard 5 short rest songs)

[talemore]

I say you should add cleric to prevent the perfomance being interrupt.

[Captflake]

Originally posted by mudakonn:

Originally posted by Captflake:

Hi there,

lovely discussion I started there, thanks for all the input :D
I am really just not sure what to do for the last levels :)

Then basically You need to decide if You take even levels for last feat or take odd levels for extra abilities (like bard 5 short rest songs)

Yes that was basically my question to begin with ;)
Currently I am tending towards 7/5. In the end, its still quite some hours to spent before I reach that point any how. I can postpone this decision until I reach level 7/4 and see what I need then.