Comment from discussion Monk weapons are any simple weapon that aren’t heavy or two-handed, and short swords. Quarterstaff and spear fit this criteria, but also have versatile. So can these be used two-handed for 1d8 damage and still benefit from the martial arts bonus unarmed attack, or can they only get their bonus attack if they use the weapons one-handed?
Related question, can you confirm that unarmed attacks can apply to using elbows, knees, feet, and heads? Seems like this would be the most common way to attack unarmed while wielding weapons but just checking. Thanks!Keeping in mind that Crawford is the official rules expert, these are IME –
Using a d8 weapon with the monk isn’t the end of the world. It’s 1 point more of damage on average than intended – the system is robust enough that you won’t really notice. I allow it in my own games.
Unarmed attacks are the same – I allow head butts and kicks. The monk in my group fights with a staff two-handed and does exactly that. It works fine, especially because she’s the group’s main melee character.AMA: Mike Mearls, Co-Designer of D&D 5, Head of D&D R&D.
Related question, can you confirm that unarmed attacks can apply to using elbows, knees, feet, and heads? Seems like this would be the most common way to attack unarmed while wielding weapons but just checking. Thanks!Keeping in mind that Crawford is the official rules expert, these are IME –
Using a d8 weapon with the monk isn’t the end of the world. It’s 1 point more of damage on average than intended – the system is robust enough that you won’t really notice. I allow it in my own games.
Unarmed attacks are the same – I allow head butts and kicks. The monk in my group fights with a staff two-handed and does exactly that. It works fine, especially because she’s the group’s main melee character.AMA: Mike Mearls, Co-Designer of D&D 5, Head of D&D R&D.
