At level 1, the Monk Deathdealer[1] build is based around survivability and mobility. With Improved Unarmed Strike and Stunning Strike, the character can engage in unarmed combat effectively. The Dodge and Mobility feats add to defense, especially in combination with the monk’s AC bonus derived from wisdom.
Stat Block Level 1:
Unnamed Monk: male, human monk 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d8+2; hp 10; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 15, touch 13, flat-footed 12; Base Atk +0; Grp +2; Atk unarmed strike +2 (1d6+2) or kama +2 (1d6+2); Full Atk unarmed strike +2 (1d6+2) or kama +2 (1d6+2); SA Stunning Strike; SQ Flurry of Blows, Unarmed Strike, AC Bonus (Wisdom); AL Chaotic Neutral; SV Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +4; Str 14, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 14.
Skills and Feats:
Hide 4, Move Silently 4, Perform (Dance) 2, Knowledge (Religion) 1; Improved Unarmed Strike, Stunning Strike, Dodge, Mobility. Special Attacks and Qualities: Stunning Strike can incapacitate enemies, making them easier to hit.
Possessions: A pair of Kamas, simple robes.
Level 5 Brief:
At level 5, this Monk build demonstrates exceptional speed and agility while delivering powerful unarmed strikes. Important new skills like Purity of Body and Flurry of Blows have greatly increased the character’s combat effectiveness and survivability. This build is optimized for rapid, decisive strikes and superior battlefield control, featuring feats to improve mobility and reduce attacks upon themselves.
Stat Block Level 5:
Monk Deathdealer[1]: Male, Human Monk 5; CR 5; Medium humanoid (human); HD 5d8+10; hp 32; Init +2; Spd 60 ft.; AC 16, touch 16, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +3; Grp +5; Atk Unarmed Strike +6 melee (1d8+2) or Kama +6 melee (1d6+2); Full Atk Flurry of Blows +6/+6 melee (1d8+2) or Kama +6/+6 melee (1d6+2); SA Stunning Strike, Improved Trip; SQ Evasion, Still Mind, Ki Strike (Magic), Purity of Body, Fast Movement; AL Lawful Evil; SV Fort +6, Ref +6, Will +6; Str 14, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 14.
Skills and Feats:
Hide +10, Move Silently +8, Perform (Dance) +5, Knowledge (Religion) +2; Improved Unarmed Strike, Stunning Strike, Dodge, Mobility, Combat Reflexes, Power Attack, Improved Trip, Cleave. Special Abilities: Flurry of Blows, Unarmed Strike (1d8), Ki Strike (Magic), Slow Fall (30 ft.), Purity of Body, +10 ft. speed.
Possessions: Pair of Kamas, Unholy Symbol.
Level 10 Brief:
This Monk 7/Shadowdancer 3 build excels in stealth and damage output using kamas. With excellent saving throws, the ability to hide in plain sight, and a Shadow companion, this character is both deadly and resilient in combat. The character also benefits from enhanced mobility and various defensive perks.
Stat Block Level 10:
Deathdealer[1]: male, human Monk 7/Shadowdancer 3; CR 10; Medium humanoid (human); HD 7d8+2d8+2d10; hp 67; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 18, touch 14, flat-footed 16; Base Atk +7; Grp +7; Atk kama +9 melee (1d6+2) or Unarmed Strike +9 melee; Full Atk kama +9/+4 melee (1d6+2) or Unarmed Strike +9/+9/+4 melee; SA Flurry of Blows, Stunning Strike, Sneak Attack +1d6; SQ Evasion, Still Mind, Ki Strike (Magic), Slow Fall (30 ft.), Purity of Body, Wholeness of Body, Hide in Plain Sight, Darkvision, Uncanny Dodge, Shadow Illusion, Summon Shadow; AL Chaotic Evil; SV Fort +8, Ref +8, Will +8; Str 14, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 14.
Skills and Feats:
Hide 10, Move Silently 8, Perform (Dance) 5, Knowledge (Religion) 2; Improved Unarmed Strike, Stunning Strike, Dodge, Mobility, Combat Reflexes, Power Attack, Cleave, Improved Trip, Improved Sunder. Special Attacks and Qualities: Flurry of Blows, Stunning Strike, Sneak Attack +1d6, Evasion, Ki Strike (Magic), Slow Fall (30 ft.), Purity of Body, Wholeness of Body, Uncanny Dodge, Hide in Plain Sight, Shadow Illusion, Summon Shadow.
Possessions: Pair of Kamas, Unholy Symbol.
Level 15 Brief:
The Monk Deathdealer[1] build at level 15 merges the stealth and shadow manipulation of the Shadowdancer with the fiendish power and sinister abilities of the Blackguard. This character is a formidable martial artist[2] and spellcaster, capable of dealing significant damage with kamas, tripping enemies frequently, and summoning a Shadow companion for added offensive power.
Stat Block Level 15:
Deathdealer[1]: male, human Monk 7/Shadowdancer 3/Blackguard 5; CR 15; Medium humanoid (human); HD 7d8+21 plus 3d8+9 plus 5d10+15; hp 124; Init +6; Spd 50 ft.; AC 22, touch 16, flat-footed 20; Base Atk +14; Grp +18; Atk kama +20 melee (1d6+4) or unarmed strike +20 melee (1d8+4); Full Atk kama +20/+15/+10 melee (1d6+4) and unarmed strike +19/+14/+9 melee (1d8+4); SA Flurry of Blows, Stunning Strike, Smite Good 2/Day, Sneak Attack +1d6, Trip, Summon Shadow; SQ Evasion, Still Mind, Ki Strike (Magic), Slow Fall (30 ft.), Purity of Body, Wholeness of Body, Hide in Plain Sight, Aura of Evil, Dark Blessing, Poison Use, Command Undead, Aura of Despair; AL Lawful Evil; SV Fort +20, Ref +16, Will +16; Str 16, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 14.
Skills and Feats:
Hide +13, Move Silently +11, Perform (Dance) +5, Knowledge (Religion) +2; Improved Unarmed Strike, Stunning Fist, Dodge, Mobility, Combat Reflexes, Power Attack, Cleave, Improved Trip, Improved Sunder, Weapon Focus (Unarmed Strike), Improved Initiative, Spring Attack. Special Attacks and Qualities: Flurry of Blows allows for extra attacks with unarmed strikes; Stunning Strike can paralyze foes; Smite Good deals extra damage to good-aligned creatures; Sneak Attack adds bonus damage on surprise attacks; Trip attacks can make foes prone; Summon Shadow brings forth a shadowy ally.
Possessions: A pair of Kamas, an Unholy Symbol.
Level 20 Brief:
The Deathdealer[1] build is a high damage, versatile combatant equipped with Kamas. At level 20, it excels in melee combat, possessing strong saving throws and powerful offensive abilities. With a combination of Monk, Shadowdancer, and Blackguard abilities, it has enhanced mobility, spellcasting, and a deadly shadow companion.
Stat Block Level 20:
Deathdealer[1]: male, human Monk 7/Shadowdancer 3/Blackguard 10; CR 20; Medium humanoid; HD 7d8+3d8+10d10; hp 109; Init +3; Spd 50 ft.; AC 23, touch 20, flat-footed 20; Base Atk +17/+12/+7/+2; Grp +19; Atk +22 melee (1d6+5, Kamas) or +20 melee (unarmed strike, 1d10+4); Full Atk +22/+17/+12/+7 (1d6+5, Kamas) or +20 (unarmed strike, 1d10+4); SA Smite Good 3/Day, Sneak Attack +3d6, Stunning Fist, Poison Use; SQ Evasion, Purity of Body, Wholeness of Body, Aura of Evil, Darkvision, Hide in Plain Sight, Shadows, Uncanny Dodge; AL Lawful Evil; SV Fort +21, Ref +22, Will +18; Str 18, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 14.
Skills and Feats:
Hide +20, Move Silently +18, Perform(Dance) +15, Knowledge(Religion) +12; Improved Unarmed Strike, Stunning Fist, Dodge, Mobility, Combat Reflexes, Power Attack, Improved Initiative, Improved Trip, Cleave, Improved Sunder, Spring Attack, Weapon Focus (Unarmed Strike). Special Attacks and Qualities: Improved Evasion, Ki Strike (Magic), Slow Fall (30 ft), Shadow Illusion, Summon Shadow, Aura of Despair, Command Undead.
Possessions: Pair of Kamas, Unholy Symbol.
Core Abilities & Features of the Deathdealer
Monk Abilities: The Deathdealer[1] build starts with seven levels of Monk, granting Improved Unarmed Strike and a host of other powerful features. Flurry of Blows allows multiple attacks, increasing your chances to hit and deal damage. Stunning Strike can incapacitate enemies, while Combat Reflexes lets you make more attacks of opportunity. Evasion and Still Mind enhance your defenses against spells and effects.
Shadowdancer Skills: At eighth level, the build transitions into Shadowdancer. The main draw here is Hide in Plain Sight, allowing the Deathdealer[1] to disappear from sight even when observed. With the Unbelievable Dexterity and Hide skills, this makes the character nearly impossible to pin down. Shadow Illusion and the ability to Summon Shadow provide versatile combat and scouting options.
Blackguard Powers: The final powerhouse of this build is the Blackguard class. Starting at eleventh level, Blackguard abilities include Aura of Evil and Detect Good, useful for identifying enemies. Poison Use and Command Undead add unique tactical elements. The series of Sneak Attack bonuses and Smite Good further enhance your combat prowess. Dark Blessing and Aura of Despair weaken foes, and the Fiendish Servant offers additional combat support.
Feats and Skills: Key feats include Improved Unarmed Strike, Dodge, Mobility, Power Attack, and Improved Trip. These enhance both offense and defense, giving you control over the battlefield. Skills like Hide, Move Silently, and Perform (Dance) ensure your agility and stealth are unmatched.
Equipment: The Deathdealer[1] carries a pair of Kamas and an unholy symbol, symbolizing their dark path. The Kamas, combined with your high level abilities, make for a deadly combatant capable of overwhelming foes quickly.
Milestones Of Character Development
Levels 1-5: Your initial training as a Monk begins, focusing on melee combat and agility. You gain key abilities such as Improved Unarmed Strike, Stunning Strike, and Flurry of Blows, enhancing your combat effectiveness. By Level 5, you achieve Purity of Body and an AC bonus from Wisdom, marking you as a formidable physical combatant.
Levels 6-10: Transition into the Shadowdancer class, gaining the powerful ‘Hide in Plain Sight’ ability, making you nearly impossible to track. Your offensive capabilities expand with feats like Improved Trip and Cleave. At Level 10, you summon a Shadow companion, adding a deadly ally to your arsenal.
Levels 11-15: Embrace the path of the Blackguard, channeling dark powers to augment your combat skills. Gain abilities like Dark Blessing, Poison Use, and Sneak Attack. Your attacks now carry the weight of Smite Good, and you can command undead, further solidifying your role as a Deathdealer[1].
Levels 16-20: Perfect your abilities with advanced Blackguard powers. Your Sneak Attack damage increases, and you acquire feats like Spring Attack for greater mobility. By Level 20, you achieve three daily uses of Smite Good and a final strength increase, truly becoming an unstoppable force in combat.
Equipment Progression
Level Range
Equipment
Details
L1-5
Masterwork Kama
Provides a +1 bonus to attack rolls. Start early to get used to the weapon.
Monk’s Robe
Increases your unarmed strike damage as if you were a monk five levels higher.
L6-10
Bracers of Armor +2
Grants an armor bonus while keeping the Monk’s class features functional (evasion and such).
Boots of Striding and Springing
Increase your base speed by 10 feet and grant a +5 competence bonus on Jump checks.
L11-15
Amulet of Mighty Fists +3
Magically enhances unarmed strike and natural weapons to be more effective in combat.
Cloak of Displacement (Minor)
50% chance enemies will miss with their attacks, making you incredibly hard to hit.
L16-20
Ring of Evasion
Allows you to avoid damage from area attacks. If you succeed on a Reflex save, take no damage instead of half.
Belt of Giant Strength +6
Boosts your Strength score significantly, improving your Combat Maneuver checks and damage output.
Combat Scenarios
Dungeon Crawls:
Move silently through tight corridors using your Shadowdancer abilities. Use Hide in Plain Sight to remain unseen.
Open Fields:
Utilize the Blackguard’s Smite Good ability to deal massive damage to any good-aligned opponents. Summon your Shadow companion for added advantage.
Ambushes:
Quickly take advantage of your Improved Initiative to strike first. Use Cleave to hit multiple enemies, and depend on your high Dexterity and Mobility feats to weave through attackers.
Defensive Stands:
Set up in a defensible position and use your aura abilities from Blackguard, such as Aura of Despair, to weaken enemies. Utilize your high saves and Evasion to ignore area attacks.
Urban Encounters:
Blend into crowds with Hide in Plain Sight. Use your Perform(Dance) skill to create distractions. Utilize your trip abilities and Combat Reflexes in narrow alleyways to control spaces effectively.
Weaknesses & Counters
Weakness
Counter
Low Hit Points
A high Constitution score and items like Amulet of Health (+2 to +6 Constitution) can mitigate this flaw.
Limited Ranged Abilities
Carry a ranged weapon like Shuriken or use Scrolls of Magic Missile to maintain distance damage option.
Dependency on Shadow Companion
Use spells like Summon Monster to have backup if the Shadow Companion is defeated.
Vulnerability to Anti-Magic Areas
Focus on physical combat prowess and have items like the Ring of Counterspells for protection.
Weak Against Undead
Equip items like Ghost Touch Weapons and consider learning Turn Undead abilities.
High Feat Dependence
Plan your feat progression carefully and consider items that grant extra feats like the Manual of Quickness of Action (+1 to +5 Dexterity).
Limited Healing Abilities
Carry Potions of Cure Moderate Wounds or a Wand of Cure Light Wounds for self healing options.
Weakness to Mind Control
Equip items that grant bonuses to Will saves, such as the Cloak of Resistance (+1 to +5).
Roleplaying
The Deathdealer[1]’s path isn’t just about combat prowess; it’s a rich vein of narrative gold. Dive into the internal conflict of someone who has tread the dark path of the Blackguard. This former monk’s journey from a serene, disciplined life to one drenched in shadow and blood offers a wealth of roleplaying opportunities.
Inner Conflict
Playing a character torn between their past monastic teachings and their current dark path can add depth. Embrace moments where old habits and morals resurface. Picture your Deathdealer[1] facing an innocent life hanging in the balance – what choice will they make?
Rituals and Beliefs
Your Deathdealer[1] likely follows dark rituals learned from their Blackguard training. Incorporate these into your play. Instead of a regular prayer, perhaps they commune with their dark patron, seeking guidance or strength. These moments can unnerve allies and enemies alike.
Shadow Companion
The Summon Shadow ability adds another layer. Treat this shadow as a sentient being rather than just a tool. Develop its personality, perhaps it’s a manifestation of the Deathdealer[1]’s suppressed guilt or anger. Interacting with this shadow can reveal inner turmoil and depth.
Adapting to the Party
Integrating a character with such dark tendencies into a group can be tricky. Smooth this process by highlighting their usefulness. Combat prowess, the ability to infiltrate due to Shadowdancer skills, and the tactical advantage of the shadow companion can be great hooks to earn the party’s acceptance.
Evolving Morality
Nothing stays static in storytelling. Consider allowing your morality to evolve. Maybe their actions and connections with party members coax them back towards the light, albeit reluctantly. This evolution can be complex, full of setbacks, and incredibly rewarding.
The Deathdealer[1] combines features from the Monk, Shadowdancer, and Blackguard classes. Monk abilities like Flurry of Blows and Stunning Strike enhance melee combat. Shadowdancer’s Hide in Plain Sight grants exceptional stealth. Blackguard’s Smite Good and Aura of Despair boost dark combat prowess.
Is a Deathdealer[1] effective in different combat scenarios?
Yes, the Deathdealer[1] excels in various situations. In dungeon crawls, use Silent Move and Hide in Plain Sight. Against good-aligned foes in open fields, exploit Smite Good. For urban encounters, blending in and using Combat Reflexes in alleyways can control space effectively.
Deathdealers are vulnerable to anti-magic areas and mind control. Focus on physical combat prowess and items like the Ring of Counterspells for protection. Equip gear that boosts Will saves to counter mind control attempts effectively.
Absolutely, the Deathdealer[1]’s blend of abilities allows them to adapt to various settings. Whether in a dark fantasy world or a classic medieval setting, their versatile skill set provides value across different environments.
What roleplaying opportunities does a Deathdealer[1] offer?
Roleplaying a Deathdealer[1] involves exploring internal conflict between their past monastic life and dark Blackguard path. Redemption arcs, dark rituals, and interactions with their Shadow Companion offer rich narrative potential, adding depth to gameplay.
Writer, Editor, GM, Technologist – Andrew’s been playing TTRPGs since as far back as he can recall… at least sometime in the nineties… or was it the early 2000s?
The Monastery burned around him, the heat seared the flesh beneath his robes as he was forced to flee. The trainees made their way through the corridors towards the secret exit, his eyes scanning the windows and beyond as he shepherded them. His vision focused on the figures standing within the central courtyard. His master, the Abbot stood bruised and beaten, clinging onto consciousness even as he stood stalwart against the dark figure before him.
The dark figure’s fists coated with blood as the very shadows danced and coiled around his form. The young trainees hurrying through began to vanish one by one into the secret tunnels, the young monk unable to help but stare as the dark figure pulled a set of wicked kamas from his back and bring them down around the Abbot’s neck. A scream of anguish torn through his throat and between his lips before startling awake with faltering breath. Sweat streaming down his brow as he looked around to see the Abbot standing beside his bed with another brother of the Monastery, his brow raised questioningly.
-“Are you alright, brother? What is going on?” Asked the other monk as the abbot stayed silent, wiping the sweat from the young man’s brow.
-“It… It was just a nightmare, I am sorry to make you both worry.”
The other monk sighed a sigh of relief, but the Abbot’s brow instead furrowed.
-“Tell me of that nightmare, young one.”
As the young novice relayed his tale, a figure covered in dark robes, slowly walked up the cobblestone path that lead to the monastery’s front door.
You are an absolute beast capable of dealing lots of damage with the kamas you use, while having saving throws through the roof, and being able to cast some nasty spells, as well as having a Shadow companion that can help you murder things ridiculously fast. You are also a fairly good tripper, meaning Combat Reflexes will activate a fair few times a round.
In his journey, the young Argent Fist had learned from various masters of vastly different martial arts, and his quest to find the dark figure who destroyed his monastery and killed his master led him to strange places indeed.
It still somehow was not beyond surprising him when he finally managed to find the Legendary Martial Artists simply known as the Dragon Wanderer.
She was a changeling living alone in a hill in the middle of the woods, feeding of small animals and spending most of her days lazing around in the forest or dancing at dusk and dawn. Still, she agreed to teach him what he wanted to learn. He was sure there were at least a few lessons to learn in her technique. After weeks of such frivolities, he was cooking for them both as she was staring at the setting sun from the top of her hill.
-“You still haven’t learned what you need too, have you?” She asked in her usual relaxed voice. Moving closer to stand next to her, trying to figure out what her eyes were looking out at as he gave the question some thought.
-“I suppose I do not.” He admitted.
She let out a laugh that echoed in the distance.
–“Of course you don’t.” She turned to him and pinched his nose playfully.
-“You have to let go silvery one. Let go of your hate, of your fears, of everything that doesn’t matter.”
She smiled and got dangerously close to the cliff.
-“Learn to let everything go.” The woman said as she let herself fall. The young man tried to grab her but couldn’t make it in time. As he got close to the cliff himself, he looked down, as she suddenly flew up by him, in the form of a majestic silver dragon, dancing in the skies, and as the beauty of the sight dawned on him, a single tear rolled down his cheek and at last, after all these years, his heart felt at peace.
Race
Changeling
Class
Monk 5/Initiate of the Draconic Mysteries 10/Warshaper 2/Fist of the Forest 3
Nothing. You need absolutely nothing to make this build work. So go buy whatever you fancy. If you absolutely, positively need to somehow still increase your unarmed damage, a Monk’s Belt, and get a Graft that allows you to get a Warforged Battle Fists to punch things for 12d8.
Goal
You are the epitome of a monk. Your AC is enhanced by three ability scores, you are ridiculously fast, and your unarmed strikes deal a bajillion damage. As if all that wasn’t enough, you can transform into a literal Dragon. I legitimately do not know what else you could want from this.
Level
Class
HD
Feat
Special
1
Monk
10
Improved Unarmed Strike, Stunning Strike, Cosmopolitan(Iaijutsu Focus), Alertness, Power Attack
Unarmed 1d6, Flurry of Blows, AC Bonus(Wis)
2
Monk
1d8+2
Combat Reflexes
Evasion
3
Monk
1d8+2
Weapon Finesse
Still Mind, +10 Speed
4
Monk
1d8+2
–
Ki Strike(Magic), Slow Fall 20ft., Unarmed 1d8, +1 Wis
5
Monk
1d8+2
–
Purity of Body, +1 AC
6
Initiate of the Draconic Mystery
1d8+2
Great Fortitude
–
7
Initiate of the Draconic Mystery
1d8+2
–
Claws of the Dragon
8
Initiate of the Draconic Mystery
1d8+2
–
Keen Senses, +1 Dex
9
Initiate of the Draconic Mystery
1d8+2
Superior Unarmed Strike
Increased Unarmed Damage, Unarmed 2d6
10
Warshaper
1d8+2
–
Morphic Immunities, Morphic Weapons, Unarmed 2d8
11
Fist of the Forest
1d10+2
–
AC Bonus(Con), Feral Trance 1/Day, Fast Movements, Primal Living, Unarmed 2d10
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