I play a monk in a party of spellcasters and alchemists. That being said I'm the only front line melee combatant in the group. My DM loves reach monsters and swarms.
What suggestions do you have for me to stay alive? I get grappled all the time even with a good CMD (31) because the monsters always seem to have incredible CMBs.
Feats? Items?
I play a monk in a party of spellcasters and alchemists. That being said I'm the only front line melee combatant in the group. My DM loves reach monsters and swarms.
What suggestions do you have for me to stay alive? I get grappled all the time even with a good CMD (31) because the monsters always seem to have incredible CMBs.
Feats? Items?
Elven boots might help when facing monsters with reach, since you can make an Acrobatics roll to avoid AoOs. Maybe hang back when facing swarms and let your spellcasters deal with them.
The swarms aren't so bad as long as the casters are around, but since I'm the only "hands on" guy, I tend to be the one getting all the tentacles, appendages, etc.
The elven boots may be the next item on my wish list for the group casters to make.
Get the casters to summon you some back-up. Seriously.
If you keep getting grappled, you could get the casters to Grease you up.
Alternatively, you could play a very defensive monk with Crane Style and Wing. It definitely sounds like you have a tough gig though.
Crane style... what level are you anyways?
Also could you provide the build you are using? We can do a lot more for you if we know more of where you are now.
Are you able to make any changes to your character? There are several archetypes for the monk that could help with your CMD. There are also several styles from ultimate combat that could help, particularly if the casters can provide more of the offense and you primarly need to just be a meat sheild.
Consider taking Lunge or Combat Patrol.
The tetori archetype is the grapple-monster, so you could consider that, if you're allowed to rework your character.
There's also the maneuver master archetype.
If giants are your DM's enemy of choice, and you're playing a dwarf or gnome, you could go with the Earth Child Style chain.
As was mentioned, Crane Style will improve your defensive abilities.
Snake Style will allow you to boost your AC against an attack as an immediate action.
Lastly, Snapping Turtle Style will boost your AC.
Combat Patrol was on my mind as well, especially since its prerequisite Combat Reflexes is on the monk bonus feat list.
IIRC Strike Back requires a readied action, but it allows you to hit back anything that hits you in melee, regardless of reach.
Another idea---for especially elusive creatures, if you are high level (12+), use abundant step to teleport right next to the creature, then use Stand Still or Step Up to keep them next to you.
Crane style... what level are you anyways?
Also could you provide the build you are using? We can do a lot more for you if we know more of where you are now.
These are all great suggestions. Thank you!
Currently:
Dwarf Monk7/Rogue 1
Scorp Style
Combat Reflexes
Imp Un Strike
Boar Style
Imp Grapple
+10/+10/+5 d8+5 full attack
Sneak Attack available
Getting Boar Style +2d6 almost all the time
The way he's built he packs a wicked punch. Most creatures which grapple me end up regretting it. I'm just tired of being the only one taking risks.
In our last game, the casters finally started using Summon Monster, bringing in a pair of salamanders. Hopefully they will continue to back me up.
I see at least 2 missing feats and no stat line.
Spring attack, and a Ring of Broken Minas... err freedom of movement. Step up is good call too.
Thanks everyone for the great suggestions!
Next combat, on your initiative, run behind the rest of your party. And stay there. Afterwards, ask them how well they like being punching bags, and let them know if you don't get some support neither will they have a meat shield.
Master Arminas