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Are Throwing Daggers Still Monk Weapons? The Definitive Guide

The short answer is yes, a thrown dagger can still be a monk weapon, but with a crucial caveat: it depends on the context and specific class features, particularly features like the Monk’s Martial Arts and any subclass abilities that modify the weapon rules. Let’s dive into the nuances of this frequently debated topic within the Dungeons & Dragons community.

Understanding the Core Monk Weapon Rules

The Monk class in D&D is renowned for its unique combat style, heavily reliant on unarmed strikes and specific “monk weapons.” The core rule states that monk weapons are simple melee weapons that lack the heavy or two-handed properties, and shortswords. This is where daggers come into play.

Daggers are inherently simple melee weapons. This fact alone makes them eligible to be a monk weapon. However, simply being a simple melee weapon isn’t enough.
The Thrown Property: Daggers possess the thrown property, which means they can be used to make ranged attacks. This is where the confusion begins.

The Key Distinction: Melee vs. Ranged Attacks

The crucial point to understand is the distinction between a melee weapon and a melee attack. A dagger is always a melee weapon. However, when you throw it, you are making a ranged weapon attack with a melee weapon. The type of attack you are making dictates how certain monk features apply.

Martial Arts Feature and its Limitations

The Monk’s Martial Arts feature allows you to use Dexterity instead of Strength for attack and damage rolls with monk weapons and unarmed strikes. It also allows you to roll a Martial Arts die for damage instead of the weapon’s normal damage.

However, the Martial Arts feature primarily focuses on melee attacks. When you throw a dagger, you are no longer making a melee attack but a ranged attack. Thus, the standard Martial Arts features might not apply directly. This would mean using the dagger’s base damage and not your martial arts die.

Subclass Features and the Kunai Training Exception

Several Monk subclasses, like the Way of the Kensei, can alter this dynamic. However, the primary example we can refer to from the original text is specifically about the subclass “Kunai Training”.

“Kunai Training. When you choose this tradition at 3rd level, any attack you make with a dagger, dart, or handaxe counts as an unarmed strike for the purposes of your Monk class features, even if you make a thrown attack with one of those weapons.”

This subclass allows daggers (and other specific weapons) to be treated as unarmed strikes even when thrown for the purpose of Monk class features. This unlocks key aspects of the monk’s kit, like Flurry of Blows after throwing a dagger.

The Final Verdict: It Depends

So, can a thrown dagger be a monk weapon? Yes, with the caveat that you might need a specific subclass feature like Kunai Training to make sure it benefits from all of the Monk’s core mechanics. The interaction will depend on whether the Monk class feature requires a melee attack with a monk weapon or just an attack with a monk weapon, and whether the subclass allows the thrown dagger attack to be treated as an unarmed strike.

The intent and flavor of your character is an important factor, but understanding the rules is crucial. Always discuss your intentions with your Dungeon Master to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 FAQs to provide additional valuable information about the Monk class and monk weapons:

Can monks use thrown weapons at all? Yes, monks can use thrown weapons, provided they are proficient with them and they meet the criteria of being a simple melee weapon (or a shortsword). They can make ranged weapon attacks with thrown daggers, even without the assistance of specific subclasses.
Does the Finesse property affect thrown daggers for monks? Not directly. The Finesse property allows you to use Dexterity instead of Strength for melee attacks. Monks already get to use Dexterity for attack and damage rolls with monk weapons via the Martial Arts feature, so Finesse is redundant for most melee attacks. It’s only important if you want to use Strength with your dagger.
If a dagger is thrown, is it considered a ranged weapon for feats like Sharpshooter? No, while you are making a ranged attack, feats like Sharpshooter usually require you to make the attack with a ranged weapon, and the thrown dagger is still considered a melee weapon. Read the specific feats for the specifics.
Can a monk use Flurry of Blows after throwing a dagger? Under the standard rules, no. Flurry of Blows requires you to have taken the Attack action with an unarmed strike or monk weapon. If the Monk has a special ability or feature that modifies the Attack Action to include the thrown weapon as an unarmed strike, like the Kunai Training subclass, then it may be possible.
Do magic monk weapons retain their magical properties when thrown? Yes, a magic weapon remains magical regardless of whether it is used in melee or thrown (unless the magic property specifies otherwise). The benefits to attack and damage rolls will still apply.
Does the Monk’s unarmed strike damage die increase apply to thrown daggers? Typically, no. The damage die increase from the Martial Arts feature only applies when you use that damage instead of the weapon’s damage, and usually only during melee weapon attacks. A subclass like Kunai Training might change this.
Can a monk use a net as a monk weapon? A net is a special ranged weapon. Since monks can only use simple melee weapons, a net would not qualify as a monk weapon.
Can I use Stunning Strike with a thrown dagger attack? The core text for the Stunning Strike feature requires you to hit with a melee weapon attack. Therefore, under the base rules, a thrown dagger does not qualify for this feature. You would again need a subclass like Kunai Training.
Is a dart a monk weapon? Yes. A dart is a simple weapon and does not have either the heavy or two-handed properties. Because of this, it can be considered a monk weapon and benefits from the Martial Arts feature, the same as daggers would.
Can a Kensei Monk choose a ranged weapon as their Kensei weapon? Yes, the Way of the Kensei monk can choose a ranged weapon as one of their Kensei Weapons. In this case, it would be considered a monk weapon.
Does a monk need proficiency in a weapon for it to be a monk weapon? No, but you need proficiency to effectively use the weapon. You don’t need proficiency for it to be considered a monk weapon and therefore benefit from other class features like Martial Arts.
If a monk multi-classes, does that change their monk weapon options? Not necessarily. Multiclassing grants proficiency with certain weapons depending on the class chosen, and the features of the other classes might interact with monk weapons. However, the base requirements for what constitutes a monk weapon remain the same.
Can improvised weapons be monk weapons? Yes, if the improvised weapon is similar enough to an existing monk weapon (like a club or dagger), the DM might allow it to be treated as such. This is up to the DM’s discretion.
Does the Monk’s Dedicated Weapon feature change what counts as a monk weapon? The Dedicated Weapon feature allows Monks to treat one weapon they are proficient with as a monk weapon, even if it otherwise wouldn’t qualify. This expands the Monk’s weapon options.
Where can I learn more about effective Monk strategies and D&D rules? There are numerous resources online, including communities dedicated to D&D gameplay and strategy. Don’t forget the Games Learning Society provides valuable insights into the educational aspects of gaming and game design. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.

Conclusion

The interplay between Monk features and thrown daggers is complex but rewarding to understand. Remember that the rules are guidelines, and the most important thing is to have fun and create a character that excites you. Talk to your DM, explore different subclasses, and experiment with how you can make a thrown dagger a unique and effective part of your monk’s arsenal.

Are throwing daggers still monk weapons?