How Far Can Monks Jump in D&D? A Comprehensive Guide
A monk’s incredible agility and mastery of movement are iconic features in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e). The question of how far they can jump is more complex than a simple number, influenced by their Strength score, running start, and potentially magical enhancements. The straightforward answer is this:
A monk, without any magical assistance, can jump a distance in feet equal to their Strength score, provided they have a running start of at least 10 feet. With a standing jump, they can only cover half that distance. For example, a monk with a Strength score of 16 can long jump 16 feet with a running start, or 8 feet standing. High jumps are similarly calculated; they can jump a height of 3 feet, plus their Strength modifier. So, if that same monk has a strength of 16, their Strength modifier would be +3 meaning they could jump 6 feet high. This figure, however, is not the final word, as class abilities, magic, and specific feats can significantly boost these distances. Let’s dive deeper into the factors influencing a monk’s jumping prowess.
Factors Affecting Jump Distance
Strength Score: The Foundation
At its core, the base jumping distance is directly tied to a monk’s Strength score. A higher Strength score means a greater raw potential for both long jumps and high jumps. Monks aren’t traditionally known for being strength-based fighters, but this basic mechanic can’t be ignored. It is the most significant factor.
Running Start: Enabling the Full Potential
The rules dictate that a monk needs a 10-foot running start to achieve their maximum long jump distance which is equal to their Strength score. Without this run-up, the long jump distance is halved. This rule also applies to creatures with their own jump abilities like the Dire Wolf as well. This makes positioning and tactical movement crucial.
High Jump Rules
High jumps are also limited by Strength and movement. A monk can jump vertically three feet plus their Strength modifier if they take a 10-foot run-up prior to the jump. Without a running start, they can only jump half that distance. For example, a Strength of 16 would normally mean a Strength modifier of +3; with a running start they would jump 6 feet high but only 3 feet if not.
Movement and the Jumping Rules
In 5e D&D jumping is a type of movement, rather than an action, and the distance you jump is deducted from your total movement for the turn. Even a monk with incredible jumping potential still cannot move beyond their allotted movement in a single turn. So while a monk might be able to jump 20 feet, if their speed is only 30 feet, they must also consider moving and the terrain they are moving over, which reduces their jump distance accordingly.
The Influence of Magic
Magic significantly alters the equation. The Jump spell, a 1st-level transmutation spell, triples the jumping distance of a creature it is cast on, both long and high, allowing monks to achieve extraordinary leaping feats. Other spells or magical items could also influence this, but the Jump spell is the most straightforward and common option.
Enhancing Monk Jumps: Specific Class Abilities and Features
While the core jump rules apply to all characters, monks possess specific abilities that can indirectly improve their jumping capabilities:
Step of the Wind
As part of their base class abilities, Monks can use a bonus action to Disengage or Dash and during that bonus action, their jump distance is doubled for the turn. This will allow a monk to achieve incredible distances with a run-up. This stacks with spells such as the Jump spell, meaning if a monk with a 16 Strength score, were to Dash and have Jump cast on them, their normal jumping distance of 16 feet would be doubled to 32 and then tripled to 96 feet.
The Importance of Movement
Monks have a base walking speed of 30 feet which means that their speed is crucial to jumping distances, with more movement allowing for a greater distance to travel overall. Movement can be increased by the monk’s Unarmored Movement class feature which could significantly increase the distance that a monk is able to cover with a run-up, though it does not affect jumping distance on its own.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How does difficult terrain affect a monk’s jump?
Difficult terrain halves the distance a creature can travel on foot and this does affect jumping distances. However, jumping completely over difficult terrain can bypass this penalty.
2. Can a monk jump over a 5-foot gap easily?
Yes, a monk with any Strength score can usually jump over a 5-foot gap, assuming they have a 10-foot running start. Monks can usually jump between 6-24 feet with just a single move, so a 5 foot gap is no problem.
3. What’s the maximum jump distance possible for a monk?
A level 20 monk with a Strength score of 20, and the Jump spell and Step of the Wind could achieve a distance of up to 120 feet for a single jump on a single turn.
4. Can a monk jump upwards more than their height?
Yes, a monk’s vertical jump is determined by three feet, plus their Strength modifier when they have a 10-foot run-up. This may exceed their height.
5. Can a monk jump as part of a dash action?
Yes, using a bonus action, a monk can take the Dash action to move double their speed and use their movement to jump even greater distances. The distance they jump is still deducted from the monk’s remaining movement for the turn.
6. How does the Monk’s Step of the Wind affect jumping?
Step of the Wind allows the monk to take the Dash action with a bonus action. During this, their jumping distance is doubled for the turn. This can be used in addition to normal movement and magic effects.
7. Can a monk jump over enemies?
Yes, if their jump distance is great enough. However, this can trigger attacks of opportunity if the enemies can reach them from the ground or if the enemies are airborne.
8. Can a Tabaxi Monk jump higher than a human Monk?
A Tabaxi, with their Feline Agility, can double their speed for a turn, allowing for a better running start. When combined with the Jump spell and the Monk ability Step of the Wind, this makes the Tabaxi a powerful jumper. A base Tabaxi jump is 5 feet without running, up to 30 feet with running, and a Tabaxi monk would have the added abilities of a monk to use.
9. Is jumping considered part of the monk’s attack?
No, jumping is a form of movement and is not considered an attack. However, a monk may make an attack at the end of the jump if they still have available attacks and enough movement to do so.
10. Can a monk take the Athletics skill to improve jumping?
Athletics is the skill to use for jumping and any character proficient in the skill will add their proficiency bonus to the ability checks when performing a jump. This won’t increase the distance jumped, but it will make it less likely that the jump fails.
11. How does a Harengon compare to a monk in jumping abilities?
A Harengon can jump as a bonus action a distance equal to 5 times their proficiency bonus, and when combined with the Jump spell, this can make them capable of extraordinary leaps, especially when they are a monk.
12. Can a monk jump over water?
Yes, if the distance they can jump is greater than the distance across the water.
13. How do magic items impact a monk’s jump distance?
Certain magical items can grant an increase to Strength or even grant spells like the Jump spell. These items can further enhance the monk’s jumping ability.
14. Are there any feats that improve a monk’s jumping?
There are no specific feats that solely increase a character’s jumping distance, though feats that increase the Strength score, or skills related to athletics checks, would indirectly affect it.
15. Can a monk long jump over an obstacle and then make a high jump to another?
Yes, but they must have movement available and it will cost them their movement to jump. They can long jump first, then high jump, if they still have speed to spend.
Conclusion
A monk’s jumping ability is not merely about raw strength but is a synergy of their inherent athleticism, class abilities, and potential magical enhancements. While the base rules provide a solid foundation, the true potential of a monk’s jump lies in the player’s understanding of these mechanics and tactical application. Whether they’re leaping across chasms, scaling walls, or dodging enemy attacks, the monk’s incredible jumping prowess makes them a dynamic and exciting class in D&D 5e.