How Many Times Do You Roll for Flurry of Blows? A Comprehensive Guide
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The question of how many times you roll for Flurry of Blows in D&D 5th Edition can be a bit confusing, especially for new players or those unfamiliar with the Monk class. The short answer is: you roll twice for each use of the Flurry of Blows feature. These rolls are for two separate unarmed attack rolls. Let’s break down why and how this works, and explore some common misconceptions with our frequently asked questions.
Understanding the Basics of Flurry of Blows
Before diving deep, let’s clarify what Flurry of Blows actually is. Flurry of Blows is a core ability of the Monk class, accessible through the Martial Arts feature. It’s a bonus action that allows a Monk to make two additional unarmed strikes after taking the Attack action on their turn. The key here is the sequence of actions:
- Attack Action: You must first take the Attack action, typically making one or more attacks.
- Bonus Action: You then use a bonus action to initiate Flurry of Blows.
- Unarmed Strikes: Flurry of Blows grants you two additional unarmed attack attempts.
This means that, for each use of Flurry of Blows, you’re making two separate attack rolls. Each of these attacks has its own chance to hit and does damage on a successful hit.
The Role of Attack Rolls
Each time you make an attack, you roll a d20 (20-sided die) and add your relevant ability modifier (usually Strength or Dexterity) and your proficiency bonus. This total must meet or exceed the target’s Armor Class (AC) to hit. Each Flurry of Blows attack requires its own roll and damage calculation.
How it Differs from Other Attacks
It’s important to note how Flurry of Blows interacts with other monk abilities and attacks. It’s essential to understand that your Attack action can consist of multiple attacks if you are at 5th level or higher, due to the Extra Attack feature of Monks. So, you aren’t limited to one attack. You are not rolling to hit with more attacks because it is not related to the flurry of blows, but it is the Attack Action.
- Martial Arts Bonus Attack: You might also make an additional unarmed attack as a bonus action, which is not part of flurry of blows. You must attack once to use the extra martial arts attack so you might attack twice before flurry of blows.
- Extra Attack: At 5th level, you gain the Extra Attack feature, allowing you to attack twice with the Attack action. This means you can attack twice with your action and still use Flurry of Blows to get two more unarmed attacks, using your bonus action.
- Flurry of Blows: It’s crucial to remember that Flurry of Blows does not grant you one attack that you roll two times. Instead, you are granted two separate attack actions that each require their own rolls.
Maximizing Your Attacks
Combining your Attack action, bonus action martial arts attack, and Flurry of Blows can lead to numerous attacks in one round.
For instance, a 5th level Monk can attack twice with their Attack action, once with their Martial Arts Bonus Action attack, then roll twice with Flurry of Blows for a total of five attack rolls (and damage rolls if hits are successful). Keep in mind, flurry of blows costs 1 ki point.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about Flurry of Blows:
1. How many attacks total can a Monk make at 5th level with Flurry of Blows?
At 5th level, a monk can make up to four attacks or five attacks with a ki point. You attack twice with the Attack action, once with your Martial Arts Bonus Action attack, and then, if you spend 1 ki point for it, you can roll twice for flurry of blows.
2. Can I use Flurry of Blows if I didn’t make an attack action?
No, you must take the Attack action first before using Flurry of Blows. It’s a bonus action specifically designed to augment an attack action, not replace it.
3. Can I split up my Flurry of Blows attacks?
Yes, you can move between the attacks. You can take your first Flurry of Blows attack, move, and then attack again. The important thing is the attacks from Flurry of Blows are separate melee attacks.
4. Does Flurry of Blows work with weapons?
Yes, provided you have the Monastic Weaponry class feature. Monastic Weaponry allows monks to use melee monk weapons with any monk abilities that normally require unarmed attacks, including Flurry of Blows. This means, if you have this feature, you can use weapons for your two Flurry of Blows attacks.
5. Can I target multiple enemies with Flurry of Blows?
No, in the rules as written, Flurry of Blows is generally assumed to target a single enemy with two punches, but each attack can target a separate creature if you so choose.
6. Is Flurry of Blows a full-round action?
While a “full round action” is a concept from previous editions, Flurry of Blows is considered a bonus action, meaning you can still move and act normally with your normal action as well.
7. Can I flurry of blows in armor?
Monks cannot use their Martial Arts abilities, including Flurry of Blows, when wearing armor. However, a Sohei monk can still use flurry of blows if they are wearing light armor.
8. Can I rage and use Flurry of Blows as a barbarian/monk multiclass?
Yes, you can rage and use Flurry of Blows. The Path of the Beast Barbarian can spend an extra ki point while raging to gain advantage on their flurry of blows attacks.
9. Does Flurry of Blows stack with two-weapon fighting?
No, Flurry of Blows replaces the need for two-weapon fighting. However, you can use any weapon you have available for any given attack.
10. Can I use Hands of Harm or Hands of Healing with Flurry of Blows?
Yes, with certain subclasses such as the Way of Mercy Monk. This subclass allows you to replace your unarmed strikes from Flurry of Blows with your Hands of Healing or Hands of Harm abilities.
11. Does Flurry of Blows stack with other feats or features that grant extra attacks?
No, Flurry of Blows is a separate feature, not extra attacks granted from other sources. These features would stack unless they also require a bonus action. For instance, you cannot use martial arts bonus action attack and flurry of blows bonus action in the same turn.
12. Can I grapple or shove with Flurry of Blows?
No, Flurry of Blows specifically refers to unarmed strikes or monk weapons. Grapple and shove attempts are attacks but they are not unarmed strikes. They are different types of attacks, and not the melee weapon attacks required by Flurry of Blows, so they would not be a part of the attacks that are part of a flurry of blows.
13. Can a Monk use a bow with Flurry of Blows?
Normally, no, however, a Zen Archer archetype of Monk can use a bow for Flurry of Blows, which is a unique exception.
14. What is the damage dice for Flurry of Blows?
Flurry of Blows uses the same damage dice as your unarmed strike, which is 1d4 at level 1, and increases as you level up in Monk. It is a melee attack that uses the monk’s martial arts. The bonus is either Dexterity or Strength.
15. Do you roll twice for multiattack?
You roll an attack roll for each attack that you are going to make. Multiattack is multiple attacks with your action, so each attack requires its own roll. Flurry of blows requires two separate rolls because they are separate attack actions.
Conclusion
Understanding how Flurry of Blows works and how many times you roll is crucial for playing a Monk effectively. Remember, you roll twice for each use of Flurry of Blows, because they are two separate attack actions, using your bonus action and costing a ki point. This bonus action can significantly increase your damage output and make you a powerful force in combat. Be sure to utilize the other features of your character to enhance your play. By understanding these rules, you can master the art of Flurry of Blows and become a formidable Monk.