Do you want to be a hulking humanoid dragon Monk – you came to the right place. While this character might not be typical, a Dragonborn Monk creates the potential for a ton of internal struggles for your character. Consider rolling one if you’re looking for a deep, challenging roleplay.

The Monk class can be found in the Player’s Handbook. Click here to pick up your own copy of The Player’s Handbook!

The Dragonborn race can be found in the Player’s Handbook OR an updated version can be found in Fizzban’s Treasury of Dragons. Click here to pick up your own copy of the Player’s Handbook or click here to pick up your own copy of Fizzban’s Treasury of Dragons!

How to Make a Dragonborn Monk

Dragonborn traits don’t have much synergy with the Monk class. Don’t let that stop you though – a Dragonborn Monk has the potential for some really interesting backstory.

Also, breath weapons are always awesome. Keep that in mind.

Monks should focus on WIS and DEX – WIS powers your abilities and DEX influences your attacks and armor class.

Source: DnD Beyond

Monks have many subclasses, but a few stand out to fill in for the Monk’s weaknesses.

The Way of the Drunken Master is one of the strongest monk subclasses. Based on the idea of making your enemy think you’re more inept than you are – many of this subclass’ features focus on staying alive throughout fights.

The Way of the Long Death is another option for bulking up the otherwise-squishy Monk. Drunken Master builds focus on avoiding damage, but Way of the Long Death makes a Monk hearty and able to take more damage.  

How to Play a Dragonborn Monk

Dragonborn might not have a ton of synergies with the Monk class, but your Breath Weapon is an option to provide additional damage dealing for your character.

Monks are light and agile fighters that use movement abilities to make up for the fact that they have low hit points and Armor Class. All monks gain Unarmored Defense and Martial Arts features at 1st level, allowing them to fight without weapons or armor.

At 2nd level Monks gain the ability to harness the power of ki – spending a ki point drives ki features. Ki points are determined by your level, and are unavailable once spent but can be refilled during a long or short rest.

Ki gives you a lot of options, for example, Flurry of Blows allows you to make two unarmed strikes as a bonus action after an attack action. Use your heightened movement abilities to stay in motion around the battlefield and strike at an opportune time.

How to Roleplay as a Dragonborn Monk

Playing as a Dragonborn monk sets up the potential for a nuanced and backstory and roleplaying style. Dragonborn are naturally prideful, extreme, and quick to impulse. This contrasts with a monk’s commitment to inner peace, strength, and discipline. This internal struggle can give your character a lot of flavor.

Maybe you’re a Dragonborn cast from your clan, taken in by a monastery. Maybe your character committed horrible atrocities in the name of Tiamat but felt shame, turning to a monastery to control the rage inside.

Whatever story you choose, it’s sure to be an interesting one. Playing a Dragonborn Monk lets you flex your RP muscles.