Show Notes This week, Fiona and Hamilton take a deep dive into the Monk - a playable class from the original 5e Player's Handbook. Monks are spiritual ascetics and practitioners of a mystical energy known as ki, the magical essence which flows through all living things. According to the Player's Handbook: 'Whatever their discipline, monks are united in their ability to magically harness the energy that flows in their bodies. Whether channeled as a striking display of combat prowess or a subtler focus of defensive ability and speed, this energy infuses all that a monk does. Monks make careful study of a magical energy that most monastic traditions call ki. This energy is an element of the magic that suffuses the multiverse—specifically, the element that flows through living bodies. Monks harness this power within themselves to create magical effects and exceed their bodies’ physical capabilities, and some of their special attacks can hinder the flow of ki in their opponents. Using this energy, monks channel uncanny speed and strength into their unarmed strikes. As they gain experience, their martial training and their mastery of ki gives them more power over their bodies and the bodies of their foes.' In this episode, we cover the following: Monk Class Features (as it appears in PHB)Optional Class Features (from TCoE)Way of the Open Hand (from PHB)Way of the Shadow (from PHB)Way of the Four Elements (from PHB) Chapter discussed: 'Monks' from 'Ch. 3: Classes' and 'Monks' from 'Ch. 1: Character Options'. Books: 'Player's Handbook' and 'Tasha's Cauldron of Everything', published by Wizards of the Coast, August 2014 and November 2020 respectively. Consider using our affiliate link when using DM's Guild! #SupportyourFLGS Credits The DM's Book Club is hosted, recorded, edited, and produced by Fiona Howat (@WAIR_Podcast) and Hamilton (@TheDragonDM).  The DM’s Book Club Logo was designed by Sam Robins (@Bobhatstand). The theme music is 'The Story Unfolds' by Jingle Punks. Get in touch! Email: [email protected] Twitter: @TheDMsBookClub Linktr.ee: DMBC #DMsBookClub