Astarion Honor Mode Build
Stealth-Focused Monk Respec
Astarion (Monk)
A high-mobility backline assassin who trades Sneak Attack bursts for reliable Honor Mode control.
Origin & Identity
- Race / Subrace: High Elf
- Background: Charlatan
- Guardian: Cazador's Echo
Astarion's vampiric bite and High Elf heritage offer the perfect blend of utility cantrips, darkvision scouting, and approval hooks when you extend mercy to potential victims.
Class Path
- Main Class: Monk (Way of the Open Hand)
- Primary Focus: Ki Control & Lockdown
Respeccing from Rogue to Monk grants battlefield dominance via Ki. Open Hand keeps crowd control flowing through Prone/Push effects while letting Astarion capitalise on his Dexterity spread.
Ability Scores
These stats mirror the party's point-buy rework—Dexterity drives attacks, Wisdom determines Stunning Strike DCs later, and Constitution keeps the glass cannon alive.
| Ability | Base | Adjustments | Final | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | 8 | +0 | 8 | Shove attempts rely on Dexterity/Acrobatics after level 5; Strength stays dumped. |
| Dexterity | 15 | +0 | 15 | Weapon accuracy, AC, and initiative anchor. |
| Constitution | 15 | +2 | 17 | ASI goes here first—Honor Mode punishes low HP pools. |
| Intelligence | 8 | +0 | 8 | Arcana is covered elsewhere; keep INT minimal. |
| Wisdom | 15 | +1 | 16 | Fuel for Ki DCs and Perception checks while scouting. |
| Charisma | 8 | +0 | 8 | Keep Charisma low—Astarion's approval rewards tactical mercy, not conversation checks. |
Techniques & Ki Economy
Monk respec grants front-loaded control tools with almost no resource downtime.
Level 1 Toolkit
- Unarmed Strike (Dex) — reliable damage with bleeding from the Vampire Bite bonus action.
- Flurry of Blows — early double-tap that scales with Open Hand control at level 3.
- Patient Defense & Step of the Wind — defensive panic buttons when you overextend.
Optional Magic
- High Elf Cantrip (Fire Bolt) — ranged chip for flying enemies and oil barrel triggers.
Proficiencies & Kits
Skills
- Athletics — improves shove/escape checks against hulking melee threats.
- Acrobatics — primary engine for battlefield repositioning and trap avoidance.
Tools & Utilities
- Thieves' Tools — still on point for trap disarm when the Bard is busy.
- Disguise Kit — roleplay leverage for infiltration beats.
Maintain Proficiency in Stealth and Sleight of Hand; Monk mobility lets Astarion stay the dedicated scout even after respeccing.
Combat Script & Tactics
Honor Mode Monks thrive on never ending a turn in danger.
- Shadowheart drops Bless/Sanctuary while Astarion flanks; use Step of the Wind to retreat if focused.
- Focus on soft targets first—Flurry of Blows can shove or prone high-value casters into environmental kills.
- Bite once per long rest to regain HP without consuming Shadowheart's spell slots.
Roleplaying Hooks
Lean into Astarion's quest for autonomy—discipline from the monk's path clashes with his hedonistic instincts, creating tension-rich camp scenes.
Feign cooperation with authority figures to farm approval, then circle back for the stabby options when Honor Mode safety permits.
Astarion — Level 2
- Features: Ki unlocks Flurry of Blows, Patient Defense, and Step of the Wind—practice rotating them so you never waste a bonus action.
- Mobility: Unarmored Movement +10 ft. keeps him ahead of enemy lines; leverage vertical terrain for advantage swings.
Astarion — Level 3
- Subclass: Way of the Open Hand, great damage
Astarion - Level 4
- Feat: Tavern brawler. Choose constitution for the +1 as we'll be using a potion for strength. Start using a strength potion at the start of every day or when he dies (basically he should have the strength buff 100% of the time).