Canonfire!

Thu Mar 25, 2021 10:11 pm Scarlet Brotherhood NPCs in 5e

Friends,

Do you have any suggestions regarding how to represent Scarlet Brotherhood NPCs in 5e? In particular, are there any "subclasses" of the monk that you find thematically resonant?

For the Rogue, "Thief" and "Assassin" are the obvious choices, but I'd love to learn if you find another particularly good for representing the cousins and nephews of the SB, but

Alternatively, might you point me to any relevant home-brew "subclasses" that might serve this interest?

Finally, if you know of any relevant existing stat blocks, please let me know!

Fri Mar 26, 2021 6:10 am

Well, if you’re looking to replicate the 1E monk class that is the foundation of the Scarlet Brotherhood, then the Way of the Open Hand 5E monk archetype is probably your best bet.

Thu Apr 29, 2021 3:20 pm

Considered using clerics? A quick internet search revealed that the monks were priest kits in 2e. If you prefer unarmed strikes, the unarmed fighting style from Tasha's is to be had with a feat.

Otherwise, way of shadow seems to fit the assassin / infiltrator role nicely. The challenge here is how to incorporate their apparent capabilities in the Charisma skills like deception and persuasion. I don't know of any homebrew, but you can start with a way of shadow, then add something like Otherworldly Glamour from the ranger Fey Wanderer subclass (add Wis modifier to Charisma checks, get proficiency in one Charisma skill).

Mon Oct 04, 2021 1:35 pm

Monks were priest kits in 2E as you mentioned, but a more 1E version of the class is included in the appendix of the 2E Scarlet Brotherhood paperback supplement. I can't remember offhand if it used the martial arts rules from the fighter's splat book or Oriental Adventures.

Fri Jan 14, 2022 9:46 am

I've opted for:

Way of the Open Hand - Followers of Zuoken
Way of Shadow - Followers of Xan Yae
Way of the Long Death - Monks of the Scarlet Brotherhood

The last one is in The Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide page 130 (the Realms has to be good for something after all Smile

)