[RPG] Are the astral arms of the UA Way of the Astral Self monk considered unarmed strikes

class-featurednd-5emonkunearthed-arcana

Unearthed Arcana: Barbarian and Monk includes a new monk subclass: the Way of the Astral Self.

The Arms of the Astral Self feature says your astral arms are monk weapons:

The arms are monk weapons and have a reach of 10 feet.

However, creating such a character with D&D Beyond shows them as unarmed strikes:

Arms of the Astral Self on D&D Beyond

All bonuses are calculated as if the arms were unarmed strikes (such as the benefit of the insignia of claws).

This would make a big difference, as skills like the Flurry of Blows would work with Arms of the Astral Self.

Who is right here? Can monk weapons do unarmed attacks?

Best Answer

It is unclear

As you've noted, the class description states that they are monk weapons, which are inherently different from unarmed strikes. But when you put the build together, the attack information does state they are unarmed strikes.

Because of that, Wizards have contradicted themselves a bit, but I'd lean towards the class description vs what fields they put in for the build. But you and your DM may decide otherwise.

It's still playtest

Try it out! If you or your DM wants to use them as unarmed strikes in addition to being monk weapons and either of you feel it is overpowered, then you can decide not to count them as such.