[RPG] How to play a Friar Tuck type of character

character-creationdnd-5eroleplaying

I have a concept for a "fat" yet beefy character with focus on brawling/hand-to-hand combat and possibly quarterstaff combat. The character is a member of a monastery, abbey, or religious order, with a distinct European monk feel. I'd like to multi-class him with Cleric. The character is basically Friar Tuck from the Robin Hood legends.

The obvious class choice for this character would be Monk, both for RP reasons and mechanics. The Monk's focus on hand-to-hand combat and quarterstaff usage would be perfect. Also, his use of Wisdom will synergize nicely with Cleric. Unfortunately, the Monk's Dex focus ruins the concept of the beefy but slow brawler.

How could I make this character concept work? Is there any way to have a strength-based Monk? Are there any other classes which would work better for a strength-based brawler (maybe Fighter)?

I'm definitely more into the role-playing aspects of the game as opposed to optimization, so I'm willing to sacrifice some power for roleplay possibilities, as long as a character plays at least decent.

Also, if worst comes to worst I will sacrifice my beefy character idea for a traditional Dex based Monk design.

Best Answer

If you're allowed to use variant human, take the Magic Initiate feat, choose Druid as the class, and take Shillelagh as one of your cantrip selections. Shillelagh lets you use your Wisdom Modifier for attack rolls with a Quarterstaff or similar weapon. (Note though this won't apply to your unarmed strikes unless your DM rules it that way.)

This also nets you one other Druid cantrip, and a first level Druid spell once per day. For Friar Tuck, may I suggest Goodberry to make Goodberry Wine.

Another thing to note, is that a Monk, while able to use Dex for Unarmed Strikes and Quarterstaff strikes, does not have to and may instead use Strength for both attack and damage rolls.

Keep in mind, this will leave you with lower AC than usual if you don't wear armour, and if you do wear armour you will lose out on your Martial Arts and Unarmoured Defense features.