Low Level Build - Black Widow
Art Credit - Andy Park
Today we are going to do a low-level build for the Marvel hero Black Widow. Use can use this for any adventure between levels 1-6 and, obviously, continue its development for higher levels. Natasha Romanov is one of my favorite heroes since she does not have any otherworldly superpowers, special mech suits, or have been exposed to a substance/creature that imbued them with amazing abilities.
Black Widow
Race: Half-Elf (+2 Charisma, +1 Wisdom, +1 Dexterity, Darkvision, Fey Ancestry, Skill Versatility)
Class: Monk/Rogue
Stats: Str. 10, Dex. 16, Con. 12, Int. 11, Wis. 14, Cha. 14 (Point Buy)
Proficiencies: Acrobatics +5, Athletics +2, Deception +4, Intimidation +4, Investigation +2, Perception +4, Sleight of Hand +5, Stealth +7
Background: Criminal/Spy
Equipment: Burglar Pack, shortsword
1st Level (Rogue 1): Let's review the basics. It’s all about hand-to-hand combat with this build. Natasha Romanov (Black Widow) rarely uses weapons, preferring to kick the shit out of everyone she fights, but there is a big reason we take rogue at 1st level instead of monk, and it’s everyone’s favorite class ability, Sneak Attack. Your Armor Class is a solid 14 with leather armor, but we’ll be ditching it when we take our first level in monk, which will increase to 15.
The stats are fairly straightforward. The +2 Charisma may seem like it makes the Half-Elf a strange choice. Since it increases our Intimidation proficiency and we can add +1 to two other stats, it’s well worth it. Add one to Dexterity and one to Wisdom. The background is obviously criminal/spy. If you know anything about the Black Widow, you know there’s no other choice.
The 1st level rogue is fairly overpowered in the 5th edition. Sneak Attack increases the rogue’s damage so that it is now equal to or greater than your front-line fighters. Positioning is important since you need advantage to use a sneak attack, but fairly easy to manage. This is especially true if you have a barbarian in your party. We all know they will rush in blindly, rage, and attack. At 1st level, I’d advise against attempting to gain advantage via another enemy being within 5ft. You don’t have a lot of hit points. Two creatures hitting you is very bad for your health.
Purchase a short sword, the finesse weapon requirement is covered. A minor complaint is there are no baton-like weapons or a bo staff available in the 5th edition. Both are weapons the Widow uses on a regular basis. Since they don’t exist, the short sword will have to do.
2nd level (Rogue 1/Monk 1): Now we’re also a 1st-level monk, so thank goodness we have our shortsword. As I said above, ditch your leather armor, and your AC is bumped up to 15. Following the spirit of the character we are trying to create, Unarmed Strike would be her primary attack. She will use the short sword, but at a higher level, punching, kicking, head-butting, or a similar forceful blow will be the way to go. She’ll deal good bludgeoning damage with a +3 bonus (Dexterity). The extra attack with her bonus action goes a long way in increasing the amount of damage she can do.
Let’s take a look at what you can now do with your character. Move up, and position yourself to take advantage of Sneak Attack. Hit the jerky kobold with your shortsword. Use your bonus action to kick them in the shins. Here’s what the 2nd level Black Widow damage looks like.
To Hit: +5. Damage: Shortsword strike 1d6+3 (6) + Sneak Attack 1d6 (3) + Unarmed Strike 1d4+3 (5) = Average Damage 14, Max Damage 22
3rd Level (Rogue 1/Monk 2): Here’s where our character begins to take off. I know most people know about ki, but it’s worth going over. She’s not wearing armor, so she’ll get two ki points to spend on the following features. The Flurry of Blows feature increases the number of bonus attacks from one to two after an attack action, and everyone loves to hit things more. Flurry of Blows is an unarmed strike-only ability, so you can either kick them in the face or stab them with a short sword with your Action, then punch them twice.
Patient Defense allows you to spend 1 ki point to take the Dodge action as a bonus action on your turn. Very situational but can come in handy if needed. Step of the Wind allows you to take the Disengage or Dash action as a bonus action on your turn for a single Ki point. Your jump distance is doubled for the turn also. Whether you want to run up faster to hit something or run away after you’ve hit something, it’s a good feature for both ends of your turn.
Your damage output isn’t the best when compared to a fighter or barbarian. By spending a Ki point, the Widow’s output is better, especially considering you punch people and not hit them with a sword.
To Hit Bonus +5. Damage: Shortsword strike 1d6+3 (6) + Sneak Attack 1d6 (3) + Bonus Action 10 (1d4+3)+(1d4+3). Total - Average 19, Max 29.
Let’s not forget about Unarmored Movement, which increases your speed by 10 feet. Speed becomes the monk's friend and should be used accordingly. You should never stay in one place too long, especially without armor. The main issue with your ki at this level is you only have 2 points. Thankfully you regain all your ki points after a long or short rest.
4th level (Rogue 1/Monk 3): I went back and forth on whether or not to take a 3rd level in Monk to pick the monk tradition Way of the Shadow or grab the 2nd level in Rogue. In the end, I went with the monk. Deflect Missiles is neat, but I’ve never been too impressed with it. Maybe because most of the combat I’m involved in is melee or that it doesn’t scale very well. However, my personal feelings aside, it fits quite well with the character build we aim for.
We’ll be taking the Way of the Shadow’s monk tradition, with the 3rd level ability being Shadow Arts. Two ki points cast darkness, darkvision, pass without trace or silence without providing material components. Additionally, you gain the minor illusion cantrip. While none of the spells will blow you away, darkness, pass without trace, and silence fit well with the stealthy and deadly Black Widow build. You already have darkvision.
Last but not least, we are now up to 3 ki points, which makes casting one of the above spells a bit easier to swallow. Realistically, you and I both know we’ll be using every ki point for Flurry of Blows.
5th level (Rogue 2/Monk 3): The only reason you take the second level is it puts you that much closer to you being a 3rd-level rogue and taking the Assassin archetype. (Spoilers!) Cunning Action allows you to use your bonus action to Dash, Disengage, or Hide. It overlaps with the monk Step to the Wind ability, but at least you don’t have to use a ki point.
6th level (Rogue 3/Monk 3): Our low-level build is now in great shape as we take our 3rd level in rogue and immediately take the Assassin archetype. If you know anything about the Black Widow, you’ll know that before becoming a member of the Avengers, she was a Russian-trained assassin who was extremely good at her job.
You gain proficiency with the disguise kit and the poisoner’s kit. A ribbon item for sure, but it fits also perfectly with our build. Assassinate is what we are here for. Being stealthy and quiet as hallmark traits of the Avengers hero, and you are now rewarded for it. Advantage on attack rolls against creatures that haven’t taken their turn in the combat yet can cripple an opponent when you stack Sneak Attack and Flurry of Blows in the first round.
In addition, any hit you score against a creature that is surprised is a critical hit, which may very well kill an opponent outright. Surprise is underused, in my opinion, in the 5th edition, but you’ll want to attempt to get the jump on your foes as often as possible. One of the core Black Widow traits was her stealthiness and ability to creep up and strike a bad guy before they knew she was there. Assassinate is, therefore, a perfect fit.
There you go, the low-level Black Widow build. Please remember that while there may be a better Monk/Rogue build, we are trying to start true to the superhero. As always, please feel to share your opinion below.
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