Monk Build Question

Chilidog · Post by **Chilidog** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 10:32 pm

I know pure monks are the best way to go but I want something different. I like a lot of the monk higher level abilities but I want a little flavor to my character.

I was thinking Cleric for 3 levels or perhaps a rogue.

I'll get my stats and repost. But I want opinions of possible builds to go with.

Wyvern · Post by **Wyvern** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 10:44 pm

Monk/Assassin works fairly well. If anyone mentions Monk 1/Druid 19, they get banned.

Could a Monk/Ranger work? Dual wielding kamas with the two weapon fighting style could be pretty nasty. I'm not sure if Kama's are light weapons though, I've never used them personally. If they are, then you would be looking to take weapon finesse with it and going for a mainly dex based build.

Grayle · Post by **Grayle** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 11:05 pm

I have done some experimentation with the concept of the multi-class Monk, and no matter what I have tried, mechanically, no skill or ability I have ever gained in multi-classing has measured up to Monk 20, if your aim is to make a monk-dominant character.

However, role-play is more important than numbers. A Monk/Paladin is very compelling to me, even if the power wouldn't match a Monk 20.

Redleafe · Post by **Redleafe** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 11:09 pm

Yeah, I prefer the RP myself. I'd mix it up if your looking for unique or intriguing, I'd go all out monk if your going by the number there. my thoughts.

Chilidog · Post by **Chilidog** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 11:24 pm

I guess what I am trying to achieve is devistating crits and maximum dodge and reflex saves.

Chilidog · Post by **Chilidog** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 11:38 pm

Wow I re-read the monk's abilities at 20...and...damn nice.

Still the role play of it kinda leaves it linear.

lankycheese · Post by **lankycheese** » Thu Mar 15, 2007 12:05 am

The RP of a Monk is awesome, but you could always make a Jedi and do a Monk/Paladin. ^^

SnorriHT · Post by **SnorriHT** » Thu Mar 15, 2007 3:04 am

Pure monks are just insane at high levels. The problems are:

1. its a hard road to level 13 (spell resistance), but once you get there, you are golden;

2. Monks can often fall into the same category as Paladins, in that they can often be quite difficult to roleplay well.

Wyvern, please cover you eyes to avoid this blasphemous talk as per below

three decent monk multi-class builds are:

- Dwarf Monk16/Fighter4, or Monk16/Dwarven Defender4 - Darkvision, high CON and plenty of Hammerhand goodness;

- Human Monk16/Cleric4 - pick up the Air domain for uncanny dodge and magic for mage armour. Four levels of cleric (at levels 2, 4, 6 and

really boost the monks defenses when he is most vulerable;

- Human Monk 13/Druid 7 - spell resistance, animal companion, barkskin stoneskin and heals. The attraction with this build is to take elephant's hide and get +7 dodge AC for 10 minutes per use of wildshape, which is very handy against some high level monsters with multiple attacks at a high AB. I was seriously thinking about using this build, but couldn't justify it RP wise in the context of Dasaria. However YMMV

An interesting RP build would be a LN Tiefling Monk, with the constant struggle to fight against his infernal blood and chaotic nature...

Chilidog · Post by **Chilidog** » Thu Mar 15, 2007 4:06 am

Nice post.

I think I will go with Monk 16 Cleric 4

Lots of protection, healing, turning undead, dodge, stealthiness, buffs, immunities...

This is a very doable build.

SnorriHT · Post by **SnorriHT** » Thu Mar 15, 2007 4:19 am

Chilidog wrote:Nice post.

I think I will go with Monk 16 Cleric 4

Lots of protection, healing, turning undead, dodge, stealthiness, buffs, immunities...

This is a very doable build.

And also provides plenty flexibility for background/RP. Good luck and most importantly, have fun

ErictheRed · Post by **ErictheRed** » Thu Mar 15, 2007 5:18 am

Grayle wrote:I have done some experimentation with the concept of the multi-class Monk, and no matter what I have tried, mechanically, no skill or ability I have ever gained in multi-classing has measured up to Monk 20, if your aim is to make a monk-dominant character.

However, role-play is more important than numbers. A Monk/Paladin is very compelling to me, even if the power wouldn't match a Monk 20.

I actually posted over at the official forums and requested that Monks not get their Wisdom modifier added to AC until level 3 or so. That would prevent the Druid 19/Monk 1 cheese. There seemed to be some interest, and Obsidian saw the post (I think); it was in the "class focus" threads.

coruscadragon · Post by **coruscadragon** » Thu Mar 15, 2007 6:47 am

ErictheRed wrote:
Grayle wrote:I have done some experimentation with the concept of the multi-class Monk, and no matter what I have tried, mechanically, no skill or ability I have ever gained in multi-classing has measured up to Monk 20, if your aim is to make a monk-dominant character.

However, role-play is more important than numbers. A Monk/Paladin is very compelling to me, even if the power wouldn't match a Monk 20.
I actually posted over at the official forums and requested that Monks not get their Wisdom modifier added to AC until level 3 or so. That would prevent the Druid 19/Monk 1 cheese. There seemed to be some interest, and Obsidian saw the post (I think); it was in the "class focus" threads.

I think making such a restriction inherent to the class is a bad idea, personally. It should be up to DMs to restrict power builds that they see as unfit, but that decision needs to be left up to the makers and players of individual PWs in my opinion... some people don't even play online, and/or don't care about RP. While most Dasarians obviously do play online and many care about RP, it is unfair to force our view on how the game should be played on others by making these restrictions "built-in" to the class...

*tosses two cents on table*

SnorriHT · Post by **SnorriHT** » Thu Mar 15, 2007 10:19 am

The danger is that if the world builders start restricting builds, it will end up being another boring administration task. This would mean less time building new content, bugfixing or DMing. Perhaps a easier methodology would be case by case arbitration on players who are obviously exploiting the front loaded feats and abilities offered by some classes.

Also some 1/19 Builds could be very valid. For example, if someone wanted to play a strong Barbarian with unholy reflexes, then taking 1 level of warlock and the leaps and bounds invocation for the +4 DEX and Tumble would be fun.

That little bit of warlock could mean the barbarian eyes glow red when he rages, or perhaps he feels compelled to draw blood everytime he draws his sword from his scabbard, and he doesn't know why...

stoned-raider · Post by **stoned-raider** » Thu Mar 15, 2007 12:06 pm

Here are some monk builds i thought about :

Monk 16/ shadowdancer4
(could be 19/1 but that woulb be .... you know what i mean

)

Monk 16 / any high-bab class 4
(dual wield kamas with all the feats, get yourself a haste-wand, and have whooping 10 attacks per round) As for the RP ... you´re problem

Can´t think of more right now ...

Good luck with your monk, and see you in cear

Michael · Post by **Michael** » Thu Mar 15, 2007 6:05 pm

ErictheRed wrote:
Grayle wrote:I have done some experimentation with the concept of the multi-class Monk, and no matter what I have tried, mechanically, no skill or ability I have ever gained in multi-classing has measured up to Monk 20, if your aim is to make a monk-dominant character.

However, role-play is more important than numbers. A Monk/Paladin is very compelling to me, even if the power wouldn't match a Monk 20.
I actually posted over at the official forums and requested that Monks not get their Wisdom modifier added to AC until level 3 or so. That would prevent the Druid 19/Monk 1 cheese. There seemed to be some interest, and Obsidian saw the post (I think); it was in the "class focus" threads.

Though time it may take, the Mooids shall roam the lands yet again.