monks . . . we don't need no stinking monks

[hong]

Re: Hong's MA class

First of all, Martial Artists are very much like athletes, i.e. they often take more exercise then ordinary soldiers. I would suggest increasing their class hit die to d10 or even d12.

What, you don't think the class is already munchkin enough?

Secondly, while I do agree that Monks need good saves, giving them 3/4 progress in all three is too good. I would settle for Medium (i.e. 1/2) progression in saving throws. Your MA's Will is weak - why? Doesn't your MA practise meditation techniques etc?

First, medium saves don't exist in D&D (a good save progression is 2 + level x 1/2, poor is level x 1/3). I could introduce them, but there's no precedent for it. If this was something for Star Wars or d20M, it would be different.

Second, not all martial artists have to be big on the meditation and Zen schtick. As noted in the introduction, the class is meant to be capable of handling a wider range of concepts than _just_ an Asian-themed monk. If the MA wants to be good at fending off mental attacks, they can take the Iron Will, Still Mind and Strength of Will feats.

Thirdly, BAB progression - as Fighter's - these guys know how and where to hit so their good BAB (1/1) is entirely justified.

Yeah, the aim was basically to create a class that can kick more butt than the regular monk. So that it doesn't completely break the game, I had to take some other goodies away.

I have also noticed that MA lacks increased unarmed damage. I would consider adding a chain of feats allowing to increase unarmed damage and to bypass hardness and damage reduction (for the purpose of breaking bricks and damaging those pesky outsiders), something like:
- Improved Unarmed Damage - multiple, stacks, increase your damage die by one size each time you take this feat.

Enhanced Unarmed Strike

- Find the Weakness - multiple, stacks, each time you take this feat your unarmed strike damage ignores 5 points of hardness or damage reduction.

!!!!

However, Strength of Many can kinda achieve the same end if you want to break stuff, or Ki Strike if you want to penetrate DR.

 

[Golandrinel]

What's wrong with just taking a fighter and engineering stats and choosing feats and skills that would reflect how a monk should be in your opinion? Specialising in fist etc etc... Actually this same argument holds up for the barbarian class too.
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(LOL - wind up, sorry coudln't resist)

[edit for sp's]

 

[hong]

Specialising in fist etc etc...

I am specialising in fisting RIGHT NOW, IKYWIMATYID.


Hong "did I spell that right?" Ooi

 

[Golandrinel]

You'll have to IM me with what that means hong, I'm not great on internet speak...