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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Mad Mac" data-source="post: 2551095" data-attributes="member: 27873">Monks and StrengthI find it interesting that in, say, Japanese anime and video games, unarmed martial art fighters are almost always the buff, muscley characters. It's the guys and gals with slashy and stabby instruments who get to be light and graceful. Where does the "lightweight" martial artist concept come from, I wonder?  Perhaps it's just that, in america, martial arts was associated with asians, who were generally smaller/thinner than the general population...so it got that image of being a fighting style for little guys. Of course, there's also the fact that most Japanese arts are what you would call hard styles. But even if you go with the "old kung-fu master" relying on chi over physical strength, you're going to need a good strength score to simulate the kind of power they get credited with.  But on topic, I agree that strength is crucial for monks, all the more so for grappling builds. I'd allow him to change his ability scores around some, or maybe hook him up with a belt of giant strength. Monks who skimp on strength will regret it, 9 times out of 10.  He's also going to need the best enhancements bonuses he can get. At a bare minimum, make sure the party spellcasters keep him outfitted with mage sheild and magic weapon, and encourage him to pick up a unarmed blow enhancing item. Keep in mind that the Amulet of Blows is priced for a non-fitting item slot, and should only cost 2x weapon price if made into gloves or similar items.</blockquote>

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