Does the Monk class stink?

[krunchyfrogg]

I've heard so many negative things about this class, and I've never seen one played.

Are they viable characters? I'm not a powergamer, but I dont like a character that doesn't have anything to contribute.

The monk I plan on playing will probably be a halfling, with a scouty/sneaky-type concept in mind. I'm considering taking a level of Rogue for the character as well.

 

[Viktyr Gehrig]

They're a little bit underpowered, but they have a diverse range of powers and abilities, so should be able to add something to most parties. People who complain they're too powerful are usually just looking at the fact that they get a special ability at every level (which every class should do, anyway), and people who complain about how weak they are usually want them to be front-line martial artist fighters.

Remember, if your DM follows the mutliclass restriction for Monks, you need to take any Rogue levels before you start with Monk. If you can persuade him not to follow those rules, Rogue is a nice choice for multiclassing with Rogue-- though, every level you take in a non-Monk class delays those special abilities, just like a spellcaster.

As it stands, though, I'd reccomend two levels of Fighter and three levels of Rogue for any character with Monk or Any as a Favored Class, if they intend to be a Monk. It delays their special abilities, but makes them more competent in battle and skillwise, and feels more like what I think Monks should be.

 

[Ranger REG]

Incorporate the PH Monk class with the modification in the OA rulebook.

 

[EarthsShadow]

The Monk class does not stink. It just lacks some versatility that other classes have, but it does have its advantages.

 

[arwink]

The Monk class does not stink. It just lacks some versatility that other classes have, but it does have its advantages.

You know, I would have rephrased that "It has a versatility that other classes lack."

Monks aren't weak. I've had two campaigns with monk characters in them, and the monks had no trouble keeping up with other classes.

 

[maddman75]

Here's the trick to the monk. The monk is not Bruce Lee. You will not be laying down massive amounts of damage with your fists above what the fighters and barbarians do.

What you are is adaptable. The monk has several things he needs to do tactically to make it work.

- Use your speed and tumble to set up the rogues for sneak attacks. If you can't do that, flank with the fighters to give them a bonus.

- Kill the mage! You can tumble past his guards and have the best saves of the group.

- Use your movement. You can get around better than any character. Move to bind wounds, or fetch a dropped magic sword.

- Run interference. Let the fighter and barbarian power attack the BBEG. With your speed and multiple attacks take out the archers/mooks around him to keep them off the mages and tanks.

- Scout. With your stealth skills you're the perfect character to give the rogue some backup when he's sneaking along. In a pinch you can do it yourself (though you aren't skilled at finding traps or picking locks.)

Basically, the monk is a support character. If you want to help out your group as a whole, a monk is a fine class. If you try to run up and dish out damage, you will suck.

This is from seeing a player with the wrong expectations build a monk and be extremely frustrated.

 

[Mort]

Madman75 is absolutely right – If you try to build a monk to be a front line fighter you will be sorely disappointed. One of my players tried to keep up with the fighter and came out very frustrated.

Then he learned about the advantages of speed and maneuverability and being a support character – he’s happier now, though he still gets frustrated with the monk “flurry of misses” every once in a while.

 

[arwink]

- Kill the mage! You can tumble past his guards and have the best saves of the group.

Also keep in mind that a maxed out monk can achieve a Touch AC far beyond anything another class can manage. I regurlarly see monks manage a score over twenty through judicious use of buffing spells from the cleric.

 

[maddman75]

That's another one - a few low level buffs from your party members can really make a different. Get Mage Armor from the wizard, Magic Fang from the druid, and a Bull's Strength or Endurance from the cleric and you are ready to roll.

personally, I'd build a monk around dex. Finesse and focus your unarmed strike, then go for spring attack at 9th. (if playing a human).

Being a small monk has both good and bad sides to it. On the plus, the AC and size bonus to hit really help. On the negative, your unarmed damage and lower speed kind of hurt.

 

[Nightfall]

Not if you're a Monk of the Sacred Chain. But that's just me.