Help me brainstorm a Gestalt Monk/Bard (or Rogue)

[Storyteller01]

If you have Rokugan, you could always go gestalt Ninja/Courteir. Best BaB, SA damage, the ability to avoid combat when it isn't needed, and the Courtiers Versatile ability makes for a hube class skill set.

 

[sumi]

Why not think of a Rogue/Wizard. All that extra mobility, those detect spells and invisibility - especially if you want to investigate. The Monk/Rogue is only useful if you want to hit things and run away.

 

[Herobizkit]

Thanks for the timely advice, everyone.

My DM is extremely relaxed when it comes to alignment and LA. That is to say, he doesn't use either.

My largest concern with running a Monk/Rogue is that he will be too similar to the Fighter/Rogue/"Ninja" (non-Gestalt with a homebrew PrC) I ran prior to this character.

Monk/Rogue makes the most sense, I agree. Max number of skill points, stunning fist/sneak attack combos, and skills that would be useful as an investigator. Heck, the main reason I chose Bard was for the spellcasting ability and the same useful skill set for social interactions.

I completely forgot that Half-Celestials had wings, but I thought that was only 90% of the time; I'll have to check my 3.0 rulebook. (That's right, I said it... 3.0!)

The in-story reason I chose half-celestial is because I pitched the concept of an "immaculate conception" for this character. He will be an agent of my homebrew Goddess sent to help defend Her Divine City, created by Her first high priestess (and another one of my characters). I could find a more suitable (and less common) template to tack on, but I'm largely uninspired at this point.

Keep the suggestions coming; I appreciate them!

 

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

My largest concern with running a Monk/Rogue is that he will be too similar to the Fighter/Rogue/"Ninja" (non-Gestalt with a homebrew PrC) I ran prior to this character.

I think that concern is valid. A Monk|Rogue is essentially a Ninja...

Monk|Bard has a unique flavour, and i think it woudln't work that bad. (Monk|Rogue would probably synergize better, admittedly).
As a Bard, you have an extra easy time of using "Use Magic Device". A Wand of Shield and a Wand of mage ARmor will be your best friends for a long time (along with several Wands of Cure LIght Wounds, for sure )

The bard class offers unique buffing abilities, and the best of it is that most of them help everyone in combat, not just you.

 

[monboesen]

I'll have to check my 3.0 rulebook.

If I where you I would look long and hard at the 3.5 versions of both the bard and monk class. They got a much needed boost with that revision. Especially the bard I think is way more attractive than before. And at least the monks flurry mechanically works better with the new rules.

 

[Question]

Your DM doesnt use LA?! Holy , i want to play a vampire in his campaign. Where is his address?

 

[Herobizkit]

I think that concern is valid. A Monk|Rogue is essentially a Ninja...

In the strictest sense, you're right. However, this character is going to focus his skill points into investigative skills rather than "thief" skills, while the Monk side is more of a hand-to-hand "bring the bad guys in alive" kung-fu cop type rather than the ki-manipulating mediative martial-artist type.

Monk|Bard has a unique flavour, and i think it woudln't work that bad.

That, and the fact that we haven't tried a Bard since 3.0 came out. I may make a 2nd character that will Gestalt with Bard, though. Who knows...

 

[Herobizkit]

Your DM doesnt use LA?! Holy , i want to play a vampire in his campaign. Where is his address?

Heh, you'd love playing with us, then. Both he and I ignore LA and alignments in favour of fun. For example, he's currently playing a vampire antique dealer/tomb raider chick in my d20 Modern campaign.

 

[kelvinaw273]

Monk Bard cannot work, as monks are lawful and bards cannot be.

However, Monk/Rogue works brilliantly as either a gestalt or a multi-class with Ascetic Rogue. Or if you want something different, how about monk/scout? A bit wilderness flavoured for what you want perhaps, but Oh the senses and the awareness skills plus you will be the fastest thing on two legs ...

 

[BlueBlackRed]

He already stated that the DM doesn't care about alignment restrictions, so a Monk/Bard will work.

I never really understood why bards couldn't be lawful anyway.
But then again, I'm not sure why that class exists at all - but that's just my bias.