Help with a deaf monk

[thundershot]

I'm considering bringing back the first 3e character that I made that was retired because I couldn't figure out how to play her after she was permanently deafened at a low level. Yes, there's an easy way out with magic, but I didn't want to go that route. The party is averaging at 11th level right now, and I think it'd be an interesting idea to bring my halfling monk back as an NPC, but I have no idea what kind of concept or feats or anything to go with her at a higher level.

Can anyone think of any feat combos or abilities that would make her take advantage of her disability?

She left the party early on after they used her as bait to get into an asylum, (she went nuts being in a strait jacket) which eventually led to her losing her hearing. She blames them for what happened, and no matter how much meditation she went through, the hurt feeling was still there.

I just got Quintessential Monk today, so I'll seek ideas in there, but I figured I'd toss out the concept to my friends in EN World and see what else I can fish out.



Thanks!!
Chris

 

[Hand of Evil]

I would have to look hard into it but I would design feats around her being deaf, like 'Clap of Thunder' an add on to stunning attack that produces a sound that does the same effect, giving the Monk a range attack.

 

[Chun-tzu]

I'd go with a Silence theme. Give her a way to use Silence attacks, to even the playing field. The Shintao Monk PrC from OA gains a Silence gaze attack (at 6th level, too, which works well - Monk 5/Shintao Monk 6, same average level as party). Or she could multi as a Cleric.

If you really want to run with the silence theme, she can gain bonuses by taking a Vow of Silence (feat from Book of Hallowed Might).