Monk Kensai?

[Notmousse]

I'm contemplating a Monk that will multi into Kensai.

The rules set forth for my character are: WotC D&D books, No LA races, One prestige class at a time (once in you can't get another till completed), Non-evil, 110k GP, 28 point buy, 13th level.

First question is should I multi into Fighter to get into Kensai quicker? If so how many levels should I have in Fighter?

What feats would work best for this build?

Is there possibly a better class or PrC for a monk that wishes to focus on their unarmed attack?

Is going Kensai a good idea in the first place?

In any case, thanks for the feedback.

 

[Klaus]

If you plan on focusing on unarmed strikes, you could go straight monk, monk/reaping mauler or monk/psychic warrior/fist of zuoken.

 

[Belbarid]

IMO, Monk/Kensai is a great combo. Aside from the obvious benefit of turning your fists into magic weapons (and what Monk wouldn't want that?), Power Surge and Ki Protection will work well for a Monk. Withstand could be good too, if you crank your Concentration up faster than your Reflex Save increases.

The Oath of Service could be the sticker. A Kensai isn't a free man- he's bound to something/someone. If you have a DM that acknowleges but ignores things like that, then no worries. If you have one that will play that up, then you need to keep in mind that you aren't necessarily free to make your own way.

 

[Torx]

You may want to sack the idea of the Kensai, as a Necklace of Natural Weapons from Savage Species gives you the Signature Weapon ability of the Kensai without burning class levels. Plus, Kensai does not progress Monk AC, Speed, or the biggie: unarmed damage.

If however you want to continue with the idea, consider using one of the Unearthed Arcana monk variants, I believe the "Passive Way," which grants alternate bonus feats of Combat Expertise and Improved Trip levels 1 and 2. That should help get into the PrC a little quicker without using the oh-so-precious feats the monk needs.

Other great PrCs include Shintao Monk from 3.0 Oriental Adventures. It was updated to 3.5 in Dragon #318 (fairly minor changes). This grants a few bonus feats and has some other neat abilities like being able to grant +4 to any ability like bull's strength. You can enter it easily by 6th level as it has no feat requirements. Also, since you have to finish a PrC, you might want to look at Tattooed Monk from CW (like Kensai). It gets stronger as levels increase, and while many consider it to be underpowered, I really like its versatility.

 

[pawsplay]

If you're going to focus on unarmed strikes, I'd suggest sticking with monk. If you mainly want to add energy damage to your fists, Enlightened Fist, Sacred Fist, or Fist of Zuokon are good choices.

 

[BlackSeed_Vash]

Another option to give your monk varity is to take one of the Ascetic _______ feats from Complete Adventure.

Ascetic Hunter, will give you acess to those well loved monster Knowledges and a favored enemy.
Ascetic Knight, will help max out you saves and give you smite.
Ascetic Mage, will give you acess to buffs like haste and attack spells, and any 'usless' slots for the day can bolster you unarmed attack.
Ascetic Rogue, while it wont give you improved evasion early, it will give you sneak attack damage and uncanny dodge, which is great considering losing dex is never a good thing.

 

[Blightersbane]

All viable builds and good suggestions.

My problem is with the Kensai, it is a potent prc and sometimes chosen exclusively for that reason. I would rather my player’s select for flavor than the +8 to str and the godlike weapon by high level. But if this is the route you pick consider Soulknife / Kensai.

A Soulknife/Kensai doesn’t have to worry about his 200,000 gp sword being sundered, destroyed by an Ooze, broken in a trap, lost or stolen. This build can pick two weapon style and buff both mindblades with unique spells and special qualities. I don’t think there exists a class combo that is more dedicated to his weapon.

BB

 

[Cerowyn]

My current character is a pure monk at 15th level. With a monk's belt and a few rounds of buffing, with some advance help from friendly party spell casters ('cause you have to lower your SR even for friendly spells, and that's rarely a good idea in combat), he's death on wheels.

A decent AC, great mobility on the battlefield, flurry of blows to deal out the damage (enhanced with Bull's Strength and Greater Magic Weapon or Greater Magic Fang) and SR and improved evasion to make for good survivability. The sheer range of special abilities and powers makes the monk just fine all on his or her lonesome, without any other classes, base or prestige. Sure, occasionally getting left behind when the party teleports away is a bit of hassle, but that's why you have such a high base move.