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<blockquote data-quote="Quinn" data-source="post: 664101" data-attributes="member: 10101">Having been in a game with another player who had a monk, they do seem very weak in comparison to other classes.&nbsp; The item restrictions limit monks considerably.&nbsp; Many of the items that they do get will end up being AC boosting since their combined WIS and DEX bonuses typically add up to same AC as the fighter or cleric's breastplate.&nbsp; The abilities just don't come into play very much unless the DM specifically crafted encounters or challenges that utilize them.&nbsp; In the course of a nine month campaign, the monk's Purity of Body ability helped him once.&nbsp; The Slow Fall helped reduce some damage he took on a pit trap once or twice.&nbsp; Deflect Arrows was never used because the monk figured out that maybe he'd block the first arrow, but not the second or third that was fired his way.&nbsp; Improved Trip didn't work well because the monk's strength was about average.&nbsp; The trip failed more often than not.&nbsp; Evasion, Stunning Attack and Fast Movement were the monk's bread and butter.&nbsp; Even Flurry of Blows lost its appeal after a while as more often than not, the negative to the attacks outweighed the advantage of getting the extra attack.His damage was not bad, but he wasn't very effective unless &quot;buffed up&quot; by the cleric and my wizard.&nbsp; Strength wasn't his forte....his points went towards Dexterity and Wisdom first, then Strength and Con.&nbsp; The fighter in the group benefitted far more from his strength, plus feats like weapon focus and specialization, plus magical weapons, plus whatever spells were cast upon him.&nbsp; Ditto the Fighter/Rogue who had sneak attacks.&nbsp; Ditto the Cleric who was also casting some potent spells in addition (Flame strike, Hold Person, Inflict spells).&nbsp; It seemed that everyone was outpacing the monk who was able to hold his own, but not really excel or distinguish himself.The bottom line was the player enjoyed playing the monk, mostly due to the concept, but when the campaign ended, admitted it was very frustrating.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Quinn, post: 664101, member: 10101"] Having been in a game with another player who had a monk, they do seem very weak in comparison to other classes. The item restrictions limit monks considerably. Many of the items that they do get will end up being AC boosting since their combined WIS and DEX bonuses typically add up to same AC as the fighter or cleric's breastplate. The abilities just don't come into play very much unless the DM specifically crafted encounters or challenges that utilize them. In the course of a nine month campaign, the monk's Purity of Body ability helped him once. The Slow Fall helped reduce some damage he took on a pit trap once or twice. Deflect Arrows was never used because the monk figured out that maybe he'd block the first arrow, but not the second or third that was fired his way. Improved Trip didn't work well because the monk's strength was about average. The trip failed more often than not. Evasion, Stunning Attack and Fast Movement were the monk's bread and butter. Even Flurry of Blows lost its appeal after a while as more often than not, the negative to the attacks outweighed the advantage of getting the extra attack. His damage was not bad, but he wasn't very effective unless "buffed up" by the cleric and my wizard. Strength wasn't his forte....his points went towards Dexterity and Wisdom first, then Strength and Con. The fighter in the group benefitted far more from his strength, plus feats like weapon focus and specialization, plus magical weapons, plus whatever spells were cast upon him. Ditto the Fighter/Rogue who had sneak attacks. Ditto the Cleric who was also casting some potent spells in addition (Flame strike, Hold Person, Inflict spells). It seemed that everyone was outpacing the monk who was able to hold his own, but not really excel or distinguish himself. The bottom line was the player enjoyed playing the monk, mostly due to the concept, but when the campaign ended, admitted it was very frustrating. [/QUOTE]

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