Monk's Tattoo

[Artoomis]

Quick question. In general terms, what does a Monk's Tatto do?

 

[RogueJK]

It causes a monk's unarmed attack damage, AC bonus, and speed to be treated as if they were 4 levels higher.

 

[Corwin]

It causes a monk's unarmed attack damage, AC bonus, and speed to be treated as if they were 4 levels higher.

I just want to add this minor clarification: No other benefits. No bonus to BAB, UBAB, special abilites, etc. Just those three things RogueJK listed.

I still don't see what makes it worth 80k!?!

 

[RogueJK]

It doesn't take up an item slot. That's mostly what makes it so expensive.

[Edit] According to the DMG, not using an item slot doubles the price.

The Wildshape Amulet does the same thing (functions as if 4 levels higher) for a Druid's Wildshape ability, but it takes up an item slot. It's only 40,000 gp. So a pair of Monk's Bracers, which functioned the same way as the Tattoo, would only be 40,000 gp.

If 40,000 is still too much for you, it would be fairly easy to make a Lesser Monk's Cloak or the likes. 20,000 gp for a cloak that raises the abovementioned abilities by 2 levels.[/Edit]

 

[mac1504]

Where is the Monk's tatoo and Monk's bracers listed?

And do Bracers of Armor count as armor on a monk? (i.e. will a monk lose his AC bonus from Wisdom when wearing bracers of any kind?)

Thanks,
mac1504

 

[RogueJK]

Where is the Monk's tatoo and Monk's bracers listed?

And do Bracers of Armor count as armor on a monk? (i.e. will a monk lose his AC bonus from Wisdom when wearing bracers of any kind?)

Thanks,
mac1504

The Monk's Tattoo is found in Magic of Faerun. The Monk's Bracers are a custom magic item that I based off of the Monk's Tattoo. They have the same effect, but take up an item slot, so they are half as expensive. You could just as easily make them Monk's Boots, a Monk's Cloak, Monk's Gloves, a Monk's Amulet, or any other item that you can think of. The Lesser Monk's Cloak is the same thing, though a less powerful version.

As for your second question, this is open to interpretation. Most people beleive that they don't count as armor, as far as the Monk's armor restriction is concerned. The same goes for having Mage Armor cast on him. These give an "armor" bonus, but they aren't armor, specifically. Some people may disagree, though. Its up to the individual DM.

 

[mac1504]

Thanks RogueJK, but I have a feeling my DM won't buy it

mac1504

 

[Corwin]

It doesn't take up an item slot. That's mostly what makes it so expensive.

Ah yes, the ol' "assume-the-guy-doesn't-know-the-rules" thing...

You must not have been around for the previous thread on this subject.

Yes, I am fully aware of the rules. No, that doesn't completely explain the cost.

This magic tattoo is not just a slotless item. It's also not removable. It has absolutely no resale value. It cannot be shared with your companions. And, worse of all, it eventually becomes worthless when your abilities top off.

It basically adds +1 (or +4 briefly) to damage, +1 AC and +10 movement. Until of course, you reach a level when these go away completely as early as 16th level for damage (arguable the most useful).

So no, it isn't that easy.

 

[jontherev]

Ah yes, the ol' "assume-the-guy-doesn't-know-the-rules" thing...

You must not have been around for the previous thread on this subject.

Yes, I am fully aware of the rules. No, that doesn't completely explain the cost.

This magic tattoo is not just a slotless item. It's also not removable. It has absolutely no resale value. It cannot be shared with your companions. And, worse of all, it eventually becomes worthless when your abilities top off.

It basically adds +1 (or +4 briefly) to damage, +1 AC and +10 movement. Until of course, you reach a level when these go away completely as early as 16th level for damage (arguable the most useful).

So no, it isn't that easy.

Two words: Epic Rules.

 

[RogueJK]

You must not have been around for the previous thread on this subject.

I guess I missed that thread. Got a link? About how long ago was it? If you can't find the old thread, do you at least remember what the final consensus was?

The only thing that I think might detract from its value is the fact that it can't be resold or shared. Most middle- and low-range magic items eventually become obsolete or worthless. Granted, you'd be allowed to sell those when their usefulness runs out.

I think it would be just fine as a Monk's Cloak or the likes. Yes, you'll eventually outgrow the need for it, just like most other magic items, but then you can sell it.

I would lower the price some, though, due to the fact that it would be only usable by one class. About 30,000 or 27,500 gp for an item with these properties would be fine.

[Edit] johntherev does have a good point. The item would be useful for the rest of your adventuring career once you bought it... Something else to consider is that it might be priced that high to deter buyers. Think about it... every monk would benefit from a Monk's Tattoo. It you make their price lower, every Monk in the world that is able to scrape together the money would have one. A smaller number of monks would be able to afford 80,000 gp.

The high price makes it so that a Monk would be able to buy one around 12th level, the level at which it is the most useful. So for 80,000 gp, he gets +1 AC, +10 speed, and his damage increases from a d12 to a d20 (a big leap, and one that he gets 4 levels before other monks). Then, once he gets above 20th level, it will still be worth keeping, since he will always be 1 step above another monk who doesn't have one.

Based on this, I think the price is fine, if a little high. 65,000 gp or 70,000 gp at the lowest, IMO. It's even better if you buy a true item which has these properties, since the price would be lower, but at the cost of an item slot. [/Edit]