Multiclassing Monk question

[shaun1e]

Hey guys, first post on the site, and it's a question about the Monk, my current character in my first Pathfinder game. This may be a stupid question, but I'm hoping someone can help.

I've heard from at least two of the group I'm playing with that, once a Monk multiclasses into another class, they cannot take any more levels in Monk, but retain all Monk abilities. My question is, is this correct?

Also, while I'm here, another question. What is the best bonus feat to take at 6th level for a Monk, given stats of STR 17, DEX 13, CON 19, INT 9, WIS 12 and CHA 12 (not the best, I know), and bonus feats taken of Deflect Arrows and Dodge?

 

[milo]

I haven't seen anything in the Pathfinder Rule book on multiclassing monks or paladins. In 3.5 and 3rd edition they were both restricted, your group might just be carrying those rules over or I may have missed that rule.

 

[shaun1e]

Oh good, so I can make a convincing argument that I can still gain Monk levels My plan was to get the Diamond Soul benefit from Monk (Spell Resistance of Monk level+10), then maybe either Bard, Summoner or Fighter. Would that work?

 

[blargney the second]

What are you hoping to accomplish by multiclassing out of monk? Specifically, what would you like to do that monk won't give you?

 

[shaun1e]

Put simply? Either spells-that I CAN cast, so Wizard's out-or a bit more fighting power-although that's not really that important.

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

Are you using no archetypes at all? What books are allowed? What are all your feats? Race?

Core monk doesn't have any good 6th level feats really. The Improved feats suck now, you need the greater versions to do anything. Except, monks can't get them as they require int 13 and expertise for most, and even if you do pick up an improved combat maneuver feat at 6...the fighter's had it since 1 and is just now getting greater [maneuver], so you're still way behind, right from the gates. Only thing that's good for monk bonus feats iirc is Medusa's Wrath at 10th w/ no pre-reqs.

 

[shaun1e]

I honestly hadn't looked into archetypes, and shall have a good look at those. Feat-wise, I have Run, Toughness, Deflect Arrows, Dodge, Belier's Bite, Endurance (planning on Diehard or Deny Death, not sure which yet), as well as the standard Monk stuff. Human Monk is what I am, as well.

For a 6th level feat, I was thinking going for either Mobility (for more safety while moving through the battlefield) or Combat Reflexes (if they try to get past me ) When/if I make it to tenth, I might consider Snatch Arrows or Spring Attack.

EDIT: Hadn't noticed a question-as far as I am aware, all books are permitted, provided we have proof the feat/spell/whatever actually exists.

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

Next questions:

Are you able to massively retrain your character? As in, stay monk, but add acrhetypes, replace feats, etc...?

How poorly optimized is the rest of the party and how does your character compare to them in combat? Are you satisfied with your current power level?

Cause, I'm not trying to be mean, just giving my honest view: Monk is the weakest class in the game and your current build is extremely unoptimized even for a monk. If you want to rebuild, and can, I can help you.

 

[shaun1e]

Not entirely sure on any of the questions, but I will try to answer them.

Question the First: Except for death (which is, obviously, a Bad Idea), I don't think this will be a possibility. A shame, really.

Question Two: Not sure of exact stats/feats/other for the rest of the party, but we have an Elf Ranger, an Elf Wizard, a Dwarf Paladin, an Elf Druid, and a Kitsune Ninja (yeah, that last one is kinda out of place ) My character usually places mid to low in Initiative rolls, and hits moderately well very frequently. At the moment, I am OK with my current power level, but feel that it could have been better.

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

Without retraining, it'll be tough to improve your character. See if you could at least retcon being a Qinggong Monk (UM). All of their variants are optional, you can take them or not, so there's no reason for a monk to *not* be one. You could go to 20th level, never take a single one of the ki powers, and still be a "Qinggong Monk."

Bonus feat at 6th level, there's not much for good options. Just go with what you like. If you go to monk 10, definitely get medusa's wrath, it is bar none the best option there. For other feats... look into the style feats from Ultimate Combat. They are available on d20pfsrd and the prd online. In particular, you qualify for Crane Style. Once you have that, you can get Crane Wing, which will let you automatically deflect the first melee attack that would have hit you each round, just like snatch arrows does for ranged (except it works on any melee attack). Snake Fang is even better, lets you AoO anyone that misses you. But that requires Snake Style, Snake Sidewind, and Combat Reflexes. In any case, you can only use one set of style feats at a time, so you'd pick only one set that you like to take. Those 2 are my favorites.

For multiclassing...first of all, waiting for the SR then leaving is a really bad idea. It will cease to increase, so it will remain an annoying burden for when allies try to buff or heal you in combat, but will become less and less effective at protecting from enemies.

If you're looking for more combat oomph, try the Brawler archetype Fighter. Get gloves of dueling (from APG) when you can afford them and have 3+ levels in Brawler.