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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Cadfan" data-source="post: 4180752" data-attributes="member: 40961">1. I don't think its a controller, but if you enjoy it, play it.  Its not like it stops beign fun if you and I disagree on his proper label.2. Whirlwind strike is too good.  A per encounter ability that does 2[W] to every adjacent enemy?  That's like the Ranger's Split the Tree ability, with the rerolled attack switched out for the ability to hit more than two targets.  Its too good for a per encounter power, even if its not ranged like Split the Tree.3. Insightful Dodge is a nice way to carry over the "wis to ac" of the 3e fighter into an era with magically enhanced clothing.  But, I personally don't like the idea of intentionally turning two entire stats into dump stats.  Adding two stats together 3e style might not be a good plan for 4e ability score scaling... I'm not sure what should be done here.Alright, here's why I don't think this guy is a controller.Both defenders and controllers hinder enemies, and move them about.  The difference is WHY they hinder or move enemies.  What purpose does it serve?Well, we don't know a TON about controllers yet, but we do know a fair amount about defenders.  And the fighter certainly hinders and moves his enemies.  He does so in order to keep those enemies nearby so that he can more efficiently bash them in the face.  Tide of Iron?  It might as well be renamed "The thing that sets up my Cleave attacks."  And his attack of opportunity powers serve to keep enemies nearby, in bashing range, and even functions BY bashing.  So, lots of bashing.Now lets look at this monk.  He seems to be pursuing the same goals.Slowing Strike: Why would a monk want a nearby enemy slowed?  It doesn't stop them from attacking.  Oh yeah!  So they can't run very far away, and he can kick them in the head.  Defender.Trip: Why would a monk want to trip someone?  They can still get up and attack.  Oh yeah!  So he can kick them in the head when they get up, and again when they can't run away.  Defender.Whirlwind Attack: Too good for its level.  Also, in my opinion, an area of attack with an area of "the reach of my arms" falls under defender work.  Its like Cleave, except bigger.  DefenderTwisting Defense: Defensive, doesn't really have an associated role.Throw: Keeps enemies nearby for better head kicking.  Defender.Stunning Blow: Honestly, could be lots of roles.  Would fit as a sap attack for a striker, for example.  This is ok though, not everything has to be solidly in a particular role.So... anyways, the overall point of this monk seems to be to stop enemies from getting away while he beats them down.  That makes him a defender.  It also outlines why its so hard to create a martial defender.  You're already dealing with a subset of the overall list of abilities a defender might have, simply because it isn't quite plausible for a martial character to be throwing ki fireballs.  And amongst that subset, you're in competition with another character role that already borrowed a big portion.Anyways, I'm not writing this to diss your monk class.  I like it!  I just think its a Defender.  Why not accept that, lighten up on the pushing/tripping theme, and add some solid Defender type powers?  Given that Defenders already push and hinder, you can undoubtedly make a good, solid Defender who focuses on the pushing and hindering more so than the existing classes do.</blockquote>

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