Roleplaying not Rollplaying a Monk Character

[fusangite]

Ah... the contradiction that is the monk. Monks are a real problem in most fantasy campaigns -- they're based on ascetic Asian martial artists which have no equivalent in the West. Thus, it's pretty hard to fit a monk into the culture. I find that monks then fall into one of two categories:
(a) they are actually foreigners from the Asia equivalent in your world and therefore have totally different cultural mores than everyone else
(b) monks are part of a strange quasi-atheistic cult that has secluded outposts/monasteries sprinkled throughout the countryside

Before I offered any advice, I'd want to know which category your character fell into and some details about the campaign world.

 

[Neowolf]

My advice:

-Avoid the common misconception that a lawful alignment always means strict adherence to the law of the land. Not so: a lawful alignment just means that he has a code of ethics and behavior of some sort. These may come from his philosophical studies, the dogma of his religion, or even just good upbringing.

-Not all monks have to be played as dour and unsmiling bald guys who only fight barefisted. My halfling monk has a lot of the mischievous qualities of his race, and has a great sense of humor. One thing I like to do when playing a good-natured monk is to joke around with the party's tanks about the sword vs. the fist. It's usually good for a few laughs (especially if you play a halfling as I have ).

The monk is a great and often over-looked class that can really shine in just the right circumstances. He's not quite as narrowly defined as some people might have you think. With a little thought and creativity, you can do all kinds of things.

 

[reapersaurus]

-Not all monks have to be played as dour and unsmiling bald guys who only fight barefisted. My halfling monk has a lot of the mischievous qualities of his race, and has a great sense of humor. One thing I like to do when playing a good-natured monk is to joke around with the party's tanks about the sword vs. the fist. It's usually good for a few laughs (especially if you play a halfling as I have )

Please heed this advice.
The LAST thing the world needs is ANOTHER reclusive monk PC that doesn't interact well with the party, mistaking boring somberness and non-communicativeness to pass for a "deep" character.

 

[Quasqueton]

I wish to roleplay him as his stats aren't very high so rollplaying is out of the question (I don't Rollplay anyway).

First: What exactly do *you* mean by "roleplay" vs. "rollplay"? And how would high or low stats make a difference?

Stats are:
Str 15
Dex 17
Con 11
int 9
Wis 15
Cha 9

Second: you think these stats "aren't very high"? +3 +2 +2 +0 -1 -1 = +5 total modifier. And every fourth level you'll increase a full modifier rank.

Your whole roleplay vs. rollplay comment is confusing. I can't see a purpose in it. Why did you specifically differentiate between the two, and then make sure to point out that you are not a "rollplayer"?

Quasqueton

 

[Monde]

Why did you specifically differentiate between the two, and then make sure to point out that you are not a "rollplayer"?

I do this because I enjoy playing a character and developing his backround and personality more than MIN/MAX-ing the character. It is not all about stats and using feats to create a combat monster. It is more about making a character who is fun and challenging to play. I have asked a few friends for advice and they all went off to show how I could you feats to bump up my character. I see Rollplaying as being focues on dice and numbers and Roleplaying as being focused on the Character. We do have loads of combat in our campaigns but also a lot of interaction. I want a character that is fun to play and not one who has been tweaked to give the best numbers. My stats are fine but they arent uber character stats. I am not unhappy about my stats at all.

Before I offered any advice, I'd want to know which category your character fell into and some details about the campaign world

(b) monks are part of a strange quasi-atheistic cult that has secluded outposts/monasteries sprinkled throughout the countryside.....ish