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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Greg K" data-source="post: 487560" data-attributes="member: 5038">Pretty Cool.  I have never been a fan of the PHB Monk. I always thought the chi kung stuff would be handled perfectly with psionics (or after seeing Star Wars, in a manner like the force).  However, not owning the Psionics Handbook (or Star Wars), my own version ended up nearly identical to one I later found at Hong's site although I thought many of the chi stuff.I am kind of surprised that you did not give Uncanny Dodge (retain Dex bonus and Cannot be flanked).  Asian monks who have mastered chi/ki are supposed to have an ability called Zanshin ("Eyes Like the Moon") in Japanese. Or is this a "Force ability"If you want to do a little more tailoring, here is some information on the Five Animals you have utilized and what they bring to the fighting style and internal development.  Each animal contributes to each stage of element.  An animal such as the snake might contribute patience early in training and later draw upon the conditioning provided by the other animals and the chi development it provides aids several of the other animal techniques.Crane Fist:  The crane is libido-life energy and longevity.  The crane fist strikes vital points such as the eyes and throat (Precise strike?) and pressure points; it can also be modified either to block and grab or pull an opponent off balance or to strike with the top of a blunt writst.  The crane improves balance and speed.Snake Fist:  the snake is sly and soft. Its strikes with speed and accuracy.  The snake employs simultaneous strike and defenses (Expertise?).  The Snake Fist strikes soft vital spots (Precise Strike?) and the eyes.  From the softness of the snake, one learns to develop chi and deliver chi into strikes.  The snake fist strike to pressure points can cause pain, unconciousness, or even death The snake has no special conditioning excerices-- the practitioner draws upon conditioning of the other animals (crane,dragon, and  tiger) as the practitioner goes through stages of trainng. Instead the snake teaches how to develop the "snake spirit" which is the ability relax and concetrate to keep calm, focused and clear of thought and mastering the snake allows an individual to use chi to strike as if his strength was seven times normal.Leopard Fist: Smaller than the tiger, the Leopard relies on speed and footwork rather size to generate power.  The Leopard provides speed and balance and provides the bridge between the power of the tiger and the penetrating attacks of the crane.  The Leopard harnesses power into a small area to concentrate force into trauma. He relies less on blocking -- striking quickly in a series of overwhelming blows before  his opponent can react (Flurry of Blows). He also fights in close quarters using elbows and forearms and has a blow which strikes the temple.Tiger Fist: TIger is hard external strength unlike the Dragon which is internal (i.e., chi) strength.  The tiger claw primary purpose is to strike with the palm and then  grab to rip and tear. The Tiger also incorporates powerful palm strikes and some  takedowns, locks, and countergrabs and utilizes some pain touch,Dragon Fist: The Dragon represent soft circular power terminating in sudden hard power. The dragon's movements combine soft and hard movement generating power from the waist and/or spinning motions.  The dragon has also has a claw.  Unlike the Tiger Claw, the dragon claw is not used for tearing but for pulling his opponent off balance and to the ground. (Improved trip and throws) and locking.  The main benefit of the Dragon is that it brings the ability to harness Chi to increase strength (Ki Strength), generate more damage, and focus chi through the eyes to intimidate opponents.</blockquote>

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