New to Monk, need help plz

[BigMike2716]

Hi I just earned the favor to buy Monk and wanted to try one out now that I bought it, but it seems to be a complicated class and I am not sure which enhances/feats to take and when etc or what my starting stats should be, could anyone give me some pointers? What I am mainly interested in is having good AC and saving throws primarily, I also hear that a Monk can heal himself/everyone around him while striking?

Not too sure which Race would be good to pick from for focusing on AC/Saving throws. To be honest I know almost nothing about Monk, are they considered TWF, THF, or just neither?

Any and all help to understanding the Monk I greatly appreciate.

~Mike~

[Mobeius]

Hi I just earned the favor to buy Monk and wanted to try one out now that I bought it, but it seems to be a complicated class and I am not sure which enhances/feats to take and when etc or what my starting stats should be, could anyone give me some pointers? What I am mainly interested in is having good AC and saving throws primarily, I also hear that a Monk can heal himself/everyone around him while striking?

Not too sure which Race would be good to pick from for focusing on AC/Saving throws. To be honest I know almost nothing about Monk, are they considered TWF, THF, or just neither?

Any and all help to understanding the Monk I greatly appreciate.

~Mike~

Hi, Welcome

Generally Speaking..

Good AC = Halfling
Good DPS = WF
Good Versatility = Human

Any of the three races are good choices for begining monks.

Have you unlocked 32 point characters yet?

Yes you get a very MINOR AOE heal while striking, you cant spam it and its nice for spot heals during combat but nothing to bank on. Which means you want to go Light side. However, if you want added DPS you can go dark with a heavy AP cost.

monks are primarily considered TWF, However, you can go THF with a staff which is less optimal for DPS in the long run.

http://forums.ddo.com/showthread.php?p=2569072#post2569072

MY old monk guide, its a little out dated to many changes they have made and will make in U5. I still need to add some to it and revise it but waiting for U5 to come out to get things straightened out. There are other great monk guides out there and build guides for specific types of monks like Eurytos's monks guide and Rockan Robin build guide, etc...

Hope that helps.

[BigMike2716]

Hey thanks alot Im going to check out your guide, and to answer your question I have 32 Point build unlocked. Halfling seems interesting as I want to keep my AC/Saving throws as high as possible, the only thing that worries me is the -2 STR, but then, I dont know just how important STR is to a TWF Monk, although I imagine it is good for the damage or to-hit if i dont get Finesse.

[Mobeius]

Hey thanks alot Im going to check out your guide, and to answer your question I have 32 Point build unlocked. Halfling seems interesting as I want to keep my AC/Saving throws as high as possible, the only thing that worries me is the -2 STR, but then, I dont know just how important STR is to a TWF Monk, although I imagine it is good for the damage or to-hit if i dont get Finesse.

Strength wont make a difference till you get till the end game and epic content. That is the crux of the problem of a monk, If you go focused on AC you will lack else where. With the changes to TWF coming up, might be a good idea to wait until that comes out and let number crunchers kill the info. Basically what I mean is that Grand Master Air Stance use to be a no brainer, now I am not so sure. I am leaning towards that other stances might be as good now if not better.

[BigMike2716]

Ahh ok that stinks, hopefully the big patch comes out soon. Thanks for the heads up I think I will wait for now.

[Mobeius]

Ahh ok that stinks, hopefully the big patch comes out soon. Thanks for the heads up I think I will wait for now.

I *THINK* some one said like the 29th? which would be Tuesday...

I would give it a couple of weeks until the data starts coming in whats what...

[t0r012]

If your looking for the defense monk You don't have to wait for update 5.
I suggest just rolling up a nice dex/wis, weapon finesse, Harmonious Balance monk.

You aren't going to be the uber DPS machine but if you wanted that you wouldn't be looking at a monk to start with. You will be able to hold your own in almost every fight just not with the power gamer total min/maxers.

I suggest starting stats something like.
12 str (lvl4 stat point here to qualify for Power Attack)
18 dex
14 con
8 int
16 wis (after 1st point in str all level ups here)
8 chr

for skills 1 point in tumble
max concentration
max jump
rest in balance

starting feats
two weapon fighting
for the bonus take your pick , toughness or dmark of healing

for enhancments only level 1 you need to worry about is concentration. rest is just filler so waste as you wish. eventually you will want to get the halfling guile line and some of the improved recovery.
---------------------------

I say run korthos in its entirety to get a feel for your monkishness.
First thing is put you elemental strikes on your hot bar and get used to using them.

level 2 get weapon finesse. Level 3 pick up harmonious balance and either the toughness or the healing dragonmark that you didn't take at lvl1. Then add fist of light to your hot bar and practice using your harmonious balance finishers. And settle in for some waterworks runs to get your black widow bracers. Pick up a robe or outfit of invulnerability as soon as you can (level 5 I think) that helps a ton.

from there be sure to pick up power attack and stunning fist, finish up the two weapon fighting line. be sure to avoid the two weapon defene and two weapon blocking they don't work for unarmed.



then have fun going all kung-fu.

[LAWPRE]

T0r012 - I have been running WW on four toons and have yet to get Bracers. Where do you get them at?

Also, I disagree with maxxing out Dex. I would put Int at 10 and Cha at 10 in order to avoid negatives stat consequences. There is enough gear out there (as well as being able to get +2 tomes at DDO store with regularity) that Max start stat just does not make much sense anymore.

Next, with Ninja Spy and Radiant Servant coming out with U5, there are multi-class options that require a higher INT (for Rogue - do not forget to take rogue at 1st level) or a higher Cha (for cleric and turn undead) than you have here. I would take a look at U5 before finalizing stats and plan accordingly.

[t0r012]

T0r012 - I have been running WW on four toons and have yet to get Bracers. Where do you get them at?

Also, I disagree with maxxing out Dex. I would put Int at 10 and Cha at 10 in order to avoid negatives stat consequences. There is enough gear out there (as well as being able to get +2 tomes at DDO store with regularity) that Max start stat just does not make much sense anymore.

Next, with Ninja Spy and Radiant Servant coming out with U5, there are multi-class options that require a higher INT (for Rogue - do not forget to take rogue at 1st level) or a higher Cha (for cleric and turn undead) than you have here. I would take a look at U5 before finalizing stats and plan accordingly.

BWB are an on again off again end reward offered by guard tember at the end of the chain. Sometimes they are in the list sometimes not. I had one toon take forever to get them (like 15+ runs) others seem to get it offered every time. Since I got a shared bank it is easier now I just bank a couple extra pairs.

I respect your opinion on not taking dex to 18 (20 is max on a halfer) it is a choice I just never plan in tomes Int has its uses such as combat expertise but I don;t think it is worth dropping a prime stat for . For the charisma I completely disagree with you on that one, Cha is a dump stat for a monk plain and simple. The only thing I would drop the dex for is Str personally. For me the 18 dex gets your to hit, GTWF, Grandmaster Wind and reflex save so you are completely set from the get go. If I were asked or were building a balanced human monk I would agree to not go so much dex, but he asked for a a/c saves halfer.

As for ninja spy, yes it is an option but I think he is looking more for the classic survivability monk which is traditional HB with FoL for some extra healing.

As for the multiclass, Sorry but I don't see the update changing much about MC monks. Either you have something as your main class and splash a couple monk to augment them (and get feats) or you stay pure monk.

=====

side not I just though of if you like 10 Int and Cha I'd go Drow. While they don't have the synergy with monk quite the same as halfer or human the extra int and cha are nice. in fact my highest level monk is a drow. Another up shot I found of drow monk is not many play them so the Race restricted gear tend to be cheaper. I got a +3 wis item that was RR drow someone was leaving in a chest and the RR drow wraps I have from the AH are a lot cheaper than standards.

[BigMike2716]

Hey, thanks alot for the start to the monk build, that is definitly what I am interested in, survivability. I start at lvl 4 so luckily i get to avoid taking useless enhancements for the most part. Again, ty for the tips on how to begin the build, now to just figure out how these finishers and combo attk things work, I will learn as I go I guess, like ya said to test it all out on easy low lvl content.

[BigMike2716]

Just have 1 additional question, where should I be dumping my stat boosts of every 4 lvls? I know you said STR at 4 so i can get PA but after im not so sure, thinking DEX

*SCRATCH THIS, I SEE NOW TO PUT IN WIS, TY*

[t0r012]

Hey, thanks alot for the start to the monk build, that is definitly what I am interested in, survivability. I start at lvl 4 so luckily i get to avoid taking useless enhancements for the most part. Again, ty for the tips on how to begin the build, now to just figure out how these finishers and combo attk things work, I will learn as I go I guess, like ya said to test it all out on easy low lvl content.

No, don't do a vet start, that is exactly why I said run korthos completely. Take the extra time to get used to your monk strikes and the like.

for using the finishers you get it by using your monk strikes in groups of 3. as you are attacking you press your hot key to launch an elemental such as say fire then use a fist of light as you keep attacking then throw another fire then your need to press your finishing move button, I can't remember if this is put on your hot bar automatically or if you have to add it like the elemental strikes. That will launch the finishing move (in this case it would be walk of the sun) you will of course need the required ki. When you are eligible for a finisher the symbol for that specific finisher will appear on the hot bar in place of the generic finisher blank icon so you know it is there. if it is dulled or grayed you don't have the ki yet so don't try and use it or you will lose the "chain"

There is a timing you have to get used to with the elemental strikes to fire them effectively. it is something like special strike, 1, 2 , special strike, 1 , 2 special strike , 1, 2,3 , finisher. it is tough to describe but that is the general idea an you will get a feel for it as you play.
That is just the start of the whole timing bag of worms. The really tough to get used to with timing is knowing without looking if you have generated enough ki to make a special strike or finisher. That takes a lot longer to learn and then relearn as things change like getting wind stance 2 or improved two weapon fighting it throws your whole timing off. not so bad as with those the penalty is you have more ki than you expect so you just aren't being 100% productive but things like dropping out of haste requires experience to deal with. Cause if you don't have the ki and try and fire off the finisher you lose it.

geez forgot to mention the stances, be sure to put yourself in a stance , wind probably being the best all rounder but the others have their uses. also remember if you are knocked out you can turn off stances but can't put them on. so if you are at say -2 hp and turn off wind stance you get the con back and HP so you will "wake". just don't be silly and turn wind back on after you stand up before you heal or you will drop again.

more on finishers, you can hold the chain so long as you don't interact with anything opening a chest or door climb a ladder grab a ledge and on and on. That goes from having a finisher completely lit to just throwing one elemental strike. You then have to start all over again.

geez I could just keep going on and on there is so much little stuff like targeting your buffs on others but you have to experience most of them for yourself over time.
Bear in mind this is all from a relatively inexperienced monk , so if you can find an old time pro to offer you some advice I suggest you take it.

If you happen to be on thelanis with your monk drop me a line and I'll roll up a monk to run with you to help show you the way. Good company for BWB runs is nice, and most pubs for WW do either way too much optionals or way too little to help you learn the way.

[BigMike2716]

Hey thanks alot man, and yea it seems really confusing but i think as i play and learn what i need to do when it will become clockwork so im not all too worried, I think it will be worth it in the end when im able to survive great and still lay things out pretty well compared to a meat shield. Again thanks for the pointers, the combo chain thing is good to know how it works

[BigMike2716]

So I just did WW on elite (I know, not exactly the best to "get my feet wet" lol) and I did well picking up how Monk works, my main problem was knowing if or if not the elemental attk had hit, especially the fire one. So I would think "Ok fire, light, fire" but no, the finisher wouldnt pop up, which means somehow one of the attks didnt go off or hit or whatever, so my question is this:

Is there an option or something i can turn on to be able to see which attks ive done? or do i need to keep track/hope the attks connected?

[TPICKRELL]

Is there an option or something i can turn on to be able to see which attks ive done? or do i need to keep track/hope the attks connected?
The three ki strikes merely enable the finisher clickie, you still have to use the clickie to trigger the finisher.

Drag the finisher icon from your feat list to your hot bar. Once you complete the setup chain of ki strikes, the icon on the finisher on your hotbar will change to represent the finisher that is prepped. You then have to use the clickie to trigger the finisher.

[Khorban]

I would put Int at 10 and Cha at 10 in order to avoid negatives stat consequences. There is enough gear out there (as well as being able to get +2 tomes at DDO store with regularity) that Max start stat just does not make much sense anymore.

Not necc true.

I played paper this way and built my first monk(s) in DDO the same way. None of them can touch my current builds.

Sure, INT for skill points right? CHA for the bit of haggle at the store right?

Leave them at 8's ---- IF going pure monk to 20.

Why?

You really don't need the extra skill point - unless going UMD - and even then, I haven't found a real use for it except on my Bard.

Haggle? $? ......... not enough difference with the +1 <-- you really won't miss it.


All-in-All, use those points in Dex/Wis if this is the build you're going for <-- I tried it .... I won't be putting any points into those areas and as of this post - I do not have items that increase the values.

I simply have not needed it.

*Disclaimer*

This is my playstyle - Your gaming experience may be affected by your own playstyle.

[BigMike2716]

The three ki strikes merely enable the finisher clickie, you still have to use the clickie to trigger the finisher.

Drag the finisher icon from your feat list to your hot bar. Once you complete the setup chain of ki strikes, the icon on the finisher on your hotbar will change to represent the finisher that is prepped. You then have to use the clickie to trigger the finisher.


Yea that trick I knew, and it does help a decent bit, but my main problem is sometimes ill hit the move, the mob will die too quick to see the icon appear on them (like the white glow of light when i hit with light fists) so i will have no clue if i should go back to fire strike or if i still need to hit with a light strike. This was happening a decent amount and i saw myself just doing the simple Light Light Light finisher combo because no matter what, the icon tells me when the third light icon hit.

[Mobeius]

Well the only real Icon that flashes over a mobs head is curse of healing, the other elemental strikes will be in your damage log or the overhead damage icons... if you use flaming and do flaming ki strike you will see two flame numbers, if it is Flaming Burst and it bursts you would see three.

[BigMike2716]

Yea i guess im just gonna have to adapt and keep a good eye on the procs to see how many go off to know if it worked, thanks again

[Hercanic]

Also, I disagree with maxxing out Dex. I would put Int at 10 and Cha at 10 in order to avoid negatives stat consequences. There is enough gear out there (as well as being able to get +2 tomes at DDO store with regularity) that Max start stat just does not make much sense anymore.

An Intelligence of 10 is still -1, when compared to an INT of 12. Don't be confused by the - symbol, nothing else happens from a negative that doesn't also happen from having one less positive than someone else. A base INT of 13 is needed for Combat Expertise (for max AC), however, so that's the only standout between stat amounts.

Each INT modifier is equivalent to one maxed skill. How many skills do you need? It also boosts Disable Device, Repair, and Search. Any of those essential?

Each CHA modifier boosts its associated skills, but nothing else for a Monk. Are Bluff, Diplomacy, Intimidate, Haggle, or Use Magic Device needed?

Compare those gains to that of class-specific stats like Wisdom (will save, monk armor, spot, heal, listen), Dexterity (reflex save, AC, balance, tumble, hide, move silently, open lock), Constitution (fortitude save, +20hp, concentration for Ki), and Strength (to-hit, damage, carry weight, jump, swim). Plus feat requirements (enhancements and items don't factor in), such as 17 base needed for Improved Two-Weapon Fighting.

[LAWPRE]

IF he is staying pure, Int and Cha are dump stats - there is no agrument about that.


HOWEVER, if he is not staying pure, INT and CHA become important. INT for Ninja Spy and CHA for Radiant Servant or KoTC or HoTD.

The standard Rogue skills are Hide, Move Silent, Disable Device, Open Locks, Use Magic Device, Search, Spot and Listen. That is 8 skills. So, in order to keep Concentrate up, you would need at least a 12 - and probably a 14 (or human). One could argue that Listen, Hide and Move Silenty are not really that needed but you need a heavy tank in order to use a Rogue's Gambit* and still need to sneak if soloing.

You do make out Better if you go Pal/Cle/Monk or Pal/Monk or Cle/Monk for Demon hunting, Undead killer and such. Pal, Cle and Monk all use Concentration so that is not a problem. Quite frankly, you could probably keep up Heal without a lot of trouble. However, taking tumble, Repair or a host of agruably useful skills could not happen. Still, Cle has Turn Undead and Pal has Divine Grace and Lay on Hands and all are heavily CHA dependant.


* Rogue's Gambit - once someone else engages a single target, the Rogue automatically gets SA damage. So, the Tank is needed in order to "draw fire and keep occupied" while a lot or most of the dps is done by the rogue's SA. This tactic is not much use in DDO after 15 and of only some use after 10 but is real nice before level 10.