Ask the Drunken Monk! Formerly Ask Shaamis! (c)(tm)

[Shaamis]

Shaamis a level 13 Drunken Master

Use his wisdom for your own!

Watch out for his drunkeness!

Try his might!

[Jerevon]

Sup Ryan. My honest first question is: what do you think about the monk class? Is it ironed out ok? A little buggy? Full out worthless? Somewhere inbetween? I'm done with AoC, but I've turned my attention elsewhere for the MMOs we've got. Can you tell me about your experiences as a master of the martial arts?

[Shaamis]

Sup Ryan. My honest first question is: what do you think about the monk class? Is it ironed out ok? A little buggy? Full out worthless? Somewhere inbetween? I'm done with AoC, but I've turned my attention elsewhere for the MMOs we've got. Can you tell me about your experiences as a master of the martial arts?

Hail Jerevon!

My time leveling Shaamis in Monk (level 12 pure at the moment, planning on staying pure) has been a tough road, but fun, nonetheless.

If you are looking to the monk class for purely uber-ness, you will be dissappointed with the monk class. Right now, there are a lot of equipment related issues with them, that make monks almost possess a scarlet letter from getting into groups.

until I had reached level 9, I almost had to lead my own groups! A lot of them were cleric-less! I saw clerics crossing the street to avoid me, like I smelled like booze or something! Maybe I did!

anyway.....

Now that I have reached level 12 I can taste the end of the tunnel, and it tastes good! my AC is formidable, but not overpowering, my saves are incredible, but my monk damage is sub-par.

In a world dominated by equipment, and a monk spurns equipment dependancy, it's a tough challenge.

If you want to play a monk for a monk, then by all means, play on!

more later grasshoppers!

[liamfrancais]

that make monks almost possess a scarlet letter from getting into groups.

Wow I don't have a monk but many groups I see on the LFM's on sarlona have monks in them and many times multiple monks, when I play Rudadonna I have not known monks to be mana sponges, so maybe it is that aroma of ale (clerics like wine).

[Shaamis]

Wow, maybe it is that aroma of ale (clerics like wine).

I resemble that remark!

I started Shaamis when monks were available day:1, and i remember the wavecrest tavern had 95% monks running around in there, punching (no kicking we were all level 1) and jumping around.

As we leveled to 2,3, and 4, we started to bleed over into the marketplace, where parties for STK, TR, and depths quests had 2-4 monks in them.
I imagined a lot of players who normally play clerics had their fledgeling monks, seeing if they liked em, but at that time, there was a lot of monk-angst.

As time wore on, a week or two has past, and those who figured monks weren't all Bruce Lee types, decided to go back to their clerics, ftrs, barbarians, and what-not, so things have started to subside.

However, I still am rarely in an adventure where I am the only monk in the group.

I was even discussing the psychology of why monks arent meant to replace anyone class in DDO, with another forum goer last week. Monks are unique, and whether you look at them as an extra unneeded class, or an exciting new facet of the game, is up to you.

All I know is, I LOVE going into a gang of trolls on Sorrowdusk Isle, and dodging around as I stun, and kill each one.

It's not uber, but it sure is FUN.

famous Quote from Shaamis: "I'M the Drunken Master, give ME the ale!"

[Inkblack]

Dear Shaamis,

What are the similarities and differences between dwarves and halflings?

Also, what happened to the <glug><glug><glug>?

Ink

[Shaamis]

Dear Shaamis,

What are the similarities and differences between dwarves and halflings?

Also, what happened to the <glug><glug><glug>?

Ink

Hey Ink! My old Pal!

Similarities between Dwarves and halflings?

1) They both like to drink and eat (dwarves more to drinking, halflings more to eating)
2) They both can't get on rides that must be "this high" to get on.
3) They both get made fun of, because of their height.

The differences.....

1) halflings are sneakier than a drow elf ninja! and hard to grab, they are slippery lil' buggers.
2) halflings have small hands, and smell of cabbage.
3) I cant trust a halfling as far as I can throw 'em.....well not even THAT far.
4) halflings DO have a knack for making a giant howl in pain after he stabs him in the ankle though! I laugh every time I see that happen
5) halflings whine like little babies when they lose a drinking contest, which happens A LOT when they are against a Dwarf
6) halflings cry when people make fun of their height, Dwarves just get even. usually with a few swipes of a greataxe
7) Dwarves are more stout, and make great drinking companions! halflings are good for trips back and forth to the bar for ale, that's 'bout it.
8) it's hard to find good weapons for halflings, it's like no one wants to make good weapons for 'em!


I could go on, but I'm getting thirsty.

through the abilities I have learned, the drunken master no longer needs to gulp multiple times to achieve true refreshment, I merely pour the spirits down, in a well timed, well-practiced ability: THE SILENT GULP

When you learn "The Silent Gulp", you are a true drunken master.

<GULP>

<bows>

[Shaamis]

Well.....let's reach into "Shaamis' MAILBAG (tm)" , and see who has written me a letter! A letter from a prospective student to the way of the drunken master:
dear drunken master
I am a new player to ddo and I've started a dwarf monk and have a big intense taste of delicious ale (heineken&#174, since you may be more familiar about monks I'd like to have some knowledge of what you encountered on the road....

Well, let me be the first to say Welcome to Stormreach!

By the way, let me congratulate you on a fine choice, by making a dwarven monk! Your first, and undoubtedly ONLY character for DDO . You'll soon find that other class/race types can't stand up to the toughness, fortitude, and raw power this combo provides. Be wary of dwarven women (AYE!), human women (Meh.), and even some elven women (*** ) who will be throwing themselves at your feet every night in the taverns!

Before I can hit you with some knowledge, you need to learn how to SIP, before you can CHUG.

I'm lvl 4 right now and I've put all I know into knowledge and I have spend my first point into wisdom by now. I've put all my points in balance and tumbling since I want to be a good part in pvp. I placed my enhancements after a beer jugging contest; on all the lesser elements, tumbling, jump, concentration, and level 2 balance. I have chosen the holy path (so far fist of light).

Level four is only the beginning my young sipper! you have a long hard road yet to travel, but Ol' Shaamis will help guide your path . Do not worry about your enhancements, they can be relearned quite easily, your feats, your stats, and your skill points are what you must concentrate on.

I too, have chose the Path of Harmonious Balance, and decided the dwarven strength approach to be most beneficial. I have also used the wisdom of the brew, with it's bubbly balance, to guide my wisdom. Do not forget your dexterity though, because the drunken master must LOOK drunk, but fight with perfect balance.

I choose jump, balance and tumbling as my skills, all of these are beneficial to the drunken master, who tumbles, rolls, and flips. Heal is also good, as your party members will benefit from your monk abilities more this way.

As I gained in power, I continued my path of harmonious balance, I put a point into wisdom, dexterity, and two into strength, and have achieved perfect balance. Your path might choose more strength, or dexterity, it is an answer only you can choose.

Like I said I am a new member of the alcoholic association and intending to play long but I don't want to make a mistake and redo again, monk is the kewlest class of all, anything you would suggest and make my way even more lighten up?

I have given you the first steps young sipper, choose your path of strength or dexterity, try to find your inner drunken self, and your way will be clear.....

when you have mastered "the silent gulp" you know you have become the drunken master.

<GULP><GULP><GULP>

[Shaamis]

Shaamis has rumaged though his abode (hovel, home, alley, whatever you want to call it), and collected random trinkets, some recent, most long forgotten.

Reach into the bag, and see what item you receive!

samples include:

1) Stuck on the bottom of Shaamis Kundarak Delving boots, you receive a white dragon scale!
2) Wedged in-between the cushions on Shaamis' beer (?) soaked couch, you find a +3 Bastard Sword!
3) At the bottom of Shaamis' fish tank, you receive a pearl of Power X!

and many more!

Here is the link:

http://forums.ddo.com/showpost.php?p...&postcount=104

I hope to see you all at the Gencon DDO party, located at the Jillians downtown Indianapolis!

Remember: Drink one for Shaamis!

[Shaamis]

Shaamis has achieved the 16th level of spiritual enlightenment, from his studies as a master of the martial arts.

His wisdom has multiplied ten-fold, along with his body, mind and soul.

He waits in meditation, for citizens of Stormreach to humbly (or not so humbly) request his audience.

His wisdom will be dispensed in the most balanced and serene manner.

If you are true in your search for knowledge you will feel serenity wash over you.

If you are devious and evil in your search for knowledge, it will hit you like the fist of the gods.

[Missing_Minds]

Then allow one to pick your brain over matters of healing.

I know that monks have improved recover much like humans. That one is self explanatory in my opinion, but what else do monks have the possibility of gaining as far as healing themselves or others in the game? By this I mean native to monks, not via UMD or the like.

Such as I know that doing a pos pos pos attack chain will result with a finishing move (I forget what it is called, so please fill in this ______ blank) that will result in a form of healing I'm guessing with a 5' radius. What is the math for this effect and does it effect WF in full or in half healing?

Do they have anything else that they can do be it healing or increase healing properties? I know in PnP they had a personal form of Lay on Hands, but they do not seem to have that ability in the game.

[Brianius]

dear drunken monk master,

How much bud could a warforged chug if a warforged could chug bud?

[Shaamis]

Then allow one to pick your brain over matters of healing.

Welcome Missing Minds! I will try to answer your questions as best I can.

I know that monks have improved recover much like humans. That one is self explanatory in my opinion, but what else do monks have the possibility of gaining as far as healing themselves or others in the game? By this I mean native to monks, not via UMD or the like.

Monks gain an ability to meditate and repair their body at 7th level, called Wholeness of Body. it takes 30 Ki to activate, and will be disrupted if you take any damage during the meditation. It will allow you to recover hit points in 14-15 shorts bursts. I am able to recover around 230 HPs in one meditation, and it only has a 180 second cool-down. This will be your primary form of self-healing as a monk, and it increases with each level.

Such as I know that doing a pos pos pos attack chain will result with a finishing move (I forget what it is called, so please fill in this ______ blank) that will result in a form of healing I'm guessing with a 5' radius. What is the math for this effect and does it effect WF in full or in half healing?

Honestly, I used this ability early in Shaamis' career, but since monks were new at the time, no one was willing to group hug for a cure minor from the "crazy monk class". The activation of these combos do not require a successful attack on an enemy, just merely activation of the attack. There are some elemental combos that are very beneficial, such as the ones that allow a savings of SP spent, but Shaamis decided to go with The Way of the Pheonix ability, which allows me to raise dead with the expenditure of only 40 Ki, and it's a 30 second cool-down. I will meditate on these other abilities that can be beneficial, and let you know the details shortly.

Do they have anything else that they can do be it healing or increase healing properties? I know in PnP they had a personal form of Lay on Hands, but they do not seem to have that ability in the game.

Wholeness of body is the nutrition for your body, just likt Wholeness of mind is for your Ki. A monk when allowed to go at his own pace. will need no additional healing, except against the mightiest of evil foes. Shaamis has used potions for healing only when in group with non-monks, in order to keep up with their break-neck foolish pace towards their own destruction.

Shaamis is a strength based flurry of blows artist, his weapons of choice are handwraps and quarterstaffs as a distant secondary weapon. He has little faults, except for his ability to keep up with warriors with such magically super-enhanced weaponry, however, Shaamis is still not a true master of martial arts, and will achieve that when he reached the 20th circle of enlightenment.

Until then, he is a student, like yourself.

I wholeheartedly believe the true power of a monk will be realized only when they reach 20th level, with no spash classes. Monks are the ultimate class, but also the hardest path to travel.

[Shaamis]

dear drunken monk master,

How much bud could a warforged chug if a warforged could chug bud?

A Drunken Master, whether they are made of flesh and bone, or with obsidian, steel, adamantine, and stone, has trained their bodies to accept alcohol as nourishment of their soul, as well as mind and body.

Ancient training has allowed monks who study this art to convert the alcohol from it's earthen origins, to transform it back into it's primal energies. The monk can take these primal energies, and use it in a multitude of ways, much like Ki.

A monk trained as a Drunken style martial arts master can drink an enormous amount of alcohol, and perform amazing feats of strength, agility, and fortitude, often while still drinking!

[Missing_Minds]

While awaiting some of your further research and meditations, I shall question further over some of your answers so far in order to reach a greater understanding.

Monks gain an ability to meditate and repair their body at 7th level, called Wholeness of Body. it takes 30 Ki to activate, and will be disrupted if you take any damage during the meditation. It will allow you to recover hit points in 14-15 shorts bursts. I am able to recover around 230 HPs in one meditation, and it only has a 180 second cool-down. This will be your primary form of self-healing as a monk, and it increases with each level.

Very nice. However, doesn't your own healing amplification enhancements change the 14-15 ticks you were receiving? A high level human monk can in theory get 60% more healing from spells. Won't this modify what you are able to recover with Wholeness?

[Cupcake]

Dear Drunken Monk,

I do NOT smell like cabbage!



















(Hands you yer cupcakes).

[Shaamis]

Dear Drunken Monk,

I do NOT smell like cabbage!


(Hands you yer cupcakes).

But Cupcake, I never said YOU smelled like cabbage!

You are the exception!

I happen to know some Halflings who are very empowered, and enlightened in teh way of the monk, and I respect that <bows>


Thank you very much for the cupcakes, how'd you know I like them?

[Shaamis]

While awaiting some of your further research and meditations, I shall question further over some of your answers so far in order to reach a greater understanding.



Very nice. However, doesn't your own healing amplification enhancements change the 14-15 ticks you were receiving? A high level human monk can in theory get 60% more healing from spells. Won't this modify what you are able to recover with Wholeness?

This is very interesting, and I have another low-level monk I will experiment on.

When I leveled up with Shaamis, it seemed likt the ticks for wholeness of body went up with level, and my con modifier. I never took any of the enhanced healing monks had available, cuz i never reallt needed it.

Shaamis stands at 432 hp at 16th level, with a lot of room for more improvement, and I would like to know if that will help as well.

I'll check that tonight

[Cupcake]

But Cupcake, I never said YOU smelled like cabbage!

You are the exception!

I happen to know some Halflings who are very empowered, and enlightened in teh way of the monk, and I respect that <bows>


Thank you very much for the cupcakes, how'd you know I like them?

*Has spies everywhere.


In the monk spirit,

I know of this one monk, he is quite mighty.

One day whilst I was testing my mettle against the guild's finest, our illustrious leader, a ranger by name but fierce combatant in reality. Felt as if there was none that could break through his defenses. He was a mighty dwarf of the tempest tradition.

This dwarf made halfling kabob out of me I might say, though I did manage to put a minor dent in his mighty armor.

His boast was that no one could penetrate his mighty armor.

Soon after, the mighty monk arrives. All snicker at him and his funny looking clothes.

Our illustrious leader challeged the mighty monk to a dual. Thinking that in no time he would have the monk lying at his feet.

The battle began....

Not more than 5 seconds later our illustrious leader was lying "dead" on the floor. Not a scratch on the mighty monk.

THe mighty monk walked away, a smile on his face as he dusted a piece of our illustrious leader's mighty armor off his robes..

[Shaamis]

This is very interesting, and I have another low-level monk I will experiment on.

When I leveled up with Shaamis, it seemed likt the ticks for wholeness of body went up with level, and my con modifier. I never took any of the enhanced healing monks had available, cuz i never reallt needed it.

Shaamis stands at 432 hp at 16th level, with a lot of room for more improvement, and I would like to know if that will help as well.

I'll check that tonight

Sorry, didnt check it out last night, but I plan on playing Waiste (my halfling monk) this weekend, and will try to find out the deal with it.