Pure Monks and UMD

[kcaj]

I want to play a pure monk, but want access to all that UMD offers. Is there any way to do this? UMD becomes available if I put points into it at character creation, does this mean I can then use magical devices? Or am I just wasting points and will never be able to use even lower level items?

I don't have access to 32pt builds, am currently playing a low level drow monk.

Thanks.

[KingOfCheese]

All that UMD has to offer requires getting UMD pretty high; ideally 39 to use heal scrolls with 100% success. That being said, getting into the 20s allows use of race-restricted armor and weapons and give somes chance at useful scrolls (raise dead, teleport).

Bards and rogues (and things that multi-class with them) can get super high UMD. As can sorcs--but because they have high charisma.

Monks do not get UMD as a class skill. So they will only get half-ranks per level. To get the magic 39 or close to it, this means needing to add about 25+ UMD from other sources. These sources include:

Shroud-crafted charisma skill item +6
Titan gloves +5
Head of Good Fortune +2
GH buff +4
Charisma +6 item +3
Charisma tome +1 to +2

Bonus from charisma (varies depending on build)

The above (which takes a lot of grinding) gets you +21 to +22 in addition to any charisma bonus you might have (which is probably a dump stat).

It gets you pretty close. Definitely useful. But lots of grinding and a commitment to a number of gear slots.

[Zyklon]

Whatever your current UMD score plus a d20 roll (wands, scrolls... clothing items you need to have that UMD score to equip-no roll), you will use the item otherwise you will fail and consume a charge or scroll.


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[rimble]

Even as a 28pt Human, that's probably a better bet. Not only an extra Feat that you could use on Skill Focus: UMD, but you can get that +5 Skill Boost for hitting those higher numbers.

I know the Drow can get a higher Cha, but regardless of your goal, I really really don't think you should be spending any points there on a pure Monk (though I guess it would help your level 20 Shining Star Finishing Move, hehe). So the Drow would be naturally +1 ahead (10 vs 8), but the Human could boost up to +4 ahead of the Drow.