What monk do I need?

[-Zyxas-]

I have drow, wf, no HE or HO yet and don't want too badly, will have 32pt extemely soon. I want something with healthy DPS, good stunning, and hopefully room for a healthy dose of healing amp. Light. Preferably fire/str, and I think human would be a good place to start for me. I've seen many monk builds, but like a lot of them. What build (or new build) do you think I am wanting? Thanks in advance.

P.S. If necessary, dps can be slightly ignored and healing amp doesn't have to be maxed. I would really like Str based but if completely necessary go dex.

[FuzzyDuck81]

Human light monk is a good, reliable choice - high healing amp potential, decent abilities & DCs.. dark is usually considered as the DPS option, though for a less established/experienced monk player IMO light is better with Shintao PrE due to having less specialised equipment required (inherent metal-based attacks means you'll only need holy or good for boss beating) & being more forgiving to play with the additional self-healing capabilities though FoL & Healing Ki.

Warforged is another good option - healing amp wont be as high (though will be equivalent to a fleshy) but you can offset the impact of wisdom penalty to your DCs through the racial tactics line & with the large amount of inherent immunities combined with the high saves it'll be a very survivable build.

[Anthios888]

Half elf - No stat penalties, healing amplification, scroll usage or 3d6 sneak damage or +2 stun, and flex stats to put in wis, str, or con. I'd choose 3d6 personally.

[manumase]

i'd recommend dwarf for stunning, but then it lacks healing amp, or human, humans make a good monk for all first timer monks, easy to use high healing amp, and no having to pay for half elf (which imho is the best monk)

[-Zyxas-]

Hmmm... Well it seems some people think I'm a beginning monk. I've played monk for quite a while, haven't capped one yet but then again my altoholism grows and falls and I never seem to have too much focus on one character.
I know I wanted light, I know helf is great for monk and I know I won't have it for a long time. I feel WF would subtract too much amp, so dwarf or human (I don't need max amp, but don't know if human is good enough stunner)? The main thing I was looking for was stat allocations, some feat stuff, and enhancements. Imho nobody said anything yet that I didn't already know, I'm looking for some specifics. TY.

[-Zyxas-]

Hmm no reply? Usually works that way, I don't get what I want right away and then they leave.

[sirdanile]

A dwarf monk is one of the easier races to get void IV strikes as well as decent (40+) stun dcs with +10 wraps.

Also don't expect a response immediately after posting, especially later on in a thread... your forum experience will be much more enjoyable.

[-Zyxas-]

Okay, thank you.
Well it wasn't right away (1 day) but yeah I guess.

[jmonty]

i love my wf monk, which focuses on str and con.

thanks to wf tactics with a little wis it can stun well enough leveling but at end game not very reliably. i was waiting on at least one +3 tome to do a LR into something closer to the mentaru [max str, con, and enough dex for twf] but i haven't gotten any yet ><

a different class focusing on stunning is great fun for soloing though. i'd like to try a dwarf wis/str build but i haven't been interested in leveling up again lately.

[The0dorus]

All depends on what u would like to be able to run with ur monk. Weather u want easy and fast lvl 20, or epic stuf farmer and so on. If I understand u right u dont want/cant spend +3 tomes and dont have a gear for ur monk. So I recomend u dex/wis dwarf dark monk.

Pros: good hp, good DC's, good AC for nonepic content, good saves, decent dps

Cons: lower dps (compare to str/wis), "just" one stun (compare to light monk or str based monk with stuning blow also), one feat slot for weapon finesse, problems with to-hit chance in epics

Just a draft but something like this:

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.8.0
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Level 20 Lawful Good Dwarf Male
(20 Monk) 
Hit Points: 314
Spell Points: 0 
BAB: 15\15\20\25\25
Fortitude: 15
Reflex: 17
Will: 17

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats          Modified Stats
(32 Point)       (Level 1)             (Level 20)
Strength             11                    13
Dexterity            18                    20
Constitution         15                    16
Intelligence          8                     8
Wisdom               15                    20
Charisma              6                     6

Tomes Used
+2 Tome of Strength used at level 7

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills         Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)            (Level 20)
Balance               8                    31
Bluff                -2                    -2
Concentration         6                    35
Diplomacy            -2                     1
Disable Device       n/a                   n/a
Haggle               -2                    -2
Heal                  2                     5
Hide                  4                     5
Intimidate           -2                    -2
Jump                  3                    14
Listen                2                     5
Move Silently         4                    15
Open Lock             n/a                   n/a
Perform              n/a                   n/a
Repair               -1                    -1
Search               -1                     1
Spot                  2                     5
Swim                  0                     1
Tumble                5                     8
Use Magic Device     n/a                   n/a

Level 1 (Monk)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Stunning Fist
Feat: (Selected) Toughness


Level 2 (Monk)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Weapon Finesse


Level 3 (Monk)
Feat: (Monk Path) Path of Inevitable Dominion: Fists of Darkness
Feat: (Selected) Two Weapon Fighting


Level 4 (Monk)


Level 5 (Monk)


Level 6 (Monk)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Dodge
Feat: (Selected) Toughness


Level 7 (Monk)


Level 8 (Monk)


Level 9 (Monk)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Two Weapon Fighting


Level 10 (Monk)


Level 11 (Monk)


Level 12 (Monk)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Bludgeoning Weapons


Level 13 (Monk)


Level 14 (Monk)


Level 15 (Monk)
Feat: (Selected) Greater Two Weapon Fighting


Level 16 (Monk)


Level 17 (Monk)


Level 18 (Monk)
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack


Level 19 (Monk)


Level 20 (Monk)
Enhancement: Monk Serenity
Enhancement: Dwarven Constitution I
Enhancement: Dwarven Tactics I
Enhancement: Dwarven Tactics II
Enhancement: Dwarven Tactics III
Enhancement: Static Charge
Enhancement: Way of the Elegant Crane I
Enhancement: Way of the Elegant Crane II
Enhancement: Way of the Elegant Crane III
Enhancement: Touch of Death
Enhancement: Fists of Iron
Enhancement: Porous Soul
Enhancement: All-Consuming Flame
Enhancement: Monk Improved Recovery I
Enhancement: Monk Improved Recovery II
Enhancement: Monk Ninja Spy I
Enhancement: Monk Ninja Spy II
Enhancement: Void Strike I
Enhancement: Void Strike II
Enhancement: Unbalancing Strike
Enhancement: Winter's Touch
Enhancement: Adept of Wind
Enhancement: Grandmaster of Storms
Enhancement: Master of Thunder
Enhancement: Adept of Rock
Enhancement: Adept of Rain
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Racial Toughness III
Enhancement: Improved Jump I
Enhancement: Improved Jump II
Enhancement: Improved Tumble I
Enhancement: Improved Tumble II
Enhancement: Monk Wisdom I
Enhancement: Monk Wisdom II

This build should be fun to lvl up and with some raid gear and more tomes, u should be even able to run epics.

[Impatiens]

If you don't want to go half elf I would recommend human. They are a nice well-rounded race for monks and have lots of heal amp potential.

[hu-flung-pu]

Definitely Dwarven Monk.

They're just wrecking balls as monks.

[SetofBs]

It really depends what you want. Dwarf is a good option for tactics and HP (and can get grandmaster earth easier). Human is a good option for heal amp and an extra feat you don't really need.

I haven't played a dwarf monk, but that would be my choice if half elf wasn't an option. Just don't follow that build a few posts up. The feats are fine (although I would take power attack at 6 and save the second toughness for 18) but the starting stats are terrible. Even going by the assumption that you want your dwarf to be dex/wis and have only enough str to qualify for power attack, you can start with 13 str, 17 dex and 16 con for the same points as his 11/18/15. Going to 16 dex is probably even better.

[-Zyxas-]

Well... I do not want dex/wis if at all possible. I don't need ultimate stunning, just usable and effective. I'm thinking of one of these:

1. Dwarf - 14Str 16Dex 16Con 08Int 16Wis 06Cha - Tactics
2. Human - 14Str 16Dex 14Con 08Int 16Wis 08Cha - Amp
3. Human - 16Str 16Dex 14Con 08Int 14Wis 08Cha - Less stuns, more dps barely
4. Human - 15Str 16Dex 14Con 08Int 15Wis 08Cha - Is this viable with Human Adapt?
5. Dwarf - 15Str 16Dex 16Con 08Int 15Wis 06Cha - See above

I think human would be good for light, with stuns I can be somewhat self-sufficient without potions. Dwarf will net me a bit higher DCs though. Vote on the stat arrangement, and would the 15s be viable?

[The0dorus]

Just don't follow that build a few posts up. The feats are fine (although I would take power attack at 6 and save the second toughness for 18) but the starting stats are terrible. Even going by the assumption that you want your dwarf to be dex/wis and have only enough str to qualify for power attack, you can start with 13 str, 17 dex and 16 con for the same points as his 11/18/15. Going to 16 dex is probably even better.

Im not sure if u look how did I plan to take ability stat points durin lvl-up and Im affraid that if u find it out u would say that it is really nasty (2pts to dex 3points to wis) . But sayin startin stats r terrible..... Is is terrible that I preffer to hit against dmg? What for would be his dmg if he will not be able to hit?

Takin power atack at six instead of dodge is a good idea, but without e.g. spec gloves he could have problems with to-hit. The reason why I choose dex/wis is that its easier to get 3th ability (strength in this case) to 13 for power atack than it is to reach 17 dex for twf chain. And Im still tellin that u should focus on increasin atack modifier.

What about 14/16/16/8/16/6 and swap second toughness for weapon focus bludgeon? Should be same hp (takin two racial const boosts will make ur con higher by two what is about the same as toughness feat, weapon focus and 16 dex makes the same to-hit bonus as 18 dex do, u dont have to spend +2 tome (but u can of course) to be able to reach PA str requisition,...

As I said on the very begining of my previous post it was just a quick draft. Anyway monk is really one of the most stat dependant classes (prolly just pally is more) so if u want to feel the power of all monks abilities u need to have more stat points and use some tomes.

[The0dorus]

1. Dwarf - 14Str 16Dex 16Con 08Int 16Wis 06Cha - Tactics

Lol, I didnt read the thread to the very end. So my advice is to roll that one.

I dont think u r able to reach ultimate stuning with 32p build without eatin tomes and have a bank full of nice gear. This monk is planed to have effective stuning fist DC.

(another reason for takin dark monk is the dark atack that makes the mob shaken or somethin reducin their saves, so its easier to stun)

[~jradnut]

Half elf - No stat penalties, healing amplification, scroll usage or 3d6 sneak damage or +2 stun, and flex stats to put in wis, str, or con. I'd choose 3d6 personally.

Such a traitor! *flounces off*

[SetofBs]

Im not sure if u look how did I plan to take ability stat points durin lvl-up and Im affraid that if u find it out u would say that it is really nasty (2pts to dex 3points to wis) . But sayin startin stats r terrible..... Is is terrible that I preffer to hit against dmg? What for would be his dmg if he will not be able to hit?

Takin power atack at six instead of dodge is a good idea, but without e.g. spec gloves he could have problems with to-hit. The reason why I choose dex/wis is that its easier to get 3th ability (strength in this case) to 13 for power atack than it is to reach 17 dex for twf chain. And Im still tellin that u should focus on increasin atack modifier.

What about 14/16/16/8/16/6 and swap second toughness for weapon focus bludgeon? Should be same hp (takin two racial const boosts will make ur con higher by two what is about the same as toughness feat, weapon focus and 16 dex makes the same to-hit bonus as 18 dex do, u dont have to spend +2 tome (but u can of course) to be able to reach PA str requisition,...

As I said on the very begining of my previous post it was just a quick draft. Anyway monk is really one of the most stat dependant classes (prolly just pally is more) so if u want to feel the power of all monks abilities u need to have more stat points and use some tomes.

My point was if you did the stats the way you suggest, after level ups you are leaving stats on the table (you are left with a few build points less than with my option). This is because you should only max out a stat if you are putting all level ups into it as well, which you did not do.

I do agree that you need to put level ups in a to-hit stat or you will have problems or be forced to use crappy wraps with high to hit bonuses. Personally on my dex/wis monk I went 16 dex and 16 wis and planned for all levels in dex.

[SetofBs]

Well... I do not want dex/wis if at all possible. I don't need ultimate stunning, just usable and effective. I'm thinking of one of these:

1. Dwarf - 14Str 16Dex 16Con 08Int 16Wis 06Cha - Tactics
2. Human - 14Str 16Dex 14Con 08Int 16Wis 08Cha - Amp
3. Human - 16Str 16Dex 14Con 08Int 14Wis 08Cha - Less stuns, more dps barely
4. Human - 15Str 16Dex 14Con 08Int 15Wis 08Cha - Is this viable with Human Adapt?
5. Dwarf - 15Str 16Dex 16Con 08Int 15Wis 06Cha - See above

I think human would be good for light, with stuns I can be somewhat self-sufficient without potions. Dwarf will net me a bit higher DCs though. Vote on the stat arrangement, and would the 15s be viable?

I vote 1. Although 2 is a nice option; it is exactly how I started my h-elf. I guess it really comes down to tactics/con vs amp.

[Druxan]

I'd go Dwarf or Human

Dwarf Stats (32 point)
STR 36 (18 +2 tome +6 item +4 stance +5 lvls +1 exc(you will want Kyosho's ring)
DEX 24 (15 +2 tome +6 item +1 exc(can get on your other ToD ring)
CON 26 (16 +2 tome +6 item +2 racial)
INT 10 (8 +2 tome(optional but useful)
WIS 18 (10 +2 tome +6 item +2 class -2 stance)
CHA 8 (6 +2 tome (don't really need a +6 item or +2 tome but again useful)

Human Stats (32 point)
STR 36 (17 +2 tome +6 item +4 stance +5lvls +1 racial +1 exc(you will want Kyosho's ring)
DEX 24 (15 +2 tome +6 item +1 exc(can get on your other ToD ring)
CON 24 (16 +2 tome +6 item)
INT 10 (8 +2 tome(optional but useful)
WIS 18 (9 +2 tome +6 item +1 racial +2 class -2 stance)
CHA 10 (8 +2 tome(don't really need a +6 item or +2 tome but again useful)

Dwarf gets
More Hit Points
Tactic Enhancements
Less Charisma for Kukan-Do DC's

Human gets
High Healing Amp
Extra Feat
1 More Skill point per level


both are STR builds, IMHO dwarf is better but both are fairly even