Half-elf Dark Monk

[Keplih]

Build Name: Half-elf Dark Monk
Author: Keplih
Last Updated: 05/20/11

Key Words [Monk, 32pts, Dark Path, Half-elf]

Objectives
A monk with as many monk goodies as possible.

Summary Haves (Posted here only to indicate what I have access to, not what I want for the build)
- Drow
- Warforged
- Half-elf
- Half-orc
- 28 pt build
- 32 pt build
- Ability to change feats (limited)
- Ability to change enhancements

Summary Have-Nots
- High level gear

Design
I decided to reroll a monk, but also to get the feel of a True Grandmaster (tm), with Void Strike IV. I have a few tomes that were donated from a friend. The half-elf has some rogue enhancements that may compensate for the usual halfling enhancements. When I looked over the half-orc build that was similar, it didn't feel right. This feels better.

There is the possibility of throwing it Cleave at level 6 and Great Cleave at level 18, but I'm not sure how they were fixed for unarmed, or even if they are a good feat selection for a dark monk. I might take Cleave now for the lulz and see how it works on the monk, and if I'm unsatisfied, simply use the free feat exchange and put in a Toughness at level 6. Being that I'm not locked in (plat spending) until level 18, this seems like it could be a worthwhile test. That is unless I read something about the uber or the gimp of Cleave on unarmed.

Note: This build needs to grind out 1750 Favor near levels 15-17. Those enhancements are interchangeable so there is some leeway, but the preferred level is still 15.

Edit: I was reminded that if we grind Favor to 1750, there's a guaranteed +2 tome. Modified ability increases accordingly.

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.9.1
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Level 20 Lawful Neutral Half-Elf Male
(20 Monk) 
Hit Points: 321
Spell Points: 0 
BAB: 15\15\20\25\25
Fortitude: 15
Reflex: 16
Will: 15

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats          Modified Stats
(32 Point)       (Level 1)             (Level 20)
Strength             15                    22
Dexterity            16                    18
Constitution         15                    16
Intelligence          8                     8
Wisdom               14                    17
Charisma              8                     8

Tomes Used
+1 Tome of Strength used at level 1
+1 Tome of Dexterity used at level 1
+1 Tome of Constitution used at level 1
+2 Tome of Wisdom used at level 15

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills         Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)            (Level 20)
Balance               7                    26
Bluff                -1                    -1
Concentration         7                    39
Diplomacy            -1                    -1
Disable Device       n/a                   n/a
Haggle               -1                    -1
Heal                  2                     3
Hide                  3                     8
Intimidate           -1                    -1
Jump                  6                    13
Listen                2                     3
Move Silently         3                     4
Open Lock             n/a                   n/a
Perform              n/a                   n/a
Repair               -1                    -1
Search               -1                    -1
Spot                  2                     3
Swim                  3                     6
Tumble                4                     7
Use Magic Device     n/a                   10

Level 1 (Monk)
Skill: Balance (+4)
Skill: Concentration (+4)
Skill: Jump (+3)
Skill: Tumble (+1)
Feat: (Half-Elf Dilettante) Half-Elf Dilettante: Rogue
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Stunning Fist
Feat: (Selected) Two Weapon Fighting
Enhancement: Improved Jump I
Enhancement: Improved Tumble I


Level 2 (Monk)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Jump (+2)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Dodge
Enhancement: Human Improved Recovery I
Enhancement: Way of the Patient Tortoise I
Enhancement: Void Strike I
Enhancement: Monk Wisdom I


Level 3 (Monk)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Monk Path) Path of Inevitable Dominion: Fists of Darkness
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Enhancement: Monk Improved Recovery I


Level 4 (Monk)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Static Charge
Enhancement: Improved Jump II
Enhancement: Improved Tumble II


Level 5 (Monk)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Improved Rogue Dilettante I
Enhancement: Way of the Patient Tortoise II


Level 6 (Monk)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Power Attack
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Enhancement: Monk Ninja Spy I
Enhancement: Adept of Wind


Level 7 (Monk)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Porous Soul
Enhancement: All-Consuming Flame


Level 8 (Monk)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Balance (+2)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Enhancement: Winter's Touch


Level 9 (Monk)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Two Weapon Fighting
Enhancement: Touch of Death
Enhancement: Void Strike II


Level 10 (Monk)
Skill: Balance (+2)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Enhancement: Adept of Rock
Enhancement: Adept of Flame


Level 11 (Monk)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Adept of Rain


Level 12 (Monk)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Balance (+2)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Bludgeoning Weapons
Enhancement: Monk Ninja Spy II
Enhancement: Master of Thunder


Level 13 (Monk)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Void Strike III


Level 14 (Monk)
Skill: Balance (+2)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Enhancement: Master of Stone
Enhancement: Master of Bonfires


Level 15 (Monk)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Greater Two Weapon Fighting
Enhancement: Master of the Sea


Level 16 (Monk)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Balance (+2)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Enhancement: Improved Rogue Dilettante II


Level 17 (Monk)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Way of the Patient Tortoise III


Level 18 (Monk)
Skill: Balance (+2)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Enhancement: Grandmaster of the Sun


Level 19 (Monk)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Void Strike IV


Level 20 (Monk)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Balance (+2)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Enhancement: Monk Serenity
Enhancement: Human Adaptability Strength I
Enhancement: Half-Elf Rogue Dexterity I

[Iwinbyrollup]

It looks nice.

The only thing I note is it might be useful to see if you can boost your Strength just a bit higher. One or two additional points (maybe one of the Human Adaptability enhancements) would be nice if you could fit it there. It would just be nice to have a boost to your attack.

[Keplih]

Without a +3 tome, I'm s.o.l.
Also, the Human Adaptability Strength is there at level 20.
I'll roll him up by the end of the weekend then.

[svinja]

You could take a CON tome at 1750, drop CON to 14, drop DEX to 15, increase STR to 16, increase WIS to 15. The drawback is that you would need to buy/borrow a +2 dex tome before you could take improved two weapon fighting (and also needing greater, this means level 14 at the latest - you can bank xp for 16 but not take level 15, although I would try to borrow the tome earlier because it is convenient to have these feats) but would give you +1 str and +1 wis. For reference, I have a level 15 barbarian on my non-main server and he has around 150k plat I think, without selling stuff on the AH (he was created a long time ago when I was f2p and AH was very limited for me), and I wasn't even saving plat. So a +2 DEX tome around that mark should be easily possible.

This would mean 24 instead of 23 strength at 20 when you acquire a +2 STR tome and 18 wis instead of 17 with a +2 WIS tome. You will be able to obtain these tomes very quickly at 20 anyway, if not earlier. Of course, there are better tomes, +7 items, exceptional bonuses, profane bonuses, so it's a question whether this will be a whole STR and WIS bracket in the end, but it is still very nice to have the +1s - at best, they give you a bracket, at worst, they free up enhancement points or make gearing more flexible.

Now you would no longer need a +2 WIS tome at 15 (although you don't need it anyway, enhancements can always be reset) but you do need to acquire that DEX tome. You could take it at 1750, but this is a waste of plat, as you will then have to buy a con tome eventually (unless you loot one or pick one up as an end reward) which is much more expensive, but at least there's an option.

Also, I am not sure it is possible to swap dilettante feats so get confirmation on this if you decide to go this route, but it would probably be more useful to have cleric dilettante while levelling, and if you can swap it later, get rogue at 20 unless you end up liking cleric too much. As a half-elf sun stance monk, if you get the Jidz-Tetka bracers (ML 5, not difficult to get but requires sentinels pack) and take healing amp enhancements (at least while levelling), cleric dilettante will provide excellent self-healing.

The build looks fine but this is just what I would personally do.

[Keplih]

Thanks for the reply, svinja.

+2 Tomes go for between 100kpp and 200kpp, depending on how badly they're trying to get rid of it. My level 16 mage on my non main server has much less than 100kpp. Then again spells are expensive. So it's possible that I would have saved to 150kpp without those purchases. *shrugs* Lets just go with "My AH skills -really- seem to be in the lacking department." So we'll assume that I don't spend a dime and get to level 15 with 150kpp like you did.

Drop Con. (15 -> 14) Bring up Wis. (14 -> 15)
This means that I take Master of the Sea at level 14 and Master of Stone at level 15.. so not a huge change but it does give benefits. Ok, I can do that. Of course, this assumes I find or buy a +1 Wis tome by level 14, because that's when I need base wisdom 16. I could probably sell the +1 Con tome I do have for it though.

Drop Dex. (16 -> 15) Bring up Str. (15 -> 16)
This means I need to find a +2 Dex tome by level 8. Hmm... I think that's a problem. Don't have one and don't envision having the 150kpp (average) that it costs for a +2 tome at that level.

Cleric Dilettante: I'll look into that for the healing, but this character doesn't really need self healing because it'll be dedicated. Also, the +1 Dex is no longer avail for the build from Rogue Dilettante, and only 1 class bonus tree is possible, so the +1 Wis from Cleric is wasted because of the Monk levels.

After the proposed changes, level 20 would look like:
23 Str (until I find a +2 tome)
17 Dex (if I find a +2 tome by level 8, and rogue dilly no longer avail)
16 Con (with +2 tome at 1750 favor)
17 Wis (until I find a +2 tome)

I go from 1 odd number stat to 3 odd number stats, and it feels like a whole lot of wishing for +2 tomes. I think the alternative is leaving as is until I have a few +2 tomes and then look for a lesser reincarnate. Tomes don't poof with LR but you can reallocate your attributes. The benefits of changing up Wis & Con for the stats to look identical afterward seems a little silly and I already have the +1 Con, but not the +1 Wis. If I have the +2 tomes, then it's easy to change the stats to fit how they should be. This is if I don't TR.

The advice is sound. I just don't have the resources to invest properly into the character. Maybe with some grinding I would be ready, but that's kinda what this character is for... to learn the grind. We all learn sometime.

[theboatman]

Well, I will second the stat change, and add that while odd stats may seem inconvenient, you will be happier in the long run to have your stats even out with the +2 tomes, not the +1's; enhancements are very useful for evening out stats that gear leaves odd, and with patience you will get that +2 tome soon enough, while the only way to get that extra strength point later on is with an expensive lesser/greater reincarnation.

[Keplih]

Thanks theboatman.

I'll reiterate. I agree with svinja, but certain tomes are mandatory at certain levels for this build. If I follow the advice for the stat change, I need a +2 Dex tome at level 8 or I can't get ITWF & GTWF. If you are telling me with certainty that +1 to Str is more important that ITWF & GTWF, and with the corresponding lack of enhancements that lead to Void 4, then no problem. However, I feel that if I do so, I'm more likely to get criticism for being gimped, rather than praise for foresight. I'm willing to be proven wrong, so I'll rework the build and post it in a little while. Let me know how it holds up.

[theboatman]

Well, you don't technically need the +2 dex tome by level 8. You can delay ITWF until level 12 or 15, and still fit in IC:B and GTWF in the other two slots. So it isn't absolutely mandatory until level 14; this may change your gameplay up slightly, but that really depends on the nature of the build: do you plan on spending the majority of this builds life in levels 1-19 or at 20?

For someone using the build as a stepping stone to the next life, the loss of potency at 20 would be worth the gains of easier leveling. But for someone planning on staying capped for the forseeable future, the pains of the loss of offhand attacks for a few/several levels would be worth the extra strength gain.

You could also change the starting array to 16str/16dex/14con/14wis, for easier TWF qualification, but would still need two +2 tomes (as you would in Svinja's suggestion) to qualify for Void4, and probably lose a whole step from your wisdom modifier.

[theboatman]

The other comment I might make is about feat selection. While I am in no way opposed to three Toughness feats, more than one probably isn't needed unless you plan on tanking frequently. You may get some mileage from Weapon Focus: Bludgeon, or a tactical feat like Hamstring or Stunning Blow.

[Keplih]

Build Name: Half-elf Dark Monk or "Two in the Bush"
Author: Keplih
Last Updated: 05/23/11

Key Words [Monk, 32pts, Dark Path, Half-elf]

Objectives
A monk with as many monk goodies as possible. This is a reroll according to suggestions made in this forum.

Summary Haves (Posted here only to indicate what I have access to, not what I want for the build)
- Drow
- Warforged
- Half-elf
- Half-orc
- 28 pt build
- 32 pt build
- Ability to change feats (limited)
- Ability to change enhancements

Summary Have-Nots
- High level gear

Design
After discussions on this forum, I modified the build with the items I have on hand. What this means:
1) ITWF & GTWF are missing from the final build. As it stands. If I find a +2 Dex tome, I'll use whatever funds I have left, to exchange the Dragonmarks for ITWF & GTWF.
2) Dragonmarks were used as filler while waiting for a good +2 tome. They aren't my first choice, but I'd rather try something new than go with something I'll actually miss when I can proc in combat again.
3) After all the changes and attribute exchanges, the only difference is a -2 Dex/+2 Str, if/when I find a +2 Str tome. Until then, I have a net -2 Dex loss with no real change to Str. However, this is on faith that I will eventually get a +2 tome.
4) If I find a +2 Wis tome, there will also be a change of +2 Wis, or rather an even Wis score, which will give a +1 bonus. (I don't really see 17 as anything more than a self-important 16.)
5) Self healing is possible now with the Cleric Dilettante, which means that even with a +2 Dex tome, there's still only an odd number. I haven't found any indication that you can or cannot change Dilettante feats after level 1 but it should be possible as they are feats.

Looking at the character, I see how it can grow into a proper character, and it shouldn't be too gimped while leveling, not to mention I can heal myself with wand whipping.

I think the final name for this build should be "Two in the Bush". It works, but it feels like I should be praying to gods of the loot tables for some real luck. Oh, did I mention that after playing for 6 months, I just found my first +1 Tome of Leadership and Influence on Friday May 20th 2011? But in the time it takes me to level this bad boy to 20 I'm definitely going to find a +2 Str tome, a +2 Dex tome & a +2 Wis tome.... I think I need to run for president of the USA even though I'm not a citizen.. with this kind of luck, I can't lose!

In all seriousness, I'm probably going to try this one. It does have better potential than the first build, and the people I run with are pretty forgiving while leveling. Thanks theboatman and svinja for the opportunity to explore something different. (And to answer your question about goal for the build... I don't know if this is a 1-19 or a perm 20 build. I guess we'll find out when I reach 20.)

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.9.1
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Level 20 Lawful Good Half-Elf Male
(20 Monk) 
Hit Points: 309
Spell Points: 0 
BAB: 15\15\20\25\25
Fortitude: 15
Reflex: 15
Will: 15

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats          Modified Stats
(32 Point)       (Level 1)             (Level 20)
Strength             16                    23
Dexterity            15                    16
Constitution         14                    16
Intelligence          8                     8
Wisdom               15                    17
Charisma              8                     8

Tomes Used
+1 Tome of Strength used at level 1
+1 Tome of Dexterity used at level 1
+1 Tome of Wisdom used at level 1
+2 Tome of Constitution used at level 15

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills         Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)            (Level 20)
Balance               7                    25
Bluff                -1                    -1
Concentration         6                    39
Diplomacy            -1                    -1
Disable Device       n/a                   n/a
Haggle               -1                    -1
Heal                  3                     3
Hide                  3                     7
Intimidate           -1                    -1
Jump                  6                    13
Listen                3                     3
Move Silently         3                     3
Open Lock             n/a                   n/a
Perform              n/a                   n/a
Repair               -1                    -1
Search               -1                    -1
Spot                  3                     3
Swim                  3                     6
Tumble                4                     6
Use Magic Device     n/a                   10

Level 1 (Monk)
Feat: (Half-Elf Dilettante) Half-Elf Dilettante: Cleric
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Stunning Fist
Feat: (Selected) Two Weapon Fighting
Enhancement: Improved Jump I
Enhancement: Improved Tumble I


Level 2 (Monk)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Dodge
Enhancement: Human Improved Recovery I
Enhancement: Way of the Patient Tortoise I
Enhancement: Monk Wisdom I


Level 3 (Monk)
Feat: (Selected) Least Dragonmark of Storm
Feat: (Monk Path) Path of Inevitable Dominion: Fists of Darkness
Enhancement: Extra Dragonmark Use I
Enhancement: Monk Improved Recovery I
Enhancement: Void Strike I


Level 4 (Monk)
Enhancement: Static Charge
Enhancement: Improved Jump II
Enhancement: Improved Tumble II


Level 5 (Monk)
Enhancement: Improved Cleric Dilettante I
Enhancement: Human Adaptability Strength I


Level 6 (Monk)
Feat: (Selected) Lesser Dragonmark of Storm
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Power Attack
Enhancement: Monk Ninja Spy I
Enhancement: Adept of Flame


Level 7 (Monk)
Enhancement: Porous Soul
Enhancement: Void Strike II


Level 8 (Monk)
Enhancement: All-Consuming Flame
Enhancement: Winter's Touch


Level 9 (Monk)
Feat: (Selected) Greater Dragonmark of Storm
Enhancement: Touch of Death


Level 10 (Monk)
Enhancement: Extra Dragonmark Use II
Enhancement: Improved Cleric Dilettante II


Level 11 (Monk)
Enhancement: Way of the Patient Tortoise II


Level 12 (Monk)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Bludgeoning Weapons
Enhancement: Monk Ninja Spy II
Enhancement: Master of Bonfires


Level 13 (Monk)
Enhancement: Adept of Wind
Enhancement: Adept of Rain


Level 14 (Monk)
Enhancement: Void Strike III
Enhancement: Adept of Rock


Level 15 (Monk)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Enhancement: Master of Thunder


Level 16 (Monk)
Enhancement: Master of Stone


Level 17 (Monk)
Enhancement: Way of the Patient Tortoise III
Enhancement: Master of the Sea


Level 18 (Monk)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Enhancement: Grandmaster of the Sun


Level 19 (Monk)
Enhancement: Void Strike IV


Level 20 (Monk)
Enhancement: Monk Serenity
Enhancement: Human Versatility I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I

[theboatman]

The other change that was mulling around my head was to change it up a little and go dex/finesse.

Yes it costs you a feat, and some damage, but you can start with all four monk stats at 15 and qualify for both GTWF and Void4 with only +1 tomes. Or, taking into account that you plan on a +2 from favor, start with a 16/15/15/14 spread, maybe with the 14 in strength.

This allows you to keep a high Bab from your attack stat, and gives flexibility in your wisdom score with the monk enhancements. You also have human enhancements to round out str/dex/con as needed for even scores. You lose a little damage, but still have the sexyness that is void4, along with a chunk more AC and reflex saves. I realize many people don't care for dex builds, but it's something to consider.

**I do realize that you would also likely change from using sun stance to wind stance; depending on your playstyle the loss of ki generation vs the doublestrike gain may not be worth it, negating the usefulness of a dex build.**

[Keplih]

The problem is I was actually going to try a full Str build. I have a Dex build that I'm rerolling for this purpose. She's level 11 right now and I just feel like a change since I haven't played her in ... 3 months. I might try another Dex build later, but right now, I was thinking Str build, otherwise I would have just rolled up another halfling. XD However, if you're talking about Dex build Windstance Halfling build, please checkout this thread and give me build advice based on what's in your head there. I think making 2 identical builds on the forums is silly, but I'd like to improve that build if I could, for later play.

[theboatman]

Nope, it was just an off suggestion to try to remedy the tome intensiveness of your str build; taking a look at the quaterling though...