Really dunno anything about monk... help me please!

[Nephilia]

Hi all
I was wondering how good should be to have a monk (and have a toon who can get full advantage of my brawling gloves)!!!
But I'm simply unable to write a build for it... I dunno a **** nothing about monk XD

Can someone point me in the right way?
I mean : race, enhancement, stats, feats, skill etc...
I just want to have a toon who's good on end-game content and to have fun to!
I read a lot of build but I'm a little bit confused so.. help me out please

[Roguish_Existence]

I'm in the same boat on this one. I would love to play a monk but I am utterly confused on which choices to make concerning almost every aspect of the class. I am interested to see what others have to offer to this thread. I know there are some real veteran monks lurking about.

[whitehawk74]

Add me to the list of being completely bewildered by the Monk class.
I dont want to make a build that I will regret and at the same time I dont want to take a prebuilt path.
I would like to know just how much WISDOM is enough, I would set CON to 16, and spend the rest on STR and DEX.

Do I need to take Weapon Finesse for a dex based build? What about 2 Weapon Fighting for Wraps?
These are the things I really need to know.

[andbr22]

Race: Prety much every none elf work well (humans - extra healing amp, +stats of your choisel, extra skills, and feat; halfling - good as F2P dex/wis monks (guile increase dmg); dwarf - solid hardly meet monk +DC on stuns, Cha as dump stat and increased survivality due thigh con; WF - similar do dwarf but power attack enchantmens; H-elves ok here is nice similar to human but have Dillies (Rouge - for big DPS boost; Cleric for healing/raising via scrolls) they overshadow halflings)

Enchancments: look for some builds but generaly as animal path you should avoid tentancious badger and crane.
As long as you don't multiclassing then take prestiges (they are nice) - multiclass Light monk (general phonix type builds) you don't need Shintao. You would also would like to avoid Void line (it is realy expensive line, and final attack is 5% for ista kill any none red/purpure enemy -> well it works similar to quilvering palm (have save so can trigger sometimes with higher chance, but work only on living targets (not constructs or undead)) that you will get for free.

Feats: all feats that are needed for PrE. Important feat is Stunning Fist. And 2 Weapon fighting line (so min 17 Dex with tomes). and ofc usual feat sellection Toughtness and Power attack (minimum 13 Str). If you are Dex based then weapon finese is important.

Stats: generally high Str (rest + tome), high Dex (15 and +2 or even +3 tome (you must get 18 if you want air stance IV -> highest dps stance i think)), high Con (14 + tome / 16 if you want to get mountain IV), high Wis (14 + tome (water stance is funny - quite usless unless you want to go thorught some traps or boost your stunning DC)) -> you realy would love to eat some tomes. Oh and you can consider to put some into Charisma if you going Light monk (as long range stun Kukan-do is Cha based but you probably would pass only with +2 tome and 6 item)).

Keep in mind that monks are very equipment dependant, and there is not easy/cheap to find some handwarps (like DR beater or energy stunners +10). and some most important DPS stuff you gona make way after you reach lv 20 (ToD rings).

[Nephilia]

Well
I would like to be human (I love human so much ^_^) and I would be a dark monk dps
Don't care about AC (I've an AC-tank and it's enough to me :P) but just I would like to have a toon with have fun and be effective on end game

Can u give me a nice build in this direction?
Even a nice gear would help a lot (feel free to use +2 tomes and epic stuffs in case )

[Taimasan]

I would suggest you take a look at my monk build in my previous life. 34 pt human dark str based monk. It can be done with 32 pt, easily. I disagree with crane line and void line not being useful. But YMMV.

http://forums.ddo.com/showthread.php?t=274411

[Arel]

If you want to go Dark monk, it's critical that you be willing to farm/craft for DR breaking handwraps for end-game: Silver and Metalline are notoriously rare on handwraps: The former can only be found in Normal/Hard Devil Assault, and the latter is rare even w/o Pure Good. There is one set of named wraps that break end-game DR, and it's a rare BtC drop from the bonus chest in Shadow Crypt.

Being able to craft metalline shards makes things a lot easier, to a degree, but crafted handwraps are having a lot of problems recently, so be aware of that too.


All that being said, I would personally suggest a Wis/Dex Light Monk to start with. The Shintao PrC gives your fists additional metal types above what you would normally have, allowing you to be useful in endgame while you're trying to find boss beaters and some of the named loot from Shavarath/ToD (One of the light monk finishers apparently makes the end fight a bit easier so they're pretty popular, I've never been so I couldn't say so myself). Then, once you've gotten most/all the good stuff, you can TR and go Dark. This is doubly good, because a Monk -> Monk TR is perhaps one of the best TR's in the game due to the active feat which increases your fists' damage die by one step.

[Rusty_Can]

I would like to know just how much WISDOM is enough, I would set CON to 16, and spend the rest on STR and DEX.

WIS: I started my 32 pts monk with 14 WIS; 14 base + 3 class enhancement + 1 Human Adaptability + 2 tome + 6 item + 2 exceptional WIS = 28 WIS; technically, it can go higher with ship buffs, profane bonuses, +7 item, etc. Anyway, in my experience, with 30ish WIS, you won't have many issues landing your "monk stuff".

CON: you are a melee character, thus 14-16 is advisable.

DEX: at least 17 (base + tomes) in order to get the full TWF line.

STR: even if you go Finesse, don't dump it ....

INT: if you go the AC route, 13 INT is required for Combat Expertise.

CHA: there are a few oddballs that use CHA instead of WIS, but it can be safely dumped.

Keep also in mind that 16 (base + tomes) <STR | DEX | CON | WIS> is required for Tier III stances and 18 for Tier IV.

Do I need to take Weapon Finesse for a dex based build? What about 2 Weapon Fighting for Wraps?

If you go DEX-based, yes, take Weapon Finesse; anyway, don't dump STR ....

Unarmed Combat benefits from TWF feats, thus, yes, absolutely, take them all.

[blkcat1028]

All that being said, I would personally suggest a Wis/Dex Light Monk to start with. The Shintao PrC gives your fists additional metal types above what you would normally have, allowing you to be useful in endgame while you're trying to find boss beaters and some of the named loot from Shavarath/ToD (One of the light monk finishers apparently makes the end fight a bit easier so they're pretty popular, I've never been so I couldn't say so myself). Then, once you've gotten most/all the good stuff, you can TR and go Dark. This is doubly good, because a Monk -> Monk TR is perhaps one of the best TR's in the game due to the active feat which increases your fists' damage die by one step.

I agree completely. I have a capped light monk and it was an absolute blast to play through all the content (excluding epic). I went wis/ dex with all my level ups in wis. With +10 stunners on and in water stance his stunning fist dc is in the mid 40s and his healing ki hits for around 30-35. I went half-elf with the cleric dilly for scroll healing and raise dead. I took Grand Master of Storms and in air stance his attack speed is amazing. Like I said... a blast to play.

There's a bit of a learning curve with all the finishing moves and such, so going light is definitely good choice for your first monk. The Fists of Light finisher makes for a very survivable character.

[Nephilia]

This is what I created so far:

Race: Human

Stat: 16/15/15/8/14/8

Skill: 1 tumble, 3 jump(lv up), 4 move silently(lv up), 4 balance(lv up), 4 conc(lv up).

Feats:
1: toughness
1(monk): stunning fist
1(human): TWF
2(monk): dodge
3: power attack
3(monk): path of inevitable dominion
6: toughness
6(monk): toughness <---- at lev 6 can't get anything else usefull -_-
9: weapon focus: bludgeoning
12: ITWF
15: improved critical slashing
18: GTWF

Enhancement: here's the hardest part... I really dunno what the hell I've to take T__T
I tried to build a monk with my builder but I never unlocked the finisher (500 damage/hit dark monk). I really need help here

EDIT: I'd thank everyone is helping me
EDIT2: Thanks for suggestions guy but I really dislike the light path (even if is easier to play) and the dark monk one is similar to the character from what I'm getting inspirations for my toon :P but really really really thank you anyway

[elg582]

This is what I created so far:

Race: Human

Stat: 16/15/15/8/14/8 Might switch STR and DEX; need 17 DEX for iTWF, and +1 tomes are much easier to get

Skill: 1 tumble, 3 jump(lv up), 4 move silently(lv up), 4 balance(lv up), 4 conc(lv up).

Feats:
1: toughness
1(monk): stunning fist
1(human): TWF
2(monk): dodge
3: power attack
3(monk): path of inevitable dominion
6: toughness
6(monk): toughness <---- at lev 6 can't get anything else usefull -_-Stunning blow? Dragonmarks? More HP is always nice, but there are plenty of other things to get
9: weapon focus: bludgeoning Why?
12: ITWF Take this at 9; TWF line is your DPS
15: improved critical slashing I hope you meant for this to be bludgeoning, and take it at 12
18: GTWF Take this at 15

Enhancement: here's the hardest part... I really dunno what the hell I've to take T__T
I tried to build a monk with my builder but I never unlocked the finisher (500 damage/hit dark monk). I really need help here

Enhancements: Start with your jump and tumble (you'll need them for ninja, and they eat the first couple of AP so you can get good stuff), then animal path (I like turtle), healing enhancement, sun and earth stances, etc.

To get touch of death, you have to have all of the elemental debuff hits (porous soul, etc); you can check the "show unavailable" box in the enhancement window to see all of them, and then hover over it to see the prerequisites.

[Nephilia]

Enhancements: Start with your jump and tumble (you'll need them for ninja, and they eat the first couple of AP so you can get good stuff), then animal path (I like turtle), healing enhancement, sun and earth stances, etc.

To get touch of death, you have to have all of the elemental debuff hits (porous soul, etc); you can check the "show unavailable" box in the enhancement window to see all of them, and then hover over it to see the prerequisites.

I got a +3 dex tome
This is the reason for starting with 15 dex

About feats:
lv 6: dragonmark? which one?
Stunning blow... I didn't notice it should be usefull for a monk, nice tip here, ty
lv9-lv12-lv15-lv18: my builder unlock ITWF at 11 (maybe I mischeck something). in this case ITWF at 9 and IC: bludgeon (slashing was an error ofc ) at 12, GTWF at 15 but then... what I would take at 18?!
(as u can easily see when I said "I know lesser than nothing about monks" I was not exaggerate!! XD

[Nephilia]

And this is what I've created!
Suggestions and critics are really appreciated, ty

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

Pesticciolo De Tumoris 
Level 20 Lawful Neutral Human Male 
(20 Monk) 
Hit Points: 326 
Spell Points: 0 

BAB: 15/15/20/2525 
Fortitude: 15 
Reflex: 16 
Will: 16 

              Starting    Feat/Enhancement 
Abilities    Base Stats    Modified Stats 
(32 Point)    (Level 1)      (Level 20) 
Strength           16                24 
Dexterity          16                18 
Constitution       14                16 
Intelligence        8                 8 
Wisdom             14                18 
Charisma            8                 8 

Tomes Used 
+2 Tome of Strength used at level 7 
+2 Tome of Dexterity used at level 7 
+2 Tome of Constitution used at level 7 
+2 Tome of Wisdom used at level 7 
 
              Starting      Feat/Enhancement 
             Base Skills  Modified Skills 
Skills       (Level 1)      (Level 20) 
Balance            7              31 
Bluff              -1             -1 
Concentration      6              38 
Diplomacy          -1             -1 
Disable Device     n/a            n/a 
Haggle             -1             -1 
Heal               2              4 
Hide               3              8 
Intimidate         -1             -1 
Jump               6              31 
Listen             2              4 
Move Silently      7              27 
Open Lock          n/a            n/a 
Perform            n/a            n/a 
Repair             -1             -1 
Search             -1             -1 
Spot               2              4 
Swim               3              7 
Tumble             4              7 
Use Magic Device   n/a            n/a 
 
Level 1 (Monk) 
Skill: Balance (+4) 
Skill: Concentration (+4) 
Skill: Jump (+3) 
Skill: Move Silently (+4) 
Skill: Tumble (+1) 
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Stunning Fist 
Feat: (Selected) Toughness 
Feat: (Human Bonus) Two Weapon Fighting 
 
Level 2 (Monk) 
Skill: Balance (+1) 
Skill: Concentration (+1) 
Skill: Jump (+1) 
Skill: Move Silently (+1) 
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Dodge 
 
Level 3 (Monk) 
Skill: Balance (+1) 
Skill: Concentration (+1) 
Skill: Jump (+1) 
Skill: Move Silently (+1) 
Feat: (Monk Path) Path of Inevitable Dominion: Fists of Darkness 
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack 
 
Level 4 (Monk) 
Ability Raise: STR 
Skill: Balance (+1) 
Skill: Concentration (+1) 
Skill: Jump (+1) 
Skill: Move Silently (+1) 
 
Level 5 (Monk) 
Skill: Balance (+1) 
Skill: Concentration (+1) 
Skill: Jump (+1) 
Skill: Move Silently (+1) 
 
Level 6 (Monk) 
Skill: Balance (+1) 
Skill: Concentration (+1) 
Skill: Jump (+1) 
Skill: Move Silently (+1) 
Feat: (Selected) Stunning Blow 
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Toughness 
 
Level 7 (Monk) 
Skill: Balance (+1) 
Skill: Concentrration (+1) 
Skill: Jump (+1) 
Skill: Move Silently (+1) 
 
Level 8 (Monk) 
Ability Raise: STR 
Skill: Balance (+1) 
Skill: Concentration (+1) 
Skill: Jump (+1) 
Skill: Move Silently (+1) 
 
Level 9 (Monk) 
Skill: Balance (+1) 
Skill: Concentration (+1) 
Skill: Jump (+1) 
Skill: Move Silently (+1) 
Feat: (Selected) Improved Two Weapon Fighting 
 
Level 10 (Monk) 
Skill: Balance (+1) 
Skill: Concentration (+1) 
Skill: Jump (+1) 
Skill: Move Silently (+1) 
 
Level 11 (Monk) 
Skill: Balance (+1) 
Skill: Concentration (+1) 
Skill: Jump (+1) 
Skill: Move Silently (+1) 
 
Level 12 (Monk) 
Ability Raise: STR 
Skill: Balance (+1) 
Skill: Concentration (+1) 
Skill: Jump (+1) 
Skill: Move Silently (+1) 
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Bludgeoning Weapons 
 
Level 13 (Monk) 
Skill: Balance (+1) 
Skill: Concentration (+1) 
Skill: Jump (+1) 
Skill: Move Silently (+1) 
 
Level 14 (Monk) 
Skill: Balance (+1) 
Skill: Concentration (+1) 
Skill: Jump (+1) 
Skill: Move Silently (+1) 
 
Level 15 (Monk) 
Skill: Balance (+1) 
Skill: Concentration (+1) 
Skill: Jump (+1) 
Skill: Move Silently (+1) 
Feat: (Selected) Greater Two Weapon Fighting 
 
Level 16 (Monk) 
Ability Raise: STR 
Skill: Balance (+1) 
Skill: Concentration (+1) 
Skill: Jump (+1) 
Skill: Move Silently (+1) 
 
Level 17 (Monk) 
Skill: Balance (+1) 
Skill: Concentration (+1) 
Skill: Jump (+1) 
Skill: Move Silently (+1) 
 
Level 18 (Monk) 
Skill: Balance (+1) 
Skill: Concentration (+1) 
Skill: Jump (+1) 
Skill: Move Silently (+1) 
Feat: (Selected) Toughness 
 
Level 19 (Monk) 
Skill: Balance (+1) 
Skill: Concentration (+1) 
Skill: Jump (+1) 
Skill: Move Silently (+1) 
 
Level 20 (Monk) 
Ability Raise: STR 
Skill: Balance (+1) 
Skill: Concentration (+1) 
Skill: Jump (+1) 
Skill: Move Silently (+1) 

Enhancement: Monk Serenity 
Enhancement: Human Adaptability Strength I 
Enhancement: Human Improved Recovery I 
Enhancement: Static Charge 
Enhancement: Ten Thousand Stars 
Enhancement: Way of the Patient Tortoise I 
Enhancement: Way of the Patient Tortoise II 
Enhancement: Touch of Death 
Enhancement: Porous Soul 
Enhancement: All-Consuming Flame 
Enhancement: Monk Improved Recovery I 
Enhancement: Monk Ninja Spy I 
Enhancement: Monk Ninja Spy II 
Enhancement: Void Strike I 
Enhancement: Void Strike II 
Enhancement: Void Strike III 
Enhancement: Void Strike IV 
Enhancement: Unbalancing Strike 
Enhancement: Winter's Touch 
Enhancement: Adept of Wind 
Enhhancement: Grandmaster of Storms 
Enhancement: Master of Thunder 
Enhancement: Adept of Rock 
Enhancement: Master of Stone 
Enhancement: Adept of Flame 
Enhancement: Grandmaster of the Sun 
Enhancement: Master of Bonfires 
Enhancement: Adept of Rain 
Enhancement: Master of the Sea 
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I 
Enhancement: Improved Jump I 
Enhancement: Improved Jump II 
Enhancement: Improved Tumble I 
Enhancement: Improved Tumble II 
Enhancement: Monk Wisdom I 
Enhancement: Monk Wisdom II

[Habreno]

I got a +3 dex tome
This is the reason for starting with 15 dex

About feats:
lv 6: dragonmark? which one?
Stunning blow... I didn't notice it should be usefull for a monk, nice tip here, ty
lv9-lv12-lv15-lv18: my builder unlock ITWF at 11 (maybe I mischeck something). in this case ITWF at 9 and IC: bludgeon (slashing was an error ofc ) at 12, GTWF at 15 but then... what I would take at 18?!

If you have a +3 DEX tome you can use, save it for your second TR, and go Monk-?-Monk (and use it on the second Monk) with the question mark being something which benefits you. Paladin gives +5% healing amp, barbarian gives 10 HP, another Monk gives more Monk experiences and another +1 to damage (passive, the active is takable once regardless of how many TR's you do, passive stacks 3 times) while Fighter gives +1 to attack. Don't waste it on a 32-point build unless you're CERTAIN you'll NEVER TR it, or keep it capped long enough to ensure the acquisition of a second +3 DEX tome.


Level 6: 2nd Toughness is fine, you have three bonus feats plus many granted feats as you progress.

ITWF/GTWF: +2 DEX tome is needed for both at 15 DEX. 16 DEX means you can get them with a +1 tome, but it also means you can get 18 DEX for GM Wind with a +2 tome.
Your BAB for feats is 3/4 progression-ITWF requires a 6 BAB, which you get at level 8 (you can take ITWF at level 9) and GTWF requires a BAB of 11 (which you don't get until level 15)