Precision prerequisite for Shintao

[Fanaval]

I wonder why there aren't builds of light monks with the "precision" feat as prerequisite for shintao prestige class.
I see always cleave or luck of heroes as a prerequisite.

But i think that a feat where you gain +5% to hit and reduce the target's fortification against your attacks by 25% is very good. And remember that since update 14 Precision no longer halves your damage.

As written in the wiki monk stances (thunder, ocean, ecc...) is staking with precision because the latter is a general stance.

So someone can explain me why cleave is better?

Thanks

[wax_on_wax_off]

The builds in question would be pre-U14 is the simple answer.

Precision is a great feat, particularly if you have a lot of sneak attack (which light monks generally don't - that is what dark monks have). While it isn't exclusive with monk stances it is exclusive with Power Attack and Combat Expertise, look at each feat closely before deciding which one or two you want to include on your build.

Generally power attack will be a better stance for a light monk is the short answer.

[nivarch]

Maybe some data experts will prove me I'm wrong, but I made some very rough calculations and found that precision was slightly behind power attack for mobs with less than 30% fortification, but that it pulled ahead for any mob with 30% or more fortification.

These calculations were of course made with a given monk build, and it's not true for every monk.

This was neglecting many factors:

• I neglected the lower to hit from PA, since its effect varies greatly depending on mob AC (and available debuffs).
• I neglected all elemental damage (including holy...) because I was lazy, it will favor precision even more, since 5% to hit means
• I also neglected the fact that ki generation will be lower with PA since you'll hit less often.

Oh also more chance to hit, means lower probability to miss your special attacks.

For me, in almost any situation at level 20+ precision is probably the stance to use, even for a light monk (of course I may be wrong )
Also if you want overwhelming critical, you have no choice but to take PA.