An Alternative look at the wis-based monk

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#1

zombiegleemax

Mar 27, 2007 2:08:32		An Alternative look at the wis-based monk:

Ah yes, the wis-based monk, as meant by Dnd…. Let’s start with the obvious shall we? A staple str-based monk will not only do more damage than the wis-based monk but also in some instances hit the target more often.

I myself am irritated by the fact that monks basically must be str-based if they want to do good damage. For me, it does not make sense. I’ve had two karate teachers; both of them did not have muscles in gigantic quantities and proportions. My current Aikibujutsu teacher is also does not possess the body of atlas.
The thing is, in most martial arts technique supersedes body strength. You can use strength to compensate for lack of technique but in the end you would rather have superior technique than superior strength.

Another pet-peeve of mine: Why isn’t the monk able to choose intuitive attack as a bonus feat? (Intuitive attack (From “Exalted Deeds”: lets you use your wisdom score for your attack roles) Again it makes no sense for me. I have found in practice in martial arts that superior timing and understanding of my opponent is worlds more useful than having “good reflexes” or “superior strength”. If I had the calmness of mind and if I didn’t lose my cool I would be able to strike my opponent in the right way, thereby making a “hit”.

Now that I have summed up all my issues with the monk class I would like to purpose a solution. I give you, some new feat descriptions:

Paths of the monk:

At the 1st level an monk may choose between two paths: The Strong Monk, The Nimble Monk and The Wise Monk. (note: we will be currently be following the progression of The Wise Monk. Later, if this post has been accepted positively, I will do the other paths). The nimble monk gains the bonus feat weapon finesse and the wise monk gains intuitive attack even if they don’t meet the prerequisites.

Ki Strike of the wise monk:

The monk gains at the 4th, 10th, 16th and 20th level a bonus of +1 to this to damage rolls. This bonus can not help boost a to hit damage bonus to be bigger than itself. For instance: a 4th level monk with a to hit damage bonus of 2 will not gain any benefit of the 4th and 10th level increases. After all he already has that bonus. But a 20th level monk with a to hit bonus of 2 will get the benefits of the 16th level and 20th level increase thereby bumping it up to 4. Additionally each level his unarmed attacks are considered as to have an extra +1 enchantment for purposes of bypassing damage reduction. A 4th level monk’s unarmed attacks are considered magical a 10th level monk’s unarmed attacks as lawful and a 16th level monk’s unarmed attacks as adamantine weapons.

Final notes:

This is only a beginning concept of what the monk should be more like. Please give me your opinion on it but don’t be too harsh. I am a true beginner in this.

Sindegra