[PF] Monk Build Challenge

[Certified]

As an offshoot of the Monk power debate how about putting together builds for the Pathfinder Monk. Lets say anything in the PRD is game, no 3PP material. Builds should be standard point buy, 20 points and state what role they are meant to fill in a party.

Please no high level builds, unless you are building around your current game and the party is that level.

I suspect the most adamant about the Monk's weakness will be able to come up with some interesting builds.

[jmelesky]

What's the challenge? Or are you just looking for a bunch of different builds?

Treantmonk put out a pretty definitive (though core-only) monk guide (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/extras/community-creations/treatmonks-lab/treantmonk-s-guide-to-monks). There's also Revel's guide (https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B7b8EGfd1Lu3MTNiMjIyMjUtOWVkYS00ODEyLTkwMTA tMTI3Yjk1MTFkNDFk&hl=en_US), which is more comprehensive, but with less build-centric advice.

There are several guides to the Zen Archer archetype, including one by Porpentine (http://paizo.com/threads/rzs2nix8?Zen-and-the-Art-of-Monk-Maintenance-A-Guide) and by StreamOfTheSky (http://www.minmaxboards.com/index.php?topic=2858.0).

The Qinggong archetype has also prompted at least one guide (https://docs.google.com/document/d/15c_ACgqmpVPY82d4-WSWHGmZXyjiVW9D6311QOneU0U/edit).

[Certified]

What's the challenge? Or are you just looking for a bunch of different builds?


The challenge would be the best builds people are able to put together for the role they feel the Monk should fill.

[Eldonauran]

... Multiclassing allowed? :smallsmile:

If so, I have a lockdown build in mind.

[Hiro Protagonest]

Hungry Ghost Quinggong.

No contest.

[Cog]

Sensei Quinggong can be a pretty nifty party-buffer.

[jmelesky]

Sensei Quinggong can be a pretty nifty party-buffer.

Dip one level of Infiltrator Inquisitor (with the Conversion inquisition), and that Sensei is a low-charisma party face, too. Double Wis to Bluff and Diplomacy!

[Certified]

... Multiclassing allowed? :smallsmile:

If so, I have a lockdown build in mind.

I'd say it depends on if Monk is the primary class.

[Eldonauran]

I'd say it depends on if Monk is the primary class.

Most definately. Just thinking about splashing in a few levels of fighter.

[avr]

How much detail are you after? Something like

Gnome monk 4 (Sensei, Ki Mystic, Qinggong archetypes)
STR 8, DEX 14, CON 16, INT 10, WIS 18, CHA 10
Feats: Scorpion Style, Bewildering Koan
Role: buff as a bard, lockdown big bads with koans & lockdown others with scorpion style

or do you want everything defined?

[Arutema]

Halfling Underfoot adept.

Str 10, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 10
Feats: Improved Trip (free, replaces Stunning Fist), Weapon Finesse, Combat Reflexes

Does it walk on 2 legs? Make it prone. (The archetype eventually lets you trip as if you were colossal.) Later, take Vicious Stomp for extra fun (AoO for you every time you succeed on the trip). Eventually add on an Agile Amulet of Mighty Fists (Dex to damage).

Great for campaigns where you expect to face a lot of humanoids with class levels.

[StreamOfTheSky]

How much multiclassing is allowed?

In general, the strongest monk is the one with the fewest monk levels possible.

[Certified]

How much multiclassing is allowed?

In general, the strongest monk is the one with the fewest monk levels possible.

So, the opposite of this. Let's see what you can come up with StreamOfTheSky.

[StreamOfTheSky]

So no multiclassing?

Zen Archer works at any level, though it is very different than a normal "monk."

I would probably go Master of Many Styles, then. Loses a lot of the awful baggage. Sadly all the good styles are defensive/counterattack-oriented so you have the same problem of being a turtle (except now your defenses actually ARE good) as a normal monk.

If mutliclassing under 50% of total levels is allowed, Maneuver Master / Lore Warden Fighter or Sohei / Weapon Master Fighter.

If any multiclassing that includes at least 1 monk level is allowed, dip Sohei Master of Many Styles Monk 1 and do Menhir Savant Druid for the rest.