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Nov 15, 2012 -- 1:15PM, Mithrus wrote:

What if the monk got to choose a physical ability and a mental ability for combat instead of hard-coded as Dex/Wis? Maybe the monastic training relies on strength and intelligence to deal and avoid precise blows, etc. I know some people may object to using Con as an offensive combat ability, but it seems like it makes some sense when applied to a martial artist class.

This is a start of what I was thinking. Then we can reflavor menuvers as needed to match the new stats. Then the different builds and concepts become more possible.

Nov 13, 2012 -- 12:32PM, Mand12 wrote:

1)  Do you like the choice to use Expertise Dice for the monk?  Why or why not?

I feel like expertise dice has become too gimmicky and fillerish with three classes now getting them, aside from my feelings about the fighter and uniqueness. If expertise dice aren't going to be unique, then they should at least not be tacked onto every class.

Nov 13, 2012 -- 12:32PM, Mand12 wrote:

2)  Do you like the implementation of daily resources for Ki uses?  Why or why not?

Great idea, but they need more abilities, and more daily uses. So really, it's just a matter of number-tuning. I like this because I like the idea of a martial artist that can draw on deep hidden reserves of inner strength in a time of need, and the idea of daily ki uses works pretty well for that.

Nov 13, 2012 -- 12:32PM, Mand12 wrote:

3)  Do you feel that the abilities granted by Ki uses are appropriate?  What else would you like to see?

See Fist of the North Star. Aside from that, I do feel like they are appropriate so far. I'm totally for cool things like energy blasts, smashing through otherwise nigh-indestructible objects, that kind of stuff.

Nov 13, 2012 -- 12:32PM, Mand12 wrote:

4)  Do you think the Monk-specific maneuvers do enough to capture the unique feel of a Monk?  Why or why not?  What other maneuvers would you like to see?

See, I have less of a problem with the monk getting maneuvers than I do the rogue, and for the most part, I feel like they at least got the thematic ideas right. Personally, I would like to see the things that are maneuvers be baked in class features, and have the maneuvers belong to other specific styles, much like the Oriental Adventures variant monk styles in 3e.

I feel like a lot of those maneuvers are things most monks, once they reach a certain point, can do, and that the thing that really defines a martial artist, especially one like the monk, is their actual fighting style. I think maneuvers should be much more closely tied to that. I will say its good that they are at least somewhat modular right now, in that you can choose which maneuver to take when the option comes up, and you aren't forced to get x maneuver at y level.

Nov 13, 2012 -- 12:32PM, Mand12 wrote:

5)  Do you think the non-Monk-specific maneuvers are appropriate for the Monk?  Are there any you think should be added?

You mean the maneuvers that the monk shares with other classes? Seems kind of redundant since the only maneuvers you can take are the ones that are on the monk list anyway. See my above answer.

Nov 13, 2012 -- 12:32PM, Mand12 wrote:

6)  Do you like the passive abilities of the Monk?

I like all but undaunted strike. I don't think they should get it all right away. I think it should improve and lead up to that point as the monk levels up.

Nov 13, 2012 -- 12:32PM, Mand12 wrote:

7)  Do you like the implementation of AC for the Monk?

I would like to see it elaborated on but yes. I like the idea of intuition and the spirit guiding and guarding the monk. It's very appropriate.

Nov 15, 2012 -- 6:11PM, Zaramon wrote:

Nov 14, 2012 -- 2:34PM, greatfrito wrote:

I dunno.  I'm much less satisfied by "You can't make a flurry of attacks with your rapier/dagger/chain/flail/sword/whatever, because doing that (unarmed) is the Monk's thing", than I am by "You can't fire a missile of magical energy, because doing that is the Wizard's thing."

If this helps at all, monks flurrying actually use both of their fists in a Kung Fu technique where you basically go back and forth rapidly and land a crap ton a strikes in a second. I forget what its actually called but its commonly known in the USA as the machine gun punch. Really really well trained and practiced people can land like, 10 strikes in a second. Scary stuff. Hehe, in 3e a round was 6 seconds....

I have most often heard that referred to as a Wing Chun Chain Punch, although there is a variation in Silat as well.  It is a fairly common maneuver in continental Asian arts.

Nov 15, 2012 -- 6:25PM, Zaramon wrote:

Nov 15, 2012 -- 6:18PM, Chakravant wrote:

Nov 15, 2012 -- 6:11PM, Zaramon wrote:

Nov 14, 2012 -- 2:34PM, greatfrito wrote:

I dunno.  I'm much less satisfied by "You can't make a flurry of attacks with your rapier/dagger/chain/flail/sword/whatever, because doing that (unarmed) is the Monk's thing", than I am by "You can't fire a missile of magical energy, because doing that is the Wizard's thing."

If this helps at all, monks flurrying actually use both of their fists in a Kung Fu technique where you basically go back and forth rapidly and land a crap ton a strikes in a second. I forget what its actually called but its commonly known in the USA as the machine gun punch. Really really well trained and practiced people can land like, 10 strikes in a second. Scary stuff. Hehe, in 3e a round was 6 seconds....

I have most often heard that referred to as a Wing Chun Chain Punch, although there is a variation in Silat as well.  It is a fairly common maneuver in continental Asian arts.

While I don't remember the name, I know I have never heard it called chain punch before. Is it a Wing Chun thing? I figured a move like that would fall more on the less technical Chinese kick-boxing side of Kung Fu than it would on the Wing Chun side of things. I can see it being a fairly normal thing, as China isn't the only place I have seen that done.

It is a highly technical maneuver, actually.  The arm positioning in particular is critical to keep your upper body defended while throwing punches at that speed.