This is just a basic str-based kama monk build. Gets the max attacks, good AB, good HP. Could add Dev Crit easily enough if desired (either drop a few Gr. Str. feats or take some additional CoT levels to pick up the necessary feats. A few more CoT or fighter levels will be needed pre-epic as well). I prefer to skip Dev Crit to keep the better AB and SR.
Options: could go Human (will make taking Dev Crit easier, and add some skillpoints). Can take up to 4 additional CoT levels for further improved saves and bonus feats at the cost of some Monk AC and AB. Can trade Armor Skin and/or some Gr Str feats for Improved SR if you want to be more of a mage-killer (recommended for PvP builds), but generally not necessary for PvM. Could take the Fighter levels pre-epic instead of CoT to get WS earlier, at the cost of slightly worse saves.
This version has more flexibility in terms of feats. Can really easily add Dev Crit - just drop Epic Prowess and move Armor Skin to replace one of the Improved SR's, and you've got it (move the 5th and 6th CoT levels up to take it at level 28). COsts you 2 AC and 2SR, or 2 Str if you drop Gr Str feats instead. If you don't want Dev Crit, you could also drop Power Attack and Great Cleave pre-epic for feats of your choice. You could also take the first CoT levels earlier if you want, I held off to reach Monk level 16 ASAP for unarmed damage. The build will also work as a human, for some more skill points and another feat (although you are not tight for feats on this one at all). This one gets a final SR of 44, not enough for a true mage-killer but more than adequate for PvM. If you want to specialize on mages or use it for PvP, I recommend dropping a few Gr. Str. feats for more Improved SR. You can also drop the last 2 CoT levels for Monk levels, effectively trading 2 AC from Armor Skin for 2 more SR. You can get SR up to 58, dropping Str to 26 and AC by 2.
Can you take Epic Weapon Specialization in a CoT Level?
Yes, so long as you already have WS.
Quote: Mention because I know you could take both at level 24 by switching the GStr (lvl24) and EWS (lvl26).
The kama version needs to use all of the general feats for Gr. Str to reach 32 (since that version spends 1 point on Dex to get Ambidexterity). The unarmed version does it exactly as you suggest, since it has the feat to spare. You could get EWS earlier that way, but then you will top out at 30 Str (although it will free up another epic feat for something else).
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Edited By Tattoed Monk on 01/09/06 21:18
BTW, the unarmed version was play-tested through the Aielund series to level 25, then into the Sands of Fate series up to level 35, all on hardcore setting. Aielund was moderately tough until level 6 or so, fairly smooth sailing from then on. Sands of Fate was surprisingly easy, given it's design as a high-level mod. Only a few of the bosses gave him any difficulty.
TM
Since you metion that it's kinda tough lvling this build till 6th lvl, 4 FTR lvls preepic, getting WS preepic, instead of CoT and taken early in you rcareer (lvls 2-5) would give you a higher survivability at low lvls. Also, you mention you could take more CoT lvls and you say that would hurt your AB. I don't get how more CoT lvls could hurt your AB
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Since you metion that it's kinda tough lvling this build till 6th lvl, 4 FTR lvls preepic, getting WS preepic, instead of CoT and taken early in you rcareer (lvls 2-5) would give you a higher survivability at low lvls. Also, you mention you could take more CoT lvls and you say that would hurt your AB. I don't get how more CoT lvls could hurt your AB
Cheers, Kail
The first few levels were tough in Aielund to solo. It's intended for parties of 3 (either multiplayer, or henchmen). OC is easy. Taking the fighter pre-epic instead of CoT is possible, but you end up with lower reflex saves.
I didn't mean AB, I meant to say SR. Typo, sorry. More CoT means less monk, lower SR.
TM
I tested the unarmed version and I must say he tears things up nicely. Also you have a bit more freedom to distribute your feats elsewhere. (Since dev. crit. is not allowed on my server)
Very nice damage and AB for a monk, only concern I had was my AC...
Had to gather some items to keep that up, other than that I must say a build well done
// Maniac_Mailman _________________ "Omnes morimur et quasi aqua dilabimur in terram, qua non revertuntur..." - Maniac_Mailman aka Nr|Five
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Yes, like any str-based build, he is item-dependent for AC. In Aielund, by level 25 he had an AC of about 43 (all +5 items). In Sands of Fate, he got up to about 70 (+8 to +10 items). In HoTU, I think it's around 65-67. Generally around 9-10 less than a dex-based build, but I think it's worth it for the offensive capability. Even with super-duper AC, live enemies will hit you 1 time in 20. Dead ones never hit....
The first few levels were tough in Aielund to solo. It's intended for parties of 3 (either multiplayer, or henchmen).
Part I of Aielund is difficult for a Monk. I've tried it, and I was getting my butt handed to me. Part of the problem is that low AC coupled with no Uncanny Dodge makes a world of difference at that level. It's quite common to get tag-teamed. Therefore, even if strength-based, you have to play the Monk like a finesse Rogue. Flank, stealth, run, etc....
Taking 4 fighter levels right away is a 2 edged sword. Yes, you are more survivable early on, but I think you become less survivable later on, when one starts facing non-conventional combats with tough opponents. It evens out in the end, it's just a question on where you want to face your rough patch. _________________ Got Hommlet? World of Greyhawk Action Server (with 1/2 price ales on Mondays!)
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Yes. I handled it by taking along Nellise - she did decently in melee, generally distracting enough enemies to prevent too much flanking, and the healing and buffs made a big difference at that level. I particularly remember a certain pair of halflings in a house that killed me when I tried to take them on alone, but they were easy with a henchie (2 rogues - so 1 was always doing sneak damage solo). I was only level 2 or 3 at the time, so it didn't take many 2d6 sneaks to finish me off...
Of course, in the beginning there really isn't much difference between str-based and dex-based. In this build, I start with 16 str and 14 dex. It's not till level 8 that that even increases to 18 and 14, so you're only talking about +1 to AC for a dex build vs. str build (or +1 to damage for the str build). Later on it becomes significant, but not right away.
