Monk

This character class is available with the following notes:

Alignment

Monks may be of any alignment, though that may be restricted if they are part of an organization such as the Fist of Reverence

Multiclassing

Monks are very secretive about their fighting arts; they consider it a gift. Therefore, monks may not multi-class, nor may they teach another, non-monk anything beyond the basics of their art.

However, monks may always take levels in the Cleric class, provided that their cleric level is always at least one level lower than their monk level.

Class Skills

Knowledge (Religion) and Use Magic Item are class skills for Monks

Weaponry

There are a few, special weapons that they may use with their unarmed bonuses, rather than as normal weapons. To add a little variety, two new weapons are being introduced to this list: Escrima or Tonfa.

Styles and Feats

Training in a specific fighting style gives a monk access to different feats than the generic monk receives, as noted on the linked page. Access to these additional feats is strictly through that monastery; monks may not change associated monasteries, but may drop out by choosing a bonus feat from the list presented in the Player's Handbook.

Fighting style, if any, must be chosen at first (monk) level.

Monks who choose not to learn a specific style are restricted to the normal feats as listed in the PHB, with the addition of Turn Undead (as listed below).

Monks who begin with a fighting style, but then choose a bonus feat not on their path, lose the additional bonuses of their style. They are only allowed to choose bonus feats from the list presented in the PHB from that point forward.

Turn Undead

At 6th level, a Monk may take Turn Undead instead of their normal bonus feat choice. This does count as leaving their path and results in the loss of the additional bonuses of that style.

Training in the turning of undead by monks can be received at the dojo of the Order of the Arms of ORB.

A monk who takes the turn undead power at 6th level does so exactly as a paladin of their monk level.

The mechanics for the class power Turn Undead have been significantly revised; please see the appropriate page for more details.

Notable Monks

• Sir Kimo DawnBreaker
• Master Laughing Crane

Monk Organizations, Monasteries and Styles

The Order of the Fist of Reverence

One of the orders of ORB, they have two primary monasteries.

• The Monastery of the Intercepting Fist, in Luminaux, teaches Denying Stance Style
• The Monastery of Tempestuous Sea, in Wild's Reef, teaches Hand and Foot Style

The Way of the Mystic Hand

Based out of the Jade Tower, this group of ex-Fists teaches Cobra Strike Style and Sleeping Tiger Style

The Protectors of the Eternal Flame

Once part of the hierarchy of the Church of ORB, this group is now dedicated to Nevari. They are based in the refugee camp outside Maxaen, and teach Undying Way Style and Passive Way Style.

The Chapel of the Mind, in the City-State of Haven

A few students here, originally under the tutelage of Master Laughing Crane, formed their own martial arts style, the Way of the Invisible Eye.

One Large Fist Clan, an oasis somewhere in the Desert

A group of Half-Orcs and orcs were driven from their home in the Star Islands for believing that law and justice were perhaps not a bad idea. They stuck together, found an unoccupied oasis, and set up a permanent camp. They teach a style of unarmed combat focused on Overwhelming Attacks, though if you called them monks they might not know just what you meant.

See Also

• Drunken Masters
• Tattooed Master