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Herosheets Guide to the Pathfinder Monk: A Comprehensive Optimization Guide

Fred Foster

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Published in HeroSheets Guide To The Pathfinder Monk (HeroSheets PFRPG Optimization Guides 2)

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The Pathfinder Monk is a versatile and powerful martial arts class that can excel in a variety of roles. Whether you're looking to play a frontline fighter, a skilled archer, or a stealthy infiltrator, the Monk has the tools to get the job done.

HeroSheets Guide to the Pathfinder Monk (HeroSheets PFRPG Optimization Guides 2)

HeroSheets Guide to the Pathfinder Monk (HeroSheets PFRPG Optimization Guides Book 2)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	349 KB
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Print length	:	19 pages
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This guide will provide you with everything you need to know to create an optimized Monk character, including information on race, ability scores, feats, skills, and equipment.

Race

There are many different races that can make good Monks, but some of the best options include:

Human: Humans are a versatile race that can adapt to any class. They get a +2 bonus to any one ability score, which can be used to boost your Dexterity or Wisdom.
Elf: Elves are naturally agile and graceful, making them well-suited for the Monk class. They get a +2 bonus to Dexterity and a +2 bonus to Intelligence, which can be used to boost your AC and your skills.
Halfling: Halflings are small and nimble, making them difficult to hit in combat. They get a +2 bonus to Dexterity and a +2 bonus to Charisma, which can be used to boost your AC and your social skills.
Gnome: Gnomes are intelligent and resourceful, making them good choices for Monks who want to use their skills to solve problems. They get a +2 bonus to Intelligence and a +2 bonus to Wisdom, which can be used to boost your skills and your AC.

Ability Scores

The most important ability scores for a Monk are Dexterity and Wisdom. Dexterity determines your AC, initiative, and attack bonus, while Wisdom determines your AC, saving throws, and ki pool.

Strength and Constitution are also important, but they are less important than Dexterity and Wisdom. Strength determines your carrying capacity and melee damage, while Constitution determines your hit points and Fortitude saving throws.

Intelligence and Charisma are the least important ability scores for a Monk. However, they can still be useful for certain builds.

Feats

There are many different feats that can benefit a Monk. Some of the best options include:

Improved Initiative: This feat gives you a +4 bonus to initiative, which can be very helpful in combat.
Dodge: This feat gives you a +1 bonus to AC against attacks of opportunity, which can be very helpful in melee combat.
Mobility: This feat gives you a +1 bonus to AC against attacks of opportunity, and it also allows you to move through the spaces of other creatures without provoking attacks of opportunity. This feat is essential for Monks who want to be able to move around the battlefield freely.
Spring Attack: This feat allows you to move before and after you make a melee attack, which can be very helpful for getting into and out of combat.
Stunning Fist: This feat allows you to make a stunning attack with your unarmed strikes, which can be very effective against enemies with low Fortitude saving throws.

Skills

The most important skills for a Monk are Acrobatics, Athletics, Stealth, and Perception. Acrobatics allows you to perform stunts and avoid obstacles, Athletics allows you to climb walls and jump over chasms, Stealth allows you to move silently and hide from enemies, and Perception allows you to spot hidden objects and traps.

Other useful skills for a Monk include Diplomacy, Intimidate, and Sense Motive. Diplomacy allows you to resolve conflicts peacefully, Intimidate allows you to scare enemies into submission, and Sense Motive allows you to determine if someone is lying or telling the truth.

Equipment

The most important piece of equipment for a Monk is a good set of armor. Monks can wear light armor without penalty, so they should choose armor that provides them with a good balance of AC and mobility. Some good options include the Studded Leather Armor, the Chain Shirt, and the Mithral Chain Shirt.

Monks also need a good weapon. Unarmed strikes are always a good option, but Monks can also use a variety of other weapons, including quarterstaffs, longswords, and shortbows.

Other useful equipment for a Monk includes a backpack, a bedroll, a few days' worth of food and water, and a healing kit.

The Pathfinder Monk is a versatile and powerful class that can excel in a variety of roles. By following the advice in this guide, you can create an optimized Monk character that will be a valuable asset to any party.

HeroSheets Guide to the Pathfinder Monk (HeroSheets PFRPG Optimization Guides Book 2)

5 out of 5