So there's a new Monk Archetype in town and it can be paired with the unchained monk. I really like it but haven't been able to really figured out how to best utilize it. Thus I wanted to share my thoughts on the matter and hoped to get some further ideas from the fine folks on these boards.
I was mainly thinking about this Archetype in terms of the Unchained Monk and here I really like the trades the archetype offers.
Lose your Bonus feats at levels 2 through 6 in exchange for Sneak attack. However this sneak attack damage only applies when making a flurry of blows. You can add to this with the accomplished Sneak Attacker Feat to make your SA progression competitive. I find this a fair trade as Monk Bonus feats aren't that swell particularly if you aren't interested in maneuvers.
Lose Ki-Powers at levels 6, 10 and 12 and gain improvements to Stunning Fist. Again this is a trade off I find acceptable as the fact that all ki-powers cost plenty of ki makes them unreliable or cuts into your extra attack potential.
Then there's also a 15th level ability which I haven't even read as I'm only interested in PFS.
So in essence we have a full BAB class with a medium SA progression, built in mechanism to deny foes their DEX to AC (Stunning Fist, Spinning Kick) and a pseudo pounce ability (Flying kick or Pummeling Style). Also in comparison to standard Monks we have more available Ki-Points.
Some possible build paths:
- Focus on Stunning Fist with Mantis style for more and more reliable stunning to enable Sneak Attack.
- Focus on Dex as Sneak attack removes dependence on STR for Damage. Dex is good for skills.
- Spinning Kick. Kind of obvious but I'm not that impressed as it only applies to one attack and more importantly replaces flying kick.
- Flying Kick as you need to Flurry for Sneak Attack damage. Also Flying Kick+Hellcat Stealth plus Stunning fist=yum.
- Carrying along a bag of Shuriken seems prudent especially at lower levels to get off sneak attack flurries.
- Utilize Bewildering Koan as you have more Ki available.
Here's a build outline for a DPR/Debuffer build. The objective is to hit as hard as possible and leave enemies behind as sobbing useless fools if you don't kill em on your first full attack. Use a cruel AoMF to layer on additional debuffs and lower stunning fist DCs.
Gong the Strong
Dual Talent Human
Unchained Monk of the Mantis X
STR 18 (Increases here) DEX 12 CON 12 INT 10 WIS 18 (Buy a headband) CHA 7
Traits
Vessel Between/Mizu Ki Hikari Rebel
1 IUS/Stunning Fist/Dodge/ Enforcer
2 SA 1d6
3 Accomplished Sneak attacker (SA 2d6)
4 Ki-Power: Barkskin
5 Mantis Style, Flying Kick
6 Sneak Attack (3d6)
7 Intimidating Prowess, Debilitating Strike (Entangled)
8 Open Ki Power
9 Sap Adept; Style Strike: ???
10 Sneak attack (4d6) Debilitating Blows (Exhausted)
11 Knockout Artist, Flurry of Blows
Shameless bump for the weekend crowd!
What about ability focus (stunning fist)?
Prolly worth while but sadly won't fly in PFS.
How good are my chances for sucess gonna be on stunning fist? If I'm rocking a DC of 17 +1/2 level? I should prolly be pretty good at taking out mages but your average Ogre likely won't be folding over quite so easily.
Also if I use extra debuffs which all resolve on my stunning fist attack do the debuffs apply to will saves before stunning or after?
I don't know if it's the BEST way to do it, but I went with the Dimensional Assault feat tree. It takes a while to come online. But it sure is fun.