Craig P Holke's page

Not looking to start an argument. Just looking for some honest information. I cancelled my AP subscription after I felt the shark was jumped with the transgender/homosexual relationship. What sort of similar subject matter exists in this first book. I play these with my kids. Again, just looking for some honest information so I can make an informed decision.

Thanks,
Craig

I believe that one of the main points of the Monk is that, while he can use the tools(weapons), he shouldn't be reliant on them. There should be a mechanic that allows the monk to increase his attack and ability to overcome forms of DR. If you go back to the old monk that could overcome creatures needing to be hit by +1/+2/+3 but not actually giving a bonus to hit or damage, then why not just say that the monks body has become the equivalent of +1/+2/+3, etc. If you combine this with the reduced damage (although not as reduced as you proposed), it would open up the Monk to use either his fists or weapons. The Monk could either attack with his flurry using an increased bonus of maybe up to +5 on his open-hand attacks (maybe 2-12 damage plus str/wis modifier and the new +5 enhancement bonus) at 20th level or use a jian(1-8) with whatever magical properties. It increases the chance to hit while increasing flavor options as well. Maybe this could be a feat chain which thru training would allow you to step up the enhancement and allow such things as keen, wounding, etc. It all goes back to trying to implement a viable martial arts system in this game. It hasn't been too successful in the past. The problem is it could take a whole book as many tried in various splat books. Somehow the base class needs to incorporate just enough to increase the Monks pure combat ability to reflect martial arts without becoming too large a section for one class. Although if every class received as much detail, feats and options as spell lists take up, they could be awesome.

What about something similar to how the Kensai from CW can improve his unarmed attacks by expending XP. Could be related to meditation for a flavor perspective. Although, I am not a fan of elemental damage. Certain other properties could be included for effect. Was it Lord Shin from "Fist of the North Star" that would seem to have the keen ability. Maybe wounding? Fire, frost...no. As much as I like the shocking fist from "The Last Dragon", I do not agree with shocking fist. I believe most effects need to be qi-based similar to Iron Fist from the Marvel Universe. I like the glowing fist from qi knocking the heck out of stuff and letting others be surprised by the unarmed guy.

I also like the concept of blinding, deafening, etc. Very meridian-based and still in line with qi-based powers.

I do have to disagree with the weapons doing open-hand damage. As a wannabe martial-artist myself, I know how dangerous they can be with a staff or spear. No matter how well they use the weapons they still use them exactly the same way as the fighter. My idea of open-hand damage is that it is specific skill/knowledge of placement instead of strength/qi that does the damage and cannot be transferred thru a weapon.

I know there has been some reference (hard to remember in a thread this long) to enabling monks to move and make a full attack (maybe by expending a qi point). What about ignoring AOO when entering? I have always thought that someone that moves 90ft should be able to close before the opponent can react. Similar to how some martial-art masters all of a sudden appear and tap someone on the shoulder. Or in the Anne Rice movies how the vampires just move at a different speed than humans.

I love the monk and the thread. Thanks for all the good work.