Monks, ninjas, and ki pools

[Jim Callaghan]

Should the monks ki pool as presented in the Alpha stack with the ninja ki pool from Complete Adventurer?

[WarEagleMage]

I don't see why not. It looks like the Alpha monk ki pool was "inspired" by the ninja from Complete Arcane. The number of points is the same at 1/2 level +Wis bonus so there's no imbalance there. It's only mildly problematic that a monk/ninja with at least 1 ki point remaining would get a +2 will save bonus (per ninja) and still have the ki strike ability (per monk), but I don't see that as a big deal in that most people seem to think the class is somewhat underpowered anyway. Actually, the monk/ninja seems like a pretty cool combo now that I look at it.

[JoelF847]

I would word that Monk and Ninja levels stack for determining the ki pool amount, instead of saying that the ki pools stack. Otherwise, you'd be granting the WIS bonus twice into the ki pool.

[Keith Tatum 128]

I am really hoping in the Beta that they make it monk level instead of monk level/2 for ki pool. Would at least give a small bump in monk effectiveness.

[Jim Callaghan]

Yeah. The levels should stack, not the pools. Good call.

[Jim Callaghan]

While were on the topic, should prestige classes add to the ki pool? Examples: druken master, tatooed monk, et. al.

[Plognark]

I'd think any class with a Ki pool of some sort would stack levels, the same way that any class with improved uncanny dodge stacks levels to avoid being flanked.

I'd also agree that the Monk should get their class level in their Ki pool, not half, especially with all the new Ki powers they have, some of which use more than one ki point.

[Jim Callaghan]

My point is, I don't think there ARE any prestige classes that grant ki pools. There are several that stack with the monk for unarmed damage, AC bonus, and so on. At what point do these classes stack with monk (or ninja) for increasing the ki pool?

[Bray - Shan]

I am curious as to a concept for a Battle Dancer in Pathfinder as well? I like the concept as presented in the Dragon Compendium -- but I felt it was underpowered in relation to the Monk's overall traits even with the prohibitions to the class in areas such as multi-classing...

[MarkusTay]

For purposes of determining Ki pools, any class with a Ki pool, or any class who's levels stack with a Monks for determining Monk abilites (Shou diciple, Drunken Master, Hin Fist, Tatooed Monk, etc) SHOULD also stack with the Monk levels for determining Ki points under the Pathfinder rules.

And yes, PLEASE, give the Monk some more Ki points - Lord knows he could use the power boost.

[Keith Tatum 128]

Well we have always assumed that if it is a prestige class that stacks with monk that it improves all the various monk abilities based on level (speed increase, AC bonus, stunning fist attempts per day, etc). Since ki pool is a new Pathfinder addition, I would assume that the same prestige classes would count towards increasing your ki pool as you take levels in those as well.

[-Anvil-]

On the same note should monks be allowed to take the Expanded Ki pool feat that Ninjas have access to?

I think yes.

[Anonymous User 191]

MarkusTay wrote:

For purposes of determining Ki pools, any class with a Ki pool, or any class who's levels stack with a Monks for determining Monk abilites (Shou diciple, Drunken Master, Hin Fist, Tatooed Monk, etc) SHOULD also stack with the Monk levels for determining Ki points under the Pathfinder rules.

And yes, PLEASE, give the Monk some more Ki points - Lord knows he could use the power boost.

Of the above, only the tattooed monk stacks with monk levels for monk abilities. The hin fist/sacred fist has many of the same abilities (AC bonus, fast movement), and his level stacks with monk for the purposes of unarmed damage, so it should also stack for ki pool. Shou disciple and drunken master do not stack. The Shou disciple has similar enough abilities that it should probably stack, but drunken master no. I think arcane fist level (Complete Arcane) also stacks for monk abilities, but I don't have the book handy, so I don't know for sure.

Also, I certainly think the monk should have access to expanded ki pool.

[Mikaze]

J.B. Modica wrote:

I am curious as to a concept for a Battle Dancer in Pathfinder as well?

Same here. Battledancers(along with jesters and mountebanks) are something I'm really eager to see adapted by someone for Pathfinder.