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You read the sign posted up over yonder. For whatever reason, whether it be boredom or genuine interest, you've decided to go and investigate what the sign told you. A few minutes of asking around about the subject and you're pointed in the direction of a library; a beautiful creation of white marble and clean bronze that towers over the surrounding buildings. It is obviously a major center of learning in the city.
Going inside, you're met with an absolutely huge room lined wall to wall with books! Shelves three stories high rest against the outer wall of the building, and small shelves make dozens of long rows. Each could easily contain thousands of books. You notice dozens of tables and chairs set up in an area closest to the entrance to the building, directly in front of you. Dedicated scholars hunched over their books take many of the seats, but there is one table that is more a counter, raised up a little higher to gain attention. A woman who is so obviously a librarian sits there, smiling over at you, waiting for you to approach.
Another minute or two asking about the sign earlier, and you're pointed to the edge of the tables, to a lone figure sitting by himself. As you approach you realize he is writing, not reading. As you continue to get closer you note his white hair and black skin, a bit of worry forming in the back of your mind. You get close enough to look at his ears. Pointed. When the Drow sits up to look at you his red eyes are apparent. No, wait. Half-Drow. Your keen senses can tell that he's too heavily built, his pointed ears not sharp enough, his face too kind. He beckons you over, taking in your features and deducing you're here for him. When finally you stand nearby he speaks...
Alright, so my little bit of fun there aside, you should be able to guess what this is here for. I've made a rewrite of the monk class, and I'm looking for reviews, advice, and play-testing by the people here. Now let's be clear. This is a full on rewrite, not a quick fix. It's not even a rewrite that respects existing pathfinder content. It's a complete overhaul that works only for itself, merely being tied to the core pathfinder rule-set. At least that is what it is right now. For it to be something better I need your help. I am not particularly good at balancing a class, and so despite me tinkering with this remake for a while I've hit a point where I don't feel confident in my ability to refine it any further.
What I had tried to do with this remake was to address the problems of the monk in a very direct way.
The primary problem with the monk that most people cite, at least from what I have gathered from reading the forums here, is that they're MAD. Multi-ability-dependent. Essentially this means they need a lot of high scores in order to be effective at what they're supposed. Their special abilities use a different score than what they attack and even what they defend with, meaning that unless you win the dice lotto and roll four eighteens you'll be lacking in some area. This was a major consideration for me, which I attempted to remove via giving them a class feature at 1st level that defines their main stat, and this choice stays true to them all the way through 20 levels.
Another problem was that there wasn't a specific thing the monk was really supposed to dominate at. While they gained a host of abilities that would designate them as martial characters, their d8 HP dice and medium BAB progression made them not the best front line fighters. This goes back to that class feature I gave them at 1st level, as it gives them a semi-specific area of combat to focus in.
Now, the problem that I personally feel is the reason monks are considered low powered is the fact that, unlike EVERY other base class in the book, Monks had little to no choice. Every class gets a great deal of choice when it comes to selecting their class abilities. Barbarians have rage powers, Fighters have their impressive selection of feats to choose from, Rogues have their talents, heck even Paladins can choose their mercies, divine bond, and which spells to prepare. Of course, any caster class gets that huge option, while clerics also get domains, Druids get their Nature bond (and even what wild-shape to assume counts to me), and Bards get to choose which performances to use at any given time.
What do monks get for choices? A VERY limited amount of bonus feats, a very limited amount of Ki powers, and some extra choices when using Stunning Fist, which I am told isn't very good because it has two ways to fail. Either miss your opponent, or have them make their Fort save. Considering monks are a medium BAB class with no way to self buff their attack bonus, one could say this is almost useless in a fight.
So monks lack the kinda of choices that you'd base an entire character on, unlike many of the other classes. They're given their niche, which nobody can agree on what it actually is, and are stuck there. I decided to fix this by giving them choices. Many choices. Perhaps too many choices. You'll all be the judge of that.
One last thing I want you to remember before I present the rewrite. This is a Work In Progress. It is not a finished creation. It is not balanced, it has not been tested, and it certainly shouldn't be taken as anything more than Homebrew. While my goal is to eventually have this be something everyone can agree upon and like, and perhaps even be considered as a resource for Pathfinder 2nd Edition in the future, I know that is very far off, and is going to take a lot of work to get to that point.
So without further ado, my WIP Monk Rewrite...
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For some perfection is merely an ideal that is unattainable. For others it is something that can be found through mastery of the world around them. But to some it is neither. Some know that perfection can be found within. Enter the monk, warrior-adepts who search out methods of mastering themselves through martial prowess and devoted introspection, finding weapons and powers within themselves just as capable of crippling or killing as any blade or spell. These monks (so called since they adhere to ancient philosophies and strict martial disciplines) elevate their bodies to become weapons of war, from battle-minded ascetics to self-taught brawlers. Monks tread the path of discipline, and those with the will to endure that path discover within themselves not what they are, but what they are meant to be.
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Role: A Monk's power comes from within themselves, their amazing abilities derived from intense study and introspection, no two monks harnessing quite the same abilities. This tends to make monks some of the most self-reliant and varied individuals around, and they can fill many roles. From standing toe to toe with the most brutal of enemies, dancing across the battlefield like the wind, or lending aid to fallen allies, Monks make a great addition to any party.
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Alignment: Any lawful.
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Hit Die: d8.
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BAB: Medium
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Good Saves: Fort; Reflex; and Will
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Class Skills: Acrobatics (Dex); Climb (Str); Craft (Int); Diplomacy (Cha); Escape Artist (Dex); Heal (Wis); Intimidate (Cha); Knowledge (Any) (Int); Linguistics (Int); Perception (Wis); Perform (Cha); Profession (Wis), Ride (Dex); Sense Motive (Wis); Stealth (Dex); and Swim (Str).
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Skill Ranks per Level: 4 + Int modifier.
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Weapons and Armor Proficiency: Monks are proficient with all simple weapons, as well as the handaxe, short sword, and any weapon with the monk special quality. Monks are not proficient with any armor or shields and indeed lose many of their class benefits while wearing any.
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Philosophy of the Elements (Ex): At 1st level the monk must choose a philosophy that represents her perspective of the world. This choice not only affects what kind of martial artist the monk is but much of what they define themselves as at their core, and is a deeply personal choice for an individual. The choices are represented by the four classical Elements (Air, Earth, Fire, Water), which the monk chooses one. This choice is permanent and cannot be changed.
- Air: The monk that chooses the Philosophy of Air is like a leaf on the wind, moving with the same effortless grace and being just as hard to catch. Relying primarily on Dexterity, a monk of Air dances across a battlefield, avoiding every strike while delivering their own with pinpoint precision.
- Earth: The monk that chooses the Philosophy of Earth is like the mountains, taking whatever the world throws at it with stoic calm and infinite patience. Relying on Constitution first and Strength second, an Earth monk holds the line and soaks up punishment that would cripple lesser creatures before delivering their own strikes.
- Fire: The monk that chooses the Philosophy of Fire is like a raging inferno, burning everything in their path with impunity. Relying primarily on Strength a Fire monk strides across a battlefield mowing down foes with powerful strikes and unrelenting brutality, woe be unto one who crosses them.
- Water: The monk that chooses the Philosophy of Water is like the oceans, completely calm on the surface and hiding mysteries within their depths. Relying on Wisdom first and Dexterity second, a Water monk takes in the whole situation at a glance before using their mystical prowess to effortlessly deal with the puzzle, whether it be a mage's fireball or a wave of powerful fighters.
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AC Bonus (Ex): At 1st level a monk gains a special ability based on their choice from Philosophy of the Elements, most focused on pure defense, while Fire monks already begin to distinguish themselves as powerful offensive combatants.
- Air. When unarmored and unencumbered, the monk adds 1-1/2 his Dexterity bonus (if any) to his AC and his CMD instead of the normal Dexterity bonus. In addition, a monk gains a +1 bonus to AC and CMD at 4th level. This bonus increases by another +1 at 8th, 12th, 15th, 18th, and 20th level, to a maximum of +6 at 20th level.
These bonuses to AC apply even against touch attacks or when the monk is flat-footed. He loses these bonuses when he is immobilized or helpless, when he wears any armor, when he carries a shield, or when he carries a medium or heavy load. - Earth. When unarmored, the monk adds his Constitution bonus (if any) to his AC and his CMD. In addition, a monk gains a +1 bonus to AC and CMD at 4th level. This bonus increases by another +1 at 8th, 12th, 15th, 18th, and 20th level, to a maximum of +6 at 20th level.
These bonuses to AC apply even against touch attacks or when the monk is flat-footed. He loses these bonuses when he is immobilized or helpless, when he wears any armor, or when he carries a shield. - Fire. When unarmored and unencumbered, the monk adds 1/2 his Strength bonus (if any) to his Attack Bonus and his CMB in addition to the normal Strength bonus. In addition, a monk gains a +1 bonus to AC and CMD at 4th level. This bonus increases by another +1 at 8th, 12th, 15th, 18th, and 20th level, to a maximum of +6 at 20th level.
This bonus to AC applies even against touch attacks or when the monk is flat-footed. He loses these bonuses when he is immobilized or helpless, when he wears any armor, when he carries a shield, or when he carries a medium or heavy load. - Water. When unarmored and unencumbered, the monk adds his Wisdom bonus (if any) to his AC and his CMD. In addition, a monk gains a +1 bonus to AC and CMD at 4th level. This bonus increases by another +1 at 8th, 12th, 15th, 18th, and 20th level, to a maximum of +6 at 20th level.
This bonus to AC applies even against touch attacks or when the monk is flat-footed. He loses these bonuses when he is immobilized or helpless, when he wears any armor, when he carries a shield, or when he carries a medium or heavy load.
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Bonus Feat: At 1st level, 2nd level, and every 4 levels thereafter, a monk may select a bonus feat chosen from the Combat feat list that they meet the requisites for. In addition, at 7th level a monk adds their monk level -6 to their effective Fighter level for purposes of applying for feats such as Weapon Specialization.
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Stunning Fist (Ex): At 1st level, the monk gains Stunning Fist as a bonus feat, even if he does not meet the prerequisites. At 4th level, and every 4 levels thereafter, the monk gains the ability to apply a different condition to the target of his Stunning Fist. This condition is chosen each time the monk uses Stunning Fist, replaces stunning the target for 1 round, and a successful saving throw still negates the effect.
At 4th level, he can choose to make the target fatigued.
At 8th level, he can choose to make the target sickened for 1 minute.
At 12th level, he can choose to make the target staggered for 1d6+1 rounds.
At 16th level, he can choose to permanently blind or deafen the target.
At 20th level, he can paralyze the target for 1d6+1 rounds.
The monk must choose which condition will apply before the attack roll is made. These effects do not stack with themselves (a creature sickened by Stunning Fist cannot become nauseated if hit by Stunning Fist again), but additional hits do increase the duration. Finally Air monks, Fire monks, or Earth monks use their Dexterity, Strength, or Constitution instead of their Wisdom to determine the DC to resist their Stunning Fist, respectively.
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Unarmed Strike (Ex): At 1st level, a monk gains Improved Unarmed Strike as a bonus feat. A monk's unarmed attacks may be with fist, elbows, knees, feet, and even their head. This means that a monk may make unarmed strikes with his hands full. A monk may use Two Weapon Fighting while completely unarmed if they so choose, treating their unarmed strike as two different weapons for this purpose. There is no such thing as an off-hand attack for a monk striking unarmed. A monk may thus apply his full Strength bonus on damage rolls for all his unarmed strikes.
Usually a monk's unarmed strikes deal lethal damage, but he can choose to deal nonlethal damage instead with no penalty on his attack roll. He has the same choice to deal lethal or nonlethal damage while grappling.
A monk's unarmed strike is treated as both a manufactured weapon and a natural weapon for the purpose of spells and effects that enhance or improve either manufactured weapons or natural weapons.
A monk also deals more damage with his unarmed strikes than a normal person would, as shown above on Table: Monk. The unarmed damage values listed on Table: Monk is for Medium monks. A Small monk deals less damage than the amount given there with his unarmed attacks, while a Large monk deals more damage; see Small or Large Monk Unarmed Damage on the table given below.
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Martial Arts (Ex): When unarmored and either unarmed or wielding special monk weapons a monk fights as if his base attack bonus from his monk class levels is equal to his monk level. For all other purposes, such as qualifying for a feat or a prestige class, the monk uses his normal base attack bonus. Furthermore, the monk can choose to specialize in a specific style of combat. The monk must be unarmed (or wielding a special monk weapon) and unarmored to gain the bonuses from the combat style. The styles of combat are shown as follows:
- Cobra Strike: Followers of this style of combat strike like vipers, crossing a battlefield in a moment to deliver solid strikes that can finish a fight before it truly begins. A monk learning the Cobra Strike style gains the Spring Attack feat as a bonus feat, even if she does not meet the prerequisites.
At 5th level, the monk deals an extra 1d6 points of damage on the first attack whenever she charges or uses the Spring Attack feat; this damage increases by another d6 at 10th, 15th, and 20th level.
At 10th level, the monk gains the ability to make a single extra attack at their full attack bonus while using Spring Attack or charging. - Empty Stance: Followers of this style of combat focus on denying the advantage of enemies whenever they use combat maneuvers, or move too nearby. A monk learning the Empty Stance style gains Combat Reflexes as a bonus feat, even if she does not meet the prerequisites.
At 5th level, and every five levels afterward, the monk gains a cumulative +2 bonus to their CMB and CMD for Disarm and Trip Combat Maneuvers.
At 10th level, if the monk succeeds on an attack of opportunity, they may elect to deal no damage but instead daze the opponent for 1 round. A Fortitude save (DC=damage dealt) negates the effect. - Open Palm: Followers of this style of combat focus on their unarmed strikes to the exclusion of other weapons. A monk learning the Open Palm style increases their unarmed strike damage as if they were one size category larger, this stacks with size increasing effects like Enlarge Person.
At 5th level and every five levels afterward, the monk deals 2 extra points of damage when making unarmed strikes. This damage is not multiplied on a critical hit.
At 10th level, the monk gains the Vital Strike feat, and for qualifying for the Improved or Greater Vital Strike feats the monk uses their Martial Arts BAB. - Flurry of Blows: Followers of this style of combat deliver hits at high speeds, delivering two hits for an opponent's one. A monk learning the Flurry of Blows style is able to make a single extra attack at their highest attack bonus as part of any attack action, including standard, full round, or a special action such as Spring Attack or Charging. You take a -2 penalty on all attack rolls for the round.
At 5th level, and again at 15th level, the penalty to attack bonus for using Flurry of Blows is reduced by 1.
At 10th level, the monk may make a second extra attack at their highest attack bonus when using Flurry of Blows. - Invisible Eye: Followers of this style specialize in fighting against the unseen. A monk learning the Invisible Eye style gains Blind-Fight as a bonus feat.
At 5th level, and every five levels afterward, the monk gains a +1 bonus to their AC and on attack rolls against opponents they cannot see normally.
At 10th level, whenever a monk is forced to roll for concealment, she rolls three times and chooses the best result: if the monk bypasses concealment on all three rolls, the creature becomes outlined, as if affected by Faerie Fire, for 1 round (only once per round). This is an Extraordinary effect. - Meditation of War: Followers of this style fight battles in their mind, seeking the correct course of action to land a devastating strike that can end the battle in a single blow. A monk learning the Meditation of War style treats their monk level as five levels higher to determine the DC, number of uses, and extra options when using Stunning Fist.
At 5th level, and every five levels afterward, the monk gains a +1 bonus to the Stunning Fist DC.
At 10th level, a creature that succeeds on the saving throw against the use of Stunning Fist by 4 or less is still dazed for 1 round. - Overwhelming Assault: Followers of this style go in all-out offense, pressing the advantage delivered by a brutal offensive. A monk learning the Overwhelming Assault style gains Power Attack as a bonus feat even if she does not meet the prerequisites.
At 5th level, and every five levels afterward, the monk gains a +1 bonus on all Bull Rush and Overrun Combat Maneuvers, and ignores 1 point of hardness when making a Sunder Maneuver, this latter effect stacks with Ki Strike.
At 10th level, for every point of BAB sacrificed while using the Power Attack feat, the monk deals 2 points of damage instead of 1 when using an unarmed strike or a special monk weapon (regardless of being a light, one-handed or two-handed weapon); furthermore, for the purposes of Power Attack the monk uses their Martial Training BAB. - Passive Way: Followers of this style of combat fight defensively, preferring counter attacks to be their most devastating technique. A monk learning the Passive Way style gains Combat Expertise as a bonus feat.
At 5th level, and every five levels afterward, the monk gains a +1 insight bonus on AC when fighting defensively, using the total defense maneuver or the Combat Expertise feat.
At 10th level, if the monk following this style fights defensively, uses the total defense maneuver or the Combat Expertise feat, any creature that attacks her provokes an attack of opportunity. - Vicious Grip: Followers of this style of combat prefer to hold their opponents into a grapple, halting their movement and slowly crushing them. A monk learning the Vicious Grip style gains Improved Grapple as a bonus feat even if she does not meet the prerequisites.
At 5th level, and every five levels afterward, the monk gains a +2 bonus on her CMB and CMD for Grapple Maneuvers and damage dealt while grappling.
At 10th level, the monk is treated as one size larger when performing a Grapple Maneuver (gaining the appropriate bonus on opposed grapple checks), which stacks with any other ability that increases size (such as the enlarge person spell).
At 10th level the monk chooses a second Martial Art, but treat their monk level as 9 less for purposes of gaining level dependent bonuses from it. At 20th level they gain a third Martial Art, but treat their monk level as 19 less for purposes of gaining level dependent bonuses from it.
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Way of the Elements (Ex): At 2nd level the monk begins to perceive some of the secrets that their philosophy holds. Depending on the choice that they made for Philosophy of the Elements they gain bonuses.
- Air: A monk of Air, when attacking with unarmed strikes or special monk weapons, may use their Dexterity modifier instead of their Strength modifier for their Attack Bonus and CMB.
- Earth: A monk of Earth gains adds 1-1/2 their Constitution modifier to their HP and Fortitude save instead of the normal bonus.
- Fire: A monk of Fire, when attacking with unarmed strikes or special monk weapons add 1/2 their Strength modifier to all damage rolls, this bonus is in addition to any other damage, but is not multiplied on a Critical Hit.
- Water: A monk of Water, when attacking with unarmed strikes or special monk weapons, may use their Wisdom modifier instead of their Strength modifier for their Attack Bonus and CMB.
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Evasion (Ex): At 2nd level or higher, a monk can avoid damage from many area-effect attacks. If a monk makes a successful Reflex saving throw against an attack that normally deals half damage on a successful save, he instead takes no damage. Evasion can be used only if a monk is wearing light armor or no armor. A helpless monk does not gain the benefit of evasion.
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Slow Fall (Ex): At 2nd level or higher, a monk learns how to absorb the impact when falling great distances, lessening the damage they take from falling. When first gaining this ability, he takes damage as if the fall were 20 feet shorter than it actually is. Every level past 2nd increases the distance he can fall without damage by 10 feet, until at 20th level he can fall any distance without taking damage. A helpless monk cannot gain the benefit of this ability.
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Teachings of the Beasts (Ex): At 3rd level, a monk expands their vision of life by emulating the traits of animals. Their studies teach them useful skills as they continue on their path towards perfection.
The monk may choose between one of the following animal-related abilities, and each time they choose an ability they gain the skill bonus. At 6th level and every three levels afterward, the monk may choose the same ability to improve their bonus or choose a new ability. The monk may gain further benefits if they progress through the same path more than once.
- Clever Monkey: The monk gains a +2 bonus on all Climb checks and the trap sense ability as a rogue. Every time they chooses this ability, their bonus to Climb checks increase by 2 and their trap sense bonus increases by 1.
- Devious Predator: The monk gains a +2 bonus to Stealth check. A monk may move up to half their land speed + 5 feet for every time they select this choice and take no penalty.
- Elegant Crane: The monk gains a +2 bonus on Diplomacy checks. For every time this ability is chosen the monk learns to speak and write a new language of their choice (as if they had spent a rank in Linguistics; once this choice is made, it is permanent and may not be changed).
- Faithful Hound: The monk gains a +2 bonus on all Perception checks. If they choose this ability two times, they gain the Scent ability. If they choose this ability three times they gain the Improved Uncanny Dodge ability, except a rogue must be four levels higher than their monk level plus levels in any other class that grants uncanny dodge.
- Graceful Swan: The monk gains a +2 bonus on all Swim checks. If they select this choice three times they can hold their breath much longer. When holding their breath, the monk adds their Swim score to the check; may make Swim checks instead of Constitution checks after said period, and they may battle underwater without losing rounds of air.
- Leaping Dragon: A monk gains a +2 bonus on all Acrobatic checks. If they choose this ability twice they can add this bonus to damage rolls made while charging if they perform an Acrobatics check as part of their movement. If they choose this ability three times or more, when making an Acrobatics check for a high jump, the number of feet they may leap is double the normal amount.
- Patient Tortoise: The monk gains 5 hit points and a +1 bonus on their CMD each time they choose this ability. If they choose this ability twice they improve their natural armor bonus by +1. If they choose this ability three times they improve their natural armor by another +1.
- Sagacious Owl: The monk gains a +2 bonus on two different Knowledge skills. If they choose this ability twice they may use their Wisdom modifier in place of their Intelligence modifier when making Knowledge checks. If they choose this ability three times they gain the lore ability (as the loremaster class ability) except that the bonus is 1/4th of their monk level.
- Tenacious Badger: The monk gains a +2 bonus to their Intimidate checks. If they choose this ability twice they can apply this bonus to their damage rolls when under 50% of their total HP. If they choose this ability three times they can enter a rage (as the barbarian's class feature) for a number of rounds equal to 4 + their Constitution modifier.
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Fast Movement (Ex): At 3rd level, an unarmored and unencumbered monk gains a +10 ft. bonus to their base land speed, and at 6th level and every 3 levels afterwards this boost increases by +10 ft. A monk that follows the way of Air or Water gains a further +10 ft. bonus to base land speed, while a monk that follows the way of Earth has a movement bonus of 10 feet less (and thus instead gains this ability at 6th level). Earth monks may carry a medium or heavy load and can still use this ability.
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Still Mind (Ex): A monk of 3rd level or higher gains half their monk level on saving throws to resist mind-affecting spells and effects. At 15th level the monk also gains immunity to mind-affecting spells and effects.
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Ki Pool (Su): At 4th level, a monk begins to gain control of their own inner energy, or Ki. They can use this Ki to perform a number of supernatural abilities, ranging from sudden bursts of speed and walking on thin air to cleansing their allies and creating a rock hard defense.
They gain a number of Ki points equal to their monk level + their Wisdom bonus (if any). Monks of Air, Earth, or Fire can instead add half of their Dexterity, Constitution, or Strength bonus (if any) if the bonus would be higher.
Ki abilities can only be used if the monk is unarmored and unencumbered, and not carrying a shield. An Earth monk can carry a medium or heavy load without penalty to this ability. Unless otherwise noted all abilities are activated as Swift actions and last for a number of rounds equal to half the monk's level.
- AC Bonus – The monk can spend a Ki point to gain a +4 Dodge bonus to their AC.
- Martial Arts – The monk can spend a Ki point as a free action once per round to make a single extra attack at their highest attack bonus as part of another attack action.
- Fast Movement – The monk can spend a Ki point to move up to their total land speed. A monk of Air also gains concealment, as if affected by a blur spell, for the round when they activate this ability.
- Ki Strike / Magic – When the monk gains the Ki Strike ability the monk may spend two Ki points to further enhance their unarmed strike. Treat as a Greater Magic Fang spell with the monk using their monk level as their caster level.
- Ki Strike / Lawful – When the monk reaches 10th level they can spend two Ki points to grant their unarmed strike the Axiomatic weapon special ability.
- Slow Fall – When the monk gains the Slow Fall ability the monk may spend a Ki point as an immediate action to gain the effect of a feather fall spell.
- Athletic Mastery – When the monk gains the Athletic Mastery ability the monk can spend a Ki point to gain a +20 bonus to their Acrobatics, Climb, or Swim skill for one round.
- Unhindered Stride – At 5th level, a monk may spend a Ki Point to ignore any effects that hamper or impede movement, as if having a freedom of movement spell cast upon themselves, until the next round. At 14th level, the effect lasts instead for a number of rounds equal to half their class level. A monk following the way of Air or Water doubles the duration of this ability.
- Wholeness of Body – When the monk gains the Wholeness of Body ability the monk can spend a Ki point to instantaneously refill their Healing Pool. Any excess points gained this way are immediately used to heal the monk. Earth monks gain an extra point of healing per monk level when using this ability.
- Path of Enlightenment – See Path of Enlightenment ability.
- Resilient Body – When the monk gains the Resilient Body ability they can spend a Ki point to have their elemental resistance increases by 10 points for a number of rounds equal to their class levels for all resistances they have gained from that ability.
- Way Between the Ways – See Way Between the Ways ability.
- Touching the Ripples – When the monk gains the Touching the Ripples ability they can spend a Ki point in order to increase their blindsense and blindsight range by 30 feet each. If the monk does not yet have blindsight they instead gain blindsight to 30 feet.
- Diamond Body – When the monk gains the Diamond Body ability they can spend two Ki points in order to increase their protection by one step. (I.E. From DR 10/Magic and Chaotic to DR 15/Adamantine and Chaotic) Earth Monks at 20th level or higher instead increase their protection to DR 30/Epic and Adamantine
- Abundant Step – When the monk gains the Abundant Step ability they can spend two Ki points to slip magically between spaces, as if using the spell dimension door, except they use it as a move action and can use any remaining actions afterwards. Their caster level for this effect is one-half their monk level (rounded down). A monk that follows the way of Air instead uses their full monk level for this ability.
- Diamond Soul – When the monk gains the Diamond Soul ability they can spend a Ki point to add their Wisdom modifier to their spell resistance. Air, Earth, and Fire monks use half their Dexterity, Constitution, and Strength instead, respectively.
- The Ways Unite – When the monk gains the Ways Unite ability they can spend three Ki points to gain access to an ability they did not choose to receive at 15th level.
- Timeless Body – When the monk gains the Timeless Body ability they can spend three Ki points as an immediate action to ignore the effects of any spell that affects the passage of time, but only for themselves. For example, a monk that uses this ability may ignore the effects of temporal stasis, and may act as normal while under a time stop spell cast by another.
- Empty Body – When the monk gains the Empty Body ability they can spend two Ki points to assume an ethereal state, as though using the spell etherealness.
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Ki Strike (Su): At 4th level a monk’s unarmed attacks are empowered by Ki. As long as at least one Ki point remains in a monk's Ki pool they gain this benefit. At 4th level attacks are treated as magic weapons for the purpose of dealing damage to creatures with damage reduction.
At 7th level their unarmed attacks are also treated as Alchemical Silver and Cold Iron for the purpose of dealing damage to creatures with damage reduction.
At 10th level, their unarmed attacks are also treated as lawful weapons for the purpose of dealing damage to creatures with damage reduction.
At 13th level, their unarmed attacks are also treated as adamantine weapons for the purpose of dealing damage to creatures with damage reduction and bypassing hardness.
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Athletic Mastery (Ex): At 5th level, a monk adds half of his monk level to all Acrobatics, Climb, and Swim checks. In addition, he always counts as having a running start when making jump checks using Acrobatics, and can always choose to take 10 even if rushed or threatened while performing a Climb or Swim check.
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Wholeness of Body (Su): At 6th level or higher, a monk learns how to heal their wounds with the potential of their own bodies. As a standard action the monk can heal a number of hit points of damage equal to their class level times their Wisdom modifier. Monks of Air, Earth, or Fire can instead use half of their Dexterity, Constitution, or Strength bonus (if any), respectively. They may choose to spend all of their points at once or spread it out over several uses, but they refill their healing pool after 8 hours of rest.
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Path to Enlightenment (Su): At 6th level the monk chooses a "Path" to follow. This Path grants their the ability to harness their power to advance their cause. Once a Path is chosen, the decision is permanent and may not be changed.
- Path of Harmony: A monk that chooses this Path exudes an aura of peace that makes it hard for anything to attack them. Treat as a permanent Sanctuary spell-like ability but the DC is 10 + 1/2 the monk's class level + the monk's Wisdom modifier. Air, Earth, or Fire monks can instead use 1/2 of their Dexterity, Constitution, or Strength modifier in place of their Wisdom. If the monk does something that would normally end the effect, it is instead suppressed until combat has ended.
By spending a Ki point as a standard action, the monk may emit a burst of healing that cures all allies within 30 feet a number of hit points equal to 3d8, plus another d8 for every two class levels after 6th level. - Path of Dominance: A monk that chooses this path gains a variant of the Frightful Presence ability, with a range of 30 ft. The save DC is equal to 10 + 1/2 the monk's class level + the monk's Wisdom modifier. Air, Earth, or Fire monks can instead use 1/2 of their Dexterity, Constitution, or Strength modifier in place of their Wisdom. In addition this ability can affect creatures with up to +2 HD or levels more than the monk.
By spending a Ki point, whenever the monk makes a successful attack the enemy must succeed on a Fortitude saving throw (DC equal to their frightful presence ability) or become fatigued. This effect lasts for a number of rounds equal to their class level. - Path of Equilibrium: A monk that chooses this path is treated as if it were either good or evil for purposes of spells and effects, whichever is more beneficial to the monk at the time.
By expending a Ki point the monk can attempt a melee touch attack and if it succeeds the target is subjected to a targeted Dispel Magic effect using their monk level as the Caster Level.
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Resilient Body (Su): At 7th level, a monk is capable of using their teachings to stave off the effects of the elements. They gains resistance 5 to the energy type related to their choice of elemental way (Air=electricity, Earth=acid, Water=Cold, Fire=Fire).
At 11th level, their resistance with the energy type related to their elemental way increases to 10, and they gains resistance 5 against all other energy types except sonic.
At 14th level, their resistance with the energy type related to their elemental way increases to 20, and they increase their other three resistances to 10.
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Deadly Weapons (Ex): At 8th level, when using a special monk weapon the monk deals damage with the weapon as if they were using an unarmed strike, but of a monk of their level -3. Additionally when using any thrown weapon their range increment is equal to 50 ft. if it doesn’t have that range increment already; and every 4 levels after the 4th, the range increment increases by 10 ft.
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Improved Evasion (Ex): At 9th level, a monk's evasion ability improves. He still takes no damage on a successful Reflex saving throw against attacks, but henceforth he takes only half damage on a failed save. A helpless monk does not gain the benefit of improved evasion.
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The Way Between the Ways (Su): At 9th level, the monk gains a special abilities that they spend Ki to use. The abilities are based on their Elemental Philosophy and their Path to Enlightenment choices. The monk needs only to follow the indicated element and/or the indicated path to use these abilities. All abilities last for a number of rounds equal to half their character level unless otherwise stated. All saving throw DCs are based on saving throw DC of the Stunning Fist feat (10 + 1/2 the monk's class level + the monk's Wisdom modifier and are modified by spells or effects that improve Stunning Fist.
- Aligning the Heavens: All allied casters within 30 feet of the monk gain a +1 Channeling bonus to their caster level. This does not apply to spell-like or supernatural abilities. All allies gain +2 Channeling Bonus to their CMB and CMD. The monk does not benefit from this ability. To use this ability, the monk must follow the way of Water or the Path of the Equilibrium.
- All-Consuming Flame: As part of a melee attack or when activating the benefit of the Path of Dominance, the monk may force the target to succeed on a Reflex save or catch fire, except the damage increases by 1d6 points of damage for every 3 class levels. This ability works regardless of whether the target can normally catch fire or not. To use this ability, the monk must follow the way of Fire or the Path of Dominance.
- Dance of the Clouds: All allies within 30 feet of the monk gain concealment, as if they were under the effect of a blur spell. To use this ability, the monk must follow the way of Air or the Path of the Equilibrium.
- Calming Waves: The monk can grants a lesser restoration spell on all allies within 30 ft (or as part of the healing burst ability of the Path of Harmony). At 14th level the monk can spend two Ki to grant a restoration spell instead. To use this ability, the monk must follow the way of Water or the Path of Harmony.
- Grasp the Earth Dragon: All allies within 30 feet of the monk gain immunity to daze, stun and sleep. To use this ability, the monk must follow the way of Earth or the Path of the Equilibrium.
- Lifting the Veil: The monk grants a remove blindness/deafness spell on all allies within 30 ft (or as part of the healing burst ability of the Path of Harmony). To use this ability, the monk must follow the way of Air or the Path of Harmony.
- Porous Soul: Then activating the benefit of Path of Dominance, a failed save also causes the target to take a -1 penalty to Armor Class and Fortitude saves for every 3 class levels. To use this ability, the monk must follow the way of Earth or the Path of Dominance.
- Restoring the Balance: The monk grants a remove curse spell cast by a cleric of their class level on all allies within 30 ft (or as part of the healing burst ability of the Path of Harmony). At 14th level the monk can spend 2 Ki to grant a Break Enchantment spell instead. To use this ability, the monk must follow the way of Fire or the Path of Harmony.
- Static Charge: When touching an enemy or activating the benefit of Path of Dominance, a failed save also causes the target to take a -1 penalty to all attack and damage rolls, as well as all saves against stun, for every three levels. To use this ability, the monk must follow the way of Air or the Path of Dominance.
- The Receptive Earth: The monk grants a remove disease and neutralize poison spell on all allies within 30 ft. (or as part of the healing burst ability of the Path of Harmony). To use this ability, the monk must follow the way of Earth or the Path of Harmony.
- Fiery Spirit: All allies within 30 feet of the monk gain a +2 bonus on all attack rolls, saving throws and skill checks as if they received the benefit of a the Heroism spell except the bonus is untyped. To use this ability, the monk must follow the way of Fire or the Path of the Equilibrium.
- Winter's Chill: When touching an enemy or activating the benefit of Path of Dominance, a failed save also causes the target to take a -1 penalty to all damage rolls and Reflex saving throws for every 3 levels. To use this ability, the monk must follow the way of Water or the Path of Dominance.
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Touching the Ripples (Ex): At 10th level, a monk gains the blindsense ability with a radius of 30 ft and sound-based. At 18th level the monk gains permanent blindsight to 30 feet and their blindsense increases by 30 ft. A monk that follows the way of Water can use these abilities regardless of whether they can hear or not, and in a void. A monk that follows the way of Earth also gains tremorsense to the same distance as their blindsense.
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Diamond Body (Ex): At 11th level, a monk’s skin becomes unnaturally resilient. They gain damage reduction 5/Magic or Chaotic. At 15th level it becomes DR 10/ Magic and Chaotic, and at 20th level it becomes DR 15/Adamantine and Chaotic.
An Earth monk instead gains DR 10/ Magic and Chaotic at 11th level. DR 15/Adamantine and Chaotic at 15th level. Finally they receive DR 20/Epic and Chaotic at 20th level.
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Abundant Step (Ex/Su): At 12th level or higher, the monk can move up to half their land speed as a free action once per round. They may not use a 5-foot step in the same round they use this ability. Their movement while using this ability is affected as usual, except they do not provoke an attack of opportunity when moving out of a threatened space. A monk of Air who uses this ability gains concealment for the round, but if they activate their special ability from Fast Movement along with this ability they instead receive total concealment, as if affected by the Displacement spell, for the round. The Total Concealment is a supernatural effect.
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Diamond Soul (Ex): At 13th level, a monk gains spell resistance equal to their current monk level + 10; monks following the way of Water gain spell resistance equal to their current monk level +15 instead. The user can lower or raise their spell resistance as an immediate action.
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The Ways Unite (Su): At 15th level, a monk chooses one of the following abilities that are usable as long as they have at least one Ki point in their Ki pool.
- Way of the Conqueror: The monk while fighting unarmed or with a special monk weapon can choose to resolve a single attack as an appropriate touch attack (Unarmed or wielding a special monk melee weapon for a melee touch attack; a ranged special monk weapon for ranged touch attack). The monk must declare the use of this ability before they make their attack roll
- Way of Denial: The monk ignores immunities to various conditions (such as daze, energy drain, instant death and so on), but the creature holding immunity to such moves gains a bonus to the saving throw equal to 15 - the monk's Wisdom modifier (monks of Earth or Fire use Constitution or Strength, respectively), to a minimum of +0.
- Way of Embodiment: The monk gains the ability to absorb their primary element. Whenever they would receive damage, they instead heal one-third of the damage they would have otherwise taken (thus, the monk that chooses Fire that would normally take 18 points of fire damage would instead heal 6 points). If the monk gains an elemental subtype that matches their primary element, they may ignore any weakness from said subtype (thus, a monk with the fire subtype following the Way of Fire ignores weakness to cold damage).
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Timeless Body (Ex): Upon attaining 17th level, a monk no longer takes penalties to their ability scores for aging and cannot be magically aged. Any such penalties that they have already taken, however, remain in place. Bonuses still accrue, and the monk still dies of old age when their time is up.
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Tongue of the Sun and Moon (Ex): A monk of 17th level or higher can speak with any living creature.
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Empty Body (Su): At 19th level, a monk treats their unarmed strike or special monk weapon as having the Ghost Touch special weapon quality.
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Perfect Self: At 20th level, a monk becomes a magical creature. Their creature type changes to Outsider, they gain Darkvision to 60 feet (If they didn't have such already), gain proficiency with all martial weapons, they no longer need to sleep or eat (Although they may if they desire), and they no longer age. Their appearance changes to an idealized form of their original body based upon their personality. For purposes of being raised from the dead the monk is treated as having the Native Subtype. Finally, the monk also gains a special ability based on their choice of philosophy:
- Path of Harmony: Regeneration 5 (Chaotic).
- Path of Dominance: Whenever the monk rolls a natural 20 to threaten or confirm a critical hit, the victim must succeed on a Fortitude save (DC 10 + 1/2 the monk's class level + the monk's Wisdom modifier; monks of Earth or Fire use Constitution or Strength, respectively) or die. Creatures immune to instant death instead take an extra 100 points of damage.
- Path of Equilibrium: The monk is equally healed by positive or negative energy, and is treated as having the most beneficial alignment whenever a spell or effect depends on one. In addition, they are immune to energy drain, but this does not prevent them from losing a level from a Resurrection spell or similar effect.
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Mastery of Ki (Su): At 20th level, a monk’s mastery of Ki reaches a pinnacle. They may reduce the cost of all abilities that require daily uses of their Ki Pool by one, to a minimum of one. In addition, they do not lose their supernatural abilities if their Ki Pool is completely expended.
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Ex-Monks
A monk who becomes nonlawful cannot gain new levels as a monk but retains all monk abilities.
Some nice ideas here, but as monk re-writes go it is WAY too complex. You fixed MAD, and provided some focus, but the monk's other issues of requiring one specific item for their offence isn't addressed.
Really cool ideas. I agree with Dabbler. I will do some paytesting and get back to you.
Some nice ideas here, but as monk re-writes go it is WAY too complex. You fixed MAD, and provided some focus, but the monk's other issues of requiring one specific item for their offense isn't addressed.
Yes I know it is too complex, I know it needs work. That's why I have it up here for your perusal. :)
I assume you're speaking of the Amulet of Mighty Fists, right? Well, granted, I didn't address that particular item. I made the monk not need it so much is all. Deadly Weapons at 8th Level makes using normal weaponry almost as good damage dice wise as unarmed strike. Beyond that there's a Ki ability that you can use at level 4 that helps with your unarmed strike by laying a Greater Magic Fang spell on you. Not a spell-like ability, but the spell. Which is capable of being made permanent through the Permanency spell.
Thus the amulet is reduced to being useful for adding effects like flaming and such. Since for purposes of TWF a monk's unarmed strike can count as two weapons and the amulet affects all unarmed strikes and natural weapons a creature has. The price is in line with enchanting both ends of a double weapon.
Also this IS a Homebrew, you could always put in the house rule to treat gauntlets as a monk weapon.
this is super awesome, though for ease of copying it should be on a google doc.
I like a lot of what you've done here. Finding a way to simplify presentation things without losing depth would make this great.
A few things:
1. Several times it is unclear to me under what circumstances a benefit applies or when/how it is activated. More effort to unify and clarify that would go a long way.
2. The many mechanical elements that have been distributed in the monk presentation might be better presented using the rogue talent, rage power, ninja trick, etc route. i.e. set up the elemental path, then have a list of monk insights to chose from that you gain at every even level - with deeper monk insights from level 10 onward. (See the tenletter monk remake for an example). This has the advantage that it is easily expandable in later publications, and it follows a well-understood format. (Some of the insights would naturally require the appropriate elemental path.)
(As an extra, include an Extra Insight feat; the feat should likely also be available in the list of monk bonus feats.)
3. Currently the monk presentation is a little stale in terms of roleplaying application. Don't get me wrong, there's plenty of great ideas and possibilities - but a nice development in Paizo's classes (especially after Core) is the addition of options that make readily possible to realize a specific troupe or concept for a class. (e.g. Asian witches and the hair hex, witches and cackling, ninjas and shadow clones and smoke bombs, etc). What the monk rewrite of yours does is introduce many cool distinct options for the monk - but not as much in the way of re-enacting traditional troupes (drunken monk, wizened sage, poor ascetic, etc).
(Granted, the wizened sage you actually have covered with the Sagacious Owl - but it serves as an example of troupes regardless.)
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Yeah, I agree with most of the other comments. The main issue is that this is too complex.
The idea of using the rogue talent option is pretty good. You could simplify a lot of things just by using that.
Having archetypes that use different primary stats (dex, wis, char) and then open up additional options on the 'monk' talent/trick list that aren't normally on that list sounds like one way to go.
These would allow greater ease in fitting certain monk themes while making them actually decent.
If I were editing this existing thing, I'd make the earth element monk get a natural armor bonus rather than a dodge or unnamed armor bonus.
I'd go on but the sheer number of options makes it daunting to address.
Maybe an easier way to fix MAD is to allow monks the option of using dexterity or Wisdom as their primary offensive stat- right out of the gate, then building the class from there. This keeps them inherently defensive and offensive without having to strain on stat investment. It removes the need to begin a monk with all of those options, too.
From there, you can expand on the class but by consolidating dex and wis into attack, it fixes the stat issue almost instantly. Having some options (via talents?) for abusing strength and/or con should be available for those wanting those types of monks but not wanting to go MAD.
@Dark Immortal: it's very iffy to grant Dex/Wis as offensive stat from level 1 onwards, as it makes the class too delicious for a 1-level dip
Not really, as either are available as feats already for the classes that may be interested in them. Limiting said advantage to unarmed strike and monk weapons also makes it less desirable for said classes.
Loving this, but I agree with LoreKeeper. I'd like to see some love for the traditional tropes.
One thing I'd like to see would be ranged Ki attacks, ala Dragonball Z.
Loving this, but I agree with LoreKeeper. I'd like to see some love for the traditional tropes.
One thing I'd like to see would be ranged Ki attacks, ala Dragonball Z.
Qinggong monk already has them, but yes I take your point.
Okay. So, as I expected, how the class is right now is simply too complex to be appealing. I gave it too many choices. Also, something I wasn't thinking so much of was flavor. People want more themes apparently.
Time for you to help again. What kind of themes do you guys have in your heads for the monk? Drunken Fist was mentioned, as was Ki blasts. What other kind of themes would be able to be represented mechanically here?
Also. Of the choices I had here, what appealed to you the most? Philosophy of the Elements - Being able to choose which was your main stat among Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, or Wisdom. And having many monk abilities be based upon that stat.
Martial Arts - Choosing your way of fighting. I especially want to know which of these styles was appealing and which were not. I want the choices here to be mostly personal preference, not be someone looking for a mechanical edge over other monks. I.E. You shouldn't need System Mastery to enjoy the class.
Teachings of the Beasts - This was essentially my way of making the monk have 6 skillpoints a level, but having them be a little more limited to what would be important to the monk and then tacking on some bonuses. Are these choices here appealing, which ones. Does once every 3 levels seem too many or what?
Essentially I want more of the same. Tell me what you think of each class feature, the choices it has, and help me narrow the list of choices down to things people actually want.
Look at the archetypes already available, in the first instance.
In the second, rather than funnelling the class down specific choices, like your philosophy/martial art/teachings, consider letting the player assemble their own monk out of a set of options.
What I mean by this is rather than having a philosophy, have a series of abilities hinge of various stats and just let the player select what they want. There are already a mass of style feats, don't reinvent the wheel, just give options out of what is already there. Don't overcomplicate skills, they were simplified in Pathfinder for a reason.
I do not think that you have too many options (more is better, for me at least). It is a matter of organizing and presentation.
Regarding themes/troupes, here are a few that come to mind:
- drunken master (think Jackie Chan)
- improvised specialist (again Jackie Chan)
- animal-styles
- wise sage (knowledgeable)
- sensei (teacher)
- ki projecting (can lead into Dragon Ball Z style fireballs)
- disabling martial arts (think Negi from Naruto)
- raw fighting specialist (think Rock Lee from Naruto)
- ascetics / vow of poverty
- fat-bellied martial artist (think Kung Fu Panda)
- miko/spirit-sealing (typically using prayer scrolls to seal/banish evil spirits)
- (self)transforming martial arts
- wrestlers (including luchadore style wrestling)
@LoreKeeper
I'd like to see what you have come up with for some of these options. Especially the Rock Lee and Kung Fu Panda options. I came up with a few monk feats to simulate Rock Lee's style a fe years ago, but I'd really like to see what you have in mind.
@Arkady Zelenka:
I'd have to think it all through; I was just focused on getting major roles identified. To me a raw fighting specialist like Rock Lee would be similar to the "martial artist" prestige class, i.e. give up all/most supernatural abilities; then add some physical abilities.
I think the Tiger Style feat tree is great for a Rock Lee-like character.
Po, from Kung Fu Panda, could be modeled with abilities that are flavored around a big belly; for example, granting DR makes sense.
Okay I think I'm going to have to change my mind. I feel that I need to focus on one specific thing. The base monk class. While archetypes can be created later, and as I go forward with this I can keep archetypes in mind to give them room to fit in, I'm aiming to create a core class.
In the second, rather than funnelling the class down specific choices, like your philosophy/martial art/teachings, consider letting the player assemble their own monk out of a set of options.
What I mean by this is rather than having a philosophy, have a series of abilities hinge of various stats and just let the player select what they want. There are already a mass of style feats, don't reinvent the wheel, just give options out of what is already there. Don't overcomplicate skills, they were simplified in Pathfinder for a reason.
Essentially you want me to set up the choices more like Barbarian rage powers and Rogue talents are set up? (Dark Immortal, I didn't ignore you, honest! :P )
Well, I suppose it would give a greater level of build flexibility, but I wouldn't really be sure how to go about it. Just slapping all the choices together into one list seems a bad idea.
I do not think that you have too many options (more is better, for me at least). It is a matter of organizing and presentation.
How would you go about organizing the class? I'm not good at presenting things in an appealing manner (Consider me having 8 Cha)
That's the way I'm doing my home campaign monk, I'm fixing the abilities like Rogue Talents and Rage Powers. I'd be real interested in seeing what kind of things you came up with.
Okay I think I'm going to have to change my mind. I feel that I need to focus on one specific thing. The base monk class. While archetypes can be created later, and as I go forward with this I can keep archetypes in mind to give them room to fit in, I'm aiming to create a core class.
In the second, rather than funnelling the class down specific choices, like your philosophy/martial art/teachings, consider letting the player assemble their own monk out of a set of options.
What I mean by this is rather than having a philosophy, have a series of abilities hinge of various stats and just let the player select what they want. There are already a mass of style feats, don't reinvent the wheel, just give options out of what is already there. Don't overcomplicate skills, they were simplified in Pathfinder for a reason.
Essentially you want me to set up the choices more like Barbarian rage powers and Rogue talents are set up? (Dark Immortal, I didn't ignore you, honest! :P )
Well, I suppose it would give a greater level of build flexibility, but I wouldn't really be sure how to go about it. Just slapping all the choices together into one list seems a bad idea.
I do not think that you have too many options (more is better, for me at least). It is a matter of organizing and presentation.How would you go about organizing the class? I'm not good at presenting things in an appealing manner (Consider me having 8 Cha)
If I may, just put the pool together for now. You can always change your mind later, but it's a good start to see how these abilities interact with each other. Sometimes inspiration hits best when you shift perspective.
I agree, I'll post some of the abilities I came up with and hopefully we can do something for the monk.
The thing is that putting choices like:
Flurry of Blows:
At 5th level, and again at 15th level, the penalty to attack bonus for using Flurry of Blows is reduced by 1.
At 10th level, the monk may make a second extra attack at their highest attack bonus when using Flurry of Blows.
and..
Clever Monkey:
.. in the same choice pool is only going to result in certain choices never being taken. That is the exact opposite of what I want. I want these choices to all be viable options, and make it so that each choice has something that could help it stay relevant throughout a character's play time. It's the reason that I had Martial Arts and Teachings of the Beasts. Throwing those two together would force me to re-evaluate every single choice on either list.
Then you have to MAKE them all viable options.
If a choicer is a 'must have' then make it a class feature, not a choice.
One of the ways I get my players to stick with monk is to offer the style bonus from UA, you know the different styles that have an ability at 6th level. It works for me and my players. If they have a cool enough idea and come up with a different style I'll let them run with it. It doesn't always work though.
I personally like the Teachings of the Beast, I think it adds some flavour.
There is no reason why you need to have only >one< set of choices. You can have "monk insights" every 2 levels. And you can have something akin to the philosophy/martial-arts type choice at level 1.
Also, remember that the "monk insights" can have prerequisites, i.e. "a monk can only chose Monkey-Steals-Grapes if he has the Philosophy of Air or Fire"; this can go a long way to control how quickly choices become available.
Finally, similar to rogue talents, you can have "advanced talents", i.e. "deep insights" from level 10 onward. This helps stagger the very potent abilities even more.
So, it is a matter of scale and presentation. A possible way to present things:
1. A particular choice to determine the philosophy at level 1 that is also tied to one particular martial art. That covers level 1 and gets the ball rolling.
Philosophy of Air This philosophy allows the monk to substitute his Dexterity modifier instead of his Strength modifier on all attack rolls, including combat maneuvers. Additionally the monk is granted the Flurry of Blows insight.
2. All martial arts are also available in the "monk insights", but most martial arts will have prerequisites for one or two specific philosophies. Additionally, there are some "general" martial arts that have no prerequisites.
Flurry of Blows Monks with this insight act swiftly in combat, they deliver hits at high speeds. A monk with this insight may make a single additional attack at his highest base attack bonus as part of any attack action, including charges, Spring Attack, Cleave, combat maneuvers, and so forth. The monk takes a -2 penalty on all attack rolls in a round in which he makes use of the flurry of blows insight. At 10th level, the monk may make a second extra attack at their highest attack bonus when using Flurry of Blows. A monk with the philosophy of air receives this insight at level 1. A monk must have either the philosophy of air or the philosophy of fire to chose this insight.
3. "Monk insights" cover a variety of possibilities and options, many of the "softer" options can act as prerequisites for better insights, to make the characters not one-dimensional.
Elegant Crane The monk gains a +2 bonus on Diplomacy checks. This insight may be chosen more than once. For every time this ability is chosen the monk learns to speak and write a new language of their choice (as if they had spent a rank in Linguistics; once this choice is made, it is permanent and may not be changed).
4. "Deep insights", available from level 10 onward, are similar to advanced talents and give access to potent new abilities.
Subtle Crane The monk may use his Dexterity modifier instead of his Strength modifier when determining damage dealt by his unarmed strikes and melee attacks with monk weapons. A monk must have the elegant crane insight before selecting this deep insight.
And yes, the suggestion I made above allows monk to potentially have two or more martial arts - and they'd be able to use them at the same time.
If a choice is a 'must have' then make it a class feature, not a choice.
What I meant was the Martial Arts choices were much more powerful, combat-wise, than the Teachings of the Beasts choices. Hence why you got 3 Martial Arts and 6 Teachings of the Beasts by level 20. Putting them on the same list is gonna force me to start over, essentially. I'd rather not have to throw away the 20 or so choices I have presented, I'd like to get some use out of them. Otherwise it's a lot of work completely wasted. Know what I mean?
I would get rid of the Teachings of Beasts. They're too similar to the style feats on a fluff level.
This is a remake of the core monk. It does not respect anything beyond basic pathfinder rules. And you can learn more than how to cripple someone by observing animals. These choices were skill oriented, not combat oriented.
Suggestions
So essentially you're suggesting to tie Martial Arts to Philosophy of the Elements, limiting which Martial Arts you can take. It sounds good but I'm worried about certain choices never being taken. It might make one Philosophy more appealing than the others. Not to mention that I couldn't really tie any style to Water, since it was supposed to be focusing on the more mystical powers of the monk.
It did give me an idea, I'll get back to you after I try fleshing it out and see if it works well on paper.
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As I suggested in the currently running monk thread, you can just use the current ki pool to redesign the class and fix several issues. Most of the existing core features of the monk can remain.
I don't see much point in having the elements and animal styles since there is an archetype that covers elements and monks wanting animal themed styles can take style feats. And there is a prestige class built around that, too.
For a core monk, I'd focus more on fixing the mobility and flurry issues as well as accuracy and multi-stat dependence. For that, an entire re-write is not necessary. This can be bandaided, though it requires some careful thought.
In that monk thread, I suggested monks can spend a point or two of ki to get enchanted fists that function very much like magic fang with a duration in hours or so.
I then suggested that monks always have the option of spending ki to make an extra attack on any action they take- but only once per round. So you could withdraw- and burn a ki to attack, you could double move, and burn a ki to attack, move and standard attack- and burn a ki to attack. You have added something similar here, I just figured a more powerful version would make the monk much more skirmishy.
I also suggested more benefits for having ki in their pool and an addendum to Stunning Fist allowing monks to make it as a touch attack with a +1 dc to the save- and possibly even make more than one attempt per round.
This alone fixes a few issues. Monks can now hit much better (though maybe not as well as other classes). Monks can disable easier and if that happens, should hit about as often as other classes. And Monks can more easily and usefully fling off additional attacks when they count for very tactical and supportive game play.
I added several flavor themed monk abilities off the ki pool that used existing monk features and just made them better (and actually useful) like allowing you to add your raw slow fall distance to the distance you jump on an acrobatics check...getting free dimensional agility after using abundant step- and for those who wanted some DBZ, eventually being able to fly after using it.
It was a totally different approach than the rogue talent angle, but it was closer to grit and seemed like a much easier bandaid. Rather than adding a slew of new abilities onto the class, modifying one feat and expanding an existing ability that then expands other existing abilities seemed simpler, somewhat more intuitive (there is already precedent in the ki pool for what I've suggested).
It's not everyones cup of tea for fixing the class. Seeing a raw ability gained at a specific level would be nicer. But I was just trying to make unobtrusive changes that don't encourage much reprinting. ^_^
So essentially you're suggesting to tie Martial Arts to Philosophy of the Elements, limiting which Martial Arts you can take.
Yes. Furthermore, it is readily possible to make the "insights" typed. For example, consider the following:
Insights A monk gains an insight at 2nd level and every two levels thereafter. A monk may possess no more than one combat insight, and one additional combat insight for every six levels.
Flurry of Blows Monks with this insight act swiftly in combat, they deliver hits at high speeds. A monk with this insight may make a single additional attack at his highest base attack bonus as part of any attack action, including charges, Spring Attack, Cleave, combat maneuvers, and so forth. The monk takes a -2 penalty on all attack rolls in a round in which he makes use of the flurry of blows insight. At 10th level, the monk may make a second extra attack at their highest attack bonus when using Flurry of Blows. A monk with the philosophy of air receives this insight at level 1. A monk must have either the philosophy of air or the philosophy of fire to chose this insight.
The same mechanic (referring to combat insights) can be used to discourage taking many different combat styles, by having more advanced forms of the same combat insight available. Since those insights would also be "combat insights" they'd naturally require monks to make the choice what kind of specialization they want, focused on one style, or branching into a variety of styles:
Monk A at level 6 can have Flurry of Blows and Greater Flurry of Blows insights.
Monk B at level 6 can have Flurry of Blows and Cobra Strike insights.
Not to mention that I couldn't really tie any style to Water, since it was supposed to be focusing on the more mystical powers of the monk.
You can consider not granting any combat insight to the philosophy of water at level 1 (relying instead on monks taking appropriate insights as they level) - and instead allow the Philosophy of water to gain one combat insight, and one additional combat insight per *4* levels; but the monks have to take those insights manually. Or perhaps a completely different trade-off that discourages combat insights, but grants powerful alternative options.
That said, I'd say the philosophy of water would offer the most adaptable monks; so perhaps their perk could be that they could take any combat insights without regard to philosophy requirements.
There's a lot of potential in making the philosophy choices meaningful, and having a lot of consequences based on your philosophy.
For those interested, I am now play-testing some changes of my own (not a complete re-write, just tweaks) and posting up the results here.