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So, coming into our Kingmaker game, a player wants to put together a Half-Orc Monk.
Our DM, has put some weird restrictions though:
15 Point Buy.
2000gp Starting gold only.
No multiclassing.
Starting 7th level.
Deadly Agility, from Path of War, available. Nothing else 3rd party currently allowed.
Weapon Finesse, as a trait, available.
Must be, for the most part, unarmed strike focused.
All Paizo books allowed.
I don't know how to help this guy.
What advice does anyone have, to not get murdered in the first combat, without running away?
What about a "viable" build?
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Frankly - with Deadly Agility (OP in my opinion - but that's neither here nor there) and getting Weapon Finesse as a trait - sounds like any dex build is in very good shape - and monks do dex builds very well, though the low point buy hurts the MAD monk somewhat. (all the more reason to go dex) The lack of gold isn't as big a deal for them as other martials.
1. Spend 1k on a pearl of power for a wizard/sorc etc buddy to cast Mage Armor on them. Maybe spend the other 1k on a Cloak of Resis - or just save most and buy mundane stuff if that's also included in the 2k.
Try this build -
Str:7
Dex:20 (+2 racial & +1 stat-up)
Con:14
Int:10
Wis:14
Cha:7
Trait: Weapon Finesse & something else (Fate's Favored/Reactionary etc)
Feats: Weapon Focus, Deadly Agility, Dodge, Pummeling Style etc.
Other feats & archetypes depends upon what vibe he wants. For pure combat with a dex build - go for Sohei. (though don't wear armor - it's a trap)
Drunken Master can be fun - get way more ki, though with a 15pt build he can't afford the Con to get Fast Drinker anytime soon, he could still get a 3pt temp pool between each combat and cast Barkskin and other OOC powers for free.
Manuver Master might work if he wants to go that way.
The unchained is solid - but it tends to do better with STR weapon builds.
And if you're not unchained - always mix in Qinggong and take Barkskin as a power.
By 7 his AC should be a solid 25. Probably the best in the party by a good margin considering the wealth level. (10 +5dex +2wis +1level +4armor +3nat armor) = 25
He'll get 3 swings per turn each at +11/+11/+6 for 1d8+5 damage. If Sohei it changes to +12/+12/+7 for 1d6+6 damage.
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I agree with Charon's Little Helper on the the stat spread, but I disagree on feats and archetypes.
I'd say go unchained. The Full BAB and easier access to Qinggong Powers and access to Style Strikes makes up for the poor WBL and unarmed focus. Not to mention full access to monk weapons gives you some options while staying mostly unarmed.
If at all possible, worship Zon-Kuthon. Belier's Bite + Cruelty is awesome.
Trait: Finesse and Quain Martial Artist. Never underestimate a +1 to damage.
Feats: Dodge, Focus, Deadly Agility, Snake Style, Combat Reflexes, Belier's Bite, Cruelty, Viscous Stomp.
Style Strikes: Leg Sweep to combo with Viscous Stomp, and pick up Flying Kick at 9.
Ki Powers: Barkskin and Gaseous Form. Being able to go vapor is a great panic button and a great utility option, especially if you are poisoned, or need to bypass a door.
I'm here for the Viscous Stomps.
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There is no Sorc/Wiz buddy.
Sohei can be better at unarmed strikes?
Is the Pummeling Style the way to go with it?
Sohei's unarmed dice never goes above 1d6 - but the weapon training - especially once they grab gloves of dueling - more than compensates. Of course - that's only if you want to go straight DPR. My favorite archetype is Drunken Master for the ki. Especially once you can get Fast Drinker - it really comes into its own.
Pummeling is definitely the way to go if you're unarmed and aren't going Unchained monk. Even with the recent errata's nerf of Pummeling Style - the mobility Pummeling Charge gives you is awesome - and beating DR is handy for a monk, and they tend to do lots of little attacks (I love there to be a bard around when I'm a monk) and can have their damage be crippled by even just a 5 point DR.
Unchained gets Flying Kick - so Pummeling Charge isn't as important to them for mobility.
Without a buddy to cast Mage Armor on them - it gets a bit trickier to get decent monk AC early (no summoner, bloodrager, or witch either?). If there's someone with Use Magic Device they can grab a wand of Mage Armor instead.
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The only thing resembling a caster, is a Kensai/Bladebound Magus, and an Oracle/Skald(me).
I have a strong suspicion that we will never see any gloves of dueling.
It's a bit weaker until 11th or so by WBL - but he can just go with bracers of armor. (Assuming you don't have Use Magic Device. You could easily have 15 in UMD by 7th. :P)
If your GM is one that doesn't let you purchase items of your choice and therefore get Gloves of Dueling then there's less advantage to going Sohei.
Then probably go Unchained for combat - though I've still always been a fan of Drunken Master/Qinggong. I'm guessing that your GM will let him get a steady supply of booze. :P