| CryntheCrow |
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So, been theory crafting a lot recently, and I recently came up with this build in response to a need to see a truly powerful, not just competent, Ascetic Style build. I thought about applying reach, and found that of the two weapons that were both monk weapons and reach, one of them was actually semi-coherent!
The Kusarigama is a sickle/chain weapon that, for all intents and purposes, we're going to ignore most of the traits of to avoid confusion. Two hand it, swing the chain or the sickle depending on the damage type you like, enjoy smashing skulls with naught more than a small iron ball and momentum. If they get close, don't start the debate with your GM on whether you can use the sickle. You're a monk. Kick them in the dick. Now, on to the build:
Wia Buu Turashu
LN Human Unchained Monk 12
Init +1, Senses: Perception +14
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Defense
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AC - 17, Touch 17, Flat 10
HP - 106
Fort +10, Reflex +10, Will +7 (+9 vs enchantment spells and effects)
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Offense
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Ki - 9
Speed - 70 ft.
Melee Flurry - Kusarigama +18/+18/+18/+13/+8 (2d6+7)
Unarmed Strike +17/+17/+17/+12/+8 (2d6+5)
Melee Flurry w/ki and successful Trip w/Leg Sweep - Kusarigama - +18/+18/+18/+18/+13/+8 (2d6+7)
Melee Flurry w/ki and successful Trip w/Leg Sweep vs vulnerable opponent - +18/+18/+18/+18/+18/+18/+13/+8 (2d6+7)
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Statistics
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Str 20(+2 Racial, +3 levels), Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 8
Traits: Indomitable Faith, Honored Fist of the Society
1: Weapon Focus (Kusarigama
Human: Ascetic Style
Bonus: Improved Unarmed Strike
Bonus: Stunning Fist
Bonus: Combat Reflexes
Bonus2: Scorpion Style
3: Power Attack
Ki Power4: Empty Body
5: Ascetic Form
Style Strike5: Leg Sweep
6: Improved Trip
Ki Power6: Sudden Speed
7: Dirty Fighting
Ki Power8: Abundant Step
9: Greater Trip
Style Strike9: Knockback Kick
10: Medusa’s Wrath
Ki Power10: Ki Hurricane
11: Lunge
Ki Power12: Qinggong Power (Whirlwind Attack (2 Ki))
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In summary, this build has a number of perks. It is powerful at all levels and sees constant bumps in strength, starting with being able to flurry with a two handed reach weapon at level 1 with combat reflexes, getting power attack and a ki pool for stronger flurries at 3, getting style strikes at 5, plentiful maneuver options at 7, strong trip game at 9, obscene numbers of attacks against vulnerable enemies at 10, and the ability to damage everyone around you in a large area at 12.
Weapon enhancements cost literally half of what an amulet equivalent will cost, and this style only needs to go 2 feats in, as the final ascetic feat is redundant for monks. Knockback kick, lunge, and strong trip maneuvers give us a greater ability to play keep away with enemies. Its not quite as good at tripping as a purely focused fighter, but we make up for it with far better damage, mobility and the ability to fight with most of your effectiveness at close range. Of course, this build is shown without items other than a normal weapon. Apply gold generously in the areas you feel fit, and you've a template for a powerful reach fighter with a stylish weapon. I will suggest heavily investing in your weapon and strength, as the use of power attack takes a dent in the build's accuracy, but is a literal increase of +12 damage to the listed calculations of each of your numerous attacks. Its worth it, just make sure you invest for it.
P.S. Also, a tip when facing rogues or spellcasters: Dirty fighting is more than a tool to bypass combat expertise. Get your fellow party members to flank, and you can pull out any maneuver you want without provoking an attack of opportunity. An impromptu grapple against the enemy wizard is an instant 'no spells with somatic components' You're a high strength character with full bab. Don't be afraid to exploit that.