Description

Monks are warriors who pursue perfection through contemplation as well as action. They are versatile fighters, especially skilled in combat without weapons or armor. Though monks cannot cast spells, they have a unique magic of their own. They channel a subtle energy, called ki, which allows them to perform amazing feats. The monk's best known feat is their ability to stun an opponent with an unarmed blow.

Advantages:
- The monk can make 1 unarmed attack per round; he gains 1/2 an additional attack every 3 levels.
- As the monk increases in levels, the damage his fists inflicts does as well:
Level 1-2: 1-6
Level 3-5: 1-8
Level 6-8: 1-10
Level 9-11: 1-12
Level 12-14: 1-12
Level 15-17: 1-20
Level 18+: 1-20
- A monk's natural armor class gets better as he goes up in levels. His armor class starts off at 9, and then decreases by 1 for every 2 levels.
- Stunning blow, once per day for every 4 levels. All attacks in the next 6 seconds force the victim to save or be stunned. NOTE: this special ability automatically modifies a Monk's normal attack, no targeting needs to be done.
- Monks have the Deflect Missiles ability. This gives them a -1 to their AC vs missiles for every 3 levels.
- The monk gains a +2 to save vs spells
- A monk starts off moving at +2 move, then +1 move every 5 levels.
- 5th level: Immunity to all diseases, and cannot be Slowed or Hasted.
- 7th level: Lay on Hands to heal 2 hit points per level
- 8th level: -1 to speed factor
- 9th level: +1 to all saves. Immune to charm. The monk's fist is considered a +1 weapon (+2 at 12th, +3 at 15th)
- 11th level: Immune to poison
- 12th level: Another -1 to speed factor. Fists are considered +2 weapons.
- 13th level: Quivering palm spell once per day. This spell gives them one hand attack. If they hit an opponent, the opponent must save or die.
NOTE: this special ability automatically modifies a Monk's normal attack, no targeting needs to be done.
- 14th level: The monk gains 3% magic resistance per level (ie 42 at 14th level)
- 15th level: Fists are considered +3 weapons
- 20th level: Immune to non-magical weapons

Disadvantages:
- The monk cannot wear armor
- A monk can only use weapons available to the thief class (except 2 handed)

Opinions

Bardan says : A very different class from all the others. At first, the lack of exceptional strength, weapon specialisation and weapon selection may put you off choosing the monk. Don't let it. This class starts off rather weakly, but very quickly becomes one of the most devestatingly powerful classes in the game. Some nice immunities, absurdly powerful fists by the mid-teen levels, a rapid attack rate and an unaltered movement rate faster than a character wearing boots of speed! All this, and he can hide and detect traps too! Oh, and slap a pair of Boots of Avoidance on him and he becomes virtually immune to missile fire too. Ouch.

The monk abilities 'Stunning Blow' and 'Quivering Palm' make the monk a very good mage/dragon-killer. He comes highly recommended.

Sir Exxon says : When you first hear to word ’Monk’, your mind maybe goes directly to old strong-believing cultures, where to worshippers probably is dressed in Robes.
Well, in BG2, the Monk is nothing like that. He is a real powerhouse, believe me.
First of all, who needs weapons? The Monk is a master in Martial Arts, and prefers to fight with his bare fists and feet, and is damn good at it. As he levels up, his fists gets stronger and stronger, and will deal out more and more damage. Mixed with the right ToB-High Level Abilities, the Monk is nearly undefeatable. If, however, the Monk is to use a weapon, he prefers the Ninja-to.
And then we have his natural armour. You see, the Monks can’t wear armours at all, and has their own, natural armour. This can be a restriction at times, because they then lose out on many good armours which grants good miscellaneous immunities and resistances, but mainly I find it a good thing. It is a relief to know that you have a character which has his own solid protection.

Stats should be those of a common warrior, high in Strength, Constitution and Dexterity, to get a bunch of HP, a good AC, and much Damage. Other then that, nothing is important. Except that you might want to have a decent Charisma, to get better prices in the stores.
Mainly, this brings us to something like this:
18 Str
17 Dex
18 Con
10 Int
12 Wis
14 Cha

Weapon proficiencies are easier. The Monks can only be Proficient in the few weapons they can use. Therefore, I suggest something like this:
* Katana/Scimitar
* Dart/Sling
* Single Weapon Style
Dart/Sling is the only thing necessary here, as they are a ranged weapons, and the fists can only be melee. If you have decided to fight with a weapon, I suggest the Katana or the Scimitar/Wakizashi/Ninja-to. Of those, the Katana has more damage, but there are fewer of those. Therefore you might want to consider the Scimitar-group as well.

Well, I’m all done now. These tips are only a few of many, but they should cover all he basic. Enjoy your Monk!