Does a single-classed Monk need "Concentration"?

Klorox · Post by **Klorox** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 2:08 pm

If so, what for?

I have a Deep Gnome Monk with a 13 INT I'm using as a decoy. The only skills I give her is Hide and Move Silently (maxed out), and the extra point I spend on Search (just because).

Do I need Concentration for anything in this game? What about any other skills (for this character, I've got a Diplomat and a Loremaster)?

Klorox · Post by **Klorox** » Sun Jul 01, 2007 8:56 pm

Also:

What are good feats for a single classed monk? After the save-boosters, dodge, expertise, and improved critical, I'm leaning towards toughness (!!!!).

Kipi · Post by **Kipi** » Sun Jul 01, 2007 11:59 pm

I'm not 100% sure, but IIRC Concentration only affects to spellcasting, so I would say you don't need it with monk.

Aerich · Post by **Aerich** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 1:10 am

For feats, are we assuming Str under 13? If you have Str 13, Power Attack and Cleave have some utility. I like to take Dirty Fighting with monks. Also Rapid Shot, for the rare times (more frequent in HoF) where you have to retreat the character and don't have the opportunity to Heal it. If it's a pureclass monk, you won't want Ambidexterity or Two-Weapon Fighting, either.

How about Weapon Finesse (if you use daggers or the monk fist mod) or weapon proficiencies? I think Toughness is a waste of a feat. One Aid spell is worth almost 3 feats' worth of Tougness.

Klorox · Post by **Klorox** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 11:45 am

I'm really curious about Dirty Fighting. I can't determine if it's really worth it or not.

My impression is that it's really good on the lower levels, but that's when I need to get my essential feats, and when I do have "time" to get dirty fighting, most baddies are easily going to make a fortitude save.

That would probably make an interesting conversation though!

I'm already proficient with Axes, which I'll enjoy throwing sometimes. I have Weapon Finesse, and a much higher DEX that STR (which is under 13). Rapid shot is worth considering, since I will throw axes...

I know Toughness seems like a waste of a feat, but I can't really think of many good ones to take.

Toughness is a step above the "skill" feats and "improved initiative" at least.

Lazigothi · Post by **Lazigothi** » Fri Jul 06, 2007 3:18 pm

Quick answer: no. Long Answer: read below

"If" you multiclassed: had 4 ranks in Concentration and being specialized in two weapons, you can opt for the [url="http://www.gamebanshee.com/icewinddaleii/feats/maximizedattacks.php"]Maximized Attack Feat[/url]: 1/ Day: All attacks do maximum damage for 10 seconds.

Without having at least 4 levels as a Fighter, though, this option is impossible. So, as a single-classed Monk, I'd say the answer is no.

Moreover, I haven't noticed any particular pump up to using this feat for my character. Even at maximum damage, it doesn't last long, and it takes many hits to defeat foes anyway. I'd advise against wasting time to multiclass to get it.

I think my monk with the quivering palm death strike potentially dishes out more pain than a fighter using Maximized Attack Feat in a single punch.

Klorox · Post by **Klorox** » Sat Jul 14, 2007 7:55 am

So basically, when it all shakes out, there aren't really any good feats or skills for a decoy Monk aside from those I'm already dedicated to taking (Dodge, Expertise, Weapon Finesse, Improved Critical... Hide, Move Silently, and Search).

Sounds like it's a fight between crappy and slightly-less-crappy.