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I know but when HLA kicks in and Caromsyr drops into your lap it would be good in having that profeciency even then there are other THS you can use in the meantime - besides, given the blade limitied profeciency what else you going to spend it on.
Never tried a Wild Mage - unpredictable and quirky tho.
Monk is underpowered in BG2 in comparison with the likes of NWN but if you want to try it go ahead.
I recently had a Monk that was uber-impressive, take some advice and install Oversight Mod that gives the Monk abilities in comparison with Balthazar in TOB that I found matched more to a Monk's style of fighting.
If you can match Keldorn's stats such as 18 Charisma you can acquire his armor that grants you free action and +1 to all saves if you don't mind avoiding using the hiding in shadows.
A monk can use wands and a very small selection of mage scrolls - but potions such as:
- regeneration can make the monk last quite awhile when combined with some of the oversight HLAs
- storm giant strength can dish out some serious damage
- absorption against firegiants and electrical users
- heroism and power especially when taking on the big bosses
- invulnerability is good for low levels fights
Alot of monk abilities - hiding, detecting traps can be used to augment bard powers in pickpocketing.
Weapons aren't a big problem for Monks - scimitars and single proficiency slot is all you need, but if you want range try darts or slings so that you can use Everard's Sling. But when you get the money I'd suggest buying the Monks Blade in Copper Coronet - although not a must - if thieves get a hold of this when using their HLA beware. The poison effect of this blade gives the monk a good boost taking down spellcasters.
Rings, Amulets, Boots and Cloaks aren't much of a boost when high-levels kick in but in the meantime I'll give a run-down on those that can help - Protection+2 gives a good boost to AC and saves, ring of Djini is useful - gaining a spellcasting companion when in those dire situations call for it - its a good idea. Invisibility rings are useful - but if you have an assassin or fighter/thief giving to them would be the wiser move in terms of gaining the most out of the item.
Amulet of Power - ahh the monk's friend, atleast until you get a specific HLA from oversight renders this needless. Although i don't know its compatibility - you might want to try the Sensate Amulet from Diedre in Ribalds srore. I know clerics can use it and since clerics and monks strongholds are the same - you might want to give it a go. The only other I can think of that can improve the monk would be the necklace of missiles - throwing one of them into a room filled with enemies really helps.
Cloak of Displacement helps the Monk avoid missiles at low levels - a level 40 monk gains +13 vs Missiles - although this doesn't help much vs Illasera she isn't the run of the mill archer.
Gargoyle Boots - for the love of everything get this on your monk and it doesn't matter how good the enemy is - it GREATLY reduces your vulnerability in combat - but relying on an item isn't a wise idea for a monk - HLA's, tactics and proper micromanagement can help - this is a addition to the monks already impressive powers.
Gauntlets of Crushing - the beat-down you can give with this is incredible when you acquire these - but getting these isn't easy - if your an evil monk then have no qualms about killing that silly prince in the Sahugins domain.
When you enter Hell your given a certain amount of space concerning your choices for the tears - expanding your monks strength by +2 or getting a +1 cha and wis ? Getting 10% more magic resistance or +2 AC ? alot of options here can increase your monks already impressive powers.
TOB gives the monk certain items that are specific to him - better AC boost, more HP and regeneration - these are items/potions that you should be looking to acquire to when your in SOA - in conjunction with these items your monk will have low AC to the point of -10, as much hp as possible, magic resistance to a high point of nearly 90% and regenerating better than a troll.
Given the sheer amount of 4 attacks with these abilities you will be able to conquer most of the games enemies through adaptability and skill.
The oversight HLA's is something I think you should invest in - it only adds to the monk abilities/style that will only enhance your playability of that class.