I've played one character for the past ~4 years (post-cap empath) and have rolled a monk to play around with UAC and do something different. I went with a Halfling because I like them and because of the ETD/Sorc TD bonuses and good maneuver dodging traits. I'm having a great time punching things faces in around WL. Some of my questions will be dumb, just because I haven't played a lowbie in forever. I plan to set stats to max at cap before level 20, because I figure PSelf will help make up the difference and I don't particularly want to shell out for a Fixstats.
I've read the last year or so of this subforum and it's given me a general idea of what's up with the class and some ideas of where I'd like to take the build. I've also read the Flimbo guide and Comprehensive Monk Guide on the Wiki.
- Society: I have only ever done COL in this game (GS3 and GS4) so I want to switch things up. I generally loathe relying on asking people for things (ie blesses, access to graveyard) which sours me on Voln a bit. GoS seems like it's fairly well suited to a monk since a lot of the CMans they use are passive, freeing up stamina for Sigils and Mstrikes. My current plan is to join GoS (I'm level 5) and knock out my five warcamps before level 20. If Voln is noticeably superior for some reason please pitch it to me. I really don't like non-corp things :-/
- Gear: Where does one readily come by 4x (flaring a plus) hand/foot wraps? PShops seems sparse and I refuse to believe I have to pay 2m+ for vanilla 4x Anything. Same question on robes, is there an easy place to pick up 4x?
- Spells: People seem split 50/50 between a medium/heavy spell build (some advocate 1220 by 25 and then 120 by 60ish, others 1220 and 120 by 40-45(!)) or more physical (.3x spells or so, loading up on dodge/MOC/PF/CM). Right now I'm in the physical camp because Dreavenings exist and I'm not shy about abusing them for as long as that gravy train holds up. I also want 3x dodge for the DS on those occasions where I can't get spells. Is there a compelling reason to go spell heavy? It seems you really sacrifice a lot of core things to do that.
- Build: I need to get around to doing a spreadsheet for this guy to see if the below is feasible but I'm thinking of something along these lines if I stay physical heavy
.5x TWC
2x Brawl
2x CM (all in on PSelf rank 5 by level 30 or whenever it's first feasible)
2x PF
3x Dodge
MOC in chunks (35 ranks by 20 is something I'd like to achieve, then whatever's next - 50 ranks?)
1x Perception
.5x Swim
.5x Climb
.3x Spell (MnM up to 1220 then switch to MnS)
Open Question: Lores - I think Transformation looks the most worthwhile, maybe to 15 ranks and then stop since (I hope) I won't be getting hit all that often?
AS/MIU - how often do people train in these? The most I can see myself regularly using is small statues/dull gold coins. Maybe focus on MIU when points allow and deal with AS later?
Anything else I'm missing?