The Psionic Monk (3.5e Optimized Character Build)
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Introduction
This is an optimized build to show that the Monk class, is best when combined with Psionics, and taken sparingly.
References
This build uses only 3.5 WoTC Sourcebooks and the SRD. Sources used: Eberron Campaign Setting, Faiths of Eberron, Magic of Faerun, Complete Psionic, System Reference Document, Dungeon Masters Guide, Miniatures Handbook
Game Rule Components
This build requires a Lawful alignment, and is best when used with a race that gives a bonus to mental attributes. I use a 28 point buy, though it looks quite similar using pretty much any point buy as you only need to focus on your mental attributes. This build attempts to abuse Metamorphosis and size adjustments as much as possible.
Progression
Starting Ability Scores (Before Racial Adjustments): Strength: 8; Dexterity: 8; Constitution: 10; Intelligence 16; Wisdom 18; Charisma 8
Race: Jungle Kobold: (-4 Strength, +2 Dexterity, -2 Intelligence) Venerable Age: ( +3 Intelligence, +3 Wisdom, +3 Charisma )
Starting Racial Traits:
- Small size: +1 bonus to Armor Class, +1 bonus on attack rolls, +4 bonus on Hide checks, -4 penalty on grapple checks, lifting and carrying limits ¾ those of Medium characters.
- A kobold’s base land speed is 30 feet.
- Darkvision out to 60 feet.
- Racial Skills: A kobold character has a +2 racial bonus on Craft (trapmaking), Profession (miner), and Search checks.
- Racial Feats: A kobold character gains feats according to its character class.
- +1 natural armor bonus.
- Special Qualities (see above): Light sensitivity.
| ECL | Class/HD/LA | Base Attack Bonus |
Saving Throws | Feats | Class Features |
Special | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort | Ref | Will | ||||||
| 1st | Ardent 1 | +0 | +0 | +0 | +2 | Iron Will, Track, Dragonwrought, Weapon Focus (Unarmed Strike) | Assume Psionic Mantle (Freedom, Conflict) | (2 Flaws), Prescience, Offense; Dimension Hop |
| 2nd | Ardent 1 / Monk 1 | +0 | +2 | +2 | +4 | Monastic Training (Slayer), Improved Unarmed Strike | Flurry of Blows, Monk AC, Monk Speed | |
| 3rd | Ardent 1 / Monk 2 | +1 | +3 | +3 | +5 | Combat Reflexes, Tap Mantle (Energy) | Evasion | |
| 4th | Ardent 2 / Monk 2 | +2 | +3 | +3 | +6 | Assume Psionic Mantle (Magic) | +1 Wisdom Energy Ray | |
| 5th | Ardent 3 / Monk 2 | +3 | +4 | +4 | +6 | Hustle | ||
| 6th | Ardent 4 / Monk 2 | +4 | +4 | +4 | +7 | Tap Mantle (Natural World) | Chameleon | |
| 7th | Ardent 4 / Monk 2 / Slayer 1 | +5 | +4 | +4 | +9 | Favored Enemy +2, enemy sense | ||
| 8th | Ardent 4 / Monk 2 / Slayer 2 | +6/+1 | +4 | +4 | +10 | Brain nausea | +1 Wisdom, Primary Mantle (Energy), Energy Bolt | |
| 9th | Ardent 4 / Monk 2 / Slayer 3 | +7/+2 | +5 | +5 | +10 | Tashalatora | Lucid buffer | Dimension Slide |
| 10th | Ardent 4 / Monk 2 / Slayer 4 | +8/+3 | +5 | +5 | +11 | Favored Enemy +4 | Dispel Psionics | |
| 11th | Ardent 4 / Monk 2 / Slayer 5 | +9/+4 | +5 | +5 | +11 | Metamorphosis | ||
| 12th | Ardent 4 / Monk 2 / Slayer 6 | +10/+5 | +6 | +6 | +12 | Practiced Manifester (Ardent) | Cerebral blind | +1 Wisdom, Energy Wall |
| 13th | Ardent 4 /Monk 2 / Slayer 7 | +11/+6/+1 | +6 | +6 | +12 | Favored Enemy +6 | Teleport, Psionic | |
| 14th | Ardent 4 / Monk 2 / Slayer 8 | +12/+7/+2 | +6 | +6 | +13 | Breach Power Resistance | Freedom of Movement | |
| 15th | Ardent 4 / Monk 2 / Slayer 9 | +13/+8/+3 | +7 | +7 | +13 | Expanded Knowledge (Expansion) | Cerebral Immunity | Metaphysical Claw |
| 16th | Ardent 4 / Monk 2 / Slayer 10 | +14/+9/+4 | +7 | +7 | +14 | Favored Enemy +8 | +1 Wisdom, Energy Wave | |
| 17th | Ardent 4 / Monk 2 / Slayer 10 / Sanctified Mind 1 |
+15/+10/+5 | +9 | +7 | +16 | Partition Mind | ||
| 18th | Ardent 4 / Monk 2 / Slayer 10 / Sanctified Mind 2 |
+16/+11/+6/+1 | +10 | +7 | +17 | Improved Natural Attack (Unarmed Strike) | Cleansing Strike | Protection from Spells, Psionic |
| 19th | Ardent 4 / Monk 2 / Slayer 10 / Sanctified Mind 3 |
+17/+12/+7/+2 | +10 | +8 | +17 | Disrupting Blow 1/day | Teleport, Psionic Greater | |
| 20th | Ardent 4 / Monk 2 / Slayer 10 / Sanctified Mind 4 |
+18/+13/+8/+3 | +11 | +8 | +18 | Hard to Hold | +1 Wisdom, Earthquake, Psionic | |
Items
| Belt of Magnificence | 200,000 GP |
| Monks Tattoo | 80,000 GP |
| Mighty Arms Graft | 1,000 GP |
| Battlefists +1 | 2600 GP |
| Ectoplasmic Fist Shard | 4,000 GP |
| Bracers of Armor +8 | 64,000 GP |
| Amulet of Natural Armor +5 | 50,000 GP |
| Ring of Protection +5 | 50,000 GP |
| Tome of Understanding +5 | 137,500 GP |
Highlights
This build uses Metamorphosis and Expansion to shift into a Colossal sized Mountain Troll and the monks Flurry of Blows to unleash a devastating barrage of attacks. It has utility powers to move around the battlefield, and direct damage powers when smacking things just isn't good enough. Slayer levels eventually allow him to become immune to any Mind Affecting spells, and his High Wisdom gives him a very high AC. Full ranks in Use Magic Device allows the build to use pretty much anything that it might need.
Side Notes
Limitations
Has a limited number of psionic powers, and they have very specific uses. Without the psionic powers this build is neutered.
DM Counters
Disallowing some of the items is a good way to start. Using dispel magic, or psionics to remove buffs will help combat the power.
Miscellaneous
Size Increases for Natural Weapons: Battlefists (+1) Ectoplasmic Fist Shard (+1) Expansion (+2) Metamorphosis (Huge Sized Troll)
Ending Fist Size: Colossal ++
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