new monk/player questions..

[bobbydole]

Hello!   I've recently started playing EQ2 and decided to make a monk because he was my favorite EQLive guy... Anyway I've start by putting my AA's into the STR line, 4-4-8. I have some questions: 1. I'm almost done with the first 4. But do I always have to be barefisted to use the benefits of this line? Also If I did STR, could I then do INT to get the increased crits even though I'm not using firstwraps? 2. How do I decide when to use my barefists? How can I compare my barefists to the weapons I currently have? 3. All the AA lines i've seen suggested don't include the last 2 abilities. For example the 4-4-8 STR line wouldn't include Claw Reversal or Chi, why is that? Thanks for the help!

[Ifandb]

I have some of the same questions the OP has. I have 4 points in str and 1 in agi (after doing some research I realise that agi was a mistake but one point is not worth the gold of a respec atm). I was thinking I would max str (8 points I think) then move on to sta or int for crits. I like the option of being able to use weapons instead of just fist wraps so I dont want to spend the points in an ability I wont be able to use all the time. Also, why dont people spec into the other tree (the one that enhances skills)?

[Dorieon]

<p>There are a few other threads on this topic but I'll throw you a bone. Yes you have to fight unarmed to get the DA from the str line but at the lower levels it is actually better for you to do so. The str line is great for monks that are just starting and are trying to level up. The third skill basically gives you the equivalent of mastercrated weapons (without stats) that scale to your level. So basically you don't have to worry about buying or questing for weapons as you power thru the lower levels. Once you reach 63 or so the weapon choices will start to become more enticing due to the stats that they will give you.  So I would say go 4,4,8 in str, int and wis while you are leveling and then switch it up when you get closer to the level cap. </p><p> As to why people don't put points in the monk tree. Well to be perfectly honest, it kinda blows. You will get much better results maxing your brawler tree first and then moving on to the monk tree.</p>

[Hydor]

<p>No matter what line you use you will get (in that line)</p><p>First: Stat increase Second: A special attack Third: An Offensive Bonus Fourth: A Defensive Bonus Then a Final ability</p><p>So people that suggest you follow a 4-4-8 pattern in three lines believe that the defensive bonuses you get from the 4th abilities are worthless or just not worth the points or it's more rewarding to use your points in offensive that defensive skills.</p><p>I have never tested this sort of pattern myself. I believe that the extra little damage you would do from following the 4-4-8 pattern suggested is not as good as being able to avoid a few more hits. I could be wrong and as I said I haven't tested how such a setup would work, how much more damage I would do or how much more damage I would take.</p><p>The real question is how do you feel about your Monk? Is it a character that would be able to stand there fighting the mobs and avoiding the hits? Or is it a character that cannot defend very well and would rather let someone else take the hits? Another question is how much do you solo?</p><p>If you solo a lot or if you want to be able to take less hits you should consider using points in the 4th ability of a line you choose. Otherwise the 4-4-8 patterns you ve read about are good.</p>