Monk
Player's Handbook p39

Game Rule Information

The following changes have been made to the powers and abilities of the Monk. Any published rules for the monk that do not directly contradict the contents of this page still apply.

Class Features

Weapon and Armour Proficiency: I use the rules for Weapon Group Feats (UE p94). At 1st level the monk gains the Basic Weapons feat and any other one Weapon Group feat. The feat Weapon Group (monk weapons) is an option, not a necessity. The monk is not proficient with any armour or shields.

Variants

The following variants may be considered legitimate options for players of monk characters. Players shouldn't feel obligued to adopt these options instead of the standard class. These variants don't make the character any more powerful, they simply make it different. "Official" variants are found in a variety of sources, notably the Unearthed Arcana and DMG. For a complete list of all the variants I use in my campaigns follow this link.

Monk Fighting Styles: At 1st, 2nd and 6th level the standard monk has a choice of two bonus feats. The fighting styles allow a monk to lose that choice in return for access to bonus feats that are not normally available to the character. Because the monk reduces his choice of bonus feats, he is granted a one-off bonus to a related skill at 1st level, and an extra (relatively minor) ability at 6th level. On the whole, this doesn't make these monks any more powerful than standard monks. Players are more than welcome to invent their own fighting style as long as it is no more powerful than the fighting styles listed in the Unearthed Arcana. For more information see UA p52.

Planar Substituion Levels: Monks who make the prerequisites may swap out certain class abilities in favour of planar-related ones. At 5th level they may swap Purity of Body for Resistance Body. At 13th level they may swap Diamond Soul for Axiomatic Soul. At 16th level they may select a different type of Ki Strike. They also gain Knowledge (the planes) as a class skill. See Planar Handbook pages 27 and 32 for more details.

See Also:

• Languages
• Monastic Tradition
• Monks of Iourn