To say the Monk is useless is to disregard the truth. Monk's are awesome, at least into Chapter 5 where I am, and I can't imagine anything removing their ability to completely kick ass later in the game!!!!!!!!!!
If you want to play a character who has the best weapon the game offers, or casts spell, or gets to wear the cool looking armor, then a Monk isn't for you, but as of now my monks' fist do 1-20 and I am able to attack 7 times every 2 rounds. My Monks' AC is -7 and could be -10, but I share my items with MIsc and Jaheira.
I don't know how much the earlier poster spent trying each class, but it sounds like he didn't spend much time with the MOnk. Do a search reference Monk, read what you find, but pay more attention to the players who actually went past level 9 or 10.
Remember, you're character starts at level 7, so drawbacks that apply to early level classes just don't apply in this game.
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