Don't sell monks short!
They can detect traps, but cannot disarm them. They can use stealth.
Their armor class goes down for every level.
If you love using your best armor and weapons on you protagonist a monk isn't for you. But if you're just interested in a kick butt character, monks rule
Self Healing
Stunning Blow
Quivering Palm
and a movement rate at higher levels that's better than boots of speed.
Monks level up quickly, but are kinda delicate to start with, but no more so than a cleric and a monk will quickly become your most devastating attacker!
My monk finished SoA at 33lvl. He had the best armor class -16, most attacks per round at 4, and did the most damage (other than Saravok's Deathbringer Assault).
None of the other kits really appealed to be because of the drawbacks. To me the monk is the only character who's bonuses are balanced with drawbacks.
Play a monk, and wave goodbye to those who would oppose your will
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"The Martyr" (excerpt)
There is sobbing of the strong,
And a pall upon the land;
But the People in their weeping
Bare the iron hand:
Beware the People weeping
When they bare the iron hand.
--Herman Melville (written after the assasination of President Abraham Lincoln)
