3E Monks

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O.K., the PHB has gotten me interested in this class. They seem to be one of the more interesting classes, but I'd like to know how they stack up to the other classes and how they would best fit in a game from a usefullness standpoint (NOT an RP standpoint). They seem pretty good in combat, but just at first glance that's all they seem useful for in battle. How do they stack up to the other fighting classes in real play?

Also, if you had 32 points to spend on a monk, how would you create one as far as stats go (humans only please)?

 

I'm more or less a newbie at this but so far my understanding of the class is this:

The monk can't really compare to a fighter when it comes actual combat. Compared to other classes he can hold his own though. I would say that a monk is useful for at least two things:
1. Scouting. Put some skill points in 'Hide', 'Move silently', 'Listen' and he can scout out enemy territory. His fighting skills makes it possible for him to get out of any problem he might find himself in as well. You might consider putting some points in 'Tumble' and 'Jump' as well.
2. Fighting enemy wizards. His good saving throws and great mobility makes him particulary dangerous for wizards. Throw in a flurry of blows and you have a soon to be dead wizard. With his mobility the wizard won't even get far with 'Expeditious retreat'.

That said the monk is very versatile and you will have great fun playing one

 

I DM a game with my brothers and one of them is playing a Monk. Now, they are still 1st level, and at the low levels, I must say that the monk leaves much to be desired. I can see that if they survive, they would be a force to reckon with.

 

I rather like the monk class. The do very well agenst wizards and can stand up to everything save fighters and rageing barbarians. As far as stats in order of most important Wis, Dex, Con, Str, Int, Cha.
The primary reason to keep wisdom above Dex is that when flat footed they retand their Wis bounus but not their Dex. Also because being flatfooted is a mager killer for monks IMO you should hve the improved initiatev feat.

 

I fell that Monk is a great RP class but beyond that they have excellent abilities in the party. They can hold their own against almost any enemy. Maybe the heavily armored fighter and clerics have better ACs but the Monk out fights rangers, thieves, bard and druids. Their specail abilities begin to shift the difference as they progress in levels.

In one of the campaigns I play in we have a 5th level Monk in the party and he is one of the stronger member of the group. A excellent scout, fighter and spy. It is extremely valuable to have no weapons when sneaking around. The man without a sword is not a suspect when blades are being watched for.

In short a Monk rounds out a party nicely and is great to have around if they are no rogues in the group.

 

I am currently playing a level 4 monk and I find him to be a very good character. We have a hafling thief in our party with a 21 dex, but I still think the monk makes the better scout. I say this because his combat ability allows him to handle himself if he comes against a relatively weak enemy and his high speed means he can easily outrun anything he couldn't handle. Also his stunning fist can make a huge difference in combat if the opponent fails the save.