Monks

Where fighters spend their entire lives studying armed combat, monks are the undisputed masters of unarmed combat, and of the martial arts. Although they receive training with nearly all types of weapons, monks excel at hand-to-hand combat, gaining the ability to cause great wounds with their bare hands alone. Although they are versed in the wearing of armor, most monks prefer to not wear it, for they are quite adept at avoiding blows on their own and armor tends to interfere with their fighting abilities. They disdain magical protections, such as rings and bracers, for the same reasons, although magical items are known to them and spells do not adversely affect them.
Characteristics: Monks are normally quite strong, for the force required to inflict such blows with their hands is great, but most monks are quite nimble as well, for finesse is as important as strength in their art. This usually results in their minds being neglected, much as they seek inner enlightenment.

Monks are a relatively new class to the land of Imperium. Though primarily stable now, there is still a chance of some tweaking in the class.

Role Playing Suggestions:

• A monk could be the typical martial arts type hero, a calm spirit but a whirlwind in battle.
• Cast out of a dojo because of impatience, the monk could be working to regain honor.
• In hiding from an adversary, the monk could be working to further his skills before facing this person.

Several of the skills that are available are:
Gouge
Claw
Trip
Second Hit

The rankings of a monk are:
Initiate
Disciple
Practitioner
Striker
Martial Artist
Monk
Expert
Guardian
Master
Grand Master