Upcoming Prestige Class - Tattooed Monk

[EO]

We are putting the finishing touches on the upcoming hak update, which will introduce two new PrCs: the Tattooed Monk and the Avenger Knight. Neither PrC will require an application.

The Tattooed Monk was first introduced in Oriental Adventures, then in Complete Warrior. We've reconciled the small differences between the two.

Class Information:

(PRESTIGE CLASS)
Certain monastic orders bestow supernatural or spell-like powers on their members by inscribing magic tattoos on their skin. These tattooed monks shave their heads, speak in cryptic riddles and maxims, and - in many cases - travel the countryside furthering their quest for enlightenment by facing and conquering temptation. The ranks of the tattooed monks are divided between worldly monks - those who believe that temptation can only be overcome if it is squarely faced - and ascetic monks, who rarely leave their secluded retreats.

Tattooed monks gain their powers from the magic tattoos that eventually cover their bodies.

- Base Attack Bonus: +3 / 4 Levels.
- Hit Die: d8.
- Primary Saving Throws: Fortitude, Reflex, Will.
- Proficiencies: Tattooed monks gain no proficiency with any weapon or armor.
- Skill Points: 4 + Int Modifier.

Class Skills: Concentration, Discipline, Heal, Hide, Influence, Listen, Lore, Move Silently, Parry, Perform, Spot, Tumble.
Unavailable Skills: Animal Empathy, Use Magic Device.

REQUIREMENTS:

Alignment: Any lawful.
Base Attack Bonus: +3
Feats: Endurance, Improved Unarmed Strike.
Skills: Lore 8 ranks.
Class: Monk

ABILITIES:

Level
1: Gain one tattoo - Gain power from a magic tattoo.
3: Gain one tattoo
5: Gain one tattoo
7: Gain one tattoo
9: Gain one tattoo

A tattooed monk's class levels stack with his monk levels for determining his unarmed damage, AC bonus, and unarmored speed bonus.

Feats:

Arrowroot Tattoo

Spoiler: show

Type of feat: Class
Prerequisite: Tattooed Monk level 1
Specifics: Once per day, the tattooed monk can heal damage to another character equal to his class level multiplied by his Wisdom modifier (minimum 1). A tattooed monk cannot heal himself with this feature.

Healing abilities have a reverse effect on undead, harming instead of healing them. A successful touch attack must first be made when this ability is used against undead.
Use: Selected.

Bamboo Tattoo

Spoiler: show

Type of feat: Class
Prerequisite: Tattooed Monk level 1
Specifics: Once per day per tattoo he possesses, the tattooed monk can add the number of tattoos he possesses as an enhancement bonus to his Constitution score. This benefit lasts for 1 turn + 1 round per class level.
Use: Selected.

Bat Tattoo

Spoiler: show

Type of feat: Class
Prerequisite: Tattooed Monk level 1
Specifics: Once per day per tattoo he possesses, the tattooed monk can add the number of tattoos he possesses as an enhancement bonus to his Dexterity score. This benefit lasts for 1 turn + 1 round per class level.
Use: Selected.

Bellflower Tattoo

Spoiler: show

Type of feat: Class
Prerequisite: Tattooed Monk level 1
Specifics: Once per day per tattoo he possesses, the tattooed monk can add his Charisma modifier as an enhancement bonus to any of his ability scores (including Charisma). This benefit lasts for 1 turn + 1 round per class level.
Use: Selected.

Butterfly Tattoo

Spoiler: show

Type of feat: Class
Prerequisite: Tattooed Monk level 1
Specifics: Once per day per tattoo he possesses, the tattooed monk can add the number of tattoos he possesses as an enhancement bonus to his Wisdom score. This benefit lasts for 1 turn + 1 round per class level.
Use: Selected.

Chameleon Tattoo

Spoiler: show

Type of feat: Class
Prerequisite: Tattooed Monk level 1
Specifics: Once per day per tattoo he possesses, the tattooed monk gains a +10 bonus to the Disguise skill. This benefit lasts for 1 hour + 1 hour per class level.
Use: Selected.

Crab Tattoo

Spoiler: show

Type of feat: Class
Prerequisite: Tattooed Monk level 1
Specifics: The tattooed monk gains damage reduction equal to 2 per tattoo he possesses. This damage reduction is negated by a weapon with a magical enhancement bonus equal to or better than the tattooed monk's base Constitution bonus (if any) or +5, whichever is less, by magical attacks, or by energy attacks.
Use: Automatic.

Crane Tattoo

Spoiler: show

Type of feat: Class
Prerequisite: Tattooed Monk level 1
Specifics: The tattooed monk gains immunity to all poisons.
Use: Automatic.

Chrysanthemum Tattoo

Spoiler: show

Type of feat: Class
Prerequisite: Tattooed Monk level 1
Specifics: Every hour the tattooed monk is outside during the day, he heals a number of hit points equal to his class level.
Use: Automatic.

Dragon Tattoo

Spoiler: show

Type of feat: Class
Prerequisite: Tattooed Monk level 1
Specifics: Once per day per tattoo he possesses, the tattooed monk can breathe elemental damage, each time dealing 4d6 points of damage of the selected energy to a single target up to 25 feet away. The can attempt a Reflex save for half damage against a DC of 10 + the tattooed monk's class level + Wisdom.
Use: Selected.

Dragonfly Tattoo

Spoiler: show

Type of feat: Class
Prerequisite: Tattooed Monk level 1
Specifics: Once per day, the tattooed monk gains a dodge bonus to his AC equal to the number of tattoos he possesses. This benefit lasts for 1 turn + 1 round per class level.
Use: Selected.

Falcon Tattoo

Spoiler: show

Type of feat: Class
Prerequisite: Tattooed Monk level 1
Specifics: The tattooed monk is immune to magical fear but is still subject to natural fear. At will, he can inspire nearby allies, granting them a bonus to Will saving throws versus fear equal to the tattooed monk's Charisma bonus (if any) for a duration of 1 turn per class level.
Use: Selected.

Monkey Tattoo

Spoiler: show

Type of feat: Class
Prerequisite: Tattooed Monk level 1
Specifics: The tattooed monk gains a +1 bonus per tattoo he possesses on all Discipline, Hide, Move Silently, Open Lock, Parry, Sleight of Hand, and Tumble checks.
Use: Automatic.

Crescent Moon Tattoo

Spoiler: show

Type of feat: Class
Prerequisite: Tattooed Monk level 9
Specifics: Once per day, the tattooed monk can become ethereal. An ethereal creature is invisible and insubstantial. As an insubstantial creature, the tattooed monk can move through other living creatures (but not walls or objects) and cannot be affected by physical or magical damage or effects. However, force effects (Ki Blast, Magic Missile, Isaac's Greater Magic Storm, Isaac's Lesser Magic Storm, Orb of Force and Rainbow Beam) and abjurations affect an ethereal creature normally since their effects extend onto the Near Ethereal. An ethereal creature cannot attack other creatures, acquire items or gold, use potions, or cast spells. Casting spells, using potions or performing a hostile action will make the etherealness vanish.
Use: Selected.

Full Moon Tattoo

Spoiler: show

Type of feat: Class
Prerequisite: Tattooed Monk level 1
Specifics: Once per day per tattoo he possesses, the tattooed monk can gain a +2 bonus all attack rolls for a duration of 1 turn, as he calls on the power of the full moon. This ability can only be used at dusk and night.
Use: Selected.

Mountain Tattoo

Spoiler: show

Type of feat: Class
Prerequisite: Tattooed Monk level 1
Specifics: Once per day per tattoo he possesses, the tattooed monk can take on the immovability of a mountain for as much as 1 turn + 1 round per class level, gaining phenomenal durability though he cannot move from the spot where he stands. He gains a +4 bonus to his Constitution and Wisdom scores, and gains immunity to knockdown.
Use: Selected.

Nightingale Tattoo

Spoiler: show

Type of feat: Class
Prerequisite: Tattooed Monk level 1
Specifics: Once per day, the tattooed monk can heal wounds, either his own or others'. He can heal a number of hit points equal to twice his current class level.

Healing abilities have a reverse effect on undead, harming instead of healing them. A successful touch attack must first be made when this ability is used against undead.
Use: Selected.

Ocean Tattoo

Spoiler: show

Type of feat: Class
Prerequisite: Tattooed Monk level 1
Specifics: The tattooed monk never needs to eat, sleep, or drink.
Use: Automatic.

Phoenix Tattoo

Spoiler: show

Type of feat: Class
Prerequisite: Tattooed Monk level 7
Specifics: The tattooed monk gains spell resistance equal to his class level + 15.
Use: Automatic.

Pine Tattoo

Spoiler: show

Type of feat: Class
Prerequisite: Tattooed Monk level 1
Specifics: The tattooed monk gains the benefits of the Back to the Wall and Diehard feats. These effects do not combine with the actual feats.
Use: Automatic.

Sun Tattoo

Spoiler: show

Type of feat: Class
Prerequisite: Tattooed Monk level 1
Specifics: Once per day per tattoo he possesses, the tattooed monk can gain a +2 bonus on all attack rolls for a duration of 1 turn, as he calls on the full power of the sun. This ability can only be used at dawn and day.
Use: Selected.

Tiger Tattoo

Spoiler: show

Type of feat: Class
Prerequisite: Tattooed Monk level 1
Specifics: Once per day per tattoo he possesses, the tattooed monk can fight unarmed with a +1 bonus on all attack rolls and deal an extra 1d6 points of damage with a successful attack. This burst of martial arts ferocity lasts for 1 turn + 1 round per class level.
Use: Selected.

Wasp Tattoo

Spoiler: show

Type of feat: Class
Prerequisite: Tattooed Monk level 1
Specifics: Once per day per tattoo he possesses, the tattooed monk can use haste on himself. The benefit lasts for 1 turn + 1 round per class level.
Use: Selected.

White Mask Tattoo

Spoiler: show

Type of feat: Class
Prerequisite: Tattooed Monk level 1
Specifics: The alignment of the tattooed monk is concealed from all forms of divination. He also gains a +10 bonus on all Influence checks.
Use: Automatic.

[Savras]

"Type of feat: Class
Prerequisite: Tattooed Monk level 1
Specifics: The tattooed monk gains damage reduction equal to 2 per tattoo he possesses. This damage reduction is negated by a weapon with a magical enhancement bonus equal to or better than the tattooed monk's base Constitution bonus (if any) or +5, whichever is less, by magical attacks, or by energy attacks.
Use: Automatic."

Alright, 20 con dwarf monk called Ironfist is a go.

[MAB77]

"Type of feat: Class
Prerequisite: Tattooed Monk level 1
Specifics: The tattooed monk gains damage reduction equal to 2 per tattoo he possesses. This damage reduction is negated by a weapon with a magical enhancement bonus equal to or better than the tattooed monk's base Constitution bonus (if any) or +5, whichever is less, by magical attacks, or by energy attacks.
Use: Automatic."

Alright, 20 con dwarf monk called Ironfist is a go.

Will he be immortal?

[Savras]

"Type of feat: Class
Prerequisite: Tattooed Monk level 1
Specifics: The tattooed monk gains damage reduction equal to 2 per tattoo he possesses. This damage reduction is negated by a weapon with a magical enhancement bonus equal to or better than the tattooed monk's base Constitution bonus (if any) or +5, whichever is less, by magical attacks, or by energy attacks.
Use: Automatic."

Alright, 20 con dwarf monk called Ironfist is a go.

Will he be immortal?

He'll certainly believe he is.

[remnar]

Pine Tattoo
Type of feat: Class
Prerequisite: Tattooed Monk level 1
Specifics: The tattooed monk gains the benefits of the Diehard and Endurance feats. These effects do not combine with the actual feats.
Use: Automatic.

The class already requires Endurance to take so I'm unsure as to the point of this tattoo.  Effectively all it does is give you the effect of Diehard - which can be done with a non-tattoo feat.  Perhaps instead of Endurance it gives the benefits of Cold Endurance?

[myrddraal]

bat, tiger, monkey, mountain, wasp seems like they are the clear choices and that everything else...sort of may as well not exist.

[Cyber Viking]

In theory at level 15 you could have a monk that is Better than a lvl 20 just by taking, Crab, Crane, Falcon, Crescent Moon & Phoenix.
Essentially the same feats just 5 level early and better than a lvl 20 standard monk.

I would think that standard monk needs to be looked at now to bring it up to at least on par with this.
+15 SR, 20/+5 DR stand out, and considering ki strike bonus doesnt matter once you enchant gloves.

Standard is essentially forced to take those tattoos.
The prestige of tattoo monk offers variety and versatility.
I think that the effort of reaching 16-20 should have a matching reward.

[softdrink]

The SR for tattooed monk caps out at 25, and the Crescent Moon Tattoo only has 1 use as compared to Empty Body which has 2.

Tattooed Monk is an interesting sidegrade, but not better.
Many monk class features need to be taken intentionally with the class and to lesser effect than full monk.

The buffing is cool and everything, but overall lacking, with the most interesting tattoos being mountain and crab.
Everything else is easily done with consumables, but of course having them innately is nice and of course I'm sure they stack with traditional buffs.

That being said, it is an amazing way to add flavor to the class's usual archetype and it does have plenty of interesting options and avenues.

(I think that regular monks should get access to the ocean tattoo's benefits at level 15 regardless, but that's just for fun.)

Spoiler: show

Though the KD immunity is nice as is the crab tattoo DR, that's a lot of what it has going for it.

It also comes online later than regular monk for strengths that aren't really worth the cost of losing the base monk class features later on.
A good few of the buffs are lackluster and only really a handful are worth taking unless you're looking for the RP flavor, which is nice to have as an option.
I think with the PRC coming though, regardless of it's strengths, does somewhat fix the problem of going level 20 for high level monks should they wish to pursue it to not incur that OCR increase.

I feel like there should be a light padding of the base class capstone at 20 to make taking the level more incentivized for those that do want to stick on the path all the way along. Ki Strike +4 comes to mind mostly, though upping the perfect self DR to 20/+2 would also likely be just as good considering what can be achieved with the mentioned Crab Tattoo now.

[Cyber Viking]

You can technically achieve 20/+5.
Ki strike bonus up to the equivalent of QMW at the same level would be fair I think.

The DR of +2 seems light. You only need 14 con to hit that. The OCR does class you as an outsider. My thinking is if a monks body can punch through DR then it should also be able to resist it given that perfect self stage.

DR at 20 should be equal with Ki Strike Pen.

I also think that monks should get the benefits of ocean at a higher level. I also think Pine would be a good one. Maybe ocean at 15 and pine at 18. Both are reasonable to assume monks bodies are capable of that at that higher stage of training.

[MAB77]

Pine Tattoo
Type of feat: Class
Prerequisite: Tattooed Monk level 1
Specifics: The tattooed monk gains the benefits of the Diehard and Endurance feats. These effects do not combine with the actual feats.
Use: Automatic.

The class already requires Endurance to take so I'm unsure as to the point of this tattoo.  Effectively all it does is give you the effect of Diehard - which can be done with a non-tattoo feat.  Perhaps instead of Endurance it gives the benefits of Cold Endurance?

Or change the requirement in the first place.

[Madame Trousers Son]

The idea of getting Cold Endurance is cool, that's probably an under-utilised feat. Can even throw in Heat Endurance to sweaten the deal, IMO.

[Chadonicle]

2 questions pop into mind when reading this over a few times.

Number 1: Will the class's benefits apply when in armor or when using a non-monk weapon?
Number 2: Why have both the Arrowroot & Nightingale tattoos if they fill the same role? Both heal, both can heal others and can damage undead with a touch attack. Arrowroot is affected by a Wis multiplayer, but Nightingale is a flat x2 class level. I can't help but wonder why there's two healing selections when one is just better overall. If It's an RP thing then that's fine. An Arrowroot and a Nightingale are not the same things after all.

[MAB77]

2 questions pop into mind when reading this over a few times.

Number 1: Will the class's benefits apply when in armor or when using a non-monk weapon?
Number 2: Why have both the Arrowroot & Nightingale tattoos if they fill the same role? Both heal, both can heal others and can damage undead with a touch attack. Arrowroot is affected by a Wis multiplayer, but Nightingale is a flat x2 class level. I can't help but wonder why there's two healing selections when one is just better overall. If It's an RP thing then that's fine. An Arrowroot and a Nightingale are not the same things after all.

I asked myself the same question originally, but better would depend on one's Wisdom score. While I agree that most monks will have high wisdom, and that Arrowroot has the potential to heal or deal more hp/damage, you would still be unable to use it on yourself.

[remnar]

The idea of getting Cold Endurance is cool, that's probably an under-utilised feat. Can even throw in Heat Endurance to sweaten the deal, IMO.

it makes sense since, as someone in pine country, they take heat and cold pretty well and they're everywhere and dont stop trying to sprout so they're probably pretty diehard too

[EO]

Pine Tattoo
Type of feat: Class
Prerequisite: Tattooed Monk level 1
Specifics: The tattooed monk gains the benefits of the Diehard and Endurance feats. These effects do not combine with the actual feats.
Use: Automatic.

The class already requires Endurance to take so I'm unsure as to the point of this tattoo.  Effectively all it does is give you the effect of Diehard - which can be done with a non-tattoo feat.  Perhaps instead of Endurance it gives the benefits of Cold Endurance?

Heh, good point, it's an oversight. In PnP they gain "Remain Conscious", so I'll give them "Back to the Wall" + "Diehard" to represent their ability to last longer.

[remnar]

that'd be pretty cool.  much more flavorful

[Rocket]

The SR for tattooed monk caps out at 25

I know its stupid to ask because you presumably did,

you tested and confirmed this?

[MAB77]

The SR for tattooed monk caps out at 25

I know its stupid to ask because you presumably did,

you tested and confirmed this?

I did and I confirm. This is as intended and described in the tatoo description.

[EarlofEtheria]

Pine Tattoo
Type of feat: Class
Prerequisite: Tattooed Monk level 1
Specifics: The tattooed monk gains the benefits of the Diehard and Endurance feats. These effects do not combine with the actual feats.
Use: Automatic.

The class already requires Endurance to take so I'm unsure as to the point of this tattoo.  Effectively all it does is give you the effect of Diehard - which can be done with a non-tattoo feat.  Perhaps instead of Endurance it gives the benefits of Cold Endurance?

Heh, good point, it's an oversight. In PnP they gain "Remain Conscious", so I'll give them "Back to the Wall" + "Diehard" to represent their ability to last longer.

Multiclassing sets back your feat progression, therefore I dislike the Pine Tattoo. It's the weakest tattoo in my opinion, not just mechanically but for cool factor too. Perhaps if it was more like Second Wind, it could better emulate Remain Conscious:

"Once per day per tattoo he possesses, as a free action, the tattooed monk may gain 10 temporary hit points for 1 round + 1 round per two class levels, even when unconscious."

[MAB77]

What you suggest is actually weaker than what that tattoo would grant as per EO's suggestion. Back to the Wall will serve PCs way more often than an HP heal when they are down below 0 HP, and diehard usually suffice to stabilize a char below 0 if it does come to that. As is, Pine will be a good tattoo to pick at lower levels. Tattooed Monk is a PrC you'll be able to take as early as your 6th char level. You, of course, are not obligated to take it. It's the beauty of this PrC that it brings customization to a class that lacks of it sorely.

[Maiyannah]

Back to the wall is a kind of garbage feat, though.
+2 to AC when you're already being shredded isn't very frequently the difference between life and death.

[MAB77]

It did occasionally save my hide on my dwarven defender. I'm not arguing against the fact that it's not the optimal build. Indeed, there are more powerful and useful feats, and in this case tattoos, around. I'm not expecting it will be a popular tattoo, but there was never anything wrong in picking feats for RP reasons. In fact I encourage it. 1 or 2 RP feats for flavor has never hurt any character built. It's what makes unique characters instead of always seeing meta-builds clones, and has proven time and time again not to be an issue toward having a successful character nonetheless.

I would not be against boosting die hard slightly mind you. Just having it kick in at half HP instead of a quarter would make a good difference in closely fought battles.

[EarlofEtheria]

Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against Die Hard or Back to the Wall as they aren't detrimental to have. But please do consider that for an incredibly specific, monk based prestige class, Pine is just a pair of general feats you (and other classes) can meet the requirements for besides.


On a different note, straight from the NWN Wiki, related to Improved Knockdown:

• Since monks receive (Improved Knockdown) automatically, it cannot be selected when gaining a monk level (even prior to level 6).

The above should probably be tested to verify Tattooed Monks can select Improved Knockdown. Also, we should probably remove the prestige class requirement for Improved Unarmed Strike since the class is being restricted to Monk only (the feat is free for monks at level 1).

Also, we seem to be adding the spell Undetectable Alignment, yet this functionality is not being added to White Mask? Please!

White Mask: A character with this tattoo is immune to detect thoughts, detect lies, and any attempt to magically discern his alignment. He gains a +10 bonus on all Bluff checks.

[EO]

Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against Die Hard or Back to the Wall as they aren't detrimental to have. But please do consider that for an incredibly specific, monk based prestige class, Pine is just a pair of general feats you (and other classes) can meet the requirements for besides.

That's how it is in PnP too since it gives you the Remain Conscious feat. We'll look into adjusting it later if it's too overwhelming. If not Back to the Wall, it might be Second Wind, but it remains a similar ability.

On a different note, straight from the NWN Wiki, related to Improved Knockdown:

• Since monks receive (Improved Knockdown) automatically, it cannot be selected when gaining a monk level (even prior to level 6).

The above should probably be tested to verify Tattooed Monks can select Improved Knockdown. Also, we should probably remove the prestige class requirement for Improved Unarmed Strike since the class is being restricted to Monk only (the feat is free for monks at level 1).

It will work correctly for Tattooed Monk since Improved Knockdown isn't a feat this specific class gets automatically.

Also, we seem to be adding the spell Undetectable Alignment, yet this functionality is not being added to White Mask? Please!

White Mask: A character with this tattoo is immune to detect thoughts, detect lies, and any attempt to magically discern his alignment. He gains a +10 bonus on all Bluff checks.

Uhh, very good point. I'll add that part as well. It's minor since all monks are Lawful, but it'll shield them from the blackguard's Detect Good/Law ability.

[noah2515]

Back to the wall is a kind of garbage feat, though.
+2 to AC when you're already being shredded isn't very frequently the difference between life and death.

I don't agree whatsoever. Back to the wall has kept a lot of my characters alive . Especially when you find yourself in those extremely annoying scenarios where youve chucked everything at something and its obnoxiously a head better than you.