Monk Variant: Fighting Styles

In literature and lore, the combat styles and aptitudes of a monk depend greatly on where (or by whom) she was trained. The monk in the Player's Handbook, however, presents only a limited variety of options to personalize your monk.

A 1st-level monk (regardless of character level) may select one of the fighting styles listed below. By selecting one of these fighting styles, you dictate which bonus feats you gain at 1st, 2nd, and 6th level (when a monk normally gains one of two bonus feats as listed in the Player's Handbook). In addition, you get a +2 bonus on a single skill at 1st level (in exchange for the versatility you give up by preselecting your bonus feats). Finally, you gain a bonus ability at 6th level if you have met the listed prerequisites by that time. If you haven't yet met the prerequisites, you don't gain the bonus ability, even if you meet the prerequisites at some later time.

These fighting styles serve a variety of purposes in a campaign. Each one might symbolize a different monastery, creating a rivalry (friendly or unfriendly) between their students. Perhaps a specific master teaches each style only to a few select students, meaning that a monk must prove herself worthy before pursuing the training. Or maybe each monk simply chooses her own way in life, styling herself after great martial artists of the past.

You can abandon your fighting style by selecting a different bonus feat at 2nd or 6th level; however, if you do so you lose the bonus on skill checks gained at 1st level and never gain the bonus ability at 6th level (even if you meet the prerequisites).

Denying Stance

The Denying Stance seeks to neutralize the opponent's maneuvers, thwarting him at every turn until he becomes so frustrated that he makes a crucial error.

1st-Level Skill Bonus: Tumble.
1st-Level Feat: Improved Grapple.
2nd-Level Feat: Combat Reflexes.
6th-Level Feat: Improved Disarm.
6th-Level Bonus Ability: When fighting defensively or using the Combat Expertise feat, you gain a +2 bonus on grapple checks and disarm attempts. Prerequisites: Tumble 9 ranks, Combat Expertise.

Overwhelming Attack

A monk trained in the Overwhelming Attack style always presses the advantage, preferring a showy display of all-out offense to any form of defense.

1st-Level Skill Bonus: Intimidate.
1st-Level Feat: Power Attack.
2nd-Level Feat: Improved Bull Rush.
6th-Level Feat: Improved Overrun.
6th-Level Bonus Ability: If you have used Intimidate to demoralize your opponent at any point within the previous 10 rounds, you gain a +4 bonus on Strength checks made to bull rush or overrun that opponent. Prerequisites: Intimidate 4 ranks, Perform (dance) 4 ranks.

Passive Way

The Passive Way focuses on making your opponent overreach himself or underestimate your skill.

1st-Level Skill Bonus: Bluff.
1st-Level Feat: Combat Expertise.
2nd-Level Feat: Improved Trip.
6th-Level Feat: Improved Feint.
6th-Level Bonus Ability: You gain a +4 bonus on Strength checks made to trip an opponent who is denied his Dexterity bonus to Armor Class. Prerequisites: Bluff 4 ranks, Sense Motive 4 ranks, Skill Focus (Bluff).