Dark Moon Monk Build Question

SublimeBW

Hey everyone!

I haven't really had a chance to play BG2EE since its release (excluding a few drunk nights with buddies in Multiplayer) but now that I am no longer playing MMOs I figured it is time to get into it.

It has been ages since I played BG2 so most of the story will seem like new to me which has me really excited. Normally, in IE games (or any games with choice) I end up being a goodie goodie fighter or sorcerer and this time I figured I would go WAY different by going with a bad guy. Not only a bad guy but a bad guy dark moon monk! Dun dun dun!!!!

So far I am liking it but never really used the monk before in any D&D game (computer or P&P) and had a question about Detect Illusions. I heard wonderful things about DI and never really used it so I figured since I am going so drastically different why not use it. So I dumped most of points into it without really thinking it over and was curious as to if I would be better off adjusting my stats so that I get my stealth benefits first and then adventuring into DI. Is there much benefit to having it early on or should I BG Keeper it to HiS and MS? Any input would be appreciated!

Gotural

Hello, I would suggest you to keep your points in Detect Illusion as it is a really useful skill that allows you to pierce through the illusion's spells casted by the enemy mages.

It acts as some sort of True Sight spell but because it isn't a spell there is no way to block it (with Spell Immunity : Divination for example). Your score in Detect Illusion represents the chances in percent that you will dispell something each round, you must use the Find Trap button to use Detect Illusion.

Good luck with your Dark Moon Monk, I'm going to play one soon, it looks interesting !

mumumomo

Regarding the monk skills :

The issue with HIS/MS is that they take forever to get to decent levels with a monk. And since they have no backstab they don't get that much out of it.
Find trap is kinda useless with them since they cannot disarm.
Detect illusion is a great skill and should reach 100 in no time (no need to build it higher).

Skaffen

DI is the clear winner, you can't disarm the traps you find plus soon you will be swimming in potions of invisibility anyway.

jackjack

Detect Illusions is, IMO, the best feature of the class. Hiding/Moving Silently is nice because you can then scout, quite effectively even, traps notwithstanding, but it's no contest between those and DI. Dark Moon Monks are my favorite Monks.