Article-At-A-Glance
- The Wanderer[1] Monk seeks ultimate truths through travel, not just adventures.
- Character development focuses on wisdom, introspection, and philosophical deep dives.
- Emphasizes storytelling through tales of masters and debates with allies.
- Character’s lifestyle is reflected in simple attire and a humble quarterstaff.
Click on the level for more information
This Level 1 Monk Wanderer build focuses on high defense and versatility. With key abilities like Dodge and Improved Unarmed Strike, it ensures survival from the start. Half-Orc racial traits and favored class bonuses enhance endurance, while Crane Style will later boost defensive capabilities significantly.
Level 1 Stat Block
Wanderer Monk: male, Half-Orc Monk (Quiggong, Wanderer, Weapon Adept) 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (orc, human); HD 1d8+2; hp 10; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 11, touch 11, flat-footed 10; Base Atk +0; Grp +3; Atk Quarterstaff +3 melee (1d6+3) or Improved Unarmed Strike +3 melee (1d6+3); Full Atk Quarterstaff +3 melee (1d6+3) or Improved Unarmed Strike +3 melee (1d6+3); SA Flurry of Blows; SQ Orc Ferocity, Sacred Tattoo (+1 Luck to all saving throws); AL Neutral; SV Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +4; Str 16, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats
Acrobatics 4, Diplomacy 4, Perception 4, Stealth 4; Dodge, Improved Unarmed Strike, Perfect Strike.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Flurry of Blows (extra attack at a penalty), Orc Ferocity (fight one extra round when brought below 0 hp), Sacred Tattoo (Luck bonus on all saving throws).
Possessions:
Quarterstaff, simple robes.
At level 5, the Wanderer[1] Monk build utilizes a Half-Orc Monk (Quiggong, Wanderer, Weapon Adept) class focusing on defensive capabilities and mobility. Equipped with traits such as Crane Style for enhanced defensive posture, this character is formidable against melee and ranged attacks. Defensive capabilities are enhanced by Crane Wing for automatic deflection of some attacks, while Crane Riposte allows for effective counterattacks. Skill investments focus on Acrobatics and Perception, alongside diplomatic abilities.
Level 5 Stat Block
Wanderer Monk: Male, Half-Orc Monk 5; CR 5; Medium Humanoid (Orc, Human); HD 5d8; hp 35; Init +4; Spd 30 ft.; AC 21, touch 20, flat-footed 17; Base Atk +3; Grp +6; Atk Quarterstaff +7 melee (1d8+4) or Unarmed Strike +7 melee (1d6+4); Full Atk Quarterstaff +7/+2 melee (1d8+4) or Unarmed Strike +7/+2 melee (1d6+4); SA None; SQ Evasion, Still Mind, Weapon Specialization (Quarterstaff), Crane Style, Crane Wing; AL LG; SV Fort +7, Ref +6, Will +6; Str 18, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats
Acrobatics +9, Diplomacy +8, Perception +10; Dodge, Improved Unarmed Strike, Perfect Strike, Combat Reflexes, Weapon Focus (Quarterstaff), Crane Style, Endurance, Crane Wing.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Deflect one melee and one ranged attack per round (Crane Wing), Always fighting defensively (Crane Style).
Possessions:
Rags and a Quarterstaff.
At Level 10, this Monk build excels in defensive combat and scouting. Utilizing Crane Style, it can avoid attacks while fighting defensively. It boasts uncanny defenses with Immunity to one melee and one ranged attack per round thanks to Crane Wing and Deflect Arrow, alongside a Damage Reduction of 8/- from Improved Stalwart. Its combat faculties are sharpened via Weapon Specialization with the Quarterstaff. The Horizon Walker class provides amazing versatility with Favored Terrains like Astral and Desert, granting Dimension Door uses and Tremorsense.
Level 10 Stat Block
Wanderer: male, Half-Orc Monk 6/Horizon Walker 4; CR 10; Medium humanoid (orc); HD 6d8+4d10+20; hp 78; Init +0; Spd 50 ft.; AC 22, touch 18, flat-footed 20; Base Atk +8; Grp +10; Atk Quarterstaff +12 (1d6+4) or Unarmed Strike +12 (1d10+4); Full Atk Quarterstaff +12/+7 (1d6+4); SA Flurry of Blows; SQ Evasion, Improved Evasion, Fast Movement, High Jump, Still Mind, Purity of Body, Dimensions Door (2/day), Immunity to Fatigue and Exhaustion, Tremorsense 30 ft.; AL Chaotic Neutral; SV Fort +10, Ref +9, Will +10; Str 18, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Acrobatics +13, Knowledge (Geography) +9, Stealth +13, Perception +15, Diplomacy +9; Dodge, Improved Unarmed Strike, Perfect Strike, Combat Reflexes, Weapon Focus (Quarterstaff), Crane Style, Endurance, Crane Wing, Deflect Arrows, Weapon Specialization (Quarterstaff).
Special Attacks and Qualities:
DR 8/-, Immune to one melee and one ranged attack per round using Crane Wing and Deflect Arrow; high damage output with Weapon Specialization.
Possessions:
Quarterstaff, rags, basic adventuring gear.
At level 15, the Wanderer[1] monk is a versatile combination of defense and mobility. They achieve high damage resistance and have great scouting abilities. The Damage Reduction (DR) is high at 8/- via Improved Stalwart while Crane Wing and Deflect Arrow provide immunity to one melee and one ranged attack per round. High Strength and Weapon Specialization boost Quarterstaff damage. Crane Riposte allows counter-attacks when fighting defensively. They have mastery over several terrains, gaining immunities and the ability to teleport short distances. Stealth, Perception, and high saving throws make them an excellent scout.
Level 15 Stat Block
Wanderer Monk: male, Half-Orc Monk 6/Horizon Walker 10; CR 15; Medium humanoid (orc, human); HD 6d8+10d10; hp 120; Init +4; Spd 50 ft.; AC 29, touch 22, flat-footed 27; Base Atk +13; Grp +17; Atk +20 Quarterstaff (1d6+9) or +16 Flurry of Blows (1d6+9); Full Atk +20/+15/+10 Quarterstaff (1d6+9) or +16/+11/+6 Flurry of Blows (1d6+9); SA Flurry of Blows, Crane Riposte; SQ Perfect Self, Dimension Door, Immunities (Fatigue, Exhaustion), Tremorsense, Terrain Mastery; AL Neutral; SV Fort +14, Ref +15, Will +14; Str 18, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Acrobatics +15, Diplomacy +10, Perception +20, Stealth +20; Dodge, Improved Unarmed Strike, Perfect Strike, Combat Reflexes, Weapon Focus (Quarterstaff), Endurance, Crane Style, Crane Wing, Deflect Arrow, Weapon Specialization (Quarterstaff), Crane Riposte, Diehard, Stalwart, Improved Stalwart, Keen Smell, Smell Fear, Tenacious Survivor, Medusa’s Wrath.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Crane Wing grants immunity against one melee and one ranged attack each round; Improved Stalwart provides DR 8/-, and Terrain Mastery offers enhanced abilities in chosen environments with Astral(D) providing great teleportation abilities.
Possessions:
Quarterstaff, robes.
This Monk build centers on high defensive capabilities with the Wanderer[1] and Weapon Adept archetypes and excels in scouting. At level 20, the character can defend effortlessly using Crane Style and Improved Stalwart for high damage resistance. They are immune to one melee and one ranged attack each round. With Weapon Specialization, the Quarterstaff deals serious damage. As a Horizon Walker, they dominate almost all terrains, gaining great boosts to stealth and scouting capabilities, including Tremorsense and immunity to fatigue and exhaustion.
Level 20 Stat Block
Wanderer Monk: male, Half-Orc Monk (Quiggong, Wanderer, Weapon Adept) 10/Horizon Walker 10; CR 20; Medium humanoid (orc, human); HD 20d8+5; hp 185; Init +10; Spd 40 ft.; AC 32, touch 26, flat-footed 26; Base Atk +19; Grp +22; Atk +26 melee (1d8+10, Quarterstaff) or +21 ranged (1d8+10, Quarterstaff); Full Atk +26/+21/+16 melee (1d8+10, Quarterstaff) or +21/+16/+11 ranged (1d8+10, Quarterstaff); SA Quarterstaff specialization, Crane Riposte; SQ Tremorsense, Immunity to Fatigue and Exhaustion, Desert Mastery, Astral Dominance; AL Lawful Neutral; SV Fort +20, Ref +18, Will +18; Str 18, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Acrobatics +15, Diplomacy +12, Stealth +15, Perception +15; Dodge, Improved Unarmed Strike, Perfect Strike, Combat Reflexes, Weapon Focus (Quarterstaff), Crane Style, Endurance, Crane Wing, Deflect Arrow, Weapon Specialization (Quarterstaff), Crane Riposte, Diehard, Stalwart, Keen Smell, Improved Stalwart, Smell Fear, Tenacious Survivor, Medusa’s Wrath.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
High DR through Crane Style, automatic deflect of one melee and one ranged attack, can deliver powerful Quarterstaff strikes, Dimension Door as needed, all terrains considered favored for this scout.
Possessions:
Rags, Quarterstaff.
Milestones Of Character Development
- Levels 1-5: Establish the foundational feats with Dodge and Combat Reflexes for defense. Achieve Combat proficiency through Improved Unarmed Strike and Weapon Focus (Quarterstaff), while honing skills like Acrobatics and Knowledge(Geography).
- Levels 6-10: Transition into Horizon Walker prestige class, gaining Combat Reflexes and Weapon Specialization (Quarterstaff) for enhanced attack. Unlock Crane Wing and access Desert and Astral favored terrains, gaining dimension door, and fatigue immunity.
- Levels 11-15: Maximize defensive capabilities with Crane Riposte and Stalwart; improve enemy detection with Keen Smell. Achieve terrain dominance in Earth and Desert while extending favored terrains, boosting infiltration and survival skills.
- Levels 16-20: Achieve pinnacle of defensive prowess with Improved Stalwart; gain Tenacious Survivor and Medusa’s Wrath. Secure complete favored terrain coverage, Imbuing character with tremorsense, fatigue/exhaustion immunity, plus outstanding scouting proficiency.
Core Abilities & Features
The core of The Wanderer[1] Monk build melds the adaptability of the Monk class with the tactical advantages of the Horizon Walker prestige class. By selecting the Quiggong, Wanderer, and Weapon Adept archetypes, players can harness a unique blend of skills that create a formidable combatant both in melee and environmental strategies.
One of the most notable abilities is the enhanced defensive prowess. Combining Crane Style with Crane Wing, this build enables the Monk to deftly dodge attacks, effectively gaining immunity to one melee and one ranged attack each round. This is further fortified by the use of Improved Stalwart, granting a damage reduction of 8/-, dramatically increasing survival odds in battle.
Offensively, leveraging high Strength with Weapon Focus and Weapon Specialization on a Quarterstaff ensures tangible damage output. Adding Combat Reflexes and Crane Riposte, the character can retaliate adeptly, handling threats beyond their turn. The progression in Horizon Walker grants the Monk dimension door abilities, fatigue immunity, and Tremorsense, offering versatility in varied terrains and scenarios.
This build exhibits substantial versatility, both in terms of survival and strategic maneuvering. Using the Sacred Tattoo and Fate’s Favored traits can elevate saving throws, reinforcing the Monk’s resilience. As the Half-Orc monster hunter traverses favored terrains and masters them, the character gains remarkable scouting features, sensing foes effectively before striking with precision.
Equipment Progression
| Level Range | Equipment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| L1-5 | Amulet of Mighty Fists +1 | Boosts unarmed and natural attack damage by +1. |
| L6-10 | Belt of Giant Strength +2 | Enhances Strength, improving attack rolls and damage. |
| L11-15 | Boots of Speed | Gain Haste effect for 10 rounds per day, enhancing speed and attacks. |
| L16-20 | Bracers of Armor +5 | Provides additional Armor Bonus, making you harder to hit. |
Combat Scenarios
- Dungeon Crawls:
- In tight corridors, maximize Crane Style’s defensive bonus while drawing foes in with Acrobatics. Use Deflect Arrow to guard against traps or hidden archers. Strike with the Quarterstaff, leveraging Crane Riposte to punish enemy misses.
- Open Fields:
- Utilize Horizon Walker’s Favored Terrain to outmaneuver opponents. Open with Dimension Door to reposition mid-battle. Maintain a defensive posture with Crane Style, and deliver punishing counter-attacks with high-strength hits using Weapon Specialization on your Quarterstaff.
- Ambushes:
- Pre-empt attacks with Keen Smell to detect threats. Once combat starts, initiate defensive movements with Crane Style and quickly retaliate with Crane Riposte. Use Deflect Arrow to minimize ranged ambush threats.
- Defensive Stands:
- Fortify your position using Total Defense for enhanced DR and let Deflect Arrow and Crane Wing negate incoming attacks. Counterstrike using Crane Riposte and maintain defensive positioning to protect allies.
- Urban Encounters:
- Leverage Urban Favored Terrain for movement advantage. Initiate Diplomacy when possible or prepare for melee with Crane Style. Utilize Tremorsense to anticipate stealthy adversaries, counterattacking efficiently with Combat Reflexes.
Weaknesses & Counters
| Weakness | Counter |
|---|---|
| Low Dexterity | Focus on enhancing Dexterity with gear such as Belt of Dexterity (+2-6 Dexterity) |
| Limited Range | Utilize the Horizon Walker’s Dimension Door ability for strategic positioning |
| Relies on Saving Throws | Use Ring of Resistance (+1-5 bonus to saving throws) to boost resilience |
| Lack of Heavy Armor | Enhance defenses with Bracers of Armor (+1-8 Armor bonus) to increase AC effectively |
| Resource Exhaustion in Long Battles | Carry potions of Cure Serious Wounds to sustain HP during prolonged encounters |
Roleplaying
The Wanderer[1] Monk embodies the quintessential solitary seeker. An archetype of a traveler, they drift from one land to another, not just for adventure, but in search of an ultimate truth. Consider portraying this character as someone whose wisdom and introspection guide their actions. Their past is likely a mystery to most they encounter, a past burdened by vows of silence or events that shaped their uninterrupted quest for enlightenment.
Themes of self-discovery and inner peace pepper this character’s journey. Embrace opportunities to reflect this in-game by choosing to share tales of old masters, cryptic mantras, or philosophical debates with allies. Perhaps, a simple quarterstaff serves as both a weapon and a reflection of a humble lifestyle, nothing more than rags and discipline to define them. Engaging with various terrains, use the Horizon Walker aspects to explore new dimensions, both geographic and metaphysical, enhancing their spiritual journey.
FAQ
How does the Wanderer[1]’s quest for enlightenment influence gameplay?
The Wanderer[1]’s quest drives roleplaying decisions and character interactions. Players should focus on philosophical discussions and introspection. Choose actions reflecting their search for truth and inner peace. Encounter diverse cultures to gain wisdom and varied perspectives.
What core abilities should you prioritize while building The Wanderer[1] Monk?
Focus on Dexterity, Wisdom, and Constitution to enhance combat prowess and survivability. Prioritize feats that improve unarmed combat like Improved Unarmed Strike and Stunning Fist. Incorporate skills supporting exploration, such as Survival and Perception. These elements form the backbone of an effective Wanderer Monk.
How can a Wanderer Monk complement a party?
The Wanderer[1] Monk excels in mobility and crowd control, aiding tactical positioning. Their philosophical insights can open creative problem-solving avenues. They’re versatile hit-and-run specialists who can adapt to various situations. Their presence dynamically shifts encounters in favor of their allies through agility and resilience.
How can you roleplay the mysterious past of a Wanderer Monk?
Frame their past with cryptic references and subtle hints during roleplay. Use their journey’s burdens to influence their decisions and interactions. Vows of silence or enigmatic flashbacks add intrigue and depth. Cultivate allies’ curiosity with vague tales and philosophies. This approach helps weave a rich tapestry around the Wanderer[1]’s history.
What strategies enhance a Wanderer Monk’s combat effectiveness?
Leverage mobility to strike and retreat, avoiding prolonged engagements. Utilize the monk’s Ki powers to enhance defense and offense. Master flanking tactics and teamwork to maximize attack opportunities. Employ Stunning Fist to incapacitate key targets, ensuring strategic advantages.
Join us at Stellar Dragons with the Wanderer Monk!
Start your next adventure with a Wanderer Monk and explore their complex journey. Do you believe the Wanderer[1] could be the best build in Pathfinder 1E? Join the conversation on the Stellar Dragons Discord server at https://discord.gg/uAPvgEq6Z7.
Author
Terms definitions
1. ↑ Monk – The Wanderer – Pathfinder 1E ( The Wanderer )
Categories: Pathfinder 1E Character Builds, Pathfinder 1E Monk Builds
The Wanderer
A big trope of the monk is the wandering man, in search of enlightenment or perfecting his combat style. Or both.
This build plays around with that concept. We are taking the Archetypes Wanderer and Weapon Adept, along with the Horizon Walker Prestige Class.
Our leveling should look like the following:
Class
Monk (Quiggong, Wanderer, Weapon Adept) 6 /Horizon Walker 10/Monk (Quiggong , Wanderer, Weapon Adept) +4
Race
We are taking Half-Orcs as they count as humans and thus can get into Wanderer.
We are also taking the Sacred Tattoo Alternate Racial Feature and will be putting the floating
+2 in Strength.
Ability Scores
Just put everything in Dex.
15Point-Buy
Str 16/Dex 10/Con 14/Int 10/Wis 14/Cha 10
20Point-Buy
Str 18/Dex 10/Con 14/Int 10/Wis 14/Cha 10
25Point-Buy
Str 18/Dex 14/Con 14/Int 10/Wis 14/Cha 10
Traits
Reactionary is too good to pass up, Fate’s Favored doubles Luck bonuses, including your Sacred Tattoo to all your Saving Throws (meaning if using the 25PB, you start with a +6 with all Saving Throws!)
Favored Class Bonus
Yeah, HP it is!
Skills
You need 6 ranks in Knowledge(Geography) but after that, Acrobatics, Diplomacy, Stealth, Perception are your big go to.
Feats by Level
1-Dodge
Monk-Improved Unarmed Strike Monk-Perfect Strike
Bonus 2-Combat Reflexes
Bonus 2-Weapon Focus(Quarterstaff)
3-Crane Style
Bonus 3-Endurance
5-Crane Wing
Bonus 6-Deflect Arrow
Bonus 6-Weapon Specialization(Quarterstaff)
7-Crane Riposte
9-Diehard
11-Stalwart
13-Keen Smell
15-Improved Stalwart
17-Smell Fear
19-Tenacious Survivor Bonus
20-Medusa’s Wrath
So we are always at minimum fighting defensively, which is boosted through the roof via Crane Style, and when in Total Defense, we have a DR of 8/- via Improved Stalwart, and automatically deflect one melee attack and one ranged attack per round via Crane Wing and Deflect Arrow. Our Quarterstaff deals some decent damage via Weapon Specialization and our fairly high strength, and Crane Riposte-Combat Reflexes means we can kick the asses of people outside of our turn.
Horizon Walker Favored Terrain and Terrain Mastery by Level
(F): Favored (M): Mastery (D): Dominance
7-Astral(F)
8-Desert(F), Astral(M)
9-Desert(M), Astral(D)
10-Plane of Earth(F), Plane of Earth(M)
11-Forest(F)
12-Forest(M), Desert(D)
13-Urban(F)
14-Plain(F), Forest(M)
15-Plane of Earth(D)
16-Swamp(F), All others become Favored
We get Dimension Door a few times a day, Immunity to both Fatigue and Exhaustion, and Tremorsense.
Equipment
Rags and a Quarterstaff.
Final Thoughts on the Build
Whoa, okay, so we are straight immune to one melee and one ranged attack per round, get a fairly high DR against everything, AND we are considered as having Favored Enemy against almost everything that exists for great damage boost? Plus we are a fantastic scout with high Stealth, Perception, Favored Terrain(all of em), Tremorsense AND Immunity to Fatigue and Exhaustion, plus Scent?
This is a surprisingly powerful build, not going to lie. Oh, and we get to Diplomacy too because we frickin can!
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