Baldur's Gate Wiki
Register
Advertisement

This page is for the monk class in Baldur's Gate LOGOBG00001 Icon SoDBaldur's Gate:
Enhanced Edition
(2012)
This icon indicates content from the Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition campaign.
Siege of Dragonspear LOGOSOD00001 Icon SoDBaldur's Gate:
Siege of Dragonspear
(2016)
This icon indicates content from the Siege of Dragonspear campaign of the Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition.
BGIIlogoonlyBaldur's Gate II
Classic & Enhanced

This icon indicates content from all games of the 2nd Baldur's Gate instalment – all editions and expansions. This may include The Black Pits II.
.

Introduction[]

Monks are spiritual ascetics and practitioners of a mystical energy known as ki, the magical essence which flows through all living things. They are specialized in barehanded fighting. Monks are the only creatures in the game that have both a fist and leg kick combat animation.

Monks use the HP, saving throw and level progression of Clerics, but the THAC0 and attack progression of Fighters. This means they have the fastest THAC0 progression of all classes, since they level faster than Fighters (though only slightly). Additionally, Monks get lots of immunities, but as downside are very restricted in what gear they can use.

In the Original Edition they can use cleric scrolls as well as many mage wands, including Wand of Cloudkill, which has been disabled in Enhanced Editions (they can still use Wand of the Heavens). In all editions, they can use combat-oriented potions that are otherwise only available for Warrior classes.

Monks have a limited access to some thieving skills and use the same weapons as thieves that require one hand. These weapons can only be used with basic proficiency (1 point) and may only assign a single point in single-weapon fighting style. They also cannot wear armor or use shields and helmets. There are a few hoods/cowls and or Ioun Stones that may be worn on the head slot by a Monk.

These disadvantages are compensated for by a an ever-cumulative number of different benefits as they level up.

Only humans may become monks.

Monks may not dual-class.

Ability scores table[]

Character Ability Score Minimum Score Class Kits^^
Strength 3 3
Dexterity 9 9
Constitution 9 11
Intelligence 3 3
Wisdom 9 9
Charisma 3 3

During character creation, rolls below the minimum value for the class will be increased to that value. This table uses the values for Humans.

Monks gain +1 strength from a Star result from Deck of Many Things.

Despite being a combat-focused class, monks do not have expectional strength values (18/xx), they can start with max. 18.

^^ The Dark Moon and Sun Soul class kits have an increased constitution minimum ability score.

Special abilities of the monk[]

Stunning Blow[]

Unkitted monks can use Stunning Blow once per day for every four levels.

Quivering Palm[]

When a unkitted monk and Dark Moon Monk reaches the 13th level, they get the ability Quivering Palm.

Lay On Hands[]

Unkitted monks and sun soul monks gain the ability to lay on hands at level 7.

Thieving Abilities[]

Monks have access to a limited set of Thieving Abilities: find traps, hide in shadows, move silently and (Dark Moon only) detect illusion. Monks receive 10 points per level to spend on these skills.

Find Traps[]

Monks begin the game with a 5% chance to find traps (human racial bonus) which may be further modified by their dexterity score. Unlike thieves, monks may not attempt to disarm found traps. This skill does not benefit from scores higher than 100.

Stealth[]

Monks begin the game with 10 points in Move Silently and 5 points in Hide in Shadows (both subject to dexterity modifiers). When performing a melee attack while hidden, Monks receive a +4 THAC0 bonus, but unlike thieves, they do not receive any bonus to damage. See the Stealth article for more information.

Detect Illusion (Dark Moon Monk only)[]

Dark Moon Monks begin the game with 10% chance (kit bonus) to dispel non-friendly illusion spells within 30 ft whenever their Find Traps skill is active. This skill does not benefit from scores higher than 100

Level-dependent bonuses[]

Unarmed attacks[]

Monks start with 1 attack per round. Every three levels until level 18, this is improved by 1/2 attack per round. At level 18, a monk can attack with his fists 4 times each round. Unarmed damage also increases by level. Additionally at level 9, the monk's fists are treated as +1 magic weapons, increasing to +2 at level 12, +3 at level 15 and +4 at level 25, including bonuses to THAC0 and damage. So for example at level 19, unarmed attacks would have a THAC0 of 2-3 = -1 and a damage of 1d20+3 (both further increased by Strength and relevant buffs). The spell Enchanted Weapon can also be applied to the fists (Enhanced Edition only), to hit enemies that require +3 weapons before level 15 (but the spell does not increase damage or THAC0). Monk unarmed attacks have an increased range of 2 ft like two-handed weapons. Unarmed attacks all come from the main hand, leaving it possible for an offhand weapon to be equipped, although no proficiency points may be put into two-weapon fighting.

Armed attacks[]

Monks can't specialize in any weapon, so they can't get extra attacks per round due to proficiency. However, like Warriors, they gain half attack per round at levels 7 and 13. So the maximum attacks per round with a melee weapon will be 2 at level 13. Since Monks can't be hasted at that level, only weapons like Belm or Ninjatō of the Scarlet Brotherhood will raise that number. Ranged weapons also gain the bonus in attacks per round, so a level 13 Monk will be able to throw 4 darts or 3 thrown daggers per round. Since Monks level up a bit faster than Fighters, their THAC0 will be the same or better than the one of a Fighter who is only proficient and has the same experience.

Armor class bonuses[]

The armor class of the monk is 9 at the start. This decreases by another point at level 2 and every two levels thereafter, until level 20. Subsequently, there are further single point bonuses at levels 24, 27, 30, 35 and 40. This results in a -6 for effective armor class if reaching level 40.

Deflect Missiles:[]

This gives a monk a -1 armor class bonus against missile attacks every three levels.

Saving throw bonus[]

Monks have +2 bonus when they need to make saving throws against spells right from the start. At level 9, they gain +1 bonus to all saving throws. These stack allowing for +3 vs spells and +1 to all others.

Magical resistance[]

At level 14, Monks gain 42% Magic resistance (which id 3% for every experience level thus far). A further 3% each level is gained up to a maximum of 78% at level 26.

Movement modifier[]

Monks move +2 points faster than normal units from the start. They gain a +1 movement modifier boost for every five levels of additional experience as well.

Weapon speed factor (determines when in a turn order the attack occurs):[]

At level 8, they receive -1 bonus to speed factor. At level 12, a further -1.

Immunities[]

At level 5, they gain immunity to all diseases and cannot be hasted or slowed - they may not use Oils of Speed but may wear Boots of Speed. At level 9, they also become immune to status effect charm as well. At level 11, they become immune to poison too. At level 20, they become immune to non-magical weapons.

Class kits[]

Monk[]

Monks are warriors who pursue perfection through contemplation as well as action. They are versatile fighters, especially skilled in combat without weapons or armor. Though Monks cannot cast spells, they have a unique magic of their own: they channel a subtle energy, called ki, which allows them to perform amazing feats. The Monk's best-known feat is their ability to stun an opponent with an unarmed blow.

Class features[]

  • May not wear any armor.
  • May only use weapons available to the Thief class (except two-handed).
  • May only become Proficient (one slot) in any weapon class.
  • May only become Proficient (one slot) in Single-Weapon Style and may not put slots into any other style.
  • Moves 2 points faster than other non-barbarian characters. Movement rate further improves by 1 every 5 levels.
  • May make 1 unarmed attack per round. An additional 1/2 attack per round is gained every 3 levels up to level 18. Damage dealt by unarmed attacks increases with level as follows:    Level 1-2:1d6    Level 3-5:1d8    Level 6-8:1d10    Level 9-14:1d12    Level 15+:1d20
  • Unarmed attacks have the extended range of two-handed weapons, and at level 9, they're treated as +1 magical weapon and gain -1 THAC0 bonus and +1 damage rolls bonus. This enchantment improves to +2 at level 12, +3 at level 15, and +4 at level 25.
  • Receives a -2 bonus to saving throws vs. spell.
  • Deflect Missiles: -1 bonus to AC vs. missile attacks every 3 levels.
  • Starts with a base Armor Class of 9 at 1st level and gains an additional -1 bonus every 2 levels.
  • May use the Stunning Blow ability once per day. Gains one use at level 1 and an additional use every 4 levels thereafter.
  • 5th level: Acquires immunity to Disease, Slow and Haste effects [1]
  • 7th level: May use the Lay On Hands ability.
  • 8th level: Gains a -1 bonus to Speed Factor.
  • 9th level: Gains a -1 bonus to all Saving Throws and becomes immune to charm.
  • 11th level: Becomes immune to poison.
  • 12th level: Gains another -1 bonus to Speed Factor.
  • 13th level: May use the Quivering Palm ability once per day.
  • 14th level: Gains 3% Magic Resistance per level (starting with 42%) up to max of 78% at 26th level.
  • 20th level: Becomes immune to non-magical weapons.
  • Alignment restricted to lawful.
  • Hit Die: d8.
  • May not Dual-class.

Dark Moon Monk[]

BGEElogoglowlogoonlyBaldur's Gate I & II: Enhanced Editions
This icon indicates content from all Enhanced Editions of the Baldur's Gate games. May situationally encompass Siege of Dragonspear and The Black Pits I & II content as well.
This section describes content available only in the enhanced editions.

The Order of the Dark Moon is a secretive monastic order that follows the teachings of the dark goddess Shar. Monks of the Dark Moon use physical prowess, dark magic, and many different forms of deception to mask their activities and strike with deadly precision.

Advantages:

  • +10 to Detect Illusion.
  • May invest points into the Detect Illusion skill.
  • May use the Frozen Fist ability once per day. Gains one use at level 1 and an additional use every 4 levels thereafter. When this ability is activated, the Dark Moon Monk's fists are wreathed in a frosty shell. For 1 turn, the Dark Moon Monk's unarmed attacks deal an additional 3 points of cold damage on each successful hit. Frozen Fist can be stacked several times for increased cold damage.
  • 1st level: May cast Blindness once per day.
  • 3rd level: May cast Blur once per day.
  • 7th level: May cast Vampiric Touch once per day.
  • 11th level: May cast Mirror Image once per day.

Disadvantages:

  • Alignment restricted to lawful evil.
  • May not use the Lay On Hands ability.
  • May not use the Stunning Blow ability.

Gameplay[]

  • Monks are weakest at the start but the Dark Moon Monk's defensive abilities bridge the gap. The abilities help to avoid getting hit, improve saving throws and drain life. On offense, they have multiple uses of Frozen Fist to deal cold damage, and still has Quivering Palm.
  • When enemies are protected and melee combat is not possible, Dark Moon Monks can still support the party by dispelling illusions.

Sun Soul Monk[]

BGEElogoglowlogoonlyBaldur's Gate I & II: Enhanced Editions
This icon indicates content from all Enhanced Editions of the Baldur's Gate games. May situationally encompass Siege of Dragonspear and The Black Pits I & II content as well.
This section describes content available only in the enhanced editions.

Sun Soul Monks were once worshipers of Amaunator in the time of the Netheril, but today their worship is divided between Lathander, Selûne, and Sune. Sun Soul Monks adhere strictly to the law, using their martial arts and magical abilities to drive out darkness and corruption wherever they find it.

Class features[]

  • 2nd level: May cast Sun Soulray once per day. The Sun Soul Monk projects a blast of light from open palm, dealing 1d8 fire damage for every 2 caster levels (up to a maximum of 5d8 damage) to a single target. Undead creatures take an additional 6 points of damage.
  • 5th level: May cast Flaming Fists once per day.
  • 6th level: Gains an additional use of Sun Soulray.
  • 8th level: May cast Greater Sun once per day. The Sun Soul Monk wreathes in flames that act as a Fireshield (Red), granting the Monk 50% Fire Resistance and protecting from attacks made within a 5-ft. radius. An opponent that hits the Monk with any weapons or spells within this radius suffers 1d8+2 points of fire damage.
  • 10th level: Gains an additional use of Sun Soulray.
  • 13th level: May cast Sun Soulbeam once per day. The Sun Soul Monk emits a dazzling burst of light that strikes at all other creatures within a 30-ft. radius. The Sun Soulbeam does not automatically hit all targets, but makes a melee attack using the Monk's current THAC0 (-3 bonus vs. undead). Struck creatures suffer 9d6 points of damage (9d6+3 if undead), unless they save vs. Spell for half. In addition, all creatures except the Monk must save vs. Spell or be blinded for 2 in-game hours.
  • 15th level: Gains an additional use of Sun Soulray.

Disadvantages:

  • Alignment restricted to lawful good.
  • May not use Stunning Blow ability.
  • May not use Quivering Palm ability.

Gameplay[]

  • Sun Soulray activates very quickly, and uses a very fast traveling projectile that hits enemies almost at the exact moment that the player wishes, with proper timing. Since the ability is level 0, it goes through all magical protections, being able to cause damage at the right time to interrupt spell casters very reliably. Moreover, although the base damage is blocked by magic resistance, the extra 6 fire damage applied to undead is not.
  • Greater Sun works exactly like Fireshield (Red). It lasts for 3 rounds + 1 round/level, it's an Evocation (so Spell Immunity: Evocation protects against it) and, as a nonmagical ability of power level 4, it can be blocked by Globe of Invulnerability and Lich/Rakshasa spell level immunities, but ignores magic resistance.
  • Flaming Fists can be used multiple times to stack short bursts of extra damage. Though the only way to achieve this stacking is via Wish, to allow the Monk to cast this once-per-day ability a second time.
  • Companion Rasaad yn Bashir is a Sun Soul monk.

High-level class abilities[]

Monks, who belong to priest group, use the warrior HLA pool instead, except that they do not have access to the Resist Magic, as they already have 60% magic resistance by the time it becomes available.  

  • Power Attack, can be selected as many times you like.
  • Critical Strike, requires power attack, can be selected as many times you like.
  • Smite, requires power attack and critical strike, can be selected only one time.
  • Deathblow, can be selected as many times you like.
  • Greater Deathblow, requires deathblow, can be selected as many times you like.
  • Whirlwind, can be selected as many times you like.
  • Greater Whirlwind, requires whirlwind, can be selected as many times you like.
  • War Cry, can be selected as many times you like.
  • Hardiness, can be selected as many times you like.

Table for experience, hit points and proficiency points[]

Level Level Cap XP
Required
Hit Dice Weapon Proficiency Armed attacks per round Unarmed attacks per round THAC0 Unarmed enchantment level Unarmed damage Effective
Armor Class

Missile Armor Class bonus

Saving throws
D/W/P/B/S
Magic Resistance Movement Speed Bonus Passive effects No. of HLA
1 0 1d8 +2 1 1 20 1d6 9 0 10/14/13/16/13 2

2 1,500 2d8 1 1 19 1d6 8 0 10/14/13/16/13
3 3,000 3d8 1 1 18 1d8 8 -1 10/14/13/16/13
4 6,000 4d8 +1 1 1.5 17 1d8 7 -1 9/13/12/15/12
5 13,000 5d8 1 1.5 16 1d8 7 -1 9/13/12/15/12 3 Immune to disease, slow, haste
6 27,500 6d8 1 1.5 15 1d10 6 -2 9/13/12/15/12
7 55,000 7d8 1.5 2 14 1d10 6 -2 7/11/10/13/10
8 Baldur's Gate LOGOBG00001 Icon SoDBaldur's Gate:
Enhanced Edition
(2012)
This icon indicates content from the Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition campaign.
110,000 8d8 +1 1.5 2 13 1d10 5 -2 7/11/10/13/10 -1 bonus to Speed Factor
9 225,000 9d8 1.5 2 12 1 1d12 + 1 5 -3 6/10/9/12/9 -1 bonus to saving throws
Immune to charm
10 Siege of Dragonspear LOGOSOD00001 Icon SoDBaldur's Gate:
Siege of Dragonspear
(2016)
This icon indicates content from the Siege of Dragonspear campaign of the Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition.

The Black Pits LOGOTBP00001 Icon SoDThe Black Pits (2012)
This icon indicates content from the Black Pits campaign in the Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition.

450,000 9d8+2 1.5 2.5 11 1 1d12 + 1 4 -3 5/9/8/11/8 4
11 675,000 9d8+4 1.5 2.5 10 1 1d12 + 1 4 -3 5/9/8/11/8 Immune to poison
100% resist to poison dmg
12 900,000 9d8+6 +1 1.5 2.5 9 2 1d12 + 2 3 -4 5/9/8/11/8 -1 bonus to Speed Factor
13 1,125,000 9d8+8 2 3 8 2 1d12 + 2 3 -4 4/8/7/10/7
14 1,350,000 9d8+10 2 3 7 2 1d12 + 2 2 -4 4/8/7/10/7 42%
15 1,575,000 9d8+12 2 3 6 3 1d20 +3 2 -5 4/8/7/10/7 45% 5
16 1,800,000 9d8+14 +1 2 3.5 5 3 1d20 +3 1 -5 3/7/6/9/6 48%
17 2,025,000 9d8+16 2 3.5 4 3 1d20 +3 1 -5 3/7/6/9/6 51%
18 2,250,000 9d8+18 2 3.5 3 3 1d20 +3 0 -6 3/7/6/9/6 54%
19 2,475,000 9d8+20 2 4 2 3 1d20 +3 0 -6 1/5/4/7/4 57%
20 2,700,000 9d8+22 +1 2 4 1 3 1d20 +3 -1 -6 1/5/4/7/4 60% 6 Immune to normal weapons
21 Shadows of Amn LOADCNTR00004 Icon SoABaldur's Gate II:
Shadows of Amn
(2000)
This icon indicates content from the original Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn campaign.
2,925,000 9d8+24 2 4 0 3 1d20 +3 -1 -7 1/5/4/7/4 63%
22 3,150,000 9d8+26 2 4 0 3 1d20 +3 -1 -7 1/5/4/7/4 66% 1
23 3,375,000 9d8+28 2 4 0 3 1d20 +3 -1 -7 1/5/4/7/4 69% 2
24 3,600,000 9d8+30 +1 2 4 0 3 1d20 +3 -2 -8 1/5/4/7/4 72% 3
25 3,825,000 9d8+32 2 4 0 4 1d20 + 4 -2 -8 1/5/4/7/4 75% 7 4
26 4,050,000 9d8+34 2 4 0 4 1d20 + 4 -2 -8 1/5/4/7/4 78% 5
27 4,275,000 9d8+36 2 4 0 4 1d20 + 4 -3 -9 1/5/4/7/4 78% 6
28 4,500,000 9d8+38 +1 2 4 0 4 1d20 + 4 -3 -9 1/5/4/7/4 78% 7
29 4,725,000 9d8+40 2 4 0 4 1d20 + 4 -3 -9 1/5/4/7/4 78% 8
30 4,950,000 9d8+42 2 4 0 4 1d20 + 4 -4 -10 1/5/4/7/4 78% 8 9
31 5,175,000 9d8+44 2 4 0 4 1d20 + 4 -4 -10 1/5/4/7/4 78% 10
32 5,400,000 9d8+46 2 4 0 4 1d20 + 4 -4 -10 1/5/4/7/4 78% 11
33 5,625,000 9d8+48 2 4 0 4 1d20 + 4 -4 -11 1/5/4/7/4 78% 12
34 5,850,000 9d8+50 2 4 0 4 1d20 + 4 -4 -11 1/5/4/7/4 78% 13
35 6,075,000 9d8+52 2 4 0 4 1d20 + 4 -5 -11 1/5/4/7/4 78% 9 14
36 6,300,000 9d8+54 2 4 0 4 1d20 + 4 -5 -12 1/5/4/7/4 78% 15
37 6,525,000 9d8+56 2 4 0 4 1d20 + 4 -5 -12 1/5/4/7/4 78% 16
38 6,750,000 9d8+58 2 4 0 4 1d20 + 4 -5 -12 1/5/4/7/4 78% 17
39 6,975,000 9d8+60 2 4 0 4 1d20 + 4 -5 -13 1/5/4/7/4 78% 18
40 Throne of Bhaal LOADCNTR00004 Icon ToBBaldur's Gate II:
Throne of Bhaal
(2001)
This icon indicates content from the original Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal campaign.

Shadows of Amn LOGOSOA00001 Icon BG2EEBaldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition – Shadows of Amn (2013)
This icon indicates content from the Shadows of Amn campaign of the Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition.
Gladiators of Thay LOGOTBP00001 Icon BG2EEThe Black Pits II:
Gladiators of Thay
(2013)
This icon indicates content from the Black Pits II: Gladiators of Thay campaign in the Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition.

8,000,000 9d8+62 2 4 0 4 1d20 + 4 -6 -13 1/5/4/7/4 78% 10 19
Total 9 Immune to disease, slow, haste, charm, poison, normal weapons
100% resist to poison dmg
-2 bonus to Speed Factor
-1 bonus to saving throws
19

Stronghold[]

After completing The de'Arnise Keep has been Invaded, protagonist monks acquire the keep as stronghold, same as fighters.

Related items[]

Exclusive items for monks:


Some items that are exclusive to priests and can be used by monks:

Highly recommended items:

Gameplay (community)[]

~ Write your insights below – different from the Gameplay section above, you may use your signatures here; this is an example page ~

  • The Dark Moon Monk is a perfect Killing Machine after he has reached high levels. Only in the beginning he's weak. No one can escape from him because of his special 'Detect Illusion' skill. He can make invisible enemies seen again. Great Protagonist for Solo Walkthrough. --Gejadus (talk) 12:00, October 24, 2017 (UTC)
  • With the Enchanted Weapon spell, a Monk's fists can hit as +3 weapons before level 15. --Nordostsüdwest (talk) 02:11, 24 November 2023 (UTC)

External Links[]

References

  1. SPCL814.SPL
Advertisement