Monk

Explore the Monk class in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire. Learn about subclasses like Helwalker, Nalpazca, Shattered Pillar, and Forbidden Fist, and master Wounds and Mortification.

Monks in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire are martial artists who channel suffering into power, utilizing a unique resource system of Wounds and Mortification. They possess high Health, Reflex, and Will, with moderate Deflection and Fortitude. Monks receive skill bonuses in Alchemy, Athletics, Insight, Metaphysics, and Religion.

Monk Subclasses

Players can choose from four Monk subclasses, with a fifth available to a companion. Each subclass offers distinct ways to manage and utilize Wounds:

• Helwalker: Starts combat with 1 Wound, gains +1 Might per Wound, but takes +5% damage per Wound. Emphasizes a high-risk, high-reward playstyle.
• Nalpazca: Gains Wounds while under the effect of drugs and loses them when not. Cannot be healed during a 'crash' (when not under drug effects). Requires significant micromanagement.
• Shattered Pillar: Gains Wounds by inflicting damage (30 per Wound) instead of receiving it. Has a reduced Wound capacity (max 5), halving the effectiveness of per-Wound abilities.
• Forbidden Fist: Gains Wounds when harmful effects expire. Comes with a spammable ability that inflicts a debuff. Acquiring Wounds this way is generally less efficient than taking damage.
• Sister of the Reaping Moon: A companion subclass (Xoti) that gains Buckler proficiency, +3 Wounds on killing an enemy with a melee attack, and abilities cost +1 Wound.

Wounds and Gameplay

Monk abilities are often powered by Wounds, which are accumulated at a rate of 1 Wound per 10 damage taken. Wounds can be spent or saved up to a maximum of 10, but unspent Wounds decay after 20 seconds (affected by Intellect) and are lost at the end of combat. Talents like Lesser Wounds and Mortification of the Soul offer further control over Wound acquisition.

While some abilities require taking damage, it's crucial to manage this to avoid being knocked out. Wounds are best viewed as a resource for tough fights. Key abilities include Force of Anguish for interruption, Swift Strikes for rapid attacks, and Stunning Blow which can become a zero-cost ability when upgraded. Dance of Death synergizes well with high Accuracy, and Long Pain offers a ranged option.

Attributes and Synergies

The primary attribute for a Monk is Might. Constitution is important for mitigating damage, Dexterity for rapid attacks (especially with Two Weapon Style), and Perception for abilities like Enervating Blows. Monks have a +3 Power Level bonus, making their unarmed attacks potent. High-level abilities, such as an empowered Inner Death, can be devastating. Synergies exist with ranged characters (via Dance of Death) or casting classes (e.g., Helwalker with Duality of Mortal Presence).

Racial Considerations

While no single race is optimal, Nature Godlike can provide a Body Inspiration via Swift Strike. Moon Godlike can offer damage mitigation for those embracing the Helwalker's riskier playstyle.

Monk Abilities - Power Level 1

All Monks automatically gain the Transcendent Suffering ability at level 1. This ability enhances the Monk's fists with base Crush damage and bonus damage and accuracy that scale with Power Level.