Final Fantasy XI Monk Guide
steven on July 20th, 2007
I. Welcome to Monk.
It is pretty much fact, that by most NA players Monk is one of the more overlooked jobs. It’s not “advanced”, we get no damn “circles” abilities or “killer” traits. We just do damage. It is a pretty simple class to play, however still possible to screw up. Wielding a set of knuckles, a monk attacks twice per round. These two attacks are actually considered as one by the game. Boosting before battle gets your first series of attacks a boost in damage. NOT just the first punch. (I’ve done extensive research on this.) Well, that said. Let’s see what this “simple” job has going for it.
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II. This is version
.1 More revisions will be forthcoming as they are deamed necessary.
.2 Added a question and answer to the FAQ chapter.
.3 Fixed a spelling error, added the to be more updated, Equipment section.
.4 Added an AF How to guide, under Equipment.
.5 It seems I left out a whole damned section “Playing as a Monk” >.> That’s now corrected.
.6 Added a FAQ, Added Artifact II Armor Stats and Location
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III. Job Abilities
Hundred Fists - Level 1 - 2:00:00 timer - 1:00 Duration
If you’ve seen this, you know the beauty of it. Hundred Fists is awesome, there’s no way around it. Assuming you can actually hit the target, it not being IT+++, this will take a significant chunk out of a target’s HP. However, it will draw hate onto you, so the healer had better be prepared to shell out some cures. Use this for a chain 5, or if your group maybe pulls a link into camp.
Boost - Level 5 - :15 timer - 3:00 Duration
Many monks don’t know if boost is worth it or not. Yes, it can seem repetitious to keep boosting while the puller is out getting a new mob. I can only tell you that it is indeed worth it. It is even more worth it when you get Chi Blast, which is highly effected my how many times you’ve boosted, and yet even more worth it when you get you AF gloves (Temple Gloves) which increase the power of boost yet further. Please boost before new fights, I would not recommend boosting during fights, as it slows do your attacks, unless you, for some reason are tanking. Boost draws small aggro, and a Monk tanking can use that to an advantage.
Dodge - Level 15 - 5:00 timer - 2:00 Duration
Dodge is what is says. Once every 5 minutes, for 2 minutes you get a slight evasion increase. The increase strenghtens with AF boots (Temple Gaiters), this is primarily a hate generating tool for when you’re tanking. There really is no reason to use it otherwise. The evasion bonus isn’t too noticeable, and especially not to IT monsters.
Focus - Level 25 - 5:00 timer - 2:00 Duration
Focus is a beautiful thing. It noticeably increases you accuracy for two minutes. Use this as soon as it’s up.
Chakra - Level 35 - 5:00 timer - Instant (on self)
Chakra is simply a healing ability. Your VIT multiplied by 2 (or 3 with AF body gear Temple Cyclas). Very good for farming, also very good when fighting mobs with nasty AOEs.
Chi Blast - Level 41 - 3:00 timer - Instant (to monster)
Chi Blast, early on, is simply a means for the Monk to tack on more damage as the mob is coming in to the camp. Chi Blast power is affected by how many times you’ve boosted in conjunction with your MND stat. Late game, for HNM fights Monks are called on to use Boost and Chi Blast (along with as much MND gear as they can get their hands on) to Chi Blast the HNM. Doing 700-1100 damage is NOT uncommon. Use this ability whenever it’s up, and properly boosted. It’s more damage done by you, the damage dealer.
Counterstance - Level 45 - 5:00 timer - 5:00 Duration
Counterstance drops you def down to 30-60, while greatly increasing your chance to counter. It’s typically not worth it to use Counterstance unless you have a large amount of +counter gear or the AF2 boots (Melee Gaiters) and even then. It’s still more of a personal preferance to use. You either like this ability, or you don’t. I don’t use it that much, maybe when farming if I can remember, but I’d rather not play around with Counterstancing on VT/ITs. That’s just me.
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IV. Job Traits
Martials Arts Level 1, 31, 46, 61, 75.
Unlike any other job save Ninja, Monk get their own built in Haste. Monk’s Hand to Hand fighting has a default delay of 480. The chart below shows how your base delay drops, as your levels rise.
HTH Delay = 480
HTH Delay with Martial Arts I [Monk Lv1] 400
HTH Delay with Martial Arts II [Monk Lv16] 380
HTH Delay with Martial Arts III [Monk Lv31] 360
HTH Delay with Martial Arts IV [Monk Lv46] 340
HTH Delay with Martial Arts V [Monk Lv61] 320
HTH Delay with Martial Arts VI [Monk Lv75] 300
As you can see, Monks get quite speedy come 61+ - 75. Tack on your weapon delay (usally +86, +96, +112) and you have a not so bad damage over time situation. ^_^
Counter - 10 - You will occasionally counter a mobs attack, directed at you. (Will never hear anyone complain about this)
Max HP Boost - 15, 35, 55, 70. Ahh, what monks are known for before the fights even begin. Is that an Elvaan WAR? No, it’s a Taru MNK. Monk get sick HP, which is very nice, considering we need an offset to our pretty damn low defense. You Galka monks better get used to being 150-400 HP above the next highest HP character in your party.
Kick Attacks - 51, 71.
Kicks are completely random, but do generate TP and are an extra attack in the Monk’s favor. They typically do roughly 1/2 of the damage of a punch. Fun to watch, more damage on the mob, who can complain?
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V. Equipment
Being a damager dealer, the main purpose of the job is to (of course) deal damage. However, Monk are the most straight-forward damage dealers in the game. No spells to debuff, no break WSs to use for the benefit of the party, no acid/sleep etc arrows/bolts. Just straight out damage. That being said, Monk is pretty easy to go shopping for. My list of importance for all Monks save Elvaan, and maybe Galka goes STR>ACC>ATK>DEX. Elvaan would be ACC>STR>ATK>DEX, due to their high STR. Build your gear accordingly. Haste items are more often than not, a luxury. If you can afford them, and can still hit hard and often with them, more power to you.
Add will add level to level equipment guide shortly.
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VI. Job Combinations
First off, I’m just gonna list possible VIABLE combinations. Crap like MNK/DRG is RIGHT OUT. (Don’t give me that haste earring crap, it’s RIGHT OUT!)
MNK/WAR - This subjob leads the Monk in it’s highest dmg output w/o relying on skillchains. Double Attack, Berserk, Warcry, Atk Bonus, Defense Bonus. These things can not be disputed. However, there are situations when you’ll be forced to sub THF.
MNK/THF - Not worth it before 67. Gaining Steal, Gilfinder, and Sneak Attack. While discarding Double Attack, Berserk, Atk Bonus and Def Bonus is not a choice you should willingly want to make. However after 67 in bones parties if there isn’t a Dark Knight closing the Light skillchain. You WILL be asked to close it, and if you value your life and the sanity of your Paladin and White Mage, you WILL sub THF (with it being at least level 30, for Trick Attack) You don’t sub THF in a bones party, you die or AT LEAST have unnecessary cures burned on you while the Paladin tried frantically to get hate back, not to mention doing less damage because both hits of your Dragon Kick aren’t guarenteed to connect like with /THF. (Also use /THF for farming. Treasure Hunter at 15, and Flee (which is really fun) at 25. Why not just take the bugger to 30 for the Trick Attack? Right?)
MNK/SAM - I’m not a fan of it. Monks are already typically waiting for every other job besides RNG and SAM (maybe a non tanking WAR/NIN) to get TP. Thus being at being at 175TP (due to your Store TP traits) when the DRK, DRG, PLD and what have you get 100, isn’t worth it. That extra TP means just about bugger. Try it sometime. Do a 100TP Howling Fist. The a 175TP Howling Fist, the difference makes you wonder. …and Meditate then soloing your WS. >.> Why bother? Especially since this game is built on leveling off of things like crabs and beetles. As mentioned in the MNK/THF part. Come 67, if you’re in a bones party, that MNK/SAM just don’t play. Cuz now you’re hitting too damn HARD. Thus screwing up the hate system for the PLD, draining the healers MP, trying to heal our gross HP. Causing unnecessary agg on the WHM for having to spam Cure IVs. It just doesn’t fly…on bones MNK are Dragon Kick closers or using Raging Fists to make Fusion for the DRK/THF. And a DRK/THF no way, no how can keep up with a MNK/SAM in TP.
MNK/Mage - No. Only time a MNK/mage works is for HNM battles. The hard ones. And that’s MNK/WHM (MAYBE MNK/SMN) for the MND bonus. From, if you were paying attention, Chi Blast being directly related to MND (and Boost). MNK/WHM with +MND gear = SICK Chi Blast dmg. Especially if the MNK is Elvaan, and to a lesser degree Galka.
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VII. Playing as a Monk
Hit Control+A or type in /assist (name of tank here, minus parenthesis) Congrats. You can now play as a Monk!
Honestly folks, this is the easiest job in the game to play. There is no debuffing, tanking, jumping, repeated skillchaining, or anything else the melee do except damage. The reason why Monks are so great at damage is because that’s ALL they do. A good DRK will toss out some Absorb spells or Aspir on the inevitable crab you’re fighting. Dragoons, well they’re next simple, but they at least jump. We Berserk (if WAR sub) and Focus. Dodge is an utter waste, Chakra only when hit by AOE, Boost in battle is a no no unless you’re trying to hold hate, and Chi Blast is horrible unless Boosted up. That is the simplicity of the Monk. However, some thing that simple job = unfun or even “bad” job. Simply not the case. All through my levels I never got tired of Monk. Never “stopped for a break”, LOVED pounding the hell outta things, and did so in a sound, and better manner than many a Monk I’ve partied with. The extras definately help. Boost before every fight while the puller is out getting the mob. Once you get Chi Blast, boost then Chi Blast as the mob is coming in. However, please don’t boost too high (post 54) lest you screw up the PLD getting hate. It is possible to do 300-500 damage Chi Blast to the mob as it’s coming in. A Paladin provoking after that, means nothing. The Paladin would have to flash as well, as they should, and even then you’re on thin ice till full hate is established.
So, some extra steps to playing your job to it’s pinnacle.
-Boost before all fights, but NOT during them.
-Boost Chi Blast mob as incoming, though don’t get crazy.
-WAR subbers, if with a NIN tank and see NIN having trouble casting
Utsusemi, voke, take a few hits to let the NIN cast.
-If hit with a blind, or poison (paralysis after 58) attack/AOE try telling the WHM not to worry about you. You have Chakra to clear that out of your system. (Then use Chakra, thus saving them some MP)
-EAT YOUR MEATS, sadly I dont see this early on, Monk LIVE off STR. EAT THEM MEATS!
-Keep your gear UP TO DATE. Sadly, yes this means take time out to go and farm/fish/raise a craft. Please guys, just do it. You’re so much better of a Monk with better equips.
I’m sure I’ll think of some more. That’s it for now. Any suggestions? Holler at me.
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VIII. Equipment
This is the list such as it is. Will update from time to time with any new items that S-E adds. Also, please keep in mind, expensive things like Cross-counters, Scorpion Harness and Peacock Charm, aren’t expected. They’re just added into the list for completeness sake. This layout is very similar to Effen’s layout. (He has a FAQ on Allakazham, it’s similar because I agree on ALL of his choices. He seems very wise in the way of the Monk. ^_^;)
Hand To Hand:
Cesti(1), Ryl Ftm Cesti(10), Republic Knuckles (15), Impact Knuckles(32), Mythril Knuckles(38), Pata +1(48), Tactician Magician’s Hooks(50) Cross-Counters (50), Bone Pata+1(56), Spartan Cesti(58), Feral Fangs (66)
Notes: First off, your AF1. As SOON as Oggbi hands them to you, DROP THEM. They are complete crap, and you shouldn’t even entertain the notion of using them in an XP pt. (Yea you can still do AF quests if you don’t have your Beat Cesti) This is how I figure Monk knuckles. On the skill chain chart, 85% of the time, Monks are skillchain closers, typically closing Fusion. With high dmg knuckles you, of course, get higher damage closing Fusion. Which leads to higher damage Fusion, which leads to the mob dying faster, which leads to quicker XP. Monks attack fast enough that they don’t need a 0 delay weapon. Please purchase what’s on the list. I can assure you, it is what’s best for your Monk, and for your XP pt.
Head:
Bronze Cap(1), Hachimaki(8), Monk’s Headgear(11), Merc. Hachimaki(20), Emperor Haripin(24), Merc Cpt Headgear(30), AF(56), Tiger Mask(70), Panzer Mask(72)
Notes: Hairpin is nice, I don’t expect you to have it. But at that low of a level, DEX is your friend since ACC isn’t around yet. The rest of the gear, is pretty much +DEX till 56.
Body:
Bronze Harness(1), Kenpogi(8), Power Gi(13), Beetle Harness(21), Merc. Cpt. Doublet(30), Jujitsu Gi(40), Shinobi Gi(49), Master Gi(55), Scorpian Harness(57)[Hope ya got $$], AF(58)
Notes: Our AF body is beautiful, look forward to it. Before then get yourself a Jiujitsu Gi at 40~ish, and if ya got some extra bucks. A Masters at 55 for added D. No need for a Shinobi if you have Jujitsu, it’s just on the list for those Monks that don’t have Jujitsu.
Hands:
Battle Gloves(14), Fed. Tekko(25), Hume RSE [if you're Hume of course] (27), Ochiudo Kote(34), AF(54), Pallas’s Bracelets (60), Alkyoneus’s Bracelet(70)
Notes: Definate pick up them Battle Gloves. As far as Ochi’s Kote. There is so indistinguishable difference between Ochi’s and AF gloves that I just sold Ochi’s and used the 700k (at the time) and put it towards my Spectacles fund. Alky Bracelets at 70, are PLENTY rare, and plenty expensive. 1.5mil on Seraph, and I can’t ever seem to find Alky up. >.< So I use Pallas’s Bracelets in the mean time.
Legs:
Bronze Subligar(1), Sitabaki(8), Linen Slops(12), Beetle Subligar(21), Republic Subligar(25), Jujitsu Sitabaki(37), Shinobi Hakama(49), Master Sitabaki(53), AF(60), Rasetsu Hakama(72)
Notes: Straight forward. Make sure to pick up Republic Subligar. Has a decent +ATK. Wear that for as long as you like, and aren’t taking hits. Because the other Legs are pretty much just more D/for the looks.
Feet:
Bronze Leggings(1), Kyahan(8), Light Soleas(13), Beetle Leggings(21), Windurstian or Fed. Kyahan(25), Merc. Cpt. Gaiters(30), Fuma Kyahan(39), AF(52), Rasetsu Sune-Ate(72)
Notes: Pretty straight forward. I don’t have the “Kung-Fu Shoes” series in here. They have a hidden effect to increase kick damage, but are SO rarely on the AH that they aren’t even worth mentioning. If you get tired of Orange, at 72 you can buy the Rasetsu boots, some +ATK. Usually I just wear the whole Rasetsu set or the whole AF set. They look stupid mixed. (Also, I’m not a big fan of Fuma, give me AF boots)
Belt:
White Belt(1), Purple Belt(18), Brown Belt(40), Life Belt(48), Black Belt(70)
Notes: ACC > Haste. Those are my “words of wisdom”. Once you find that your attacks are being missed. Then try removing Life Belt for Brown. If you still hit well (or have 2 Sniper’s) then Brown Belt can stay on. About the Black Belt, oh man what a trip that thing is to get. You won’t get it at 70. 75 More likely, since you need to kill 3 HNM (King versions drop the items 100%) WELL worth it!
Earring:
Bone Earrings +1 (16), Beetle Earrings +1(21), Spike Earrings(55), Tortoise Earring+1 [if you can find them] (45)Coral Earrings(63)
Notes: Nothing hard here, +ATK earrings all the way.
Necklace:
Spike Necklace(21), Peacock Charm(33), Spectacles(59),
Notes: Spike Necklace is your friend. STR is more important that ATK. STR, not only is a calculation of ATK, it also *gasp* raises your STR. (ATK *gasp* doesn’t raise your STR) Specs are entirely up to you. The sure were nice to have for me, but if you feel you don’t need them, then give it a try w/o them.
Rings:
Courage Ring(14), Puissance Ring(36), Sniper’s Ring(40), Sun/Victory Ring(54), Ruby Ring (72)
Note: I have Sniper’s Rings in there. Because some Monks like to get their +acc out of the Rings slot, and use Brown Belt. Of course, this way is also more expensive, but viable. Either way you should have either 2 sniper’s or a Life Belt. You decide, how you want to play it.
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Vb. Artifact Armor
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AF Quest name: Wandering Ghost
Lvl req: 40
Talk to whom: Oggbi, Port Bastok/The Restaraunt
AF Name: Beat Cesti
AF Stats: Lv 42, Damage +4, Delay +48, DEX +2, VIT +2, Hit +3
How To: Bring the ‘Pendant of Pickaxe’ dropped by Wandering Ghost, which appears when A pickaxe is used to A small hole at the inner Gusgen Mines.
Tips: Trade a Pickaxe to the ??? At (I’ll add the
PT Needed: 2 LV55 OR 6 members of LV45 at least. (Ghost type mob resist physical attacks)
AF2 Quest name: Re-encounter
Lvl req: Monk lvl 50 (having completed MNK AF1)
Talk to whom: Oggbi, Port Bastok/The Restaraunt
AF Name: Temple Gaiters (Feet)
AF Stats: Lv 52, Def 12, HP +12, DEX +3, Light Resist +10, Enhances ‘Dodge’ Effect
How To: Go to Fei’yin, get into the fighting arena and leave. (I’ll add the
PT Needed: 5 members of LV55 at least.
AF3 Quest name: Something To Protect
Lvl req: Monk lvl 50 (cleared ‘Re-encounter’)
Talk to whom: Ayame, Bastok Metalworks, Gun Powder Room, Left Side.
AF Name: Temple Hose (Legs)
AF Stats: Lv 60, Def 29, HP +18, Guard Skill +10, Counter +1
How to: Trade A Yaqgudo Drink to the ??? that is in front of the room with a brass door at the top of Castle Oztrjoa. (Just keep going up in Castle O. Top of the steps on a torch you’ll see the ???) An NM ‘Huu Xalmo the Savage’ appears. Kill it and get the ‘Xalmo Feather’. Trade it to Ayame, and the quest is completed.
PT Needed: 15 members of LV58 at least.
Note: This bird counters ALOT. Make sure the Monks are healed, since we attack twice a round it hurts ALOT to fight this thing. And the higher the level of the tank, the better. Tank should probably use Invincible during the Bird’s Hundred Fists.
AF Quest: Boghertz’s Gloves
LVl req: Monk lvl 50 (cleared ‘Re-encounter’)
Talk to whom: Guslam, Upper Jeuno, Armor Shop
AF Name: Temple Gloves (Hands)
AF Stats: Lv 54, Def 14, HP +14, STR +4, Dark Resist +10, Enhances ‘Boost’ effect (about doubles the power of it)
How to: Get a Crawlers’ Nest Coffer Key (dropped off of Helm Beetle, Crawler Hunter, Knight Crawler, Water Elemental and Wespe) Now search the area for a coffer. (I recommmend going to MysterTour and going to there Map1 section, then Crawlers’ Nest to look up the exact coffer spots) Now that you have the “old gauntlets” go talk to Guslam. Then go to Port Jeuno near the Auction House/Chocobo station. You’ll see a ???. Touch it to get a cutscene. Go Castle Zvahl Baileys talk a straight path (no lefts/rights off of the main hall. (Stay sneaked and invis, and in the MIDDLE of the path once you get to a 4-way intersection. Come to a gate with for torches. Touch a torch to spawn Dark Spark (bomb NM). Defeat him and touch the torch again to get your flame. Now go back to Port Jeuno and touch the ??? again. Grats, done.
PT Needed: Basically just an XP PT to do some Helm Beetles, but DS requires 6~ish ppl 55+. Of course, the higher the better.
AF Quest: Garlaige Citadel Coffer
Lvl req/conditions: Having completed Boghertz’s Gloves AF quest.
AF Name: Temple Crown (Head)
AF Stats: Lv56, Def 21, HP +16, MND +5, Enhances ‘Focus’ effect
How to: The Coffer Key drops off of Fallen Mages, Fallen Majors, Wraith Hellmine, Over Weapon, Vault Weapon, Magic Jug, and Tainted Flesh. I recommend sticking with the first two. The most abundant, and you hit hard on skeletons. Once you have the coffer key you need to go behind the 2nd/3rd Banishing Gates. The map is on http://mysterytour.web.infoseek.co.jp/ffxi/us/index.html under Map1 Garlaige Citadel. (better than trying to explain the spawns). You WILL need 4 people to get you behind the gates, and their are platforms you need to stand on.
AF Quest: Beadeaux Coffer
Lvl req/conditions: Having completed (or even started?) Boghertz’s Gloves AF quest.
AF Name: Temple Cyclas (Body)
AF Stats: Lv 58, Def 41, HP +20, VIT +3, Accuracy +5, Enhances ‘Chakra’ effect.
How to: The Coffer Key drops off of Darksteel Quadav, Sapphire Quadav, Ancient Quadav and Platinum Quadav. Once you get the key the coffer area is very close, and very easy (though you might have to eat a death) Once again, check MysteryTour for the map. (You have the Beadeaux map, right? If not, buy it in Bastok)
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Vc. Artifact II Armor
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Head: Melee Crown Lvl 75 Def 23
Effects: HP+5% STR+5 Enmity-3 “Subtle Blow” +6
Dropped where?: Hell. Er, Dynamis - Xarcabard.
Body: Melee Cyclas Lvl 74 Def 44
Effects: HP+5% VIT+5 HP Regen HealingHP +6
Dropped where?: Dynamis - Beaucedine
Hands: Melee Gloves Lvl 73 Def 15
Effects: HP+3% Attack+16 “Subtle Blow”+4 Enhances “Chakra” effect
Dropped where?: Dynamis - Jeuno
Legs: Melee Hose Lvl 72 Def 31
Effects: HP+6% AGI+4 “Kick Attacks”+5 “Subtle Blow”+5
Dropped where?: Dynamis - San d’Oria
Feet: Melee Gaiters Lvl 71 Def 15
Effects: HP+4% DEX+4 Guard skill+12 Enhances “Counterstance” effect
Dropped where?:Dynamis - Bastok
Weapon: Relic Knuckles
Dmg 1 Delay 999
Dynamis Dmg/Delay: Same
Dropped where?: Dynamis - Windurst
Upgrade 1 of Relic Knuckles - Militant Knuckles
Dmg 1 Delay 96
Dynamis Dmg/Delay: +16/96 (Water +7)
Upgrade 2 of Relic Knuckles - Dynamis Knuckles
Dmg 16 Delay 96
Dynamis Dmg/Delay: +18/96 (Water +9)
Upgrade 3 of Relic Knuckles - Caestus
Dmg 23 Delay 96
Dynamis Dmg/Delay: Same
Additional Effect: In Dynamis, may use “Final Heaven” Weaponskill
Final Upgrade Relic Knuckles - Spharai
Dmg 23 Delay 86
Dynamis Dmg/Delay: Same
Additional Effect: May use “Final Heaven” Weaponskill out of Dynamis.
Attack +20, Enhances “Counter” effect.
How to upgrade your knuckles:
Relic Knuckles + Koh-I-Noor, Griffon Leather, and Adaman Sheet
= Militant Knuckles
Militant Knuckles + ? = Dynamis Knuckles
Dynamis Knuckles + Attestion of Might = Caestus
Caestus + Mysitc Fragment = Sparhai.
To make Koh-I-Noor, a 10million gil item that is an HQ3 of the Sparkling Stone dropped in all Dynamis, you need XXXX amount of Byne Bills. I’m currently working on just how many Byne Bills, I do beleive it’s 300 or 400. Though, I could be very wrong. Also working on the forumula to make Militant Knuckles in Dynamis Knuckles.
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Vd. Dynamis Explanation:
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For those of you that don’t know what Dynamis is, you need an alliance of AT LEAST 30 people if you hope to clear an area. There are 6 areas.
Dynamis - Bastok (Takes place in the Bastok Mines)
Dynamis - San D’Oria (Takes place in Southern San D’Oria)
Dynamis - Windurst (Takes place in Windurst Walls)
Dynamis - Jeuno (Takes place in Ru’Lude Gardens)
Dynamis - Beaucedine Glacier
Dynamis - Xarcabard
Upon leveling to level 65, if you visit Xarcabard you will be treated to a cutscene with Raogrimm. (Assuming you’ve defeated the Shadow Lord) You may now enter Dynamis from the Trail Markings spots in the area above that I’ve mentioned. You trade a perpetual hourglass, which is purchased for 1,000,000 gil from the Goblin in Castle. Oztroja, trade this hourglass to the trail markings. If it’s your first time to that Dynamis you will get a cutscene. Congrats, you’re now in the chaos that is Dynamis.
I can only recommend, as a Monk, going there at 70+. And to be honest, most Dynamis Linkshells require you to be 70+. Honestly, 65-69 you can’t hit a damn thing. 70 you start to do well, at 75 you’re on easy street. In Dynamis every mob you fight has a job, and uses two hour when at a certain amount of health. There are even jobs that you’ve never seen before Orc Ninja and such.
I won’t go into further detail, because this isn’t a Dynamis FAQ. It’s a Monk FAQ. I will impart some advice to the Dynamis bound Monks. Sub Ninja. These Dynamis area are FULL of vicious AOEs (from statues, and the []Mega Boss[]) subbing Ninja will make your party WHM very happy, also your party PLD. The WHM needs to worry about curing the PLD, not your ass. Subbing NIN helps this as much as it can be helping. Utsusemi:Ni come 74 is preferrable, but honestly even Ichi is fine. Another tidbit, for Ninja and Thief mobs don’t bother using Raging/Asuran Fists unless you’re a Focussed 74-75. Stick with Dragon Kick or Howling Fist. Keep an eye out for the PLD and THF two hour. You, of course, can not hurt them unless you’re a mage at this time. When you defeat the []Mega Boss[] where the boss was defeated a ??? will appear. You must click this if you haven’t cleared the area already. This will give you a key item and change your title to Dynamis
For further Dynamis information please visit my Dynamis Linkshell webpage @ http://relicwarriors.envy.nu/dynamis.htm
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IX. Frequently Asked Questions
Feel free to send me your questions. There are some FAQs on other forums. If you need my opinion on what to do I’d be happy to add it into the FAQ. Typical questions are:
“What’s the best race for Monk?”
Answer: Elvaan > Galka > Mithra = Hume > Taru.
Explanation: Elvaan have the highest STR, and the highest MND. The difference between an Elvaan Monk and a Mithra, Hume, Taru Monk of the same level with the same gear (like that ever happens) is pretty noticeable. Difference between Elvaan and Galka, in both categorys isn’t that noticeable. Keeping in mind there is nothing wrong with being any kind of Monk so long as you respect yourself enough to always have the best equipment you can get, w/o going crazy (Peacock Charms, Scorp Harnesses and what have you). Also, please keep in mind, I’m a Mithra. ^_^; not biased to the Elvaan at all. Just stating what I see to be fact.
“Why do I get picked last for parties?”
Answer: Because pre-60 in the cookie cutter leveling places that many people have set in their minds. Distortion is THE skillchain. Monks can NOT makes Distortion before 60. Explanation: Get used to making your own parties, and doing second hand skillchains till 60. (Cept on beetles, they’re weak to Fusion.) People love to level on the crabs. They think there’s “no other place to level” Which is bull, they just don’t wanna deviate from the proven semi-effective norm. You get picked last for parties also, because many many players like to see what I call “big stupid numbers” they’d rather see another job hit for 76 a swing, then a Monk hit for 40 each punch. This view changes VERY MUCH come “late game” when everyone is begging you to party on the fastest XP in the game with them. (Bones with Light skillchain) In the mean time, you’re gonna have to suffer through it. Make your own parties, and try and keep your chin up.
Fox The Sly asks “I have a question though. Besides Meat Mithkabobs, what other foods benefit Monks? At the Monk board on ffxionline, Red Limit mentioned a certain food with a French sounding name (I forgot, sorry). Do you know what I’m talking about? What benefits does that give?”
My reply: Yup, I do post on Ffxionline.com. Love there forums. As far as alternative food, asides from Meats and Chiefs being the best (chiefs for later lvls when you’re pretty sure you aren’t gonna die. >.> Don’t ever pop a chief in the dunes/qufim/jungle/garlaige.) The only real alternatives are as follows
Red Curry (I’ll be damned if you EVER see these sell) +7 STR +2 AGI -1 INT +24%ATK lasts 1hr 30min.
Dragon Steak (also never seen sold) +7STR -3INT +15%ATK lasts 1hour
and
Dragon Soup (seen a few sell, but if I remember correctly like the others above, they don’t stack) +6STR +2AGI +2VIT -1INT +11%ATK last 1 hour.
So, as you can see, the Miths/Chief pretty much crush the competition, in price and availability.
The “french sounding name” I’ll bet is an ‘au lait’ product. There are many, they range in price from 200gil to 2.4-2.5k they are as follows. (please note they’re under []Drinks[] and can be drank whilst you have food on.
Orange au Lait HP+1/3sec 100 5minutes
Apple au Lait HP+2/3sec 120 3minutes
Pear au Lait HP+3/3sec 300 5minutes
Pamama au Lait HP+2/3sec 400 10minutes
Persikos au lait HP+4/3sec 800 10minutes
A little secret, if you are soloing early on. I’d say lvl 7-15, these are beautiful to have. Virtually ZERO down time, with Pamama and Persikos I dare say you can even make your own exp chains. These are also particularly usefull for genkai 5. The Maat fight, which I will be adding to this FAQ shortly. Keep the questions coming. ^_^
(from a recent post on the GameFAQs forums) “Which are better Ochiudo’s Kote or Temple Gloves?” (My reply in the post) First off, been there done that with the “Boost with AF gloves, fight with Kote” crap. Just not worth your character blinking every damn fight so you can get a good strong Chi Blast off, and fight with Kote on.
Second, it is my beleif that Temple Gloves > Kote 54+. Especially come 65+ you have TOO much damn atk (especially if subbing WAR and having Berserk, eating meat miths) for 20attack to mean a damned thing. ATK caps, STR doesn’t. ATK is a function of STR!
I’ve also parsed this damage on various mobs. Bones, crabs, crawlers. The damage from Kote seems to help WS damage bottom come up a bit, but straight punching it’s all Temple Gloves. (Though my Mithra ass uses Pallas’s Bracellets, Alkyoneus is a stingy mother or I’d have his). +STR > +ATK for a Monk.
It’s just that at 34 when the Kotes become available the amount of ATK they add outshines the STR you can get at that level, but rest assured as levels rise, the returns diminish. If you’re doing more damage with Kote then with Temple Gloves on you still need to sell them Kote get your $$ and buy some more +STR gear. A whole damn lot of it you could get with the price of them Kote. (650+K)
Besides even if you are a +ATK freak Melee Gloves (AFII) > O. Kote. Though I’d use those just to stack the “Enhance Chakra” on with Temple Cyclas.
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X. Credits
Thanks to the Gamefaqs.com board trolls for having me fall asleep laughing every night. Keep up the funny XXX vs YYY threads! Thanks to the people in game that helped me get my Monk to were it is. …and that’s about it. Take care. See you again!
Copyright Akumu X 2004
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XI. Summary
Monk is straight damage that can’t make distortion till 60, and doesn’t hit particularly hard on beetles, and is pretty much double wammied on crabs. However, these set-backs make end game all the more bitter sweet. Come 67, the XP just don’t stop. You may not get too many JP invites, but once you take some NA down into Gustav Tunnel and you’re chain 4ing your first time there, everyone will decide that’s where they want to level. I’ve been invited solely because people wanted to lvl there. I being the only NA Monk 67-74 at the time, there was little option. It was if Kirei’s on, get her. (Though I’m a guy, people call me “her” because I am a Mithra) This is what you have to look forward to. Struggle on to acheive it, because I guarentee, you won’t be disappointed. On a final note, as much as I’d like to help people out, please don’t ask me to help with your Genkai and AF quests. Rather, you can ask, but don’t be dissapointed if I can’t come. Strangely enough, I’m usually pretty damn busy in game. Leveling Ranger (next job), HNMs, Missions, helping LS members, I’ll try and help my fellow Monks, but I can’t make you any promises. ^_^; That said, enjoy the job. Eat your meats. Get the best gear you can afford, while understanding that your gear, is your damage. Lastly, no matter the sub job you choose…KEEP IT AT 1/2 of YOUR MAIN! ^_^;
