Monk (Stranger of Paradise)

The Monk is an Advanced Job in Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin, and is available after unlocking the corresponding nodes in the Pugilist and Lancer Job Trees. In addition, it is available to Ash after clearing the "Audience with the Dark Elf" main mission. Leveling this job is required to unlock the Tyrant and Assassin expert jobs.
Monk is a mid-range and close-quarters combat job that focuses on powerful break damage combos and self-sustainability thanks to the knuckles and polearms in its repertoire. It serves as a more burst damage-focused job able to deal great physical damage with fast combos and ensure survivability. This job encourages the player to go full tilt with an increase on the buff durations, break damage with a full break gauge, and a discount on the use of combo abilities.
==Abilities==
===Job Action===
Ability	MP Cost	Description 	Movie
 	1~3 	Hold to recover HP and refill your break gauge at the cost of MP. In addition, sustaining this ability long enough will also grant you a temporary increase in the amount of break damage dealt to enemies.[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot.	
With the Focus job action, the Monk has the ability to recover their HP and break gauges at the cost of MP.
With the job's mastery ability if you hold long enough, it will increase the break damage you deal to foes up to threefold its base power. Though powerful, it is a risky skill if used while in the enemy's range as the player will be completely still and open for attacks.
===Command Ability===
Ability	Job Points	MP Cost	Required Ability to Unlock	Description 	Movie
 	3 	1 	Monk Affinity +10% 	Cures status ailments, and temporarily increases your resistance to status ailments.	
The Monk obtains the Chakra support ability which cleanses the character of any status ailments they may be afflicted with. This support ability is unique in that it can be used even when Silenced and is useful for tackling enemies like the Black Widows and Ahrimen that debilitate you with several status ailments, in addition to the higher levels of the Trials of the Dragon King which also afflicts the player with ailments whenever they are hit.
===Combo Abilities===
Ability	Type 	Job Points	MP Cost	Required Ability to Unlock 	Description 	Movie
 	Knuckle Combo	7 	1 	Damage Dealt at Max Break 2.2%	[Attack Type: Strike][Stat Bonus: Agility]A series of blows that deal striking damage, delivered while weaving side to side.[Link 2 Ability]Can be set to >>. 	
 	Knuckle Combo	5 	1 	Lance Cancel 	[Attack Type: Strike][Stat Bonus: Agility]Leap forward with a flying kick that deals striking damage. Hold to increase the attack's power.[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot.	
 	Knuckle Combo	2 	1 	Action Ability MP Cost -2.3% 	[Attack Type: Strike][Stat Bonus: Stamina]Perform a quick strike, knocking enemies back.[Link 1 Ability]Can be set to >. 	
===Combo Effects===
Ability 	Job Points	Required Ability to Unlock 	Description
Strike Cancel 	8 	Damage Dealt at Max Break 2.2%	[Weapon Type: Knuckles][2nd Link]Enhances abilities set to >>Enables earlier dodging.
Lance Cancel 	3 	Action Ability MP Cost -2.3% 	[Weapon Type: Lance][2nd Link]Enhances abilities set to >>Enables earlier dodging.
Pugilist's Heart	6 	Focus Mastery 	[Weapon Type: Knuckles][3rd Link]Enhances abilities set to >>>Strengthens attack type, bypassing enemy resistances and making weaknesses easier to exploit.
Lancer's Heart 	5 	Chakra 	[Weapon Type: Lance][3rd Link]Enhances abilities set to >>>Strengthens attack type, bypassing enemy resistances and making weaknesses easier to exploit.
The Monk mainly makes use of the knuckles, but can also employ the use of maces, staves, and lances. these weapons are good for delivering good strike and are well rounded in terms of Strength, Stamina, Agility within their combo abilities. The ability effects thereof focus on cancelling ability animations via evading and striking true by bypassing enemy resistances.
===Job Passives ===
Ability 	Job Points	Required Ability to Unlock 	Description
Monk Affinity +10% 	1 	Focus 	Increases monk job affinity.
Buff Duration +4.7% 	2 	Monk Affinity +10% 	Increases duration of buffs on self.
Damage Dealt at Max Break 2.2%	6 	Lancer's Heart 	Increases damage dealt when break gauge is full.
Monk Affinity +25% 	7 	Damage Dealt at Max Break 2.2%	Increases monk job affinity.
Damage Dealt at Max Break 4.0%	9 	Punch Rush 	Increases damage dealt when break gauge is full.
Action Ability MP Cost -2.3% 	1 	Focus 	Decreases action ability MP cost.
 	4 	Steel Peak 	Focus will now grant up to three levels of buffs status.
Monk Affinity +15% 	5 	Focus Mastery 	Increases monk job affinity.
Action Ability MP Cost -7.3% 	8 	Pugilist's Heart 	Decreases action ability MP cost.
Buff Duration +7.3% 	7 	Pugilist's Heart 	Increases duration of buffs on self.
===Job/Class Unlocks===
These nodes lead to the following Expert Jobs/ Job Classes:
Ability 	Type 	Required Ability to Unlock 	Description
New Job: Assassin	Job Unlock 	Damage Dealt at Max Break 4.0%	Partial unlock for the Assassin Job. Also requires a similar ability in the Thief Job Tree.
New Job: Tyrant 	Job Unlock 	Buff Duration +7.3% 	Partial unlock for the Tyrant Job. Also requires a similar ability in the Red Mage Job Tree.
New Class: 	Class Unlock	All Monk tree abilities 	Unlocks the Evocation Class for Monk, Master . Only available in the Trials of the Dragon King DLC.
New Class: 	Class Unlock	All Monk tree abilities 	Unlocks the Ultima Class for Monk, Black Belt . Only available in the Trials of the Dragon King DLC.
===Class Trees===
Introduced in the Trials of the Dragon King DLC, These classes are unlocked after visiting Bahamut's Cave and completing the "A Token of Courage and Strength" conversation with Bahamut and the abilities thereof can be bought by using Rat Tails which are accumulated by completing missions on the Bahamut difficulty onward and purchasing them from the Bahamut Exchange Shop via Dragon Treasures:
======Master======
Ability 	Type 	Rat Tails	Required Ability to Unlock 	Description
 	Job Action 	— 	All Monk tree abilities 	Focus+[Class Change Effect: Evocation]Charged attacks now have four possible stages.[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot.
Luck +6 	Passive 	2 	Supercharge 	Increases luck.
Strength +6 	Passive 	4 	Luck +6 	Increases strength.
Elemental Vulnerability Resistance +40.0%	Passive 	6 	Strength +6 	Increases magic vulnerability resistances.
Monk Master Points +3 	Passive 	11 	Elemental Vulnerability Resistance +40.0%	Increases monk master points acquired.
HP +106 	Passive 	6 	Strength +6 	Increases HP by 106.
Stamina +7 	Passive 	8 	HP +106 	Increases stamina.
Agility +7 	Passive 	2 	Supercharge 	Increases agility.
Break +160 	Passive 	6 	Agility +7 	Increases break by 160.
Status Ailment Resistance +18.0% 	Passive 	8 	Break +160 	Increases resistance to status ailments.
Spirit +5 	Passive 	10 	Status Ailment Resistance +18.0% 	Increases spirit.
Vanguard's Stance 	Combo Ability Effects	16 	Spirit +5 	[Weapon Type: Knuckles][Rear Attack Link]Enhances abilities set to + (Weapon Skill)>.Increases attack speed.
HP +212 	Passive 	12 	Status Ailment Resistance +18.0% 	Increases HP by 212.
Monk Master Points +3 	Passive 	17 	HP +212 	Increases monk master points acquired.
======Black Belt======
Ability 	Type 	Rat Tails	Required Ability to Unlock 	Description
 	Job Action 	— 	All Monk tree abilities 	Focus+[Class Change Effect: Ultima]While this ability is active, reduce the enemy's break gauge with any attack.[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot.
Luck +6 	Passive 	2 	Brute Strength 	Increases luck.
Strength +6 	Passive 	4 	Luck +6 	Increases strength.
Elemental Vulnerability Resistance +40.0%	Passive 	6 	Strength +6 	Increases magic vulnerability resistances.
Monk Master Points +3 	Passive 	11 	Elemental Vulnerability Resistance +40.0%	Increases monk master points acquired.
HP +106 	Passive 	6 	Strength +6 	Increases HP by 106.
Stamina +7 	Passive 	8 	HP +106 	Increases stamina.
Heart of the Staff 	Combo Ability Effects	14 	Stamina +7 	[Weapon Type: Staff][3rd Link]Enhances abilities set to >>>.Strengthens attack type, bypassing enemy resistances and making weaknesses easier to exploit.
Agility +7 	Passive 	2 	Brute Strength 	Increases agility.
Break +160 	Passive 	6 	Agility +7 	Increases break by 160.
Status Ailment Resistance +18.0% 	Passive 	8 	Break +160 	Increases resistance to status ailments.
Spirit +5 	Passive 	10 	Status Ailment Resistance +18.0% 	Increases spirit.
Staff Cancel 	Combo Ability Effects	16 	Spirit +5 	[Weapon Type: Staff][2nd Link]Enhances abilities set to >>.Enables earlier dodging.
HP +212 	Passive 	12 	Status Ailment Resistance +18.0% 	Increases HP by 212.
Monk Master Points +3 	Passive 	17 	HP +212 	Increases monk master points acquired.
===Job Affinity Bonuses===
Most weapons and items of clothing have a certain percentage of Job Affinity for a certain job. By combining them together and raising this percentage, the character may not only gain extra EXP to that Job, but also unlock abilities and bonuses to their stats. The bonuses for the Monk Job Affinity are:
Name 	Job Ability Percentages	Description
Monk's Wisdom I 	20% 	Increases the corresponding stat(s).Agility+1
Monk's Wisdom II 	30% 	Increases the corresponding stat(s).HP+25Agility+1
Break Limit Bonus I 	50% 	Increases break by 60
Monk's Wisdom III 	80% 	Increases the corresponding stat(s).HP+25Strength+1Stamina+1Agility+2
Break Limit Bonus II	120% 	Increases break by 100
Monk's Wisdom IV 	160% 	Increases the corresponding stat(s).HP+50Strength+2Stamina+2Agility+2
 	250% 	Increases the duration of all buffs activated by a successful parry.
 	400% 	Greatly increases max HP.
 	600% 	Deal additional non-elemental damage based on your max HPAlso enhances the effects of Monk's Wisdom
 	800% 	Enhances the effects of Monk's Wisdom, and also boosts stats based on your affinity.
==Gameplay==
The Monk is able to unleash powerful combos while also being a self-sustaining warrior. Monks can deal as much break damage in battle as other physical classes, like Warriors and Dragoons, thanks to their balance between physical Strength, Agility, and Stamina. Monk is a very high damaging, versatile job by nature of their job action, making it a good candidate as a subjob as well.
===Strengths===
*Monks do very good damage versus average and low Agility bosses and extremely high damage versus Skeletons.
*High HP total. One of the few jobs that can exceed 9999 HP.
*Good Physical Balance. Due to the Monk's middling Strength, Agility and Stamina, it can deal heavy break damage while surviving more than a few physical attacks. This job is also adept at using the Knuckles, with each weapon ability granting a stat bonus in Agility or Stamina.
*Versatile Job Action. The Focus ability being a cross-set buff ability makes Monk one of the best subjobs for any job.
===Weaknesses===
*Low Spirit. When dealing with enemies that specialize in magic abilities, the Monk is rather lacking in defenses.
*Damage Scaling. Within later levels, the Monk may struggle with enemies with high defenses that expert jobs such as Assassin or Tyrant may prove better jobs for.
===Stats===
The Monk gives a stat boost to Strength, Agility and Stamina, providing greater break damage and survivability against physical attacks.
Job Stat Rating and Growth by Level
Stat 	Rating	Lvl 1	Lvl 30	Lvl 55	Lvl 80	Lvl 99	Lvl 120	Lvl 135	Lvl 150+
HP 	B 	1412 	1848 	2007 	2131 	2234 	2368 	2462 	2556
Strength 	B 	17 	20 	32 	32 	32 	32 	32 	32
Agility 	B 	17 	20 	32 	32 	32 	32 	32 	32
Stamina 	B 	17 	20 	32 	32 	32 	32 	32 	32
Intellect	E 	14 	16 	26 	26 	26 	26 	26 	26
Spirit 	E 	14 	17 	26 	26 	26 	26 	26 	26
Luck 	C 	16 	19 	30 	30 	30 	30 	30 	30
==Recommended Subjobs==
===Tyrant===
The Monk can also make full use of the Tyrant's ability to imbue weapons with magic when paired with its passive ability to increase the accumulation of status ailments from attacks. The Tyrant's Enchantments help by adding elemental attributes to your attacks to easily take advantage of elemental weaknesses and gain even more critical damage.
===Hunter===
Hunter is an excellent support job for the Monk, fitting for the Monk's Pugilist's Heart combo effects. Analyze is helpful to bolster your attacks for the Monk's powerful physical damage output by bypassing resistances. This can also aid in MP management should the Monk have the Lancet support ability at the ready.
===Ninja===
Ninja is the most common support job for any job. Utsusemi is helpful to avoid any attack when the Monk gains the greatest enmity or in case they need to Provoke to save other party members, making it very useful when tackling higher level enemies who can kill with one attack.
==Recommended Weapon Abilities==
===Maces===
Ability	MP Cost	Description 	Required Weapon/Affinity
 	100 	[Attack Type: Strike][Stat Bonus: Agility]Unleash a series of quick strikes.[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot. 	Hermit's ClubMagister's ClubJudgmentMace Master Affinity
 	100 	[Attack Type: Slash][Stat Bonus: Agility]Pull an enemy toward you while delivering a sweeping blow with your mace. Deals slashing damage. Greatly reduces maximum break gauge.[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot.	Hermit's ClubMagister's ClubJudgmentMace Master Affinity
 	100 	[Attack Type: Strike][Stat Bonus: Stamina]Release a flurry of strikes that bring down foes.[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot. 	Magical MaceWhale WhiskerSeraphim's MaceMace Master Affinity
 	100 	[Attack Type: Strike][Stat Bonus: Stamina]Perform three quick strikes.[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot. 	Magical MaceWhale WhiskerSeraphim's MaceMace Master Affinity
 	200 	[Attack Type: Strike][Stat Bonus: Strength]Spin your weapon in a circle while charging forward. Charge with to increase the distance covered.[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot. 	Ogre HammerThor's HammerMace Master Affinity
 	200 	[Attack Type: Strike][Stat Bonus: Strength]Swing your weapon upwards with all your strength. Charge with to increase damage.[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot. 	Ogre HammerThor's HammerMace Master Affinity
===Knuckles===
Ability	MP Cost	Description 	Required Weapon/Affinity
 	100 	[Attack Type: Strike][Stat Bonus: Agility]Deliver a series of striking blows that cover a large distance.[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot. 	Any Knuckles
 	100 	[Attack Type: Strike][Stat Bonus: Stamina]Unleash an explosive burst of energy, striking any nearby enemies and knocking them back.[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot. 	Sonic KnucklesKiller KnucklesPhantom BaghnakhsGrappling Master Affinity
 	100 	[Attack Type: Strike][Stat Bonus: Agility]Adopt a combat stance before striking your enemy. Being hit while in this stance will increase the attack's power.[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot. 	Sonic KnucklesKiller KnucklesPhantom BaghnakhsGrappling Master Affinity
 	100 	[Attack Type: Slash][Stat Bonus: Stamina]Launch forward into your enemies with a spinning slash.[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot. 	Dueling ClawsInferno ClawsRaptor ClawsGrappling Master Affinity
 	100~ 	Attack Type: Slash][Stat Bonus: Agility]Perform a quick slash. Hold for successive attacks.[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot. 	Dueling ClawsInferno ClawsRaptor ClawsGrappling Master Affinity
 	200 	[Attack Type: Strike][Stat Bonus: Stamina]Slam the ground, sending forth shock waves that deal heavy break damage and knock enemies back.[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot. 	TigerfangsMaverick KnucklesGrappling Master Affinity
 	100 	[Attack Type: Strike][Stat Bonus: Stamina]Counter any incoming attacks on activation, kicking the attacker into the air and then throwing them toward the ground. *(Does not throw larger enemies and bosses.)[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot.	TigerfangsMaverick KnucklesGrappling Master Affinity
 	200 	[Attack Type: Strike][Stat Bonus: Agility]Dash towards the enemy and unleash a powerful reverse punch that deals strike damage.[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot. 	GodhandsSoul of EarthAny Artifact or Relic Knuckles after clearing Floor 12Grappling Master Affinity
 	200 	[Attack Type: Strike][Element: None][Stat Bonus: Intellect/Agility]Fire three bursts of non-elemental energy from your fists.[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot. 	GodhandsSoul of EarthAny Artifact or Relic Knuckles after clearing Floor 12Grappling Master Affinity
===Lances===
Ability	MP Cost	Description 	Required Weapon/Affinity
 	100 	[Attack Type: Pierce][Stat Bonus: Agility]Assail foes with multiple piercing attacks that send them flying.[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot. 	Any Lance
 	100 	[Attack Type: Slash][Stat Bonus: Strength/Agility]Leap high into the air with a slash, knocking enemies back.[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot. 	HalberdWind SpearDragon WhiskerSpear Master Affinity
 	200 	[Attack Type: Strike][Stat Bonus: Strength/Stamina]Strike the enemy repeatedly with your lance, knocking them down.[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot. 	PartisanBlitz LanceRadiant LanceSpear Master Affinity
 	200 	[Attack Type: Strike][Stat Bonus: Strength/Stamina]Strike enemies twice with your lance, launching them into the air.[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot. 	PartisanBlitz LanceRadiant LanceSpear Master Affinity
 	200 	[Attack Type: Slash][Stat Bonus: Agility]Unleash a series of quick slashes, performing a quick backstep after the attack finishes. Knocks enemies back.[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot. 	Heavy LanceDragoon LanceHighwindSpear Master Affinity
 	100~ 	[Attack Type: Slash][Stat Bonus: Agility]Spin around, slashing any enemies caught by your weapon. Hold for successive attacks.[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot. 	Heavy LanceDragoon LanceHighwindSpear Master Affinity
 	100 	[Attack Type: Slash/Pierce/Strike][Stat Bonus: Stamina/Strength]A three-stage attack that hits an enemy with slash, pierce, and strike damage in quick succession.[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot.	LonginusAstos's ShadeAny Artifact or Relic Lance after clearing Floor 12Spear Master Affinity
===Staves===
Ability	MP Cost	Description 	Required Weapon/Affinity
 	100 	[Attack Type: Strike][Stat Bonus: Strength]Strike foes with a long reaching attack. Hold to trigger additional attacks.[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot. 	Any Staff
 	100 	[Attack Type: Strike][Stat Bonus: Strength]Spin around, striking enemies in a wide are with your staff. Hold to trigger additional attacks.[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot. 	Morning StarFlailMalboro StaffStaff Master Affinity
 	100 	[Attack Type: Strike][Stat Bonus: Strength]Leap into the air, then deliver a striking blow to enemies. Hold to trigger additional attacks.[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot. 	Morning StarFlailMalboro StaffStaff Master Affinity
 	100 	[Attack Type: Slash/Strike][Stat Bonus: Strength/Spirit]Assail foes with successive slashes to deal heavy damage. Hold to trigger additional attacks.[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot. 	LaevateinnCrescent WishStaff Master Affinity
 	200 	[Attack Type: Slash/Strike][Stat Bonus: Strength/Spirit]Unleash a powerful forward slash that damages enemies in a wide area. Hold to trigger additional attacks.[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot.	LaevateinnCrescent WishStaff Master Affinity
==Etymology==
Category:Jobs in Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin