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{{flavour|Monks have a head start with the divine. They start with only a simple weapon of their choice, a potion of divine ambrosia, a robe, and an orb of light to guide them. However, when they worship a god for the first time, their spiritual training gives them a piety boost.}}

==Preferred Species==
[[Mountain Dwarf]], [[Merfolk]], [[Gargoyle]], [[Troll]], [[Demonspawn]] and [[Armataur]] are the recommended races if you pick a Monk Background.

==Racial Restrictions==
[[Demigod]]s cannot be Monks, as they refuse to worship a god.

==Starting Equipment==
Some [[species]] may receive different items based on their unique restrictions.
*+0 [[weapon of choice]] ([[hand axe]], [[spear]], [[short sword]], [[falchion]], [[mace]], or [[unarmed]])
*+0 [[robe]]
*[[orb]] of [[light]]
*[[Potion of ambrosia]]

==Starting Skills and Stats==
These are adjusted by your species' [[aptitude]]s.
*[[Fighting]]: 3
*Chosen Weapon's Skill: 3
*[[Dodging]]: 3

Choosing Monk adds 3 to your starting [[Strength]], 2 to your starting [[Intelligence]] and 7 to your starting [[Dexterity]].

==Special==
Monks do not start with a god, but automatically gain ** [[piety]] when they first convert to a god.<ref>{{source ref|0.32.0|religion.cc|3472}}</ref> The following gods have special properties with monks:
*[[Ashenzari]]: Monks are provided the first set of curses much sooner.
*[[Gozag]]: Monks skip the entry fee.<ref>{{source ref|0.32.0|religion.cc|3294}}</ref>
*[[Ru]]: Monks are immediately given a set of sacrifice options to make upon conversion.
*[[Uskayaw]]: No effect.
*[[Xom]]: No effect.

The Monk bonus ''does'' stack with that of a [[faded altar]].

==Strategy==
The main appeal of this background is the piety boost you gain upon choosing a god, especially when worshiping a god who offers bonuses at 1* or 2* of piety, such as [[Okawaru]] or [[Nemelex]]. On the other hand, surviving until you find a suitable god to worship can be more challenging than with better-equipped backgrounds like [[Fighter]] or [[Gladiator]].

The orb of light will reveal [[invisible]] enemies nearby and increase your [[to-hit]] (i.e. accuracy). However, it also lowers your [[stealth]] and prevents you from going invisible. Note that the orb doesn't increase enemies' accuracy against you, though.

==History==
*Prior to [[0.30]], Monks did not start with an [[orb]] of [[light]], but started with 2 [[Stealth]] skill.
*In [[0.29]], Monks received a [[potion of ambrosia]]; most other backgrounds also gained an extra consumable.
*Prior to [[0.19]], monks could not choose a starting weapon - instead they always started with unarmed combat.
*Prior to [[0.10]], there was no piety bonus gained upon choosing a god.

==References==
<references />

{{backgrounds}}
[[Category:Backgrounds]]

Monk - Revision history

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