Monk

A monk is a martial artist, proficient in unarmed combat

Background
Monks usually live in monasteries, where they rigorously train the mastery of their bodies and minds, notably being able to defend themselves with their bare hands and certain specialized weapons. Due to the discipline imposed by this training, monks must be of lawful alignment.

Monks may travel among the general populace, looking like simple peasants. But when a monk leaves the monastery, it is generally to seek out adventures that they can use to test their skills against.

Abilities
Monks' unique mastery of martial arts requires them to fight without armor, although they have a unique ability to sense and avoid attacks (based on their wisdom and level). They typically use only their bare hands as weapons, delivering powerful blows that grow stronger as the monk rises in power. Monks can also use special weapons such as the quarterstaff and kama, using many of their unarmed-combat abilities with these weapons as well.

As a mêlée combatant, a monk is more or less equivalent to a fighter or other more traditional warrior. Monks' lack of bonus feats may leave them less flexible than a fighter in strictly combat functions, but the sheer power of their unarmed attacks gives them their own edge.

In addition, monks' physical and mental discipline combines with an inner energy known as ki that they cultivate, granting them both athletic and quasi-magical powers of their own. Monks become able to resist disease, poison and certain spells, move more swiftly, use their speed to reduce damage from falls and explosive or other area attacks, and can in time learn to step entirely outside the physical world for a crucial instant or longer.