I've found the debate about pulling interesting, as I just reached 17th
level and can start appreciating the feign death skill. It already saved me
once today, so I'm very grateful for it.

Cured silk armor has been mentioned a bit here, but not too much. I was
curious about people's opinions on it. I for one think it's a wonderful
thing. Finally monks have a look that is unique, even at lower levels (for
those who don't know, cured silk and shiverback look the same). Cured silk
has the same AC as mesh, although it isn't magic in its native form (so
keep your mesh gloves for fighting). If you're out to buy silk armor, make
sure you're getting cured, not raw silk.

It's true that cured silk doesn't provide the stats that some of the game's
unique mob-obtainable items do (silver plated bracers, Lockjaw vest, etc.),
but when Enchanters gain the ability to enchant this armor, I think it will
become one of the best armor sets in the game. Monks need stat boosts with
their equipment, since our choice in armor is so limited. Even moderate
boosts to our abilities via enchanted cured silk will be wonderful.

It's a little unfortunate that we don't have the ability to change the
pants to a different color, but there is room for customization. I have
cured silk on my upper body but kept mesh pants and fur-lined boots. This
gives me a black colored lower half, which I think looks better than the
yellow-tan look of all cured armor.

Something I haven't seen mentioned on the monk web sites is Gauntlets of
Wu, another item exclusive to our class. This is a tailor-made item, which
results in magic gloves that give off the light of a greater lightstone (a
GL is required for their creation). They have the same AC as mesh. What's
the big deal, you say, I can just wear mesh gloves and carry a GL for the
same effect. True, but these gauntlets are a must for several reasons: 1)
Any monk-only item is cool to have. 2) They have a neat graphic in your
inventory. 3) Awesome name! Finally, equipment named to make sense for a
monk to have.

After running around looking like a low-level fighter for most of the game
(even though I was supposed to be wearing magical armor), it's nice to have
a look all our own. These days I'm loving being a monk.

_____________________________
Moorgard, monk striving for Virtue
Povar