I've played this game for years but haven't been able to get the hang of the Monk sub-class. I remember having a really good run with a hand axe, but the whole time I felt like I wasn't playing the character properly. What is the best weapon/armor/ring/etc for a Monk and how best to utilize the special moves?
Go for a +6 tier 4 I heard across the board they are very good for monk. If you want extra spirit points you can get some +6 mail with a defence augment which should be enough for demon halls.
But why T4 weapon and T3 armor? Does the Monk get a bonus for those? And shouldn't I use T3 and lower weapons to make use of her Talents??? I'm looking for more specific info on the sub-class. +6 of any weapon and armor is basically an automatic win for me already, regardless of class. I'm looking for the best build for Monk, like a specific synergy.
Yeah, that is a good question, I haven't been able to figure this out.
I once went with the t1 weapon and armor for maximal energy build-up and it was painful because you make almost no damage. I could see it working with t1 armor and a weapon that is a bit higher tier, tier 3 might be enough and gets you still some bonus I think.
Don't bother with t4 on a monk unless you're trying a melee build. Use unencumbered and stick with the t1 cloth armor, swap between a dagger/dirk/assassin's blade and a staff for the weapon abilities and just wand things to death. Use staff stance followed by meditation when you need wand charges, healing or condition removal.
If you must melee dragon kick things to get away.
If you're trying a melee build and avoiding wands I've had some success with highly upgraded chain, one rank of unencumbered and a greatsword. Just combo through cleave+focus to keep damage off you and do big guaranteed damage to the enemy.