Well, in fairness, if you're trying to solo tank the world with a smite monk, then it sounds like you just don't understand how the game was meant to play.

Monks are fairly versatile, but no monk is going to be able to "take a beating" in a general setting. Try making a warrior with 80 armor if you're more interested in a melee fighter. Or even a Dervish might be fun for you, since you seem to like the idea of a melee fighter crossed with a spellcaster.

The first thing that I see wrong with your build, is the fact that the first two skills rely on your foes being fleshy (Sever Artery and Gash). Which is funny to me, seeing as how smite monks rock against undead (75% of those are not fleshy). Ray of Judgement might be worth looking into if you're set on smiting instead of healing. That melts faces like you wouldn't believe.

Then you've got Frenzy, which is another brick wall. You're already a 60 AR character. You've just made yourself even MORE squishy.

Pensive Guardian is a very "if and only if" skill. If you go up against a foe with no enchantments, what use is it?

Strength and Honor probably drains your energy too much, unless you're using a Zealous weapon. You're a monk, not a Necromancer with Soul Reaping.

Reversal of Fortune isn't half bad.

Mark of Protection is meh in my opinion, but some people really like it.

All in all, to me, it sounds like you're trying to be a warrior tank on a monk and that just won't work in 90% of the game. You've got everything from enchantment strip to energy problems that could stand in your way. Experiment around with other ideas and other classes if you're unhappy with being a monk. :}

You do not have to die 90% of the time. You just need the right build and the right team.

Originally Posted by Spookii Well, in fairness, if you're trying to solo tank the world with a smite monk, then it sounds like you just don't understand how the game was meant to play. Monks are fairly versatile, but no monk is going to be able to "take a beating" in a general setting. Try making a warrior with 80 armor if you're more interested in a melee fighter. Or even a Dervish might be fun for you, since you seem to like the idea of a melee fighter crossed with a spellcaster. The first thing that I see wrong with your build, is the fact that the first two skills rely on your foes being fleshy (Sever Artery and Gash). Which is funny to me, seeing as how smite monks rock against undead (75% of those are not fleshy). Ray of Judgement might be worth looking into if you're set on smiting instead of healing. That melts faces like you wouldn't believe. Then you've got Frenzy, which is another brick wall. You're already a 60 AR character. You've just made yourself even MORE squishy. Pensive Guardian is a very "if and only if" skill. If you go up against a foe with no enchantments, what use is it? Strength and Honor probably drains your energy too much, unless you're using a Zealous weapon. You're a monk, not a Necromancer with Soul Reaping. Reversal of Fortune isn't half bad. Mark of Protection is meh in my opinion, but some people really like it. All in all, to me, it sounds like you're trying to be a warrior tank on a monk and that just won't work in 90% of the game. You've got everything from enchantment strip to energy problems that could stand in your way. Experiment around with other ideas and other classes if you're unhappy with being a monk. :} You do not have to die 90% of the time. You just need the right build and the right team.

Originally Posted by Spookii Well, I think that's a general problem that people face. I can understand your frustration. That's just how the game goes. There is no real tanking in this game like you'd find in other game, since there's no way to control aggro. If your main frustration is coming from dying, I think it's just the fact that you're trying to make a warrior out of a monk. You're not meant to take damage. :} And believe me, 60AR softies (casters) can definitely hero/hench through HM areas. I do it every day. Like someone else suggested, try going to the monk forums for ideas on builds before you throw in the towel. Chances are, you're just doing something wrong that can easily be fixed. :}

Originally Posted by Inept1 Nope I'm not trying to solo tank. I am just trying to survive in Hardmodes. I end up tanking no matter what build I use or heroes or henchman. Even if I stand there and not attack anything. I always send Koss in first and let him attack before I allow anyone else to attack. Yeah I do have a Dervish and he is hella fun but right now my monk is just as much fun and I try to give equal time to both.

Originally Posted by Inept1 Yeah never mind I decided I'm not gonna play a game where I die 90% of the time. There just isn't any fun in this game for me anymore.

Originally Posted by Grim Aragorn Frenzy frontline monk in Hm, and you wonder why you die?

Originally Posted by TheodenKing lol. One of the funniest threads I've read in a long time. ^ What he said. Learn how not to be bad. Or pay Koss better.

Originally Posted by shinta_himura Frenzy is balanced around the warrior's armor and defense abilities.

Originally Posted by Inept1 I end up tanking no matter what build I use or heroes or henchman. Even if I stand there and not attack anything.