Council on Using Magic Devices

Sometimes, it's better to explain an issue through tale rather than through an info-bomb, especially when there's not a "right" answer for anyone, simply a "best" one.

If you're considering the use of the Use Magic Device skill, take a moment to enjoy this tale to get some points-of-view.

Syncletica could hear the rumbling from her quarters. The dining hall had been stripped of all tables and chairs, leaving only woven seating mats covering the wide expanse of the hall, forming a wide meeting hall.

Someone knocked. "Enter," she said.

It was Lynncletica, one of her former students and junior instructor. "They're ready for you," she said.

The Teacher rose and walked with Lynn to the meeting room.

"This is going to be nasty," Lynncletica said.

"It needn't be nasty," Syncletica answered. "This is a discussion on the merits of incorporating magic devices in our training, nothing more."

Lynn smirked. She knew her master all too well. She kneww Syncletica hated the idea. The meeting was scheduled after several...incidents where students had gathered outside of normal instruction with Rogues and other Stormreach citizens to learn how to utilize arcane and divine powers from wands, scrolls and other devices.

The matter came to a head a few days ago when one of the dojo's Dark students began using a scroll to heal minor wounds on himself while sparring against a Light student.

Objections turned into arguments. Arguments became challenges. Challenges became fights. The last thing any senior martial arts teacher wanted to do was to quell a fight between several other students. For one, she'd kick all of their butts. Second, it didn't solve the problem that caused the fight. Lastly, her students would lose valuable training time while mending from the aforementioned senior butt-kicking.

A decision had to be made. The training schedule was full. Any deviations could jeopardize the overall effectiveness of monastic training. Syn was open to consider the use of magic devices, but, to her, the arguments had better be very, very persuasive.

Syncletica entered the hall. Every student was there, as well as a few guests. A Rogue named Allysen was standing, leaning against a post.

Syncletica's old Master sat patiently on the mat next to her location, meditating. His eyes did not open as she took her seat.

"Master," she said, bowing her head slightly.

"Teacher Syncletica. This should be interesting, you think?"

All the students rose to their knees to bow toward their dojo master before returning to a seated position as Syncletica began.

"Let us begin. The matter on the table involves the use of magic devices during training and their interference with effective training in martial techniques. I will accept three statements from students in support of magic devices and three statements against their use. After Master Mei and I speak, we shall render a decision. You have five minutes."

The students stood and formed a few groups. Over the minutes, the groups condensed into three groups. Two groups had only students. The last group of Monks loitered about Allysen, a Rogue.

A student quietly tapped a small gong. The students took their seats quickly and orderly.

"Please start with statements in opposition, please," Syncletica said.

Student Ryncletica stood. Syncletica noted the student's insignia that showed their advanced training as a Ninja Spy. The student's slightly pointed ears but round eyes reflected her Half-Elven heritage.

• "Magic devices require us to place heavy additional training that crosses against our monastic class. The highest training level we can attain may still not be sufficient to use the most popular devices reliably, such as healing scrolls and wands, taking away valuable training from with traditional monastic skills.
• "To use magic devices, I question the action of removing our weapons, certainly our handwraps, certainly leaving us vulnerable while we attack far less effectively with devices in hand.
• "Switching to use magic devices could slow us down in the heat of battle. I recommend Vampirism weapons when possible, not to mention knowing when not to fight. Stealth can be used to great benefit without excessive bloodshed or endangering yourself. We should not be crazed killers that slay whole dungeons if our mission does not require it. Such behavior puts us and those we aid in more danger than it should. The Art of Shadow, in hiding and moving silently, is a counterbalance to assault in many missions. These skills are also taught here and aren't cross-class abilities."

A few heads nodded in assent. Ryncletica sat, and a second Monk named Kenyu stood up.

• "Magic devices, especially for Dark adherents, greatly aid in healing solutions where potions are not as potent or practical.
• "Magic devices can provide Fire Shields, can open doors and locks, can apply Stoneskin and other protective abilities such as Concealment.
• "These items greatly aid Dark and Light students during perilous adventures while conserving ki."
• "Student Ryncletica's concerns on attack are...justified. While equipping wands and scrolls does NOT uncenter us, I acknowledge that while using wands or scrolls, we lose the mystical properties of our handwraps or weapons. Unlike experienced users of the Healing Ki, we cannot fight and heal ourselves simultaneously."
• "We are given some instruction in cross-training with Intimidation in our school, yes? The Earth Stancers learn of this. So it's not that cross-training in and of itself is to be shunned."

The student sat. Allysen, a halfling Rogue, chimed in.

"I can't understand why some of you can't cross-train with a few days of Rogue training. You would suffer a lesser risk of botching the use of those scrolls and wands."

"I want to fully complete my training, that's why!" a student hissed back.

"Ssh," Ryncletica said.

"Just sayin'," the halfling finished with a shrug.

"I can't see why using scrolls and wands are a bad thing," Kenyu said. "Many of us are equipped with magic objects that can summon bound creatures as allies, or give us special death spell protections that Monks cannot generate on their own."

A beat of silence moved through the room before Ryncletica stood again.

• "I appreciate other's concerns when it comes to skills that aren't part of the normal monastic life. I would not recommend cross-training of this sort without substantial gain."
• "I can only speak for myself and others of my kind in that we have...a gift that allows us better opportunities to utilize clerical wands and scrolls without cross-training. For those who are Half-Elven as myself, whether you choose the Light or Dark philosophy, this is a clear choice not only in aiding yourself, but others."

Syncletica raised a hand. "Are there any other statements?" When none came, she motioned her students to wait as she and her Old Master deliberated.

What is the verdict?

Only you, the student, can decide.

Remember that the Use Magic Device skill can be helpful, but it will reduce training skills elsewhere. As Monks, you do not receive many skill points. The heavy load of the cross-class skill of UMD or any other cross-classing will weaken your core skills, including stealth skills, jumping, balance, and even concentration skills in some degree.

Using magic devices may be laudable for some builds, but, as a cross-class skill, it can complicate or distract from the fundamentals of utilizing the innate abilities present in a fully-trained, non-multiclassing Monk--the purpose of this guide.

Racial advantages, such as found in Half-Elves and their dilettante feats, may resolve healing and buffing issues for non-multiclassing Monks that choose this race, no matter the philosophy they've chosen.

Use Magic Device will be discussed a bit more in the Mixed Martial Arts chapter.

For advanced advice and help, please consult the Community.