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Centered Flurry of Blows: This is the tactical version of Flurry of Blows for Wisdom-focused monks.   It does standard flurry of blow damage, but allows you to slide enemies around into disadvantageous positions, such into burst formations or zones.  Centered Flurry of Blows is awesome with some feat support and/or item support. Goto Move: Slide targets into burst formation with minor action attack, then pound them with a burst.

Stone Fist Flurry of Blows: This is the brute force version of Flurry of Blows for strength-focused monks.  It does 1 more damage than standard for flury of blows, but a little more if it affects a enemy that was not a target of the triggering attack. Basic problem here is that it isn't as good as Eternal Tide for the most part if you're a Str-based Monk and it is much worse at damage than a Desert Wind Monk. It does have the benefit of working properly with hybrids using online character builder...Goto Move: Pick powers that force targets adjacent. Now if only they'd be nice enough to stay there. Loves Furious Bull for this reason. It can spend feats to significantly upgrade its daily attack powers via daze(save ends) and slow(save ends)

Iron Soul Flurry of Blows:  This is the defender version of Flurry of Blows for Constitution-focued monks that use weapons as implements. It does standard flurry of blow damage. It prevents the target from shifting or taking OAs (if it wasn't the target of the triggering attack), which is strong. This is the first tradition that has exclusive riders on powers. While it has hard control, it gets dinged because it doesn't have an easy way of forcing opponents to be next to it. Goto Move: Pick powers that force targets adjacent.

Desert Wind Flurry of Blows: This is the mobile version of Flurry of Blows for Charisma-focused monks.   It does fire-damage flurry of blows and gives you a shift. It can be resisted, yet at the same time it opens up a host of extra damage possibilities with Blurred Ki Focus and any abilities that make targets vulnerable to Fire. If the enemy wasn't targeted by the triggering attack, it gives a -2 penalty to attack with any power that includes you, such as burst attacks. Goto Move: Set up extra fire damage with Blistering Flourish, then do another melee attack, preferably some sort of double-tap power such as Burning Brand, Low Slash, etc... High risk, high reward. Likes fighting Tofu or having a controller in the party to set up positioning.

Eternal Tide Flurry of Blows:  This is another defender version of Flurry of Blows for Strength-focused monks. It does 2 less than standard flurry of blow damage, but it has longer reach and a pull 1. If the enemy wasn't targeted by the triggering attack, they are slowed.  The extended reach and pull allow the monk to target more enemies in bursts attacks on subsequent rounds, which compensates for the lower initial damage.    

Arcana- This would require you to read books.   
Bluff - There is nothing worse than a bad liar. 
Dungeoneering - Based on a potential secondary, but it isn't essential 
History - Books again.
Intimidate - There is nothing funnier than someone who only thinks he's scary.
Nature - Based on a potential secondary, but it isn't essential 
Streetwise - Monks don't do drugs

Bladeling: Has perfect stats for a Centered Breath, but no feat support. The racial attack gives you an additional FoB opportunity if you miss in a given turn.  

Drow: Perfect stats for CB and DW traditions and some tasty racial powers make them good monks.

Changeling: They've got perfect stats for DW, but the rest of the racial powers seem ill-suited for a monk.

Kapak Draconian: Most Dragonborn are still bad, and probably outright Red now due to Dragon 421. Because Kapak Draconians get +2 Dex/Cha as an option and some reasonably useful flight at almost no cost. Very good support without getting stuck without a +2 to Dex is awesome! The online character builder will accidentally give them an additional +2 Cha, so be sure to make sure your stats are accurate.

Eladrin: They have the Dex, long sword prof for free, racial training with all spears, and feat support for heavy blades as implements.  As the Firewind Blade is only a heavy blade, Eladrin are one of the best races for DW monks.

Elf: Perfect stats for Centered Breath, inherent mobility, and free bow training!  What is not to like? Also very good for Desert Wind due to the reroll to make sure Blistering Flourish lands and access to Sarifal Feywarden.
   
Githzerai: Perfect stats for Centered Breath, defensive racial traits, and solid feat support make these one of the best monk races.   As this is also the only race whose culture is built around monks, I wouldn't expect anything less.  Decent heavy blade support also allow the use of the Firewind Blade, which means Githzerai are also decent DW monks.

Gnoll: Dex/Con bonuses makes them perfect for Iron Soul.  They have some solid feats and make good chargers. 

Gnome: A dex bonus and a lot of stealth abilities.  Small size doesn't affect monks much, but the slow speed hurts. 

Goblin: Right stats for Centered Breath or Desert Wind, but not a lot of support. They make excellent Centered Breath Monk|Sentinels for their ability to ride their companion, though.  

Half-Elf: You have your choice of two secondary stats and Diletante opens up some nice options. Combining Twin Strike and a Blurred Strike Ki Focus is quite tasty. Ought to be strictly worse than its Revenant Half-Elf cousin, but problem is that feats are usually so incredibly tight that Half-Elf still has value.

Halfling: Perfect stats for IS and DW traditions, solid defensive racial traits, solid racial feats, and no real penalty for being small means that the little people make excellent monks.  

Hengeyokai: Perfect CB or DW stats, high speed and some interesting racials. 
 
Human:  A Dex bonus, NAD bonus, and a free feat make humans great monks for any tradition. Heroic Effort makes sure that setup attack works. There's even a spellscar option for adding fire damage to all encounter/daily powers.

Half-Orc:  Perfect stats for a Stone Fist or Iron Soul. Some racial abilities are useful for monks, but racial feats don't match up with monks very well. 

Kobold: Ok IS monks, not a lot of support

Pixie: Dex, tiny size, and at-will flight makes pixies uber monks of any tradition and super uber DW monks.  Just to be clear, you can use close bursts against enemies in your square, which effectively enlarges your close bursts and makes positioning much easier.

Revenant: Perfect IS or DW monks that can qualify for another race's feats is awesome for monks.  This is especially true if that race doesn't have a Dex bonus, like Dragonborn, Genasi, Half-elf and Tiefling.   However, this race is commonly seen as cheesy. Note that Revenant Genasi gain the power with Past Soul, they don't actually gain the manifestation. Which means no Shocking Flame. Also, Revenant Monks who are focused on the racial power tend to be ridiculously expensive from a feat perspective. They're sky blue, but they're not as good as they think they are.

Satyr: Good DW monks, and some ok racial features. Unlike many DW monks, they have the ability to easily slide targets, which can really boost their DPR.

Shadar-Kai:Perfect stats for a Centered Breath, some interesting racial features, and some strong controller feats makes for a solid monk. The need for feat investment on something that will last a round(and uses up your defensive/movement option) can make it complex to put into practice. Very close to Sky Blue.

Shade: There are probably better races for Monk. That said, really not as horrible as its reputation if you're a DW monk. Part of that is that by RAW, One with Shadow can be used out of combat.

Shifter, Razorclaw: Perfect stats for a Centered Breath, and nice defensive boost once bloodied makes for a solid monk.

Thri-Kreen: (DSCS): Perfect stats for Stone Fist and Centered Breath, high speed, low light vision, and useful racial traits and feats all make for an awesome monk race. The racial attack gives you an additional FoB opportunity.

Vryloka: Perfect stats for DW monks, high speed and decent racial ability make for decent monks. Low surge value while bloodied doesn't help though.

Wilden: Perfect stats for a Centered Breath and a choice of solid racial options makes these very good monks. There also is even some racial feat synergy now. 

In many cases, the Revenant is nearly strictly better than the actual race.
Deva: Decent racial powers, but no real synergy except for some radiant builds.

Dwarf: The slow speed and lack of dexterity hurts.   However, they can have bonuses in all the different secondary stats, and their natural durability redeems them somewhat.

Goliath: Monks can put the Double-roll-for-jump racial trait good use. 

Genasi: Nice racial abilities and feats, but poor stats for a monk.  Some of the racial attacks will give you an additional FoB opportunity. Shocking Flame can do some interesting things with FoB as well.

Kalashtar: No real synergy.

Minotaur: Can have any secondary stat, but its racial abilities and feats just doesn't gel well with being a monk.

Mul (DSCS): Can have any secondary stat, and a useful racial ability.

Shardmind: Their benefits don't generally lend themselves to the life of a monk.

Shifter, Longtooth: Bonuses in both secondary stats and a nice damage boost once you've become bloodied makes them passable monks. 

Tiefling: Fire specialists could make decent DW monks. 

Warforged: As always, Warforged can make decent chargers

Overview - All monks should take Five Storms and/or Steel Wind. I much prefer Five Storms, but both are great multi-attacking power that complement each other well. If you decide to take only one multi-attacking at-will, then you need to pick a nice single-target power. This power probably should target fortitude to give you some flexibility when attacking the back line. DW monks should all take Blistering Flourish. Paragon Centered Breath should get a 12 Con and Lion's Den. For other traditions, I recommend Dragon's Tail, Fallen Needle, or Lion's Den. Maybe Crane's Wings for a Str-based Monk.

Blistering Flourish (Desert Wind) (HoEC) Attacks reflex for standard damage and all subsequent melee attacks deal your charisma in extra damage until the end of next turn. As your FoB is a melee attack occuring after this attack, this is the most damaging single target at-will that monks have, but only DW monks can really use it. Many DW monks will consider using this every other attack.

Crane’s Wings (PHB3)- This power contains some mismatched elements. It attacks Fort, which you shouldn't use on the front line, and adds a push, which is useful on the front line, to put enemies in damaging zones, and to break grabs.  For Str-based Monks, the Movement Technique gives a +5 bonus to jump and allows you to jump father than your speed.  This allows you to potentially move faster than your speed, potentially negate the slowed condition (even on non-Str Monks), and get past difficult terrain and other obstacles.  However, it is important to note that you can't use the jump bonus as part of a larger move action. The attack itself is especially good for push builds, polearm builds, and campaigns with a lot of dangerous terrain (like cliffs). In addition, for Centered Breath, you can slide the opponent before you push him, so you have a good deal of control of where he goes. Keep in-mind that when you hit with an attack that pushes, you must apply your flurry of blows before the push, which is allowed as the movement would invalidate FoB, and not after completely resolving the triggering attack's hit line as you normally would. 

Crashing Wave (ET and SF) (HoEC) Attacks fort for standard damage and slides 1, which is useful.  If you're an ET or SF monk, the movement technique gives you the longest at-will shift in the game (by mid paragon), but isn't usable by other monks. Centered Breath Monks could use this for Polearm Momentum tricks.

Dancing Cobra (PHB3)- It attacks reflex, gives good damage, and adds wisdom to to damage if you provoke an OA from the target, which can be useful for durable Centered Breath on marked enemies, especially in the Heroic Tier. The problem is that Fallen Needle is almost strictly superior unless you manage to utilize the OA capabilities.

Dragon’s Tail (PHB3)- It attacks fort and knocks prone.  When combined with a decent MBA, this power can be devastating against the back line, because it causes them to lose their move action standing up.  This forces them to choose between making poor melee attacks and provoking an OA by using ranged attacks.  On the downside, the Movement Technique isn't nearly as useful as other techniques.  Overall, it's a bit specialized, but a very nice power. 

Fallen Needle (D389) - It attacks reflex, gives good damage, and gives a -2 penalty to attack you.  This is a nice attack that blends offense and defense nicely.  In addition, the Movement Technique is very flexible and useful as monks don't have much pressure on their minor actions.  It can be used to get another shift or another move 3 as a minor, so it is useful both to simply move more (e.g., speed+3), to disengage (e.g., shift away, then move your speed), to ignore the effects of slow (as the movement doesn't rely on your speed), and to move, attack, and then move again.

Five Storms (PHB3)- It's a close burst 1 at-will versus reflex that targets only enemies and does decent damage.   This power is supremely suited to laying down hurt in the front line.  It also is great that you get to pick how many creatures you place in its range, so you can easily control the amount of extra aggro you draw by using the power.  As an area attack, it also allows you to negate concealment penalties.  To make a great technique even better, the Movement Technique lets you shift 2, which is equivalent to an Epic feat.  This is a virtually a must-have for any monk.

Lion's Den (Iron Soul, Centered Breath, WereX+Slide) (PsiP)- It attacks reflex for relatively poor damage.  However, you get to deal your constitution modifer if an enemy becomes adjacent to you.  The Movement Technique gives you a small defense boost and single shift. Overall, the power appears only useful for Iron Souls, but Centered Breath WereX can really do a lot of damage with this one, once you hit 11th and easily have a 12 Con. i.e. Lion's Den(do +1d10), Centered Breath(do +1d10), slide target to adjacent square(do 1+1d10 more) - it isn't hard to hit optimized CharOp values in terms of damage and would be Gold for such a character. We generally avoid this on CharOp, but Mark of Storm can solve the slide problem for Lion's Den and would work really well as a result.

Steel Wind (PsiP)- It's a close blast 2 versus reflex that targets only enemies and does decent damage.  This power isn't quite as well suited as Five Storms for laying down massive hurt in the front line, but it is close.   To make a great technique even better, the Movement Technique lets you move your speed+2 and end a mark. 

Overview- Call up the Savage Wind, Druken Monkey, and Open the Gates of Battle are all a little situational, but are all solid powers. Call up the Savage Wind is great for setting up a nova wrong.  Druken Monkey is a lot of fun, especially if you can spawn all three attacks.  Iron souls also may be drawn to Swift River Floods.  Desert Wind may like Light the Fire. 

Awaken the Slumbering Hurt(Stone Fist, Eternal Tide) – (PHB3) It targets a single target's fortitude, making it more useful versus the back line.  Versus bloodied targets it gives you extra Strength damage to this attack and your next one(i.e. Flurry). For Stone Fist and Eternal Tide monks, it is kind of the opposite of Open the Gates of Battle. 2d8+(Str*2) = 15. Open the Gates of Battle = 3d10 = 16.5. I think I'd rather do more damage up front to bloody the target in the first place than have to wait to use my encounter power. 

Balance Restored (SF or ET) (HoEC) - Attacks fort for low damage and a push equal to half your strength modifier.  You generally want enemies close by as a monk, so not very helpful. The MT allows a shift 1 and knock the next enemy that hits you prone. 

Call up the Savage Wind (HoEC) - A close blast 3 that attacks fort for low damage.  The effect slides enemies one, which allows for you to set up a nice nova round.  The MT lets you ignore difficult terrain.  Overall, a very useful power. Auto-proning with Polearm Momentum, too is easily possible.

Drunken Monkey (Centered Breath) (PHB3) – It targets will, and causes the target to attack an enemy (including itself) with your wisdom as a bonus.  This means it is powerful and highly accurate, especially for Centered Breath. If the target is marked by a Fighter, Warden, or Assualt Swordmage (but not a Paladin, Battlemind or Knight), the attack will also kick in the defender's punishment. In other words, Drunken Monkey will frequently grant 3 attacks. Overall, this is a fun and very damaging power when used in right situation. It also stays useful as you level.

Eagle Claw (Stone Fist, Eternal Tide) (PsiP) - Attacks fortitude for normal damage.  The target also take a penalty to AC equal to your str. Too bad you don't have any attacks versus AC! Perhaps could be useful in the right party or the right build. At least the movement technique lets you fly. 

Gentle Rainfall (D398) - It's Five Storms with 1 extra damage. After damage is resolves, you shift 1 for every enemy you hit.  The mobility is nice, but there are better options.

Laughing Wind (PsiP) -It targets fortitude and you can slide enemies ending their turn adjacent to you your wisdom modifier.  The problem is that it should be used against the back line, and the back line will typically not want to stay adjacent to you. Some hilarity could ensue if you had two Monks with this power and an opponent who gets damaged when moved, say due to Lifedrinking Covenant.

Light the Fire (Desert Wind) (HoEC)- A single target attack versus reflex for normal damage.  If you have charisma, it start a fire damage aura regardless of whether you hit, this gives DW monks solid single target damage for level 1 and solid minion killing ability.   

Open the Gates of Battle (PHB3) –It targets reflex so it's a generally useful power.  It also does 3d10 if a target isn't damaged, which is great at level 1.  This may mean you are spreading around damage, but at least it is nice damage.  This power however rapidly loses power as you level

Rising Storm (PHB3) – It is a single target power that attacks fortitude, meaning it should be only used on the back line.  It also does strength damage to adjacent enemies, but there probably won't be any because you're attacking the back line.  The only good thing about this power is the Movement Technique, which  lets you fly. 

Scattering of Leaves  (PsiP) - A unusual attack against reflex, that spawns a secondary attack versus fort against a different target if you hit. It also has a few different slide and push effects built in. Blurred Ki Focus likes this power. 

Stinging Nettles (PsiP) - It attacks fortitude and you do your con damage to adjacent enemies  that hit you.  The problem is that it should be used against the back line, and the back line typically won't attack you when they're adjacent.  Monks also shouldn't get hit a lot. 

Swift River Floods (Iron Soul + mace/staff) (PsiP) - Attacks reflex for average damage + slow.  Iron souls who use a mace/staff get to add their con to damage, which is solid damage for level 1. Doesn't keep value, even for Iron Souls, very long.

Overview - Masterful Spiral and Spinning Leopard Maneuver are awesome powers.  Risen Sun gives a nice level 1 aura.  Stunning Palm provides nice utility and control. 

Cacophonous Shout (PsiP) -A close blast 3 that targets fortitude for average damage and a small push.  It's not party friendly, and should be used on the back line, which won't cluster much.  Overall, it's weak for a daily.  

Cyclone Surge (HoEC) A blast 1 against 1 creature that immobilizes and does weak damage.  You then get a sustainable zone that slides any creature in it. 
  
Harmonious Thunder (Stone Fist, Eternal Tide) (PHB3) - This power attacks the fortitude of two adjacent enemies for decent damage. The two targets then become linked and once per turn, one takes str damage when the other is damaged.  To make this work well, you would need some very special circumstances (two backliners adjacent to you with a lot of hp) and then everyone spreads damage around, which is tactically disadvantageous. 

Lashing Rain (PsiP) - It attacks fortitude for average damage and a small slide.  It also gives a stance slows you, but does 5 damage and a slide adjacent if an enemy becomes adjacent to you.  Overall, the attack is weak, but the stance could be fun, especially if other party members can move enemies adjacent to you.       

Masterful Spiral (PHB3) - This is a close burst 2 that targets reflex for solid damage.  This means you should be able to target most of the enemies you're fighting for some solid damage.  I've seen a level one monk do over 100 total damage with this power.  As an area attack, it ignores marks and all concealment.  It also allows puts you in a stance that gives +1 to you melee reach.  This will affect all your single target powers, but not Flurry of Blows or you area powers.  This is an awesome pick.

Reflection in the Water (HoEC) Weak damage and a stance that gives easy flanking. Very weak for a daily. 

Risen Sun (HoEC) A party-friendly blast 3 that does fire damage.  The kicker is an aura that does dex damage once per turn, which is nice. 

Spinning Leopard Maneuver (PHB3) - Shift your speed and attack the reflex of all enemies you move adjacent to for poor damage. This will allow you add in your melee only bonuses, like Iron Armbands of Power.  However, this power can be shut down by difficult terrain or if enemies are blocking you, like the front line frequently does. On the plus side, it allows you to attack a whole battlefield if the enemies are strung out in none burst formation.  Although it's a very nice power, especially for elves, it does significantly less damage than Masterful Spiral.

Steel Avalanche (PsiP) -A party friendly close blast 3 that attacks reflex and does solid damage.  It also grants a -2 to hit (save ends) and a decent shift. 

Stunning Palm (PsiP) - This is a strange, but nice attack.  It grants a stance that makes you immune to stun and daze, which is incredible versus some enemies (especially at paragon tier).  You can end the stance by making an attack versus fortitude that stuns (save ends).  Overall, it's a useful power that levels extremely well.  Monks won't run into much dazing and stunning until later in their career, but at low levels it is a Stun(save ends), and at Paragon, it would be one of the best utility powers ever against certain opponents.

Whirling Mantis Step (PHB3) – It attacks fortitude, so it's typically only good versus the back line. It lets you slide enemies 1, and then attack up to three adjacent enemies.  The problem is that you could attack more enemies for more damage and with higher accuracy via Masterful Spiral or Spinning Leopard Maneuver.  However, with Deadly Draw, you could offset your relative attack penalty (from attacking the front line's fortitude) with combat advantage.  Clumping the enemies together also allows you to action point and use another multi-attack power.

Overview - Overall, a relatively situational selection of powers at this levels. Cat and Mouse is amazing if you have any melee capability whatsoever(and why don't you have a minor action melee attack?). Swift flight is probably the best of rest, especially for Centered Breath, as flying can very useful.  Reed in the Wind and Supreme Flurry will be somewhat useful for most monks.  You might also look carefully at Skill Powers, such as Agile Recovery, or Multi-Classing to see if you could get something more useful. 

Agile Recovery (req training in acrobats) (PHB3)- This Skill Power lets you stand up from prone as a minor.  As monks have little use for minor actions, which makes this a generally useful skill power. 

Careful Stride (PHB3) – You can ignore difficult terrain and liquids while you move your speed.  You should be able to boost your speed or jump over most difficult terrain already.   You also can't use this power to let you shift through difficult terrain.  Overall, this is a very situationally power.

Cat and Mouse (Centered Breath, Eternal Tide) (HoEC) When you hit with a melee attack, you get a shift and total conceal against that one enemy, which tends to make them wander off and potentially provoke an OA.  Where this is really great is when you have a power that has forced movement and you want to shift up to them and then apply Flurry of Blows without losing your melee target. It only gets better in Paragon, as you can then push/slide a target near another enemy, shift next to both enemies, and then FoB both of them.

Deflect Arrow (Dr404) Superior cover against ranged weapon attacks as an interupt.  There are a decent number of archers in low heroic, which makes this useful at level 2 when you can get it.  However, few monsters make weapon attacks, so this power won't be used much past low heroic.  Typically though, you'll want to retrain this power once you get out of low heroic.

Eye in the Sky (Desert Wind)  (HoEC) A stance that lets you shift if an enemy becomes adjacent, and gives a little defense against them. This is best for DW monks who can shift away from enemies as part of their FoB.   
  
Fall of Wind (PsiP) - You reduce your fall damage by a significant portion.  Combined with acrobatics (assuming it stacks), you should eventually be able to leap off buildings and not take any damage.  Anyone else like Underworld?

Fast Hands (req training in Thievery) (PHB3)-  Can be used to pick up or switch items quickly once per round.  For example, you could pick up an item you dropped to use Internalize the Basic Kata.

Fighting Fury (Stone Fist, Eternal Tide) (PsiP) - Your unarmed melee attacks deal extra strength damage.  Too bad it doesn't affect burst or blast attack, or this would be really awesome for Stone Fist.  This power is only useful for unarmed Stone Fist if the DM allows Ki Focused weapons (like both CBs and CS do) or until they get a decent Ki Focus.  If your DM doesn't allow Ki Focused weapons, then you won't be making unarmed attacks if you use a ki focus, so this stance should be trained out quickly as it soon will be useless.
 
Grasp the Wind (PHB3) - You shift instead of being forced to move.  This could be useful in some situations.  However, most forced movement doesn't effect monks much due to their incredible mobility.

Harmonious Discipline (Centered Breath) (PHB3) – You gain your wisdom in Temps and then your wisdom as a damage bonus on your next melee attack when the temps are gone. The problem is that you can't predict when the temps will be gone, so the damage bonus it isn't very useful. In addition, the damage bonus only applies to melee attacks and not your nice burst powers. 

Reed in the Wind (HoEC) Dex in thp and CA versus one enemy each encounter.  This will be useful in every fight at low levels, but you will need to retrain out of it at higher levels.   

Supreme Flurry (PHB3) – Once per day, you get to apply your Flurry again after a decent shift.  This power gets better as you level.   

Swift Flight (Centered Breath) (PHB3) - You fly you speed + your wisdom mod, and fall if you don't end the movement touching the ground.  This makes it impossible to use to attack fliers, which is one of the main reasons you'll want to fly.  However, it still lets you fly a good distance, especially if you're Centered Breath.  This helps get over large amounts of difficult terrain, and around obstacles like cliffs.   I find there is at least one round per combat that a fly would be nice.

Overview- Eternal Mountain is clearly the best choice at this level for most monks. Some Stone Fist may like Resounding Strike.  Some Iron Fist may like Undeniable Incitement.  Some Desert Wind may like Burning Brand. 

Bonecrusher (HoEC) A single target attack versus fortitude that gives a small penalty to defenses. Movement utility adds some defense.

Burning Brand (Desert Wind, Centered Breath) (HoEC) A single target attack versus reflex. For DW monks, your FoB will immediately trigger additional charisma damage versus that enemy and every enemy adjacent to it, which makes it a damaging attack for the level. While Centered Breath won't stack up the Cha damage very high, it can make sure to clump enemies such that lots of them take extra damage.

Dance of Swords (PHB3) – It's a single target attack that gives a bonus if you should have used a multi-target attack.   

Enduring Champion (PHB3) – It's a single target attack versus fort, so it's useful for against the back line.  If you hit you get a save with your wisdom as a bonus, and the enemy takes wisdom extra damage.  The movement technique lets you provoke to gain more speed on this turn and the next.  Generally not worth it unless you can reliably avoid Opportunity Attacks.  Overall, if you have a decent wisdom, this is a nice attack to use versus the back line.  Of course, you could have been proning them with Eternal Mountain.

Eternal Mountain (PHB3) – This is close burst that attacks fortitude that prones.  It also does decent damage.  The prone effect means that enemies will have a hard time moving away from the monk, which increases the monk's DPR the next turn.  The Movement Technique also gives resistance to all damage equal to your strength to help you avoid getting crushed by drawing so much aggro.  Overall, the power is useful but inaccurate versus the front line and devastating if the back line clusters up.    

Falling Hammer in Repose (D398) - Attacks fortitude for decent damage and a push.  It is best for the backline, and the backline wants to get away from you. 

Frozen Moment (HoEC)- A single target attack versus fort that immobilizes.  The selling point is the 3+str resist, but Eternal Mountain has a similar power and is superior. 

Inner Eye Opened (PsiP) - You are blinded and gain blindsight, which means it's nice versus invisible and concealed foes, but it also means you grant CA.  At least it attacks will, so it's accurate.  It also may provide two different damage rolls, so you could ask your DM whether the "plus 1d8 psychic" indicate a different damage roll or not. Shouldn't be too likely though. If it does provide two damage rolls, the power is better, and it will keep getting better as you level.  

Resounding Strike (Stone Fist, Eternal Tide) (PsiP) - It attacks fort and does 3+str mod the next time the target takes damage, which would seem to include FoB during that turn.  It is a damaging single target attack for Stone Fist. 

Springing Drake Assualt  (PsiP) -Attacks reflex for ok damage and gives a slide 2.  Iron Soul may get a bit larger slide. 

Twin Thunders (PHB3) – This attacks fort, and damages a adjacent enemy that you didn't target.   The Movement Technique is a strong escape/positioning power though.  This is overshadowed by Eternal Mountain. 

Undeniable Incitement  (Iron Soul) (PsiP) - This attacks will for relatively poor damage, but knocks the target prone and gives a small AC bonus. Iron Soul may get a larger AC bonus.

Wind Through the Willows (Dr 404) - A non-party friendly close blast that attacks reflex for decent damage, slows and blocks charges.  This makes it hard for enemies to move away from you, setting you up to hit more enemies in your bursts on the following turn.  The movement power allows you to move critters into the blast (e.g., if one you were flanked).     

Overview - Water Gives Way is clearly the best power at this level, which isn't hard as the rest of the powers are pretty lackluster except for Calm Before the Storm. I'd strongly consider picking up an extra 1st level Daily if you dislike Water Gives Way for some crazy reason.

Calm Before the Storm (HoEC) - A lackluster attack, but it gives you a stance that lets you interrupt enemies that attack next to you, do damage to them, and knock them prone.  Too bad the initial attack sucks so much, because the the stance is awesome.

Deadly Cobra Strike (PHB3) – It attacks fortitude and gives weak ongoing damage of the most resisted type.   

Disrupting Fist (PsiP) - This is Stunning Fist's "special" big brother.  It creates a stance that gives +2 damage to melee attacks, and you can end it to make an attack versus fortitude for poor damage that dazes (save ends).    

Freeze the Life Blood (PsiP) - An attack versus reflex for relatively low damage that immobilizes (save ends).   The selling point is if an enemy ends their turn next to the target they take dex cold damage.  However, the secondary damage is completely avoidable, immobilization is pretty useless condition if the enemy is in the middle of the action. Plus, you probably would have been better off using a multi-target power.   

One Hundred Leaves (PHB3) - It's a close blast 3 versus reflex with a push 2.  It's not party friendly and attacks a much smaller area than Masterful Spiral. At least you get an addition Flurry of Blows Target for two turns.    

Overwhelming Mountain Strike (HoEC) - Inferior to Stunning Palm. 

Resonating Fist (Stone Fist, Eternal Tide) (PsiP) - This power attack fort, and does the same poor damage regardless of whether you hit or miss.  If you hit, you also inflict vulnerability to all damage equal to your strength mod.  Even Stone Fist require a decent amount of party support to make this power worth it.

Salamander Charge (HoEC)- A lame zone that lasts for 1 turn and a charge that does less damage than most encounter powers.  Even if you could ensure they take the zone damage twice, the damage is still only equivalent to a decent melee encounter power. 

Steel Warrior Technique (PHB3) - If you didn't feel the enemies loved you enough already, please take this power. Everyone else can avoid it. On the plus side, it does decent damage.

Supreme Avalanche Combination (PHB3) - It's a single target power that attack fortitude for ok daily damage.  This makes it only useful versus the backline.  Too bad the power's main draw is sliding the target when you hit it for the rest of the encounter, and the back line doesn't care much if it's slid.  This is a good power for polearm/sliding builds 

Thunderbolt Surge (PsiP)- A ranged power that does relatively low daily damage and prones enemies adjacent to the target. Oh, and you can't use FoB unless you take an OA.  This power is simply full of fail.

Water Give Way (Dr 404)  An off-turn quasi reliable attack with decent damage that, as it interupts being hit, allows you to slide the enemy into a square it can't attack you from, invalidating the hit. 

Overview - Quicksilver Motion and you're done. Centered Defense is probably the best of the other powers at this level.  Purifying Meditation is also very useful.   

Abundant Step (PsiP) - CA if an enemy misses you.  This is really weak for a level 6 utility.

Airborne Form (PsiP) - A stance that increase your speed, and makes you insubstantial when you move.  Some builds may like this one.

Break the Dawn (HoEC)- Shift away as a reaction to being hit.  Most monks won't use this each encounter.   

Centered Defense (PHB3) A stance that gives +2 to all defenses for an entire encounter. Use this before using a big multi-target daily and go to town. 

Echoing Thunder (PHB3) Push every enemy in a close burst 2 but your flurry target once an encounter.  As most monks want to cluster enemies to lay down the hurt with multi-targeting attacks, this power is going very situational.

Fresh Start (HoEC) Spend a healing surge on your turn as a daily. Good defenses are better than daily self-healing. 

Iron Heart Endurance (PsiP) - Double your con mod worth of temporary HP isn't bad. 

Leap of the Heavens (PHB3) +10 to jump and count as a running start.  Too bad movement is still capped by your speed, and there are way better powers at this level. 

Purifying Meditation (PHB3) – A saving throw with a wisdom bonus is nice.

Quicksilver Motion (PsiP) - Move your speed as a free action. This power lets a Monk choose where to engage enemies on round 1 and is great for making optimized Monks get their Novas off. If you think this power isn't great for your Monk, your Monk probably has something wrong with it.

Roll the Bolder (Centered Breath) (HoEC) A stance that enlarges your forced movement by 2.  You probably have better stances by now, but CB monks may be able to use it in some parties. 

Overview - Furious Bull is one of the nicest area attacks you get, and it's pretty much the ideal attack for any monk. Dance of the Stinging Hornet and Torrent of Falling Knices can both provide for some serious fun. Skirling Grasp and Stoke the Flame might be good for other reasons. Great level.

As the Arrow Flies (PsiP) - Attacks reflex for weak damage and immobilized for a turn.  Iron Souls can slide the target adjacent to make sure their target can still attack them, which frankly seems counter produtive. Almost strictly inferior to Skirling Grasp.

Break the Stone(Stone Fist, Eternal Tide) (HotEC) - Very similar to Resounding Fist. Has a little bit more going for it, though not quite strictly better.

Dance of the Stinging Hornet (PHB3) - This power attacks reflex for normal encounter damage, and then lets you ride around with the creature.  This can be used to devastate the back line and flying opponents, as they need to spend a move action to escape from you, which gives the party time to gang up on them.  This is very nice power, but a little situational. ETV. Potentially Dark Blue depending on how you read the Movement power - "You can use the attack technique at any point during this movement."

Furious Bull (PHB3) - This is a party-friendly close burst 2 with a daze and a slide, with an effect shift.   The daze means enemies will be unlikely to move away, and slide allows you to cluster enemies up for a nova round. Oh, and because they're dazed, the enemies will probably stay in formation next round as well.  The only downside is that it attacks fortitude. If your DM doesn't agree with the RAW of the 4 movement powers that allow attacks via a move action, this becomes Gold.

Overpowering Strike (Centered Breath)  (PHB3) - This attacks will and does decent damage.  It gives a penalty to attack you equal to your wisdom, which could be nice in some circumstances.

Resounding Fist (Stone Fist) (PsiP) - Attacks fortitude for lowish damage for this level.  It gives your allies a bonus to damage based on your strength.

Skirling Grasp (HotEC) - Close blast vs. Fort for ok damage and Immobilization+auto-slide. Strong set up power.

Step Between the Worlds (Centered Breath) (PHB3) - This attacks will for relatively low damage, but gives you a forced teleport equal to your wisdom.  So if they fail their save, they could be teleported up in the air or off a cliff, or in the air off a cliff for nice additional damage.  For every 2 squares they fall, they take 1d10 damage, and fall prone.  For the Movement Technique you can teleport your Wisdom +2 as well.  Of course, if you don't have any wisdom, this power sucks.

Stoke the Flame(Desert Wind, Centered Breath) (HotEC) - Close burst attacks reflex for okay damage. The kicker for the aura and fire damage is quite good. Desert Wind likes the fire part, Centered Breath should be able to slide targets away 1 square and then back again into the aura. Even if their Cha isn't that hot.

Storms Wake (Centered Breath) (PsiP) - Attacks reflex for normal damage.  If you hit, you push all enemies adjacent to you your wisdom modifier. 

Thundering Waterfall (Centered Breath)(PsiP) - Attacks reflex for normal damage.  If you hit, you push the target 3 squares, shift next to them, and make a secondary close busrt 1 attack versus fort that dazes and, if you're an Iron Soul, does a little damage as well.  This is an inferior version of Furious Bull, except Centered Breath gets to use FoB on the inital attack to set up the burst for the 2nd attack.

Torrent of Falling Knices (D398) - Shift your speed, and attack the reflex of up to 3 creatures for ok damage.   This is a nice encounter and is essentially a heroic tier daily power. Blurred Ki Focus likes this power a lot.

Overview -   You have a choice mainly between  a nice multi-attack that does good damage+prone in Dancer on the Sea of Battle and a power that should be able to damage and daze most of the battlefield in Mithral Tornado. 

Booming Shout (PsiP) A party unfriendly close blast 5 versus fort for poor damage and some ongoing (regardless if you hit).  The enemy becomes dazed after they save.  You can't predict when an enemy will be dazed, which limits the control this power can give.  As a striker daily, it's weak.

Breath of the Storm Lord (HotEC) - friendly close blast 3 vs. reflex, okay damage, creates a zone. Feels more along the lines of an encounter power than daily

Dancer on the Sea of Battle (PHB3) -  You shift your speed and attack the fortitude of each enemy you move adjacent to for decent damage and prone.  This can devastate the back line. 

Dragon's Flame (HotEC) - friendly close blast 5 vs. will, poor damage and some ongoing and an aura. Two damage types, but again, feels more along the lines of an encounter than a daily power.

Falcon's Rent (PsiP) - A close burst 1 versus reflex for low damage.  But at least you give ongoing damage and debuff defenses.  As a striker daily, it's weak.

Mithral Tornado (PsiP)- A close burst 1 for low damage that dazes (save ends) regardless of whether you hit.  You then move you speed and do a similar attack (remember that everyone adjacent is dazed, so no OAs from them) that does low damage and dazes (save ends) if you hit.  This could be a fun power. Unfortunately, you can't target the original burst targets with the second burst.   

Quickening Assualt (PsiP)- An attack versus reflex that does encounter level damage and gives a  bonus to the damage of the next at-will you do.  This is weak and boring.

Ring the Golden Bell (PHB3) -  This power is very well-named and can be an  nice opening attack on a dangerous opponent that you otherwise couldn't get to.  You jump up to ten squares with no OAs before you attack, which ensures you get to the most dangerous opponent on round one.  You then lay down a close burst 1 versus reflex that dazes (save ends).  The daze means the creatures can't move away from you, so you can get some nice OAs versus a ranged target. For melee opponents, you can shift 1-2(from Five Storms) after the jump to ensure the melee opponent can't move to you (or even charge if they don't have reach).  Overall, a it's a nice power, but Furious Bull and Mithral Tornardo could be used in much the same way. 

Still Waters Strike (PsiP) - Attacks fortitude for normal damage and a small push.  You grant CA for a turn to the target, but if anyone hits you during that turn you can make a accurate interupt attack that does decent damage and knocks them prone.  I want to like this power, but monks can have such good defenses that they won't be hit much of the time even if they grant CA. 

Sundered Mountain (HotEC) - Decent damage vs. Fortitude, some control against willing movement

Way of the Autumn Wind (PHB3) - This is another decent opening move.  It's a close burst 2 versus Fortitude that weakens (save ends).   However, it's not party friendly, and it does fairly low damage.  The stance effect allows you to shift 2 a reaction when you get hit, which helps keep you from getting swarmed when you've out byself (as you will be if you use this power).  This is a decent controller power, but its ability to screw over your own party makes it hard to use.

Overview - This is a nice level with some good powers.  I prefer Roots of the Mountain or Stance of the Still Sword, as it allows you more freedom to draw lots of aggro and survive.  Diamond Mind allows you to avoid some save end effects, but so does Stance of the Still Sword. Level 10 utilities like Iron Heart Resilience are also great choices if you don't already have them. 

Altered Awareness (PsiP) –You hit an enemy with a melee attack, and you’re invisible against it for a turn.  Seems weak for paragon tier.

Catch the Wind (HotEC) - an interrupt power for engaging the enemy at a distance.

Diamond Mind (PHB3) - +5 to your will defense as a interupt.  This is very nice because it allows you to avoid some of the nastiest effects, like stunned and dominate, that typically target will.  You might not use this every fight, but it is totally awesome when you do. 

Master of Winds Stance (PHB3) -A stance that lets you turn forced movement into a shift.  This is nice, but the other stances are so much better.  

Meditative Solace (PHB3) - This used to be a nice stance that allows you to make a save as a minor action one per turn.  However, it won't help you get out of the worst conditions like stunned and dominated, and forces you to make a tough choice with dazed.  Therefore, it is inferior to Iron Heart Resilience.

One Hundred Steps (HotEC) - encounter long concealment with some teleportation.

Pearl of Black Doubt (PsiP) – Wow!  A defensive stance I don't like much!  It’s an inferior version of Stance of the Still Sword.  Seems like it would be decent versus a solo, and inferior against most other things.

Roots of the Mountain (HotEC) - a variation of Wizard's Shield spell. 14 levels later, but still very good.

Stance of the Still Sword (PHB3) - This is basically the same stance as Centered Defense, but it it stacks with power bonuses to defense.  This helps you avoid getting swarmed and also avoid nasty conditions.  Overall, it's a great pick. 

Sundered Chains (PsiP) –Ending some nasty movement impeding effects is ok.

Unfailing Resolve (PsiP) –A stance in which dying does not make you unconscious, but slowed and weakened instead.  This seems like a weak dying recovery power that also provides a good way to get yourself killed. 

Overview - This is nice level with a couple of very nice multi-attacks. Fist of the Whirling Tempest is very good for Centered Breath, Stone Fist will probably enjoy Whirlwind Kick the most, and Centered Breath will bath their enemies in fire several times with Steps of Grasping Fire. If your DM plays by strict RAW, A Feather's Weight or Death's Chilled Embrace might very well be the clear choice assuming the DM believes that the movement power allows the use of the standard at no action cost.

A Feather’s Weight (Stone Fist, Eternal Tide) (PsiP) – This is an action denial power in which you can move up attack versus fortitude for relatively little damage and a daze and then move away again. The enemy then can either move, attack someone within their reach, used a ranged attack, or charge.  Stone Fist get a strength rider.  This is best used against a front liner with neither reach nor a good fortitude.  At this level, that is a very rare combination, which makes the power a bit weak for the level. ETV. Could be Purple if the movement option is considered to allow the use of the Standard via a move action.

Bitter Stasis (HotEC) - It attacks fortitude, poor damage, restrains the target, and the movement grants immunity to forced movement, immobilizes you, and gives resistance.

Death's Chilled Embrace (Stone Fist, Eternal Tide) (PHB3) - It attacks fortitude, does necrotic damage (which is commonly resisted) and immobilizes the target.  If the target is hit by an attack (which doesn't include Flurry of Blows) that has forced movement, it takes 5+twice strength modifier damage. This could be decent versus the back line, if they're not resistant to necrotic.  ETV, which allows you to potentially deny a melee target an attack.  If you have a good strength and have a party with a lot of forced movement, this could be nice.
 
Fall of the Anvil's Master (D398) - Attacks fortitude off decent damage, a push and prone.  This is a decent attack to use on the back line, but is not amazing. 

Feigned Opening (Iron Soul+Mace/Staff) (PsiP) –  A strange melee reach 3 attack versus will for relatively low damage if you pull the enemy adjacent to you.  Iron Souls using a mace/staff get a constitution damage rider, which brings damage to passable levels.  The movement technique does provoke OAs from those you start adjacent to, which makes this something of a skirmisher power. 

Fist of the Whirling Tempest (Centered Breath, Eternal Tide) - has a nice aura. Hit a target with Reflex, do okay damage, and have an aura with a die roll for damage upon entering.

Glare of the Inner Eye (PsiP) – You are blinded and gain blindsight, which means it's nice versus invisible and concealed foes, but it also means you grant CA.  At least it attacks will for normal damage and has a nice melee 5 range.  The large reach may make it hard to use FoB.

Leaping Dragon Strike (Iron Soul+Spear/Dagger) (PsiP) – Attacks reflex for normal damage and a little free movement.  Iron  Soul users with a dagger/spear  get a small accuracy bonus

Living Torch(Desert Wind, Centered Breath) - attack vs. Fortitude for poor damage, but potentially a lot of damage against enemies lined up to take damage.

Steps of Grasping Fire (Centered Breath) (PHB3) - This is a non-party friendly close blast 3 versus reflex.  It does a decent amount of fire damage, which is commonly resisted.   The Movement Technique allows you to create a mini wall of fire that does 5+wisdom damage, which is cool.  Centered Breath can use the slide of Flurry of Blows to do 10+double wisdom damage to multiple opponents, which is very cool.  Just remember to create the wall before you attack.  If you have a party with a lot of forced movement, this could be awesome. Probably the best pick for Centered Breath.

Three Winds Kick (Centered Breath) (PHB3) - This attacks the reflex of up to 3 enemies for ok damage if you have a good wisdom.  The Movement Technique is a teleport to an adjacent square to an enemy within 6.  This is fairly lackluster at this level, but it you're specialized in melee attacks, then it is slightly better.

Whirlwind Kick  (PHB3) - This pulls every enemy within three adjacent if you hit their fortitude.  You then attack adjacent targets reflex for very nice damage if you have a good strength.  As it bunches up enemies, it is a good set up for a nova and includes more targets.  It also can devastate the back line.   Probably the best pick for Stone Fists. Better for Eternal Tide or Centered Breath, because if you miss an enemy, you can pull/slide them in too with Starblade...

Overview - Some decent powers, but lacking a spectacular choice. Duel of Fates, Fire-Snake Dance, Neutralizing Strike, and Rising Dragon all have something going for them.

Angelic Legion Technique (PHB3) - It attacks reflex for nice damage and gives a mark (save ends).  On its turn you can use a free action to force the target to attack you with a ranged or melee attack, and get +4 power bonus to attack it till the end of your next turn.  Decent damage, but not a very useful attack at this level.  However, some monks playing defender might like it.

Crushing Reprisal (PsiP) – Wow, this power seems to be rooting for team monster.  It’s an immediate reaction that does measly damage and stunned (save ends).  The problem is that this occurs after the monster has attacked and on the monster’s turn.  This means the monster might not lose any actions from being stunned, and gets a save BEFORE losing any actions, or even granting CA.  Monsters you’d like to use it on likely have substantial save bonuses, so this is a real stinker for a daily. 

Dual in the Heavens (PHB3) - This is a multi attack power versus the fortitude of a single target, but since the second attack doesn't roll for damage, you won't be getting a number of bonuses on it.  It helps you isolate a target, which isn't very helpful for a monk.  If you hit on both attacks,the combination of dazed and prone is very nice. 

Duel of Fates (HotEC) - close burst 2 against a target that if it doesn't have a friend, it is a dead enemy if your Monk has any amount of time to spare. Use it on the medium-sized solo, move to the edge of the zone, and shoot it. As everything around it is blocking terrain and it can't teleport, it has problems...

Fire-Snake Dance (HotEC) - an upgraded shift your speed+4 power, okay damage, and immobilize on a hit.

Hare’s Panicked Retreat (PsiP) – Attacks versus fort for relatively poor damage for this level.  Gives slowed (save ends) if you hit, and you can push 2 on their turn until they save.  It is weak for a power of this level.

Inevitable Fist (PHB3) - This is a low damage, but accurate attack versus reflex.  A miss still provides a damage roll, so you do almost as much damage on a miss. Gives a stance where your Flurry of Blows does 2 more damage the whole encounter. Pretty lackluster at this level, but could be useful versus a foe that is hard to hit.

Loud Fist Strike (PsiP) – This is a fun power that is best used to shove a back line target into another group of creatures, damaging everyone. You first shift you speed, allowing you to close on a distant target.  You then attack fort for some damage, but hit or miss you push them 5 (preferably) into a group of other enemies.  You then make an area burst 2 attack versus fort centered on the target for some more damage and another push.  Overall, it’s a decent power, but lackluster compared to other striker powers.

Neutralizing Strike (HotEC) - Damage+Stun vs Fortitude, Weakened on a miss. Your enemy won't like you either way.

Rising Dragon Fire  (PHB3) -  It is a non-party friendly close burst 2 versus reflex.  This creates a burst 2 zone that does an extra 2d6 fire damage to anything you hit.  This is a nice power, but is hard to use and isn't overwhelming for the level compared to what other strikers have. It probably should be used in the first turn before the party moves in, assuming you get to the enemies first due to your awesome intitiative and mobility.

Twin Fountain Strike (PsiP) – You shift your speed +2, and attack the reflex of 1 or two creatures for low damage and 10 ongoing.  While the on-going is still in effect all enemies who can see the creatures affected get -2 to attack.  This also creates a little bit of concealment, which will benefit you as you can rely on your bursts to not take the attack penalty. Overall, it isn't horrible, but I don't really see why I'm taking this over Flame-Snake Dance.
 

Overview - This level has a lot of decent powers.  As you are already so mobile, I'd probably go with Empty Body or Supreme parry if you want another defensive stance, or Diamond Body or Indomitable Technique if you are already happy with your stances.

Diamond Body (PHB3) – Resist 20 damage as an interupt every encounter.  That's a 15% increase in durability.  A solid choice.

Empty Body (PsiP) – A stance that lets you take half damage from all sources, ignore difficult terrain, and move through enemies.  The only downside is you must be bloodied. So what happens when you get healed to above bloodied...

Everywhere At Once (HotEC) - A daily stationary zone that grants CA at the wrong time and some immediate reaction teleporting in the zone. If this is worthwhile to your character, something is probably horribly wrong.

Hastened Effort (HotEC) - this Daily grants a shift and a non-attack standard action. Seems to have potential, but the daily and no attack limits what it can do.

Indomitable Technique (PHB3) – This daily helps ensure you won't lose a turn because you're dying by letting you spend a surge, for 2 surges worth of healing.   Many character's epic destiny will give a similar power at level 24, but it's still useful as it allows you extra freedom to take the big risk, big reward actions strikers live and die for.  However, if your epic destiny doesn't grant a similar effect, this is an awesome power. 

Meditative Vanishing (PsiP) – As a Daily that allows you to become invisible against most or all of your enemies until you attack that particular enemy.  This would be better if monks didn’t like to attack the whole battlefield.  As is, it’s doesn’t go along with monk strengths.  It also is inferior to most monk defensive stances. 

Mist Walker's Step (PHB3) – Gain phasing and ignore difficult terrain for 2 rounds on an encounter basis.  This is ok, but situational.

Perfect Motion (HotEC) - Ignore Opportunity Attacks as a Daily Stance. Very situational and as a Monk, not likely something that's a huge concern.

Supreme Parry(PsiP) – Add the proficiency bonus of your weapon to your AC and reflex.  I think you can add only one weapon’s prof bonus, but check with your DM if they read it as allowing more than one.  This stance is good, and it stacks with all power bonuses.  However, it would be better if it added to all your defenses, as fortitude and will will be targeted quite a bit at this level.

 

Thousand World Stride (PsiP) – A daily stance that allows you to teleport your speed as a free action at the beginning of your turn. Probably not the most useful stance ever, but the ability to teleport quickly around a huge Epic battlefield likely adds to the value.

Wind Walker (PHB3) – You can fly your speed as an at-will, but you must land at the end.  This is situationally useful, but you will probably already have some fly or teleport options at this level, and flight is inferior to teleporting and might sometimes even be inferior to some jumping techniques.  You can even get superior powers at this level through items, such as Boots of Teleportation.

Overview -  This level has some decent choice - if you're unsure, Legion of One is a very solid power, but I think Order Unbound is often going to be the better choice, especially if Str-based. Blazing Sourge should appeal to some Desert Wind monks.

Blazing Scourge(Desert Wind) (HotEC) - short ranged multi-target attack vs reflex that immobilizes. Not bad, but we're really here for the movement power - shift speed and add power bonus to fire damage rolls as a move.

Fist of Golden Light (PHB3) – A low damage attack versus fortitude, that grants a secondary attack versus fortitude that blinds every enemy adjacent to the original target (but not the original target).  This is strange controller power that you most likely will be using on the front line, which means you'll miss a lot. 

Hungry Ghost (PHB3) – It attacks reflex and does a decent amount of necrotic damage, which is commonly resisted.  If you hit, you gain 10+wisdom thp.  The Movement Technique grants phasing and insubstantial for the turn.   

Iron Cascade (Iron Soul) (PsiP) – Attacks fortitude for normal damage with a damage bonus for each ally that is adjacent to the enemy. The problem is that allies will tend to cluster around the front line, which has a good fortitude.  The iron soul accuracy bonus gets around this problem, which makes the power decent for them.  Iron soul also can benefit from the movement technique, which gives a nice shift to you and an ally based on your constitution, which will help set up the damage bonus.

Legion of One(PHB3) – An enemy-only close burst 3 versus reflex for decent area damage. This will allow you to target most of the battlefield, which is awesome. The effect on the power and the movement technique are both shift 4, which allows you to position yourself in the most optimal place. An awesome power.  

Lightning in the Clouds (HotEC) - Attacks reflex for poor damage and a daze. Very weak. Movement does grant flight with hover until start of next turn, though.

 

 

Lightning Throw (PsiP) – Attacks reflex for ok damage.  A hit spawns a lightning bolt with range 10 that attacks a different target for relatively poor damage and blindness.  It is mediocre for an epic power.

Order Unbound(Stone Fist, Eternal Tide) (HotEC) - Poor damage close burst 2 vs Fort with potentially huge slide based on Str with auto-prone if they attack. Part of the value is the awesome movement option - insubstantial until start of the turn + teleport your speed. Doesn't get much better than that.

 

Shattered Earth Fall (PsiP) – Attacks the reflex of a single target for ok damage and proned, and also attacks the fort of all other enemies adjacent to you to prone them.  It is very weak for this level.

Sunder the Castle (PHB3) – Attacks reflex for decent damage and pushes your strength.  It's an ok power. Need a really good reason to take this over Order Unbound, such as a desire to be suboptimal.

Overview - Watchful Hydra Technique and Living Lightning are the clear standout at this level.  Some Stonefists may also be drawn to Phoenix Dance.

Crushing Anger (HotEC) - Ok damage as a reaction. Has some minor action do damage and knock prone as an auto-effect, but it involves a save, likely at a penalty.

Dragon Fist Strike (PsiP) - Some flight, and then ttacks reflex for decent damage and prone (save ends).  Enemies take a -2 to any attack including you for a turn.  This would be decent against flying targets, but it can't be used to attack flying targets, which makes it weak for the level.   

Enduring Boulder (HotEC) - Decent damage, no control attack. The Black rating is in the effect, which starts you off with resist 30, which drops 5 after each hit and a power bonus to melee damage rolls.

Fate's Judgement (PsiP) - Immediate reaction for lowish damage and a weak damaging save ends effect.  The enemy gets a save before taking any damage, so it's probably wasted.  Overall, the power sucks.

Four Hidden Sounds (Centered Breath) (PsiP) - A standard action stance that lets you make 1 weak, elemental, non-party friendly, close blast 5 attack as a minor each turn for four turns.  This gives you an extra minor action attack on three turns. However, it also has some significant drawbacks.  It also uses wisdom for damage. At this level, creatures will frequently have some elemental resistances.  Plus, you already are going to have some good stances for hard fights, and the non-party friendly nature of the power makes it hard to use.  Overall, if have a good wisdom and can make use of all 4 attacks without nuking your party, it's a decent power.

Glacier's Mantle (Stone Fist, Eternal Tide) (PHB3) - Attacks reflex for normal damage.  It lets you enter a stance that does 5 extra cold damage on melee attacks and 5+str cold damage when a enemy becomes adjacent to you.  You might not be using many melee attacks much at this level, and you should already have some good stances. Thus, the power is not as good as it may seem.  If you do make a lot of melee attacks, this could be good power. The bonus damage on the attack is not extra damage, so you might get to add damage modifiers more than once. If that's true, kick it up to blue

Living Lightning (HotEC) - Fly your speed, then do some weak damage vs. reflex. The effect is what the kicker is - on a hit, stunned until EoNT, on a miss, creature loses its standard action.
  
Phoenix Dance (Stone Fist) (PHB3) - It's Dancer on the Sea of Battle with 5+strength radiant damage as an effect. This means all targeted creatures will take at least 5+strength radiant damage, which ensure minions will die and makes the damage better than it seems.  If you have a good strength, it's a good power, but the competition is a lot more fierce than it was at level 15. 

Strike of Perfect Clarity (PsiP) - Attacks will for decent damage for a monk attack.  If you miss you can make the attack again. Plus a second damage roll.

Strike of the Vulnerable Turtle(PHB3) - Attacks reflex of a single target for good damage.  It grants a leader effect that won't affect you, but it might help weapon users in your party.  Not what I look for in a striker. 

Wandering Comet Strike (PHB3) –  Attack the reflex of up to three targets for poor damage for a daily. You can attack one creature twice, which is useful.  

Watchful Hydra Technique (PHB3) - Attacks the reflex of all enemies in a burst 3 for good damage, which should target most of the battlefield.  It also lets you enter into a stance that is similar to Starflurry Blade. Overall, it's an awesome pick.  

Overview - This level has some unusual, but fun powers.  Heart Sundering Strike lets you dominate a single target, and Celestial Drunken Boxer confuses a good section of the enemies to tear up themselves. 

Celestial Drunken Boxer (Centered Breath) (PHB3) – An enemies only burst 2 vs. Will that does no direct damage, but forces the enemies you hit to make a melee basic with a wisdom bonus to attack and damage.  This melee basic can be used to target themselves, and even that will provoke defender retribution, so it's a nice power if you have got the wisdom. Centered Breath Monks should be able to position their targets so that this turns into a multi-attack against a single target. 

Fist of Indomitable Iron (Stone Fist) (PHB3) –  High single target damage versus reflex for monks with a good strength. Yawn.... 

From Earth to Heaven (PsiP) – A party friendly close burst 2 versus fortitude for low damage, a small push and immobilized.  This could cause the front line to lose some attacks, but those enemies will likely have a good fortitude.  However, it still could be a useful power. 

Get Away, Stay Away(Stone Fist, Eternal Tide) (HotEC) - low damage burst 1 vs Fortitude that pushes based on Str. Not a capstone.

Heart Sundering Strike (PHB3) – Now here's a Capstone with a Capital C. It attacks Will and dominates (which is the best status effect in the game) with an some low damage once they snap out of it. Oh, did I mention the movement power has that wonky use during a move? If your DM doesn't go for that RAW, then it is only Sky Blue

Loose the Screaming Gale (HotEC) - solid blast 5 vs. Fort that does ok damage, slides, and immobilizes. Plus movement is flight that doesn't force you to land. 

 

Part the Seas(Iron Soul) (PsiP) – Attacks fortitude for very low damage and stunned for a turn. Movement technique can make enemies prone. The stunned is always nice, but is clearly inferior to Heart Sundering Strike. Iron Soul kicks it up to the point where maybe it isn't strictly inferior, just worse.

Shatter the Mountain (Stone Fist) (PsiP) – Attacks fortitude of decent damage and a moderate push.  Stone Fist get a larger push. Movement technique gives resist 5.  For this level, it is weak.

Storms Fall Without Warning  (D389) - A close burst 1 versus will for ok damage.  It also gives you a couple teleports.  It's accurate, but lackluster for the level. 

Tap the Life Well (PHB3) –  Attacks Fort for mediocre damage, and dazes two targets if you hit with a secondary attack.   This is not a good power for this level.

Weight of the Anchor  (PsiP)– Attacks reflex for good damage.  Iron soul may get an accuracy boost.  Boring...

Wildfire Unleashed(Desert Wind, Centered Breath) (HotEC) - the power itself isn't that great, a blast 3 vs reflex that does poor damage. However, it creates two seperate zones for damage instances. Have a party with lots of forced movement and this could be kicked up another notch. 

Overview - There are three respectable powers at this level.  Multi-attackers will take Mist on the Storm, which weakens.  Stunning Fist stuns the big baddie. Desert Wind Monks or in games with killer DMs should look at Rising Phoenix. If you can't make up your mind, pick Rising Phoenix.

Adamantine Hurricane (PsiP) – You get a small defense bonus, then make a party friendly close burst 1 versus reflex for low damage and 10 ongoing.  You then move, drawing OAs.  Enemies that miss you are proned and take a little damage.  You then make an identical close burst 1 against a different group of enemies.  It’s not a bad attack, but at this level it’s a bit lackluster. 

Bones of the Mountain King (HotEC)- a relatively weak close burst 1 attack vs Fort that auto-immobilizes and does ongoing(save ends) and gives a hefty penalty as long as you're next to the targets. That close burst 1 part and this being level 29th is why it is purple.

 

Falling Star Strike (PsiP)- A cinematic, non-party friendly  close burst 2 for relatively little damage and a blind (save ends).  Creatures must move out of area of effect or take a little more damage.  The cinematics of this attack are very cool, too bad the attack itself is weak for the level.

Mist on the Storm (PHB3) – This is an enemy only blast 3 versus reflex for decent damage and a weakened (save ends) rider. Even on a miss, the targets will be weakened.  This can be used to devastate the front line. The stance gives phasing and an insubstantial interrupt. Overall, a solid power. 

Quivering Palm (formerly Heart Sundering Strike) (PHB3) – About the same damage as the other powers at this level, but also 10 ongoing damage (save ends).  Anything you would want to use this on will have a good saving throw bonus, and stunned is much better than 10 ongoing, so this power is a trap. Stunning Fist completely overshadows this power.

Rising Phoenix(Desert Wind) (HotEC) - An interrupt, friendly burst 3 vs. Reflex, that does some weak damage, marks, and does some ongoing. You heal, you get an aura that does fire damage to enemies, and a fly speed if you needed it. All in all, a good choice.
 
Stunning Fist (PHB3) –  Attacks reflex for decent damage and has a second attack that stuns (save ends) on a hit and weakened or dazed (save ends) on a miss.   It is a good way of controlling the big baddie, but it isn't overwhelming at this level as the big baddies have big saving throw bonuses. 

Titan’s Mighty Grasp (PsiP) – It attacks fort for decent damage and a grab.  You can sustain the grab as a standard action, and make an accurate, encounter level attack versus fortitude that prevents the enemy from  escaping on their next turn.  If you’ve got a good fortitude defense or use it versus a dazed enemy, it’s a decent way to keep a flyer down, but it won’t help if the enemy has relatively common teleportation powers. It seems too situational to recommend at this level.

Tormenting Mirage (HotEC)- low damage, close burst 1 that attacks Reflex. It gives a relatively weak stance(this is Epic, most opponents won't be adjacent to you, so therefore you're granting CA) and an at-will reaction that is frankly weak. This wouldn't even be a good level 27 encounter power.

Coordinated Explosion – If you use a lot of party-friendly close bursts, and have allies in melee with you, this is a solid feat. Otherwise skip it.  
  
Crashing Tempest Style (Club users) (PHB3) - If you are holding a club you get a +2 to FoB damage. The FAQ for the PHB3 now specifies clearly that this feat works even if you're not attacking with the club.    

Deadly Draw (Centered Breath) (PHB3) - For Centered Breath Monks this gaurantees combat advantage against 1 or more enemies as long as you hit at least one enemy each turn.  This combines well with Nimble Blade, Starblade Flurry, and Defensive Advantage.

Cunning Stalker (HFK) - You get CA if you're the only creature adjacent to the enemy.  Thus, you depend on the party not fighting with you and the DM keeping monsters spread out for you to get CA.  However, if you consistently go play off by yourself, or your party is light on melee, you could get some good use out of the feat.  However, if your party is melee heavy, you should still be able to get flank, though.

Expertise Feats (Various) An expertise feat should be your first or second feat as a monk.  See below for a run down on the different expertise feats.

Expertise Feats

I rate these feats relative to each other. Any optimized monk needs one of these feats.

Holy Symbol Expertise (HoS)- This feat gives a superior version of Uncanny Dodge and Eyes in the Back of the Head, which helps you fight surrounded.  Holy symbols are easy to get if you have a little wisdom or cha by taking a MC avenger, cleric or paladin feat that gives implement profeciency. Only downside is that most divine classes have poor opportunities for minor action or off-action attacks.

Ki Focus Expertise (HoS) - A little scaling extra damage versus bloodied targets. 

Staff Expertise (HFL) - Essential for any staff user, but the benefit isn't useful for most monks. 

Versatile Expertise (PHB3) - Versatile Expertise has two big advantages - it works with both your ki focus and your weapon of choice. So you can use your Radiant/Frost/Subtle Dagger or your Blurred Ki Focus to make attacks, depending on which one is more useful. Plus, then, if you do need to use a long ranged weapon, you can shoot it with the ki focus.

 

Flurry Resounding (Dr404) - Use flurry again on an AP. As this feat only will typically apply only  twice per day, you probably could find something better.   

Implement Focus (HFL) - Extra damage is nice for a striker.

Improved Monk Unarmed Strike (PHB3) - It gives 1 extra damage to your unarmed basic attacks. Something you'll find really hard to use, even if you specialize in trying to use it. Avoid.

Nimble Blade (Centered Breath) (PHB) - If you use daggers and have CA a lot, this is a solid feat. Works well with Cunning Stalker, Deadly Draw and frost cheese.

Silvery Glow (Dr386) Frost+Radiant damage boost, though requires a specific deity.

Slashing Kama Style (Dr404) Generally just a bad idea and you don't have the hands for it in Paragon. At the minimum, you're giving up either +2 damage to your FoB or an extra target. Why?

Superior Implement Training (PHB3) - Dagger, Ki Focus, and Quarterstaff users want to take this to get their Accurate implements.  +1 to hit!  Monks using a Flaming dagger also could do well with an Incendary Dagger. 

Popular Superior Implements

Accurate (PsiP) -  It is boring, but it is the biggest accuracy and DPR increase of any superior implement.  All implement types a monk would use have this superior implement. 

Fluid Ki Focus (PsiP) - Extra mobility and defense (if you don't already have a shield bonus)

Inexorable Ki Focus (PsiP) - If you primarily attack fort and have some force powers, this could be useful.

Iron Ki Focus (PsiP) - Some extra damage and bonus forced movement on implement powers.  This does NOT affect Centered Breath FoB, as FoB isn't an implement power. 

Mighty Ki Focus (PsiP) - If primarily use reflex attacks, you could make some use out of this.  

Mountain Ki Focus (PsiP) - Extra defense (if you don't already have a shield bonus) and bonus forced movement on implement powers.  This does NOT affect Centered Breath FoB, as FoB isn't an implement power.

Serene Ki Focus (PsiP) - If primarily using Will attacks, especially psychic, you could make some use out of this. Not that many psychic Monk attacks, though.

Transcedent Ki Focus (PsiP) - there are a number of good Monk teleporation attacks, so is concealment and +1 reach with melee attacks more valuable than a +1 to hit?  

Two-Weapon Fighting (PHB) - The +1 damage only applies to weapon attacks as per the recent errata, so this is only useful to open up further feats.

Wintertouched (Stone Fist or Iron Soul)(PHB) - If you are a non-Centered Breath Monk using a Frost Weapon and have Lasting Frost, you will want this feat or maybe Cunning Stalker.  Otherwise skip it. Deadly Draw is strictly better for Centered Breath.

Beguiler (Dr420)- a minor action attack for both triggering blurred ki focus and sliding a target into burst radius. Very useful.

Devil's Pawn (NWCS)- An minor action encounter minion popper and a debuffing zone.  Use the zone before your nova to make sure every enemy in the burst gets hit.  The fire resist is just a bonus.

Fey Beast Tamer (HoFW)- A useful pet that grants bonuses and makes enemies grant CA. However, it will probably cost surges each day. 

Guardian (Good MBA) (Dr 399)- An immediate action weapon attack that gets your attacked instead of an ally.  Monks typically have a weak MBA at best, but if you have a decent MBA and have good defenses, then this is a decent path 

Knight Hospitaler (Centered Breath, Desert Wind) (Dr 399)- If you got the wisdom, immediate action heals for allies are helpful.

Harper Agent (NWCS)- The harper pin provides three powers that will always be useful in every encounter.  The Resourceful Dastard power is awesome if you're a Ghostwalker.

Ironwrought(Blurred Ki Focus) (HotEC) - Only consider if you have a minor action melee weapon attack, but if you do, this is a powerhouse option for Blurred Ki Focus, especially for Centered Breath Monks.

Ooze Adept - Blurred Strike Ki Focus user looking for an extra minor action attack?

Order Adept (Dr 399)- There are two versions of this theme, one in the compendium and CB which is poor for monks, and another in the original article which is useful.   The original article is the actual rules source, but it doesn't read sensibly.  For monks, you can pick wizard utilities (at all levels, or just level 2) instead of monk utilities, and you get a power bonus to will, which won't stack with most stances.  

Mercenary (Dr 399)- A no-action prone increases stickiness, and a defense bonus when bloodied helps keep the monk alive.

Primordial Adept (HoEC) A lot of fun burst powers + bonus to elemental damage. Generally good theme.

Noble Adept (DSCS)- Turns a miss into a hit each encounter.

Sarifal Feywarden (Dr 404)- Great for elemental damage users, particular Desert Wind types

Sohei (Dr 404)- The level 1 power doesn't work for monk powers. That said, if you have an MBA or power swap, this can work out.

Were-Bear (Dr 410)- At level 10, you can use claw gloves to add 1d10 to both FoB and your melee powers. You also get a nice power bonus to defenses. Regen utility 2 is amazing.

Were-Rat (Dr 410)-At level 10, you can use claw gloves to add 1d10 to both FoB and your melee powers.  You also can use Goblin totem for an item bonus to all your powers.  You also get a nice power bonus to defenses. Regen utility 2 is amazing.

Were-Wolf (Dr 410) At level 10, you can use claw gloves to add 1d10 to both FoB and your melee powers.  You also get a nice power bonus to speed. Regen utility 2 is amazing.

Yakuza (Dr 404)- If you have good defenses and drop a minion, the encounter power equals +2 to all defenses until the next time you're hit.  That bonus stacks with all but 1 stance, and may have made you virtually unhittable. Especially good for Desert Wind Monks.

Monks have a tendency to fight surrounded by enemies. Therefore I recommend, in general, getting the armor with the highest enhancement bonus as quickly as you can. 

For example, in LFR at level 14 you can always get +3 Battle Harness, which is very nice armor.  However, at the same level, you can also always get a Magic +4 armor, because of the change in masterwork armor you gain another +1 AC or Will on top of the +1 AC enhancement bonus.  This means that there is up 2 AC difference between a  +3 Battle Harness and +4 Magic armor. 

In short, it's not always smart to pass over a higher enchantment armor in the hopes you get the perfect armor at some later level. 

Level 2+
Resistance (PHB) It's cheap and provides 5*tier resistance of your choosing.  I'd go with poison, necrotic, fire, or acid in that order, as those are common and/or commonly have ongoing damage riders. 

Robe of Eyes (AV) It's cheap, and prevents you from ever being blinded.  Most monk bursts don't allow you to target foes you can't see, so being blind especally sucks for monks.  As an added benefit, it gives a bonus to perception. 

Level 3+
Armor of Sudden Recovery (AV2) A small bonus to ongoing damage saves, and an awesome daily power that can turn a nasty ongoing damage effect into equivalent regeration for the encounter. 

Stoneskin Armor (AV) 5*tier in temp hp per encounter isn't bad.  The first round of the encounter is one of the most damaging for monks as they tend to run ahead of the party, so this is handy. 

Level 4+
Armor of Adaptable Resistance (PsiP) - It's armor of resistance with a daily power that allows you to change the type of resistance, so that you always have the right kind.

Battle Harness (Dr 368) Can draw weapons as a free action. Also gives enchantment bonus to initiative.  You can use this to switch consistently to more offensive weapons (like a Ki weapon) or more defensive weapons (like a Shielding Blade).  Make sure to take the level 2 thievery skill power to help in this.  This armor can also help load a hand crossbow, by allowing you a free hand for a simple minor action.  

Flowform Armor (PHB3) A no action save each encounter.   It helps you get out of those pesky dominates and stuns.

Level 5+
Bloodthread - A +2 item bonus to AC and saves when you're bloodied.  This is really expensive and doesn't stack with Boots of the Fencing Master and other common item bonuses to defense. 

Level 13+
Desperate Resolve Vestaments (PHB2)- Insubstantial for a round as an daily interupt.  It also lets you spend a healing surge.  This is a nice answer to a critical against you

There are only three sets of armbands that I really like for monks.  The first are Bracers of Archery, which are the best way to get an item bonus to damage.  The second are Bracers of Brachiation, which provide a monk with a surprising number of extra mobility options if you think three dimensionally.  The third are Wrist Razors, which are a Dark Sun arm slot weapon that you can use as a third hand. 

Level 3+
Executioner’s Bracers (AV2) - A small boost to critical damage. Too bad monks have so few ways to increase critical range. 

Wrist Razors (DSCS)- This is a Dark Sun weapon that uses the arm slot, and not a hand. This allows you to put a nice static property on it, such as a Ki Weapon, Rhythm Blade, or Shielding enchantment.  However, many Dark Sun campaigns (like Ashes of Athas) use inherent bonuses so you can't expect to be able to get these enchantments, and many campaigns don't allow Dark Sun weapons at all.  In short, these are nice if you can get them enchanted as you like.

Level 4+
Counterstrike Gaurds (Stone Fist) (AV) - These, especially the paragon version, are nice if you have a nice MBA 

Level 5+
Bracers of Brachiation (Dr 378) - Very cool for monks, as it greatly increases mobility without reducing damage.  The heroic ones give you a climb speed equal to half your speed, and the paragon and epic ones give an increased climb speed.  A climb speed is still a speed, so movement techniques stack with these bracers.  A climb speed allows you to shift up walls to keep out of a flank and also to make sure you are adjacent to as many monsters as possible.   For example, I've fought entire battles fighting directly above the defender who was standing in a doorway or under a tree.  It also makes it hard to get shoved off a cliff.  You can also do a reasonable impression of spiderman if you combine these with a Flying Hook, which is an awesome combination IMO.  Overall, these are a ton of fun for monks.  Also, as per the RC, if you have multiple speeds, the largest one determines the total you can move, but you can't move more squares than that particular speed allows.  So if you have speed of 6 and a climb speed of 8 (such as through the Epic version of the bracers), you can move 8 but at least 2 of those must be climbed.   

Level 6+
Bracers of Archery (AV) If you're using a bow or hand crossbow, these are what you want.  These bracers are the easiest way to get a item bonus to all damage rolls for a monk.  The Ring of the Dragonborn Emperor is also competitive at paragon tier, if you're a burst specialist.

Iron Armbands of Power (AV) An item bonus to melee attack.  This will not affect your burst or blast attacks, so I tend not to get them on my monks.  As a result, most monks will either prefer the Ring of the Dragonborn Emperor or take both items so all attacks get some sort of item bonus.

Level 15
Rapidstrike Bracers (AV) - A +2 to initiative and you can use a melee at will instead of a melee basic when you make an OA once per encounter.  Say good bye to Melee Training!

Level 19+
Trollhide Bracers (AV) Regeneration for one encounter per day could be nice

Level 2+

Eberron Shard of Lightning (EPG) - Awesome with a Lightning Weapon and Melee Training.

Kyber Shard of Fiery Depth (EPG) - Awesome with a Flaming Weapon and Melee Training.

Eberron Shard of Lightning (EPG) - Awesome with a Frost Weapon and Melee Training.

Level 3+

Siberys Shard of the Mage (EPG) - Simply awesome! A must have for any weapon using monk.
 
Siberys Shard of Radiance (EPG) - Awesome with a Radiant Weapon and Melee Training.

Most monks will be drawn to Boots of the Fencing Master.  However, Rushing Cleat are awesome for CB monks.  Once epic tier comes around, a lot of other great options open up.

Level 7
Boots of the Fencing Master (AV) - An +1 item bonus to AC and reflex every time you shift, and a free shift once per encounter.  Awesome for monks.

Rushing Cleats (Centered Breath, Eternal Tide) (AV) These clearly add 1 to CB FoB's slide, as the FoB is a melee attack.  These are pure win for CB and ET monks as, when combined with Starblade Flurry, they allow a huge amount of control over the battlefield.  It's like having Come and Get It on every turn. 

Level 9
Boots of Eagerness (9 AV) An extra move action in every encounter.

Boots of Striding (PHB) +1 speed is always useful, but Greaves of Maldeen are better and similar in level.

Level 12
Dragonborn Greaves  (AV) These are like improved Boots of the Fencing Master while bloodied.  However, monks have a lot of ways to keep from getting bloodied.

Greaves of Maldeen (D364) +2 speed is really nice for the level

Shadowdancer’s Boots (AV2) +1 speed all the time, and another +1 to speed in dim light.

Level 18
Phantom Chaussures (AV) Shadow Walk boots.  Too bad monks tend to enjoy being surrounded.
Planestrider Boots (MotP) Big teleport and the ability to port around corners. Always useful.

Level 22
Boots of Speed (AV) +2 speed and a extra move action once per encounter. 

Level 24
Boots of Caiphon (AV2) Teleporting for damage and a bonus to reflex.

Zephyr Boots (AV) True flight. Nuff said.

Level 25
Sandals of Avandra (AV) A boost to speed and a lot of shifting.

Level 28
Boots of Teleportation (28 AV) At-will teleportation.

The really good head slots happen in mid-paragon and tend to be build dependent. Are you nearly impossible to hit? Do you want to save a feat on Superior Will? Or are you going elemental damage and want to boost it?

Casque of Tactics(Level 4+, AV): A small init bonus with an occasionally useful daily power.

 

 

Circlet of Indomitability (Level 8+, AV): A scaling untyped bonus to Will

 

 

 

Helm of Able Defense (Level 14, AV2): Hard to hit initially, +1 item to Will. For high defense characters who have Superior Will and use a Blurred Ki Focus. Part of the Panoply of the Shepherds of Ghest set.

 

 

Crown of the Brilliant Sun (Level 14, AV2): Boosts Lightning or Radiant damage. Great for WereX characters with Superior Will who use an elemental damage weapon. Part of Gifts of the Radiant Queen.

 

 

Circlet of Arkhosia (Level 14+, Head, PHR:D): Superior Will in Item form. For feat-constrained(who isn't) Monks.

Ghost Strike Ki Focus (Level 2+, PHB3) - a cheap item that only works with melee attacks. And really, no reason to have it at all unless you're solely focused on using a weapon as implement - then you use the property to defeat insubstantial. Or you know you're fighting insubstantial undead - being a common item, it is nearly free.

Blazing Arc Ki Focus (Level 3+, PHB3) - A cheap flaming weapon that only works with melee attacks.  Tieflings are the only ones who should probably try to make this work. 

Final Sleep Ki Focus* (Level 3+, D382) - d12 crits if you attack with the focus.  Shifting when you drop someone regardless if you use it to attack.

Rain of Hammers Ki Focus* (Level 3+, D382) -An extra area attack will help clean up a group and trigger the property. The extra attack once per day also helps any build.  My favorite ki focus for non-ki focus users. 

Body of Fire Ki Focus (Level 4+, MME) - An upgraded version of Blazing Arc Ki Focus. Decent for Desert Wind types.
Elusive Action Key Focus* (Level 4+, PHB3) +2 AC versus OAs. 

Hawk's Talon Ki Focus* (Level 4+, D382) - Use an at-will instead of a melee when you charge once per day, and a jump bonus on a charge. 

Mighty Strike Ki Focus (Level 4+, PHB3) - A more expensive, inferior version of a Ki Weapon that only works if you attack with it.  However, you can hold a Ki Weapon in your off hand, attack with this ki focus, and then get both benefits as they stack.

Blurred Strike Ki Focus (Level 5+, PHB3) - This ki focus is very expensive, but it lets you use FoB twice a round if you hit with two different attacks.There are three possible readings for this focus based on what is meant by 'attack' and RAI vs RAI issues.
 

 

I think the safest reading is each separate attack line. It works with the RAW of PHB and RC, there are Monk powers with secondary attacks(so the item is not relying on having MC'd or using APs to work), and we're not picking something clearly against RAI when it was released.

Iron Body Ki Focus (Level 5+, D382) - damage resistance until the end of your next turn against the attacks of the creatures you hit using this focus.

The + sign indicates tha there's another version of the weapon with an additional +1 enhancement bonus even 5 levels.

 

 

 

 

Level 2+

 

Goblin Totem (Any - FRPG) - If you're small, this is an awesome way to get an item bonus to all your powers.  And it's cheap!

Prime Shot Weapon (Any Ranged - AV) - A little extra damage against adjacent foes for dagger monks.  Awesome if your DM let's you apply the property even to attacks that don't use the weapon, which would include FoB.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level 3+

Frost (Any - PHB) - Combines with Lasting Frost for +5 damage. If only we weren't concerned about specific kinds of damage or multi-attacking.

Hidden Weapon (Light Blade, Mace - DSCS) - Boosts your initiative, but the real advantage is being able to quick draw a dagger when you need to do so.

Ki Weapon (Any -PHB3) - 2 extra damage on your FoB. A solid choice. Note that you don't need to attack with this weapon to get the benefit of its property.

Rhythm Blade (Light Blade - AV2) - Put this on a dagger or parrying dagger in your off-hand.  Works even with Two-Weapon Defense, a Shielding Blade, and the Iron Soul shield bonus. Some DMs may say that this ONLY works if you already have a shield bonus, so if you don't already have a shield bonus, then grab a Shielding Blade instead. 

Subtle (Any melee- AV1)- An item bonus to damage if you have CA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level 4+

Master’s Blade (Heavy Blade, Light Blade -AV2) - You don't have a ton of stances, but it is nice when they work together.  Also gives a bonus to  hit with at-wills when you're in a stance.

Screaming Bow (Bow -AV2) - a bit specialized, but you have a bow that can turn powers without a damage type into Thunder. Such as many Monk burst powers. Plus Bow is free for Elves, works with Bracers of Archery, and Siberys Shard of the Mage

Shielding Blade (Heavy Blade, Light Blade -Dr 391) - A common item that gives a shield bonus.  This stacks with a Rhythm Blade, but doesn't stack with Two-Weapon Defense or the Iron Soul shield bonus.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level 5+

Flaming (Any - PHB) - This weapon is OK by itself, but it's better for Tieflings, thanks to Hellfire Blood.



Lightning (Any - PHB) - If you have the Mark of Storm, this is your claim to fame.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level 7+

Infighting Blade (Light Blade, One-Handed Axe- AV2) - A nice daily power to have if you're surrounded, and you will tend to be surrounded.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level 9+

Crusader's Weapon

Githyanki Silver Weapon  (Heavy Blade - AV2) - Awesome when paired with a Headband of Intellect and Psychic Lock.

 

 

 

 

 

Level 12+

Jagged (Axe, Heavy Blade, Light Blade - AV) - Just about the only way to get 19-20 criticals. Plus, it's cheap!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level 13+

Thunderbolt (Any Ranged -AV) - A cheaper version of a Lightning Weapon for dagger monks

 

 

 

 

 

Level 14+

Battlemaster's (Any) (AV) - Allows you to recharge an encounter power once per day. 

Mindiron (Bow, Crossbow - AV) - Awesome when paired with a Headband of Intellect and Psychic Lock.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level 15+

Radiant (Any - AV) - Expensive, but it allows you to exploint radiant vulnerability and get an item bonus to all of your attacks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level 17+

Avandra's Whisper (Light Blade-AV) - A cheap way for holy symbol users to get a dagger weapliment, so they can use dragonshards and weapon feats with their holy symbol.

At heroic tier, a Centered Breath has not yet come into their power, but they are still consistently useful even at heroic tier because they can slide around single enemies into disadvantageous spots like into a flank.  However, Centered Breath are at their best when there is damaging terrain (like cliffs or fires) and/or a damaging zone to slide enemies into, or make them prone if they resist your efforts.  

At paragon tier things really start changing in how a CB monk plays.  With Starblade Flurry, CB monks can draw enemies into their burst range using their FoB slide, making CB monks one of the most effective multi-attacking styles.  This also means that typical DPR calculations will under estimate Centered Breath DPR, as these calculations aren't taking into account the monk's ability to draw enemies into burst range.  Deadly Draw also means up to 3 enemies (at paragon) you slide adjacent are granting combat advantage, which is superior to anything you can get from flanking. This easy access to CA makes CB monks the most accurate of the traditions.  Rushing Cleats and Centered Breath Master can be used to make the FoB slide longer, which allows you to draw even more monsters into your kill zone.   These slide enhancers also allow you slide enemies around and leave them in the same square (to allow an ally to continue to flank and trigger Deadly Draw).  Because CB monks draw so many enemies adjacent to them, they must have great defenses and some resistances or they will drop from massive amounts of attacks and overlapping damage auras.  This ability also makes them decent off-tanks as they can frequently keep enemies out of reach of the squisher party members

Stone Fist are probably the easiest tradition to play. However, they have the least control over the battlefield, which makes them less powerful than the other traditions if played by a tactically competent player.  Damage is always useful in any situation, so a Stone Fist will always find themselves useful.  Stone Fist get a lot of extra damage from Starblade Flurry, and also can have a good melee basic attack if they use a larger weapon.

However, many inexperienced Stone Fist players will use single target melee powers to trigger their increased FoB damage against another adjacent target.  This strategy is almost always a trap, as a close burst attack would likely have done more overall damage

Iron Souls lock enemies in place, allowing the party to swarm them without taking OAs in the process.  If the enemy wants to move, they will typically take OAs from multiple party members as the enemy cannot shift.  This makes Iron Soul very effective against artillery and other enemies that benefit from movement.  Iron Soul are wonderful multiattackers because they lock enemies into place within their kill zone.  This ability also makes them good off-tanks as they are sticky, but it also requires good defenses and some resistances or they will drop from massive amounts of attacks and overlapping damage auras. Starblade Flurry makes Iron Soul into useful controllers, as they lock enemies adjacent to other party members, such as the defender.

As per the RC FAQ, the Iron Soul FoB does not break a grab and prevent an enemy from flanking.  

The Play "Stupid" tactic is designed for a defensive monk, such as my Centered Breath Master of Defense build, to get as many monsters inside the monk's kill zone as possible.  The tactic works by tricking the monsters into thinking the monk is vulnerable, when in fact the monk is probably the worst target in the party.   This tactic could also be called "Defending Through Positioning," if your goals were to defend the rest of the party.  
 
One of the most common ways to die for a striker is to wander too far from the herd, get singled out, and then die from massive focused fire.  However, monks are not you everyday striker.  In fact, many monks frequently have higher defenses than the defender.  Therefore, many monks can take massive focused fire and not die.   In fact, if monsters are focusing fire on the monk, the monsters are typically clustering themselves within the monk's kill zone.  This allows the monk to attack a lot more monsters than the monk would otherwise be able to do. 

There are three common situations that call for this tactic:
1) At the start of combat, you want to be 2-5 squares in front of the party. Monsters will naturally come over and attack you as a result. 
2) Monsters are spread out, and the party hasn't engaged.  At this point the monk probably wants to get behind some of the monster front line.  This will tend to make the monsters all cluster up on you, and will allow your party to come up and flank and focus fire on the front line monster(s) you are behind.    
3) If one melee party member as engaged one melee target, and other melee monsters have yet to move up and engage, the monk (with good defenses) should move behind the monster the other party member is engaging.  The other monsters will typically think "easy lunch" and move up to surround and flank the monk, who unleashes a barrage of burst attacks when the monsters are in range.  

So now you have the monsters clustered arround you, so you have lots and lots of targets to use your close bursts on.  Centered Breath and Iron Soul will also be able to keep the monsters more or less in this formation. 

This is a variant of the Play "Stupid" tactic.  To Spring the Trap, you need to
1) Move into a position where the monster should move up to attack you, a la Play "Stupid".  Preferably, you should start with at least 1-2 monsters who have already acted already inside your burst range.
2) Ready a burst attack for when 1-2 additional monsters have moved into range (preferably a close burst 2 or better to make sure the monster don't stop out of reach).  If the attack dazes, like Furious Bull or Mithral Tornado, it is MUCH better, as dazing a monster after it has moved will cost the monster the rest of its turn. 


However, you need to be sure your readied burst attack is as big or bigger than the monsters' reach.  Otherwise, your readied action will never go off. 

One other drawback, your FoB needs to be triggered on your own turn, so your probably won't let you use FoB on the attack.  In short, you need to make sure that getting more targets in your burst is better than sacrificing your FoB.

For defensive monks, allow enemies your defender has marked to make opportunity attacks against you.   However, make sure your defender has a punishing mark (such as fighter or paladin) that doesn't require you getting hit (like the battlemind and assualt swordmage do).   Your superior defenses will make it unlikely you will get hit, and the defender gets free damage on the enemy.   This is especially good for halflings and githzerai with Githezerai Mobility.

Do NOT use the Flail Madly About tactic when multiple enemies will get OAs on you. 

These are some optimized builds that are good from level 1 and have a good monk feel to them.  I've tried to make sure the builds generally avoid cheese, are relatively item independent, and stay clear of any rules questions.  Most of these builds can be seen as templates to help you build your own monk. 

Centered Breath

The Drunken Boxer: Centered Breath Master of Defense  


The Thunder Monk: Centered Breath Burst Specialist  


Iron Soul

Iron Sparrow: A Classic Iron Soul Monk  

Master Pai Mei: Wilden Defender Monk  by Svendj
 
Stone Fist

Stone Claw Mantis Style - An Optimized Sickle Monk (Ongoing Damage) by Rathyr