My take on improving Boost, Chi Blast, and additions
Always willing to put forth suggestions, I had a few of my own and did not want to start a whole new thread. I think we have a great ability in Chi Blast and Boost, but their effectiveness together is a bit weak. Damage wise, to reach full potential, Chi Blast must be coupled with 3 minutes worth of boosting. During this time, the Monk is unable to melee due to the effect of Boost wearing off. This is a great loss in damage potential to maximize another skill. While both skills are good the cohesiveness could be better. I propose that we enhance the way Boost buffs the player, and expand on the Chi style abilities.
The way I suggest we do this is by adding a buff-able charge system to Boost. Essentially, every time you boost, you get the normal +% to your attack power which wears off the next time you strike an opponent. However, in addition to this you gain a "Boost Charge" that does not wear off for some time (say 10mins-1hr). This charge can stack up to the current amount of 15 (3 minutes worth of boosting every 15 seconds) or it can change to some other amount. The charges are used to enhance "Chi" style abilities such as Chi Blast, and possibly some new ones which I will suggest shortly. In this way the Monk that normally boosts before battle, or before a weaponskill can have enough Boost charges built up to unleash a powerful Chi Blast while still staying viable in a melee fight.
In addition to this I propose additional abilities that would utilize these "Boost Charges". These could either be utilized by requiring a certain amount of charges gathered to be used, or only require one charge but be enhanced by additional consumption of charges. Timers and damage are not included as those are ultimately decided by the DEV Team, but my hopes is that they would be similar to or less than Chi Blast according to the skill.
Chi Strike:
Releases a Chi attack to the enemy which reduces an enemy's TP. (Works like Feather Tickle for example)
Chi Shield:
Gather Chi energy to create a shield which absorbs a certain amount of physical and magical damage. (works like a Stoneskin)
Chi Wave (I like that name):
Expel your Chi energy to allies, reducing the TP gained by enemies when striking them.
(this would act like a party buff that enhances the partie's subtle blow but not your own)
Crippling Blow:
Gather you Chi energy to deliver an attack which stuns your enemy. Additional effect Knockback. (think of this like a Blue Mage's Headbutt)
Haymaker:
Gather your Chi energy to deliver an attack which renders the target incapable of using weaponskills or job abilities. (an Amnesia effect)
Uppercut (or some other name):
Gather your Chi energy to deliver a devastating critical blow to your enemy. (something like a critical hit enhanced by Boost charges, atk power, or strength)
Muted Blow:
Gather your Chi energy to deliver an attack that Silences the target. (short duration Silence)
Thats all I have for those abilities. While were discussing Guard and Counterstance I have a few suggestions for those as well.
Counterstance:
Change the "lowers defense" to "lowers evasion" It can still be a very powerful evasion down amount. (Only taking your Agility into account)
In regards to adding Guardingstance. It can share a timer, or remove Counterstance much like Saber Dance and Fan Dance operate.
Guardingstance
Increases chance to Guard, but lowers defense.
This "lowers defense" would be the same effect from the original Counterstance.
I would also like to see a "Perfect Guard" like we have a Perfect Counter.
Thanks for reading! (If you made it this far you're awesome). Also, on a side note, Dev Team as a Monk I would really like some Holy Knuckles. I do need to smite foes with righteous fury every once in a while.