While celebrations were happening in the game, we were getting a sneak peak at things at Connect'08. During the Dungeons and Dragons Online roundtable, attendees were able to see the new class that will be coming to DDO in the Mod 7 update. The Monk class. This class is a balance between a Shaolin monk and the traditional monk class from the tabletop Dungeons and Dragons game. The developers have done their best to stay true to the class in the tabletop game and from what we were shown they've actually managed just that.

The Monk will mostly be a hand to hand combat character with proficiencies in quarter staff and exotic weapons, such as the shuriken. Attacks will include both single target and area of affect damage. Good news comes in the form of the lack of restrictions. Any race will have the option of playing the Monk, but there may be mandatory alignments. The Monk class is still in the pre-Alpha stages at the moment, so much could change as decisions are made and the class further developed.

As many will know Gary Gygax, co-creator of D&D, died recently. A trinket has been created in tribute to Gygax called Voice of the Master. This little trinket item gives a small experience boost when equipped. There will also be a tribute to Gygax in one of the graveyards. Fitting reminders for a good man.