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{{Infobox unit
 
{{Infobox unit
 
|Name = Monk
 
|Name = Monk
|Image = <tabber>Regular=
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|Image = <tabber>Regular (DE)=[[File:Monk aoe2DE.png]]
  +
|-|Native American (DE)=[[File:Nativemonk aoe2DE.png]]
[[File:MonkIcon.jpg|45px]]
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|-|Regular=[[File:MonkIcon.jpg|45px]]
 
|-|Native American=
 
|-|Native American=
 
[[File:MonkIcon2.jpg|45px]]
 
[[File:MonkIcon2.jpg|45px]]
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|Type = Monk<br>[[Healer]]
 
|Type = Monk<br>[[Healer]]
 
|Intro = [[File:KingsIcon.png]] ''[[Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings|The Age of Kings]]''
 
|Intro = [[File:KingsIcon.png]] ''[[Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings|The Age of Kings]]''
|Age = [[File:Castle-age-reseach.jpg|22px]] [[Castle Age]]
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|Age = [[File:CastleageDE.png|20px]] [[Castle Age]]
 
|Building = [[File:Monastery-logo.jpg|22px]] [[Monastery (Age of Empires II)|Monastery]]
 
|Building = [[File:Monastery-logo.jpg|22px]] [[Monastery (Age of Empires II)|Monastery]]
  +
|Ability = Heal units<br>[[Conversion|Convert]] units<br>Carry [[Relic (Age of Empires II)|Relics]]
 
|Gold = 100
 
|Gold = 100
 
|HP = 30
 
|HP = 30
|Range = '''[[Conversion]]:'''<br>9 vs units<br>{{tt|0 vs [[Buildings (Age of Empires II)|buildings]], [[Trebuchet]]s, [[Battering Ram]]s|requires Redemption}}<br>'''Healing:'''<br>4
+
|Range = '''[[Conversion]]:'''<br>9 vs units<br>{{tt|0 vs|requires Redemption}} [[Buildings (Age of Empires II)|buildings]], [[Trebuchet]]s, [[Battering Ram]]s<br>'''Healing:'''<br>4
 
|Armor = 0
 
|Armor = 0
 
|PierceArmor = 0
 
|PierceArmor = 0
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|Speed = 0.7
 
|Speed = 0.7
 
|Class = [[Armor class: Monk|Monk]]
 
|Class = [[Armor class: Monk|Monk]]
  +
}}
}}{{Quote|Slow and weak. Converts enemy units, ships to your civilization (player color). Heals wounded villagers, military units (except siege weapons).|''Age of Empires II'' description}}
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{{Quote|Slow and weak. Converts enemy units, ships to your civilization (player color). Heals wounded villagers, military units (except siege weapons).|''Age of Empires II'' description}}
The '''Monk''' is a special [[Units (Age of Empires II)|unit]] in ''[[Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings|Age of Empires II]]'' that can be trained at the [[Monastery (Age of Empires II)|Monastery]]. Lacking all means of attack, they still hold a position of power as they are one of only two units being able to [[Conversion|convert]] other units to the player's side (the other being the [[Missionary (Age of Empires II)|Missionary]]). Additionally, the Monk can heal all allied units or their own, except for [[Ships (Age of Empires II)|ships]] and [[Siege weapons (Age of Empires II)|siege weapons]]. Initially, they are very weak, but they can be powered up quite a bit by researching all [[Technology (Age of Empires II)|technologies]] in the Monastery.
 
   
 
The '''Monk''' is a special [[Units (Age of Empires II)|unit]] in ''[[Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings|Age of Empires II]]'' that can be trained at the [[Monastery (Age of Empires II)|Monastery]]. Lacking any means of attack, Monks are one of only two units able to [[Conversion|convert]] other units to the player's side, the other being the [[Spanish (Age of Empires II)|Spanish]] [[Missionary (Age of Empires II)|Missionary]]. They heal allied units and the player's own units, except for [[Ships (Age of Empires II)|ships]] and [[Siege weapons (Age of Empires II)|siege weapons]]. Initially weak, Monks can be powered up quite a bit by researching all [[Technology (Age of Empires II)|technologies]] in the Monastery.
Of all civilizations, the [[Aztecs (Age of Empires II)|Aztecs]] have the strongest Monks, having access to all religious technologies and getting an extra 5 [[Hit points|HP]] for each one researched. If every technology is researched, Aztec Monks have 95 HP - more than twice as much as a regular Monk with [[Sanctity]].
 
   
 
Of all civilizations, the [[Aztecs (Age of Empires II)|Aztecs]] have the strongest Monks, having access to all religious technologies and receiving an extra 5 [[Hit points|HP]] for each one researched. If every technology is researched, Aztec Monks have 95 HP - more than twice as much as a regular Monk with [[Sanctity]].
The [[Slavs]], [[Saracens]], and [[Spanish (Age of Empires II)|Spanish]] also have unique [[Unique technology|technologies]] that benefit their Monks.
 
   
[[Byzantines|Byzantine]], and [[Teutons|Teuton]] Monks are also good, benefiting from both Monastery upgrades and team bonuses.
+
The [[Slavs]], [[Saracens]], and [[Spanish (Age of Empires II)|Spanish]] also have unique [[Unique technology|technologies]] that benefit their Monks. [[Byzantines|Byzantine]] and [[Teutons|Teuton]] Monks are also fairly effective, benefiting from both Monastery upgrades and team bonuses.
   
 
== Tactics ==
 
== Tactics ==
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=== Relics ===
 
=== Relics ===
The first and arguably most important role they serve is to collect [[Relic (Age of Empires II)|Relics]]. A Relic is a special object that when garrisoned in one of their Monasteries, the player possessing it will receive a small but continuous trickle of [[gold]] over time, roughly equivalent to one Miner. The more the Relics the player collects, the more gold they generate. Unlike mining, Relics do not run out of resources. Most importantly, training Monks quickly and effectively in a game with standard victory becomes critical following the Castle Age since collecting and holding every Relic for a brief time period is one of the many ways to [[Victory|win the game]].
+
[[File:Relicsprite aoe2.png|41px|left]]The first and arguably most important role they serve is to collect [[Relic (Age of Empires II)|Relics]]. A Relic is a special object that when garrisoned in one of their Monasteries, the player possessing it will receive a small but continuous trickle of [[gold]] over time, roughly equivalent to one Dark Age Miner. The more the Relics the player collects, the more gold they generate. Unlike mining, Relics do not run out of resources. Most importantly, training Monks quickly and effectively in a game with standard victory becomes critical following the Castle Age since collecting and holding every Relic for a brief time period is one of the many ways to [[Victory|win the game]].
   
 
=== Conversion ===
 
=== Conversion ===
The second purpose Monks serve is to [[Conversion|convert]] enemy units. Opinions can differ widely about the use of conversion in the game. However, converting a unit minimizes the enemy's forces while simultaneously increasing their own army. In the Castle Age, Monks can be effective in backing up rushes without the opponent having the ability to research [[Faith]] and being able to outrange every single unit but the [[Longbowman (Age of Empires II)|Longbowman]].
+
[[File:Converticon aoe2de.png|30px|left]][[File:Monks convert aoe2de.gif|thumb|220px|right|Four monks converting an [[War Elephant (Age of Empires II)|Elite War Elephant]].]]The second purpose Monks serve is to [[Conversion|convert]] enemy units. Opinions can differ widely about the use of conversion in the game. However, converting a unit minimizes the enemy's forces while simultaneously increasing their own army. In the Castle Age, Monks can be effective in backing up rushes without the opponent having the ability to research [[Faith]] and being able to outrange every single unit but the [[Longbowman (Age of Empires II)|Longbowman]].
   
 
Good Monk civilizations (such as the [[Aztecs (Age of Empires II)|Aztecs]], [[Burmese]], [[Saracens]], [[Slavs]], [[Spanish (Age of Empires II)|Spanish]], and [[Teutons]]) can even perform a Monk [[Strategy:Rush|rush]]. That can be dangerous, because the attacked player most likely does not have any anti-conversion technologies researched and the Monks are affordable due to the high amount of gold being freely available. The [[Portuguese (Age of Empires II)|Portuguese]] can also rush with Monks, despite lacking [[Illumination]], as their Monks are 15% cheaper, costing 85 gold.
 
Good Monk civilizations (such as the [[Aztecs (Age of Empires II)|Aztecs]], [[Burmese]], [[Saracens]], [[Slavs]], [[Spanish (Age of Empires II)|Spanish]], and [[Teutons]]) can even perform a Monk [[Strategy:Rush|rush]]. That can be dangerous, because the attacked player most likely does not have any anti-conversion technologies researched and the Monks are affordable due to the high amount of gold being freely available. The [[Portuguese (Age of Empires II)|Portuguese]] can also rush with Monks, despite lacking [[Illumination]], as their Monks are 15% cheaper, costing 85 gold.
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=== Healing ===
 
=== Healing ===
Monks are able to heal friendly units (with a speed of 1 HP per 0.4 seconds). That comes in especially useful for resilient units that the player wants to keep taking hits. Monks are often paired with archers, because they are easy to control and be effective at the same time with the defensive stance mode. Siege weapons are a heavy threat to this combination.
+
[[File:Healicon aoe2de.png|30px|left]][[File:Aoe2de monk healing.gif|thumb|153px|right|A Monk healing a [[Tarkan]] in ''[[Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition]]''.]][[File:Monk healanim aoe2.gif|thumb|30px|left]]Monks are able to heal friendly units (with a speed of 1 HP per 0.4 seconds). That comes in especially useful for resilient units that the player wants to keep taking hits. Monks are often paired with archers, because they are easy to control and be effective at the same time with the defensive stance mode. Siege weapons are a heavy threat to this combination. Because [[Heroes (Age of Empires II)|hero]] units have health [[regeneration|regenerative]] abilities, combining that with the healing of a Monk will further speed up the hero's rate of healing, providing a large advantage.
   
Players should around have two to ten Monks depending on the size of their forces, to heal wounded units free of charge during battle. Monks should be kept out of danger and the wounded units should come to the Monks, not the other way around or else they are likely to be targeted.
+
Players should have around two to ten Monks depending on the size of their forces, to heal wounded units free of charge during battle. Monks should be kept out of danger and the wounded units should come to the Monks, not the other way around, or else they are likely to be targeted.
  +
  +
Monks are not able to heal themselves, meaning that another Monk must be present to heal them. The only exception to this is if a Monk is a hero unit, in which it will inherently have the health regeneration ability that all heroes possess.
   
 
The [[Byzantines]] and [[Teutons]] have the best healers in the game, as they have a faster healing rate and a longer healing range respectively. Spanish [[Missionary (Age of Empires II)|Missionaries]] are also among the best, thanks to their speed, allowing them to keep up with armies.
 
The [[Byzantines]] and [[Teutons]] have the best healers in the game, as they have a faster healing rate and a longer healing range respectively. Spanish [[Missionary (Age of Empires II)|Missionaries]] are also among the best, thanks to their speed, allowing them to keep up with armies.
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|-
 
|-
 
|'''Weak vs.'''
 
|'''Weak vs.'''
|[[Eagle Warrior]]s, [[Light Cavalry (Age of Empires II)|Light Cavalry]]
+
|[[Eagle Warrior]]s, [[Light Cavalry (Age of Empires II)|Light Cavalry]], [[Konnik]] (after [[Heresy]]).
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="2" style="color:black; font-size:110%; padding:1em;" | Upgrades
 
! colspan="2" style="color:black; font-size:110%; padding:1em;" | Upgrades
 
|-
 
|-
 
|'''Hit points'''
 
|'''Hit points'''
  +
|{{2icons|Sanctity}} (+15, +20 for the [[Aztecs (Age of Empires II)|Aztecs]])<br />{{2icons|Redemption}} (+5, only for the Aztecs)<br />{{2icons|Atonement}} (+5, only for the Aztecs)<br />{{2icons|Herbal Medicine}} (+5, only for the Aztecs)<br />{{2icons|Heresy}} (+5, only for the Aztecs)<br />{{2icons|Fervor}} (+5, only for the Aztecs)<br />{{2icons|Faith}} (+5, only for the Aztecs)<br />{{2icons|Illumination}} (+5, only for the Aztecs)<br />{{2icons|Block Printing}} (+5, only for the Aztecs)<br />{{2icons|Theocracy}} (+5, only for the Aztecs)
|{{2icons|Sanctity}} (+15)
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|'''Range'''
 
|'''Range'''
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== Civilization bonuses ==
 
== Civilization bonuses ==
* [[Aztecs (Age of Empires II)|Aztecs]]: Monks gain +5 HP for every researched Monastery technology.
+
* [[Aztecs (Age of Empires II)|Aztecs]]: Monks gain 5 HP for every researched Monastery technology.
 
* [[Burmese]]: Technologies that benefit Monks are 50% cheaper.
 
* [[Burmese]]: Technologies that benefit Monks are 50% cheaper.
 
* [[Celts]]: Monks can convert [[herdables]] even if enemy units are next to them.
 
* [[Celts]]: Monks can convert [[herdables]] even if enemy units are next to them.
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== Team bonuses ==
 
== Team bonuses ==
 
* A team containing [[Byzantines]]: Monks heal {{tt|50%|200% in The Age of Kings}} faster.
 
* A team containing [[Byzantines]]: Monks heal {{tt|50%|200% in The Age of Kings}} faster.
  +
* A team containing [[Lithuanians]]: Monks train 20% faster. All monastery technologies are researched 20% faster.
 
* A team containing [[Teutons]]: Monks are more resistant to [[conversion]].
 
* A team containing [[Teutons]]: Monks are more resistant to [[conversion]].
   
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* Monks carrying [[Relic (Age of Empires II)|Relics]] are not affected by anti-Monk damage.
 
* Monks carrying [[Relic (Age of Empires II)|Relics]] are not affected by anti-Monk damage.
 
* Fervor now only affects Monks carrying Relics.
 
* Fervor now only affects Monks carrying Relics.
* [[Heresy]] introduced.
+
* [[Heresy]] technology introduced.
* [[Theocracy]] introduced.
+
* [[Theocracy]] technology introduced.
* [[Byzantines]]: Monks now heal 50% faster.
+
* [[Byzantines]]: Monks heal 50% faster.
   
 
=== ''The Forgotten'' ===
 
=== ''The Forgotten'' ===
* Monks carrying Relics are now susceptible to anti-Monk damage.
+
* Monks carrying Relics are now susceptible to anti-Monk damage.
* All Monks are now affected by Fervor, not just Monks carrying Relics.
+
* All Monks are affected by Fervor, not just Monks carrying Relics.
* [[Saracens]]: [[Madrasah]] introduced.
+
* [[Saracens]]: [[Madrasah]] technology introduced.
* [[Spanish (Age of Empires II)|Spanish]]: [[Inquisition]] introduced.
+
* [[Spanish (Age of Empires II)|Spanish]]: [[Inquisition]] technology introduced.
   
 
== Trivia ==
 
== Trivia ==
* The Monk is one of only two units in the game to only cost gold, the other being the [[Missionary (Age of Empires II)|Missionary]].
+
* The Monk is one of only two units in the game to cost only gold, the other being the [[Missionary (Age of Empires II)|Missionary]].
 
* The Monk is one of only three units to have two different designs, the other being the [[Villager (Age of Empires II)|Villager]] and the [[Trade Cart]].
 
* The Monk is one of only three units to have two different designs, the other being the [[Villager (Age of Empires II)|Villager]] and the [[Trade Cart]].
** The fifth design document of Ensemble Studios (dated 17 July 1998) already envisioned Monks with four different skins depending of their religion: bald in a brown robe for Christian civilizations, white hat and robe for Muslims, bald in white robe for Buddhists, and [[Deer]] mask in brown robe for Pagans. Despite several fan mods changing the Middle Eastern Monk's skin to the [[Imam (Age of Empires II)|Imam]]'s and the East Asian Monk's to [[Chand Bhai]]'s, no similar feature has ever been released officially.​
+
** The fifth design document of Ensemble Studios (dated 17 July 1998) already envisioned Monks with four different skins depending of their religion: bald in a brown robe for Christian civilizations, white hat and robe for Muslims, bald in white robe for Buddhists, and [[Deer]] mask in brown robe for Pagans. Despite several fan mods changing the Middle Eastern Monk's skin to the [[Imam (Age of Empires II)|Imam]]'s and the East Asian Monk's to [[Chand Bhai]]'s, no similar feature has ever been officially released.​
* The [[Aztecs (Age of Empires II)|Aztecs]], [[Saracens]], and [[Spanish (Age of Empires II)|Spanish]] are the only three civilizations in the game that have access to all [[Monastery (Age of Empires II)|Monastery]] technologies. However, the [[Teutons]] and the [[Byzantines]] also have access to all available technologies for their Monks, lacking only [[Herbal Medicine]].
+
* The [[Aztecs (Age of Empires II)|Aztecs]], [[Lithuanians]], [[Saracens]], [[Spanish (Age of Empires II)|Spanish]] and the [[Teutons]] are the only civilizations in the game that have access to all [[Monastery (Age of Empires II)|Monastery]] technologies. However, the [[Byzantines]] also have access to all available technologies for their Monks, lacking only [[Herbal Medicine]].
   
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
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Monkregular.png|A group of regular Monks
 
Monkregular.png|A group of regular Monks
 
Monkamerican.png|A group of Native American Monks
 
Monkamerican.png|A group of Native American Monks
  +
Monk relic view aoe2de.png|All views of a Monk holding a Relic.
 
Monkvsknight.png|Allied Monks convert enemy [[Knight]]s; notice how the Knights' color changes on the right picture.
 
Monkvsknight.png|Allied Monks convert enemy [[Knight]]s; notice how the Knights' color changes on the right picture.
 
Monkhealdemonstration.png|A Monk heals injured units.
 
Monkhealdemonstration.png|A Monk heals injured units.
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IMG_20190725_161233.jpg|A Monk in the ''[[Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition|Definitive Edition]]''
 
IMG_20190725_161233.jpg|A Monk in the ''[[Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition|Definitive Edition]]''
 
Monk render.png|A render of the regular Monk model
 
Monk render.png|A render of the regular Monk model
  +
African monk aoe2de.png|Unused African Monk icon.
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
   

Revision as of 06:33, 16 May 2020

Info icon
This article is about the unit in Age of Empires II. For the armor class, see Armor class: Monk. For the similar unit in other games of the series, see Monk.

Slow and weak. Converts enemy units, ships to your civilization (player color). Heals wounded villagers, military units (except siege weapons).
Age of Empires II description

The Monk is a special unit in Age of Empires II that can be trained at the Monastery. Lacking any means of attack, Monks are one of only two units able to convert other units to the player's side, the other being the Spanish Missionary. They heal allied units and the player's own units, except for ships and siege weapons. Initially weak, Monks can be powered up quite a bit by researching all technologies in the Monastery.

Of all civilizations, the Aztecs have the strongest Monks, having access to all religious technologies and receiving an extra 5 HP for each one researched. If every technology is researched, Aztec Monks have 95 HP - more than twice as much as a regular Monk with Sanctity.

The Slavs, Saracens, and Spanish also have unique technologies that benefit their Monks. Byzantine and Teuton Monks are also fairly effective, benefiting from both Monastery upgrades and team bonuses.

Tactics

General

Monks are a versatile unit that play a number of important roles from the Castle Age onward, including the collection of Relics, harassing opposing resource nodes, disrupting opponents lines, dissuading Knight aggression, and healing injured units.

Relics

Relicsprite aoe2

The first and arguably most important role they serve is to collect Relics. A Relic is a special object that when garrisoned in one of their Monasteries, the player possessing it will receive a small but continuous trickle of gold over time, roughly equivalent to one Dark Age Miner. The more the Relics the player collects, the more gold they generate. Unlike mining, Relics do not run out of resources. Most importantly, training Monks quickly and effectively in a game with standard victory becomes critical following the Castle Age since collecting and holding every Relic for a brief time period is one of the many ways to win the game.

Conversion

Converticon aoe2de
Monks convert aoe2de

Four monks converting an Elite War Elephant.

The second purpose Monks serve is to convert enemy units. Opinions can differ widely about the use of conversion in the game. However, converting a unit minimizes the enemy's forces while simultaneously increasing their own army. In the Castle Age, Monks can be effective in backing up rushes without the opponent having the ability to research Faith and being able to outrange every single unit but the Longbowman.

Good Monk civilizations (such as the Aztecs, Burmese, Saracens, Slavs, Spanish, and Teutons) can even perform a Monk rush. That can be dangerous, because the attacked player most likely does not have any anti-conversion technologies researched and the Monks are affordable due to the high amount of gold being freely available. The Portuguese can also rush with Monks, despite lacking Illumination, as their Monks are 15% cheaper, costing 85 gold.

Teuton Monks also act as an early deterring unit against other enemy Monk rushes, as they are more resistant to conversion (stacks with Faith in the Imperial Age).

In the Imperial Age, Block Printing becomes available, helping the Monk to keep up rangewise, but the armies of the players are getting much stronger in the Imperial Age, which relatively makes the Monk much weaker. Almost all infantry and cavalry units are able to kill them in three hits, archers normally only need five. Siege units also make short work of Monks. That is a huge problem for players relying on Monks. Also, with Faith being available, the use of conversion is significantly decreased. Another problem is that conversion requires a high amount of micromanagement due to the fact that Monks do not convert on their own and cannot be instructed to do so (there is no aggressive stance function for Monks). That means that the player always has to be present and execute the conversion manually. In later stages of the game, when the battle is larger and taking place on multiple locations, it is almost impossible to handle aggressive Monks adequately. If there is just one main battlefield, it can still work, however, if the player concentrates on converting key units such as Paladins, War Elephants, or Boyars and guards the Monks well.

Healing

Healicon aoe2de
Aoe2de monk healing

A Monk healing a Tarkan in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition.

Monk healanim aoe2

Monks are able to heal friendly units (with a speed of 1 HP per 0.4 seconds). That comes in especially useful for resilient units that the player wants to keep taking hits. Monks are often paired with archers, because they are easy to control and be effective at the same time with the defensive stance mode. Siege weapons are a heavy threat to this combination. Because hero units have health regenerative abilities, combining that with the healing of a Monk will further speed up the hero's rate of healing, providing a large advantage.

Players should have around two to ten Monks depending on the size of their forces, to heal wounded units free of charge during battle. Monks should be kept out of danger and the wounded units should come to the Monks, not the other way around, or else they are likely to be targeted.

Monks are not able to heal themselves, meaning that another Monk must be present to heal them. The only exception to this is if a Monk is a hero unit, in which it will inherently have the health regeneration ability that all heroes possess.

The Byzantines and Teutons have the best healers in the game, as they have a faster healing rate and a longer healing range respectively. Spanish Missionaries are also among the best, thanks to their speed, allowing them to keep up with armies.

Defense

The Monastery is no military building, and does not have any prerequisites other than being in the Castle Age. This is important for a lot of boom strategies where a Blacksmith and Market are used to get to the Castle Age. Upon reaching the Castle Age, it will be difficult to get out military to defend the player's settlement as they will need to build a Barracks and then most likely also Archery Ranges and Stables before starting to produce unupgraded (!) units. Comparatively, a Monastery can be built, Monks can be produced immediately, and they are instantly fully functional. Combined with a Siege Workshop producing Mangonels, the player will have good answers against attacking archers, Knights, and infantry with minimal investment. With additional Walls, the aggressive options left to their opponents are further limited when they can no longer get Eagle Warriors or scouts into the players base.

Further statistics

Unit strengths and weaknesses
Strong vs. Slow non-ranged units
Weak vs. Eagle Warriors, Light Cavalry, Konnik (after Heresy).
Upgrades
Hit points SanctityDE Sanctity (+15, +20 for the Aztecs)
RedemptionDE Redemption (+5, only for the Aztecs)
AtonementDE Atonement (+5, only for the Aztecs)
HerbalDE Herbal Medicine (+5, only for the Aztecs)
HeresyDE Heresy (+5, only for the Aztecs)
FervorDE Fervor (+5, only for the Aztecs)
FaithDE Faith (+5, only for the Aztecs)
IlluminationDE Illumination (+5, only for the Aztecs)
BlockPrintingDE Block Printing (+5, only for the Aztecs)
TheocracyDE Theocracy (+5, only for the Aztecs)
Range BlockPrintingDE Block Printing (+3)
Armor UniqueTechCastle-DE Orthodoxy (+3/+3, Slavs only)
Speed FervorDE Fervor (+15%)
Conversion RedemptionDE Redemption (convert buildings and siege weapons)
AtonementDE Atonement (convert Monks)
IlluminationDE Illumination (regain faith faster)
TheocracyDE Theocracy (only one Monk rests after conversion)
UniqueTechCastle-DE Inquisition (Spanish only, Monks convert faster)
Conversion defense FaithDE Faith
HeresyDE Heresy
Other UniqueTechCastle-DE Madrasah (Saracens only, Monks return gold when they die)

Civilization bonuses

  • Aztecs: Monks gain 5 HP for every researched Monastery technology.
  • Burmese: Technologies that benefit Monks are 50% cheaper.
  • Celts: Monks can convert herdables even if enemy units are next to them.
  • Chinese: Technologies that benefit Monks are 15%/20% cheaper in the Castle/Imperial Age.
  • Portuguese: Monks cost 15% less gold.
  • Teutons: Monks have double range for healing.

Team bonuses

  • A team containing Byzantines: Monks heal 50% faster.
  • A team containing Lithuanians: Monks train 20% faster. All monastery technologies are researched 20% faster.
  • A team containing Teutons: Monks are more resistant to conversion.

Changelog

The Age of Kings

The Conquerors

  • Monks carrying Relics are not affected by anti-Monk damage.
  • Fervor now only affects Monks carrying Relics.
  • Heresy technology introduced.
  • Theocracy technology introduced.
  • Byzantines: Monks heal 50% faster.

The Forgotten

  • Monks carrying Relics are now susceptible to anti-Monk damage.
  • All Monks are affected by Fervor, not just Monks carrying Relics.
  • Saracens: Madrasah technology introduced.
  • Spanish: Inquisition technology introduced.

Trivia

  • The Monk is one of only two units in the game to cost only gold, the other being the Missionary.
  • The Monk is one of only three units to have two different designs, the other being the Villager and the Trade Cart.
    • The fifth design document of Ensemble Studios (dated 17 July 1998) already envisioned Monks with four different skins depending of their religion: bald in a brown robe for Christian civilizations, white hat and robe for Muslims, bald in white robe for Buddhists, and Deer mask in brown robe for Pagans. Despite several fan mods changing the Middle Eastern Monk's skin to the Imam's and the East Asian Monk's to Chand Bhai's, no similar feature has ever been officially released.​
  • The Aztecs, Lithuanians, Saracens, Spanish and the Teutons are the only civilizations in the game that have access to all Monastery technologies. However, the Byzantines also have access to all available technologies for their Monks, lacking only Herbal Medicine.

History

Religion was a powerful force during the Middle Ages, whether it was Roman Catholicism of the West, Islam in the Middle East, or Buddhism in Asia. The missionaries and teachers of religion were mainly monks, men who took vows of poverty and who dedicated their lives to spreading their message. Middle Age conflicts often derived from religious differences and were led or supported by contingents of monks on each side. The Crusades, for example, were multiple attempts by European Christians to wrest control of the Holy Land from the hands of Islamic Arabs. Large numbers of monks accompanied the Christian crusading armies.
Age of Empires II manual

Gallery

Units in Age of Empires II
CivilianMaleVillDE Villager · Tradecart aoe2DE Trade Cart · FishingShipDE Fishing Ship · Trade cog aoe2DE Trade Cog · King eu aoe2DE King
ReligiousMonk aoe2DE Monk
InfantryMilitiaDE Militia · Manatarms aoe2DE Man-at-Arms · Longswordsman aoe2DE Long Swordsman · Twohanded aoe2DE Two-Handed Swordsman · Champion aoe2DE Champion
Spearman aoe2DE Spearman · Aoe2-infantry-2-pikeman Pikeman · Halberdier aoe2DE Halberdier
Eaglescout aoe2DE Eagle Scout · Eaglewarrior aoe2DE Eagle Warrior · EliteEaglewarrior aoe2DE Elite Eagle Warrior
ArcherArcher aoe2DE Archer · Crossbowman aoe2DE Crossbowman · Arbalester aoe2DE Arbalester
Skirmisher aoe2DE Skirmisher · Elite skirmisher aoe2DE Elite Skirmisher
Hand cannoneer aoe2DE Hand Cannoneer
Cavalryarcher aoe2DE Cavalry Archer · Heavycavalryarcher aoe2de Heavy Cavalry Archer
Aoe2de DOI elephant archer icon Elephant Archer · ElephantArcherIcon-DE Elite Elephant Archer
CavalryScoutcavalry aoe2DE Scout Cavalry · Lightcavalry aoe2DE Light Cavalry · Hussar aoe2DE Hussar
Knight aoe2DE Knight · Cavalier aoe2DE Cavalier · Paladin aoe2DE Paladin
Camelrider aoe2DE Camel Rider · Aoe2 heavycamelriderDE Heavy Camel Rider
Battle elephant aoe2DE Battle Elephant · Elite battle elephant aoe2DE Elite Battle Elephant
Steppelancericon Steppe Lancer · Elitesteppelancericon Elite Steppe Lancer
Xolotlicon Xolotl Warrior
AoE2DE Armored Elephant icon Armored Elephant · AoE2DE Siege Elephant icon Siege Elephant
SiegeBattering ram aoe2DE Battering Ram · Capped ram aoe2DE Capped Ram · Siege ram aoe2DE Siege Ram
Mangonel aoe2DE Mangonel · Onager aoe2DE Onager · Siege onager aoe2DE Siege Onager
Scorpion aoe2DE Scorpion · Heavyscorpion aoe2DE Heavy Scorpion
Bombard cannon aoe2DE Bombard Cannon
Trebuchet aoe2DE Trebuchet
Petard aoe2DE Petard
Siegetower aoe2DE Siege Tower
War shipTransportship aoe2DE Transport Ship
Galley aoe2DE Galley · War galley aoe2DE War Galley · Galleon aoe2DE Galleon
Fire galley aoe2DE Fire Galley · Fireship aoe2DE Fire Ship · Fastfireship aoe2DE Fast Fire Ship
Demoraft aoe2DE Demolition Raft · Demoship aoe2DE Demolition Ship · Heavydemoship aoe2de Heavy Demolition Ship
Cannon galleon aoe2DE Cannon Galleon · Elite cannon galleon aoe2de Elite Cannon Galleon
AoE2 Dromon Dromon
Unique
ReligiousMissionaryIcon-DE Missionary · AoE2 WarriorPriest Warrior Priest
InfantryBerserkIcon-DE Berserk · Aoe2de Chakram Chakram Thrower · CondottieroIcon-DE Condottiero · Aoe2-icon-flemish-militia Flemish Militia · GbetoIcon-DE Gbeto · Aoe2de Ghulam Ghulam · HuskarlIcon-DE Huskarl · JaguarWarriorIcon-DE Jaguar Warrior · KamayukIcon-DE Kamayuk · Karambitwarrioricon-DE Karambit Warrior · AoE2 DE Legionary new icon Legionary · Aoe2-icon--obuch Obuch · SamuraiIcon-DE Samurai · Aoe2-icon-serjeant Serjeant · Shotelwarrioricon-DE Shotel Warrior · TeutonicKnightIcon-DE Teutonic Knight · ThrowingAxemanIcon-DE Throwing Axeman · Aoe2de Urumi Urumi Swordsman · AoE2 WarriorPriest Warrior Priest · WoadRaiderIcon-DE Woad Raider
ArcherArambaiicon-DE Arambai · CamelArcherIcon-DE Camel Archer · ChukoNuIcon-DE Chu Ko Nu · AoE2 CompositeBowman Composite Bowman · ConquistadorIcon-DE Conquistador · GenitourIcon-DE Genitour · GenoeseCrossbowmanIcon-DE Genoese Crossbowman · Imperialskirmishericon-DE Imperial Skirmisher · JanissaryIcon-DE Janissary · Kipchakicon Kipchak · LongbowmanIcon-DE Longbowman · MangudaiIcon-DE Mangudai · PlumedArcherIcon-DE Plumed Archer · Aoe2de ratha ranged Ranged Ratha · Rattanarchericon-DE Rattan Archer · SlingerIcon-DE Slinger · WarWagonIcon-DE War Wagon
CavalryBallistaelephanticon-DE Ballista Elephant · BoyarIcon-DE Boyar · Aoe2de camel scout Camel Scout · CataphractIcon-DE Cataphract · Aoe2de roman unique centurion icon Centurion · Aoe2-icon-coustillier Coustillier · Flaming camel icon Flaming Camel · ImperialCamelRiderIcon-DE Imperial Camel Rider · Keshikicon Keshik · Konnikicon Konnik · Leitisicon Leitis · MagyarHuszarIcon-DE Magyar Huszar · MamelukeIcon-DE Mameluke · AoE2 Monaspa Monaspa · Aoe2de ratha melee Melee Ratha · AoE2 Savar Savar · Aoe2de shrivamsha rider Shrivamsha Rider · TarkanIcon-DE Tarkan · WarElephantIcon-DE War Elephant · Aoe2-icon-winged-hussar Winged Hussar
SiegeAoe2-icon--houfnice Houfnice · Aoe2-icon-hussite-wagon Hussite Wagon · OrganGunIcon-DE Organ Gun
War shipCaravelIcon-DE Caravel · LongboatIcon-DE Longboat · Aoe2de Thirisadai Thirisadai · TurtleShipIcon-DE Turtle Ship