Build:Runic Monk

Full Build Details
For the weapon you can use Tsar Sword (recommended to pick up Infuse Fire or Infuse Frost to provide the weapon additional versatility, best used before combat to save space to map other skills) or Brand.

Important skills

 * Steady Arm
 * Fitness
 * Elemental Discharge
 * Rune: Shim
 * Rune: Egoth
 * Rune: Dez
 * Rune: Fal
 * Arcane Syntax
 * Runic Prefix
 * Focus
 * Brace
 * Slow Metabolism
 * Perfect Strike
 * Either Flash Onslaught or Counterstrike work well with this build, the former is best used against groups after utilizing Rune Sage spells, the latter is best used after baiting out an attack following the use of Perfect Strike.

Strategy
Upon spotting enemies, cast Runic Protection and Runic Lantern. Follow by placing Runic Trap and using Focus. Additionally, cast Runic Blade if the enemy has high physical resistances. Otherwise temporarily equip an infusion skill and cast it, then unequip the skill. Get the enemy's attention and lure them into the trap, against larger groups Runic Detonation should be used. While enemies are staggered follow with Runic Lightning and either Flash Onslaught or Perfect Strike, depending on your skill choices. Follow Perfect Strike with Counterstrike after baiting out an attack. Following this, circle the opponents so that they are in front of you and use Elemental Discharge. From this point engage in melee combat with any enemies still standing.

With The Three Brothers DLC The Technique can replace either Counterstrike or Elemental Discharge.

Pros:
 * Very high burst damage that can target a variety of elemental weaknesses.
 * High versatility in multiple ranges of combat.
 * Solid defenses for a magic build.

Cons:
 * Very high mana usage, mana channelling of at least +5 is recommended, in addition to the breakthrough skills listed above. Additionally, regular rest or mana restoring items such as the Turmmip or the Astral Potion may be required for consistent application of the strategies listed above.
 * This build relies a great deal on preparation, and is significantly less effective without that preparation, but still relatively powerful.