Hey there. I’m aware this is something others have pointed out already, as well as giving their own thoughts on how to go about it. Consider this a +1 to it.
Simply put: … Monks should attack unarmed, PERIOD. Their skills clearly reflect that they’re the “Punch and Kick” class of Tree of Savior. It makes no sense that they do normal attacks with weapons, only to go unarmed for skills.
Now, what to do? Quite simple, an attribute.
Name: Unarmed Striking
Monk Circle: 1
Points Needed: 1
Toggle: Yes
Effect: Your character will attack as if unarmed, their weapons remaining in their “put away” positions. This attribute is purely cosmetic.
This way Monk players could get their unarmed attacks while keeping weapons visible for all the usefulness of it (knowing what weapon slots are active, equipment transparency in PvP, etc.). Also, and this is just me, but attacking unarmed while keeping your weapons on your back gives a “This isn’t even my final form” feel that many would surely love. I know I would.
Ideally, adding Knuckles/Fists as weapons OR a Skill/Attribute that would boost unarmed attacking would be the absolute best way to go about it, but those solutions imply making new assets AND a lot of testing/balancing work. Both require an amount of time MUCH greater than the solution I’m providing.
And that’s it. Anyone feel free to add your own two cents to my own!