ToME WikiMonks are fun at low-mid levels, but lose significant utility at higher levels. However, they are a hell of a lot of fun when used properly. /Barehand combat gives bonuses to Armour Class, Dodging and speed, BUT you will lose significant abilities and resists for not using a weapon. The number of blows and the stun damage are very handy, but don't rely on the stun too much, as high level monsters will recover almost immediately. The damage becomes significant in mid-game, but pales at higher levels.
Maxing the Dodge Skill as well as Barehand Combat is essential, although (once again) the tradeoff is that the amount of armour you can wear without diluting the effects is significantly reduced. Use what slots that don't penalise you (shooters/light sources/ rings / amulets) to gain what resists you can, and don't hesitate to give up your hands or feet to very light armour. (See the Killerbunnies skill spoiler for what tradeoffs can be made)
Spirituality is also a must (which makes Prayer doubly attractive) to maximise your saving throws. A second string to your bow is vital, be it a Symbiosis, Possession or (a big fave) Mindcraft. Another option is to become a God-botherer, and Manwe is probably the best choice, as Divine Aim doesn't work with Barehand in 2.2.7. The Speed bonuses from Piety and Barehand are, of course, cumulative. <evil grin>
The speed bonus makes Ents a natural fit, especially as they get a bonus to barehand skill. But remember, the vulnerability to fire of Ents makes the lack of resist slots a serious matter.
Monks are a lot of fun to use (Bruce Lee, eat your heart out!), but remember to have an extra whammy in store for "Enter the Dragon"...
Chatter
KiTA - Remember, you only need 1 point (for 0.1 total) to use Possession -- albiet at a much lower HP rate than true possessors. Fortunately, the sheer amount of HP the later forms give (Great Wyrms of Power for example) make up for this.
KiTA - Also Remember, "Extra Max Blow" abilities do not affect Monks. Gear of extra attacks do, just not the 7 point skills. Save your skillpoints.