Optimized Shaolin Monk in a Western

[bearit]

Hey guys,

My group is about to start a western at TL 5. Starting points is 200 plus 45 in disadvantages.

I'd like help in optimizing a wandering Shaolin monk for survivability in a firearm and bow and arrow dominated campaign. No exotic or supernatural advantages can be taken, and the world contains no known supernatural or magical elements.

My weapon for optimization might be the Staff with Swing/Skull for disabling and subduing blows. Also Shuriken if I must resort to range.

Here is a general optimized build the points don't add up perfectly, but I just wanted to get the general principles out there. Essentially...High Basic Speed for Dodge vs firearms. High Staff skill and Skull Bash targeted attack for quick disables. Eventually I'll pick up either Disarm or Sweep. I expect most opponents not to have high MELEE skill levels, so Feint and Counterattack may not be needed.

Any help or advice in making a competent survivable MELEE fighter amidst ranged weapon wielding, horse riding enemies would be appreciated.

Edit:
With the high Staff skill, I was attempting to take advantage of consistent knockdown rolls against enemies by targetted the head and groin ( for males). Since in the wild West I expect most opponents to be unarmored, I supposed strength to be less important as I focused on stunning blows. But feel free to post comments arguing for either a high strength build or a high dexterity build.

Edit 2:
Ive removed the previous build for space. Here's what I've got so far.
Campaign start: Nevada City 1866
Zhen Li - raised since birth in a Shaolin temple in the southern mountains of China. Left at age 24 to travel and bring principles of Chan Buddhism to those less fortunate. Wandered China for 4 years, then traveled to US with an American businessman who sought to create an exotic acrobatics show. Performed for 2 years in East coast before venturing out west . Landing in Nevada City.

Total 200

Attributes 180:
ST +3 30
DX +6 120
Will +1 5
Per +1 5
HT +2 20

Skills 43:
Acrobatics 1
Brawling 4
Judo 4
Stealth 2
Staff 4
Thrown Weapon (Shuriken) 2

Autohypnosis 1
Body Language 1
Bow 1
Breath Control 1
Carpentry 1
Climbing 1
Diplomacy 1
Escape 1
Esoteric Medicine 1
Farming 1
Fast Draw(Shuriken) 1
Gun (Pistol) 1
Gun (Rifle) 1
Hiking 1
History (China) 1
Knot-tying 1
Mental Strength 1
Observation 1
Philosophy (Chan Buddhism) 1
Riding 1
Running 1
Search 1
Sleight of Hand 1
Survival (Mountains) 1
Swimming 1
Throwing 1

Techniques 0:
Disarm (Staff) 0
Targeted Attack (Staff/Swing/Skull) 0

Advantages 22:
Combat Reflexes 15
Grip Mastery 1
Off-Hand Weapon Training (Shuriken) 1
Off-Hand Weapon Training (Staff) 1
Weapon Bond 1
Language (English: Spoken-Accented, Written-Broken) 3

Disadvantages -45

Discipline of Faith (Chan Buddhism - Ritual meditation and training, vows of abstinence and minimalist living) -15
Pacifism (Cannot Harm Innocents, also attempts to subdue or maim before killing even bad guys) -10
Selfless -5
Social Stigma (Minority Group: Chinese) -10

Quirks:
Dislike (Extravagance)
Dull (Reserved, slow to speak)
Habits (Often speaks in proverbs)
Humble
Like (Logic Puzzles)

Yes not much of a speaker or leader, just a self sufficient martial arts peacemaker.