Monk Subclass
Way of the Outcast [v1.1]
An Outcast is a monk that has lost their Way. Trained in the basics of the style, they have abandoned the rigorous discipline and philosophy of their tradition, and is usually now enrolled only in the school of hard knocks.
Having been trained in the fundamentals of the art of ki, these monks choose as often as not to apply that art to tavern brawls. Much to the horror many more formal monks, their rough and tumble lifestyle tends to be solid source of further training.
With great power comes great responsibility? These monks are going to stick with just the great power, thank you very much. Almost always Chaotic, they can range the spectrum from Good to Evil and everything in between just as easily. A distaste for the rigorous philosophy of an order does not mean a penchant for Evil, but Evil and vice can sometimes lead a monk down this road.
Way of the Outcast Features
| Monk Level | Feature |
|---|---|
| 3rd | Bonus Proficiencies, Pragmatism |
| 6th | Soak it Up |
| 11th | Where it Hurts |
| 17th | Lean Into It |
Off the Wagon
Meditating to regain your ki points can now include things such as playing cards, drinking ale, smoking leafy matter of various types, or other relaxin' activities that reset the stress of all that punchin'.
Bonus Proficiencies
At 3rd level, you gain proficiency in the Athletics skill if you don't already have it.
Pragmatism
At 3rd level, you embrace a more pragmatic view, gaining the following benefits:
- You have proficiency in improvised weapons. Improvised melee weapons now count as Monk weapons for you.
- Once per turn, when you deal damage to a prone creature, you can add 1d6 + half your Monk level (rounded down) to the damage.
- You gain proficiency in Light armor. If your Strength is equal to or higher than your Dexterity, you can gain the benefits of Martial Arts, Unarmored Movement and Unarmored Defense (AC = Armor's AC + Dexterity modifier + Wisdom modifier) while wearing light armor.
Soak it Up
At 6th level, your extensive training in the art of getting hit with bar stools and broken bottles grants you increased endurance. When you dodge with Patient Defense, you gain temporary hit points equal to your Proficiency bonus.
Where it Hurts
At 11th level, when you use Stunning Strike on a critical hit or on an attack made against an enemy that was unaware of you, the target has disadvantage on their saving throw against being stunned.
Lean Into It
At 17th level, you have thrown your fair share of walloping hits, and know how to make them reliably. You can forgo adding your Proficiency bonus to an attack to add twice your Proficiency bonus to the damage it deals.
How Outcasts Come to Be
How a monk becomes an Outcast can vary - maybe they only ever received incomplete training from a passing mentor that died or left, or maybe they were outright expelled from their Order. Alternatively, at your DMs discretion this could be a later in life development if a player becomes disenchanted with their Monastic Tradition.
Way of the Outcast Quirks
The following are some optional quirks for a player of this Way to choose from - these can be either preexisting, signaling their fated path toward this Way, or appear after you commit yourself to this Way.
| d6 | Quirk |
|---|---|
| 1 | You view the belch as a harmonic art form. |
| 2 | You call your scars the marks of your Monastic order. |
| 3 | You feel you can only reach your full power after issuing a one-liner. |
| 4 | Occasionally you accidentally achieve enlightenment and have to drown it out with ale. Old habits die hard. |
| 5 | You refer to taverns as temples to your god. |
| 6 | You prefer not hit someone with the same thing twice. That would allow them to get used to it. |
Change Log
- You gain Proficiency in all improvised weapons, but only improvised melee weapons count as monk weapons.
- Added/clarified that you can still use Martial Arts while wearing light armor.
- Soak it Up now grants Temporary Hit points equal to Proficiency instead of Con to reudce MADness.
Art Credits:
- Brawler, Paizo
- Bar Room Brawl, Paizo
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Creation is made possible by generous patrons:
- Ara Enzeru
- Austin Fox
- Corgi B.
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- Herd S.
- Spenser Birney
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Credits
- Subclass created by KibblesTasty
- Art: Forrest Imel (Licensed Stock Art)
Fan Content Policy
This work is unofficial Fan Content permitted under the Fan Content Policy. Not approved/endorsed by Wizards. Portions of the materials used are property of Wizards of the Coast. ©Wizards of the Coast LLC.