Way of the Samurai Monk
Subclass by SumtimesImFunny
Way of the Samurai Monk
Monks of this tradition train endlessly with their weapons. These weapons become an extension of their fighting spirit. Sharp minds and steady hands are the making of a disciplined fighter, and monks who follow the Way of the Samurai are greatly disciplined.
Bonus Proficiencies
Starting at 3rd level when you pick this subclass, you gain proficiency with calligrapher's tools or painter's tools (your choice). You also gain proficiency in History. If you have this proficiency already, it becomes Expertise.
Kensei Weapons
Also at 3rd level, you become proficient with the Longsword and the Longbow. Both of these count as Monk Weapons for you. Additionally, when you finish a Long Rest, you can pick one melee weapon and one ranged weapon you are proficient it. These are your Kensei weapons, which are needed for most of the features in this subclass.
Kensei Warrior
Starting at 3rd level, while wielding a Kensei Weapon, you gain the following benefits:
Melee Weapon
- When you are hit by a melee attack from an opponent you can see, you can use your reaction to reduce the damage dealt to you by 1d10 + your Dexterity Modifier + your Monk level.
- If you did not use your Action to attack on your turn, the Ki point cost for Patient Defense is lowered to zero.
- If you used your Action to attack, you can make an additional Kensei weapon attack as a bonus action.
Ranged Weapon
- The range of your ranged Kensei weapon attacks is increased by your Unarmored Movement.
- When you hit a ranged Kensei weapon attack, you can expend one Ki Point to lower the target's speed to zero until the end of its next turn.
- If you used your Action to attack, you can make an additional Kensei weapon attack as a bonus action.
Worldly Scholar
Starting at 6th level, when you make Persuasion (Charisma) checks, you gain a bonus to the roll equal to your Wisdom Modifier.
Well Traveled
Also at 6th level, You gain proficiency in Land Vehicles and Animal Handling. If you already have Animal Handling proficiency, it become Expertise. Additionally:
- Difficult terrain doesn’t slow your group’s travel.
- Your group can’t become lost except by magical means.
- If you are traveling alone, you can move stealthily at a normal pace.
Always Vigilant
Starting at 11th level, you have Advantage on Initiative rolls, and cannot be surprised while you are not Incapacitated. Additionally, during the first round of combat, all attacks made against creature who haven't made their turn yet is made at Advantage. You must be wielding a Kensei weapon to benefit from the Advantage.
Kensei Mastery
Starting at 17th level, whenever you have Advantage on an attack roll made with a Kensei weapon, you deal additional damage equal to one roll of your Martial Arts die. You can deal this extra damage once per turn. Additionally, you can forgo Advantage on an attack roll with a Kensei weapon and instead gain an additional attack on your turn.