Way of the Kensei
Monks of the Way of the Kensei train relentlessly with their weapons, to the point where the weapon becomes an extension of the body. Founded on a mastery of sword fighting, the tradition has expanded to include many different weapons.
A kensei sees a weapon in much the same way a calligrapher or painter regards a pen or brush. Whatever the weapon, the kensei views it as a tool used to express the beauty and precision of the martial arts. That such mastery makes a kensei a peerless warrior is but a side effect of intense devotion, practice, and study.
Kensei Weapons.
When you choose this tradition at 3rd level, your special martial arts training leads you to master the use of certain weapons and gives you access to Kensei Technique with those weapons. This path also includes instruction in the deft strokes of calligraphy or painting. You gain the following benefits.
Choose two types of weapons to be your kensei weapons. Each of these weapons can be any simple or martial weapon that lacks the heavy and special properties. The longbow is also a valid choice. You gain proficiency with these weapons if you don't already have it and can use their weapons mastery property. Weapons of the chosen types are monk weapons for you. When you reach 6th, 11th, and 17th level in this class, you can choose another type of weapon to be a kensei weapon for you, following the criteria above.
Kensei Technique.
Whenever you make an attack while holding a kensei weapon, you can use one of the following Kensei Technique options of your choice. You can use only one Kensei Technique per round unless you spend a focus point to use this feature again on another weapon attack.
Agile Stance. You gain a +2 to AC until the start of your next turn, while the kensei weapon is in your hand and you aren't incapacitated. You can only gain this AC bonus once per round.
Kensei Strike. Target hit with a kensei weapon takes extra damage equal to one roll of your martial arts die of the weapon's type.
Calculated Cut. If you miss with an attack roll using your kensei weapon, you can reroll it taking the new result.
Swift Blade. When you make a unarmed strike you can replace it with an attack using a kensei weapon.
Way of the Brush.
You gain proficiency with your choice of calligrapher's supplies or painter's supplies.
Sharpen the Blade
At 6th level, you gain the ability to augment your weapons further with your focus. As a bonus action, you can expend up to 3 focus points to grant one kensei weapon you touch a bonus to attack and damage rolls when you attack with it. The bonus equals the number of focus points you spent. This bonus lasts for 1 minute or until you use this feature again.
One with the Blade
At 11th level, you extend your focus into your kensei weapons, granting you the following benefits.
- You can use Kensei Technique twice before needing to use focus.
- Agile Stance AC bonus is increased to 3.
- While holding your kensei weapon your unarmed attacks count as a kensei weapon.
- You may choose one of your kensei weapons you are currently holding (no action required), any bonus or magical effect the kensei weapon has is shared among all other kensei weapon you use while holding the chosen weapon.
Sword Saint.
You have reach the pinnacle of your kensei weapons. Starting at 17th level while holding your kensei weapons you gain the following features.
- You cannot be disarmed of your kensei weapon unless you are incapacitated.
- You can use Kensei Technique up to 3 times before needing to use focus.
- You gain a bonus to your AC equal to the bonus of your kensei weapon you are holding.
