Introduction

This document exists as one of several that is a way to completely overhault the way Dungeons & Dragons 2024 handles its progresssion and power level. The name comes from older editions of Dungeons & Dragons such as 3rd Edition and similar spinoff games, and aims to empower classes and make D&D 2024 a better feeling game to play for Players.

The Magic of Ki

Unchained Monks make careful study of a magical energy that most monastic traditions call ki. This energy is an element of the magic that suffuses the multiverse—specifically, the element that flows through living bodies. Unchained Unchained Monks harness this power within themselves to create magical effects and exceed their bodies' physical capabilities, and some of their special attacks can hinder the flow of Focus Points in their opponents. Using this energy, Unchained Unchained Monks channel uncanny speed and strength into their unarmed strikes. As they gain experience, their martial training and their mastery of Focus Points gives them more power over their bodies and the bodies of their foes.

Training and Aestheticism

Small walled cloisters dot the landscapes of the worlds of D&D, tiny refuges from the flow of ordinary life, where time seems to stand still. The Unchained Unchained Monks who live there seek personal perfection through contemplation and rigorous training. Many entered the monastery as children, sent to live there when their parents died, when food couldn't be found to support them, or in return for some kindness that the Unchained Unchained Monks had performed for their families.

Some Unchained Unchained Monks live entirely apart from the surrounding population, secluded from anything that might impede their spiritual progress. Others are sworn to isolation, emerging only to serve as spies or assassins at the command of their leader, a noble patron, or some other mortal or divine power.

The majority of Unchained Unchained Monks don't shun their neighbors, making frequent visits to nearby towns or villages and exchanging their service for food and other goods. As versatile warriors, Unchained Unchained Monks often end up protecting their neighbors from monsters or tyrants.

For an Unchained Monk, becoming an adventurer means leaving a structured, communal lifestyle to become a wanderer. This can be a harsh transition, and Unchained Unchained Monks don't undertake it lightly. Those who leave their cloisters take their work seriously, approaching their adventures as personal tests of their physical and spiritual growth. As a rule, Unchained Unchained Monks care little for material wealth and are driven by a desire to accomplish a greater mission than merely slaying monsters and plundering their treasure.

Knowledge From Insight

Unchained Monks walk a path of contradiction. They study their art as a wizard does, and like a wizard, they wear no armor and typically eschew weapons. Yet they are deadly combatants, their abilities on a par with those of a raging barbarian or a superbly trained fighter. Unchained Unchained Monks embrace this seeming contradiction, for it speaks to the core of all monastic study. By coming to know oneself completely, one learns much of the wider world.

An Unchained Monk's focus on inner mastery leads many such individuals to become detached from society, more concerned with their personal experience than with happenings elsewhere. Adventuring Unchained Unchained Monks are a rare breed of an already rare type of character, taking their quest for perfection beyond the walls of the monastery into the world at large.

Quick Build

You can make an Unchained Monk quickly by following these suggestions. First, make Dexterity your highest ability score, followed by Wisdom. Second, choose the hermit background.

Proficiencies

Armor: None
Weapons: Simple Weapons, Martial Weapons that have the Light property.
Tools: Any two types of tools and/or musical instruments of your choice
Saving Throws: Dexterity, Wisdom
Skills: Any four of your choice.

Equipment

You start with the following equipment, in addition to the equipment granted by your background:

• (a) A Spear, 5 Daggers, A set of Artisan's Tools or a Musical Instrument chosen for one of the tool proficiencies above, an Explorer's Pack, and 11 GP.
• (b) 50 GP.

Maneuver Options

The Martial Maneuvers are presented here in Alphabetical order.

Ambush. When you make a Dexterity (Stealth) check or an Initiative roll, you can expend one Maneuver Die and add the die to the roll, unless you have the Incapacitated condition.

Bait and Switch. When you're within 5 feet of a creature on your turn, you can expend one Maneuver Die and switch places with that creature, provided you spend at least 5 feet of movement and the creature is willing and doesn't have the Incapacitated condition. This movement doesn't provoke Opportunity Attacks. Roll the Maneuver Die. Until the start of your next turn, you or the other creature (your choice) gains a bonus to AC equal to the number rolled.

Commander's Strike. When you take the Attack action on your turn, you can replace one of your attacks to direct one of your companions to strike. When you do so, choose a willing creature who can see or hear you and expend one Maneuver Die. That creature can immediately use its Reaction to make one attack with a weapon or an Unarmed Strike, adding the Maneuver Die to the attack's damage roll on a hit.

Dragon Disciple

Starting at 1st level, you can channel draconic power to magnify your presence and imbue your unarmed strikes with the essence of a dragon's breath. You gain the following benefits:

• Draconic Presence. If you fail a Charisma (Intimidation) or Charisma (Persuasion) check, you can use your reaction to reroll the check, as you tap into the mighty presence of dragons. Once this feature turns a failure into a success, you can't use it again until you finish a short or long rest. You can also spend 1 Focus Point (no action required) to regain a use of this Feature.

• Draconic Strike. When you damage a target with an unarmed strike or Unchained Monk Weapon, you can change the damage type to acid, cold, fire, lightning, or poison.

• Tongue of Dragons. You learn to speak, read, and write Draconic. If you already know Draconic, you instead learn one other language of your choice.

Breath of the Dragon

At 1st level, you can channel destructive waves of energy, like those created by the dragons you emulate. When you take the Attack action on your turn, you can replace one of the attacks with an exhalation of draconic energy in either a 20-foot cone or a 30-foot line that is 5 feet wide (your choice). Choose a damage type: acid, cold, fire, lightning, or poison. Each creature in that area must make a Dexterity saving throw against your Focus Save DC, taking damage of the chosen type equal to two rolls of your Martial Arts die on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

The damage of this feature increases at Unchained Monk Levels 5 (three rolls of your Martial Arts Die), 10, (four rolls of your Martial Arts Die), and 15 (five rolls of your martial Arts Die).

You can use this feature a number of times equal to your Dexterity Modifier (minimum once), and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest. You can also spend 2 Focus Points (no action required) to regain a use of this Feature.

Wings Unfurled

At 5th level, when you move on your turn, you can spend 1 Focus Point to unfurl spectral draconic wings from your back that vanish at the end of your turn. While the wings exist, you have a Fly speed equal to your Speed.

At 15th level, these wings no longer cost Focus Points to use and can be summoned or dismissed as a Bonus Action or when you use your Step of the Wind Class Feature, remaining active and granting their benefits until dismissed.

Aspect of the Wyrm

At 10th level, the power of your draconic spirit now radiates from you, warding your allies or inspiring fear in your enemies. As a bonus action, you can create an aura of draconic power that radiates 15 feet from you for 1 minute. This aura's radius becomes 30 feet at 15th level. For the duration, you gain one of the following effects of your choice.

Frightful Presence. When you create this aura, and as a bonus action on subsequent turns, you can choose a creature within the aura. The target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw against your Focus Save DC or gain the Frightened Condition with you as the source of its fear for 1 minute. The target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a successful save.

Resistance. Choose a damage type when you activate this aura: acid, cold, fire, lightning, or poison. You and your allies within the aura have resistance to that damage.

Once you create this aura, you can't create it again until you finish a long rest, unless you expend 3 Focus Points to create it again.

Forms of Your Astral Self

The astral self is a translucent embodiment of the Unchained Monk's soul. As a result, an astral self can reflect aspects of an Unchained Monk's background, ideals, flaws, and bonds, and an astral self doesn't necessarily look anything like the Unchained Monk. For example, the astral self of a lanky human might be reminiscent of a minotaur-the strength of which the Unchained Monk feels within. Similarly, an orc Unchained Monk might manifest gossamer arms and a delicate visage, representing the gentle beauty of the orc's soul. Each astral self is unique, and some of the Unchained Unchained Monks of this monastic tradition are known more for the appearance of their astral self than for their physical appearance.

When choosing this path, consider the quirks that define your Unchained Monk. Are you obsessed with something? Are you driven by justice or a selfish desire? Any of these motivations could manifest in the form of your astral self.

Arms of the Astral Self

At 1st Level, your mastery of your power allows you to summon a portion of your astral self. As a Bonus Action, you can summon the arms of your astral self. You an dismiss them at any time (no action required).

While this feature is active, these spectral arms hover near your shoulders or surround your arms (your choice). You determine the arms' appearance, and they vanish early if you are incapacitated or die.

While the spectral arms are present, you gain the following benefits:

• You can use your Dexterity modifier in place of your Strength modifier when making Strength checks and Strength saving throws.
• You can use the spectral arms to make unarmed strikes.
• Unarmed Strikes with your Spectral Arms count as part of your Martial Arts feature, and can be used with Flurry of Blows.
• Your unarmed strikes with the arms benefit from any Unchained Monk Class Feature that your normal unarmed strikes would benefit from.
• As an Action, you can spend 2 Focus Points to force each creature of your choice that you can see within 10 feet of you to make a Dexterity saving throw or take force damage equal to two rolls of your Martial Arts die.

Visage of the Astral Self

At 5th level, you can summon the visage of your astral self. As a Bonus Action, or as part of the bonus action you take to activate Arms of the Astral Self, you can spend 1 Focus Point to summon this visage. It vanishes early if you are incapacitated or die and you can end it early whenever you choose, either on its own or as part of ending the effects of Arms of the Astral Self (no action required).

The spectral visage covers your face like a helmet or mask. You determine its appearance.

While the spectral visage is present, you gain the following benefits.

Astral Sight. You can see normally in darkness, both magical and nonmagical, to a distance of 60 feet.

Wisdom of the Spirit. You have advantage on Wisdom (Insight) and Charisma (Intimidation) checks.

Word of the Spirit. When you speak, you can direct your words to a creature of your choice that you can see within 60 feet of you, making it so only that creature can hear you. Alternatively, you can amplify your voice so that all creatures within 120 feet can hear you.

Extract Aspects

At 1st level, you can strike pressure points to intuit crucial information about a foe. When you hit a creature with one of the attacks granted by your Flurry of Blows, you can analyze it. Whenever an analyzed creature misses you with an attack, you can immediately use your reaction to make an unarmed strike against that creature if it's within your reach. This benefit lasts until you finish a short or long rest.

Additionally, when you analyze a creature, you learn all of its damage vulnerabilities, damage resistances, damage immunities, and condition immunities.

Extort Truth

At 5th level, you can precisely strike a hidden cluster of nerves on a creature, temporarily preventing it from masking its true thoughts and intent. When you hit a creature with an unarmed strike, you can spend 1 Focus Point to force it to make a Charisma saving throw against your Focus Save DC. On a failed save, the creature is unable to speak a deliberate lie, and all Charisma checks directed at the creature are made with advantage for up to 10 minutes. You know if it succeeded or failed on its saving throw.

An affected creature is aware of the effect and can thus avoid answering questions to which it would normally respond with a lie. Such a creature can be evasive in its answers as long as the effect lasts.

If you wish to impose this effect on a creature without injuring it, you can attack the creature to simply touch it, dealing no damage on a hit.

Mystical Erudition

At 5th level, you learn one language of your choice, and you gain proficiency with one of the following skills of your choice: Arcana, History, Investigation, Nature, or Religion. If you already have proficiency in one of the listed skills, you can instead choose to gain Expertise with that skill instead.

At Unchained Monk Levels 10 and 15, you gain the benefits of this feature a second (10th) and third (15th) time, choosing a different skill and language each time you would gain the benefits of this feature.

Mind of Mercury

At 10th level, you've honed your awareness and reflexes through mental aptitude and pattern recognition. Once per turn, if you've already taken your reaction, you may spend 3 focus points to take an additional reaction. You can use only one reaction per triggering effect.

Debilitating Barrage

At 15th level, you've gained the knowledge to undermine a creature's fortitude. When you hit a creature with an unarmed strike, you can spend 3 focus points to cause the creature to gain Vulnurability equal to your Wisdom Modifier (minimum +1 Damage taken) to one damage type of your choice for 1 minute, or until the end of a turn in which it has taken damage of that type.

If a creature has resistance to the damage type you choose, this resistance is suppressed for 1 minute, rather than gaining vulnerability. A creature that is immune to the damage type you choose is unaffected. A creature who is affected by this feature cannot be affected by it again for 24 hours.

Drunken Technique

At 1st level, you learn how to twist and turn quickly as part of your Flurry of Blows. Whenever you use Flurry of Blows, your Speed increases by 10 feet until the end of the current turn and your movement during that time doesn't provoke Opportunity Attacks.

If you spend 2 Focus Points as part of this feature, you gain the benefits of the Dodge action against the next attack made against you before the start of your next Turn. If you do not use this benefit before then, it is lost.

Tools of the Drunken Fist

At 1st level, you gain proficiency in the Performance skill if you don't already have it. If you are already proficient in the Performance Skill, you gain Expertise in that skill instead.

You also gain proficiency with brewer's supplies if you don't already have it, and Alcoholic beverages you craft with those tools have their crafting time and cost halved for you.

Mystical Brew

At 5th level, whenever you finish a Short or Long Rest while holding Brewer's Supplies, you can use that tool to magically produce one magical beverage, chosen from the following options: Cinnamon Dragon, Heavenly Spirit, or Refreshing Dip. The beverage appears in a bottle or cask, and the bottle vanishes when the beverage is drunk or poured out. If any beverage remains when you finish a Short or Long Rest, the beverage and its container lose their effects and become nonmagical alcoholic beverages worth 5 GP each.

Drinking a Magical Beverage. Only you can gain the benefit of drinking the beverage. You must drink at least a pint of the beverage before gaining its benefit. You can take the Interact Action to drink a pint of the beverage. You then gain the benefits of the beverage for 1 hour, as described below.

Cinnamon Dragon. Once per Turn, you can replace one Attack you make as part of the Attack Action to exhale toxic flames in a 30-foot Cone. Each creature makes a Dexterity saving throw against your Focus Save DC. On a failed save, a creature takes Fire damage equal to four rolls of your Martial Arts die and has the Poisoned condition until the end of its next turn. On a successful save, a creature takes half as much damage and does not have the Poisoned condition.

Heavenly Spirit. You gain Resistance to Psychic and Radiant damage.

Refreshing Dip. Whenever you regain Hit Points, you regain additional Hit Points equal to a roll of your Martial Arts die.

Enhancing a Magical Beverage. When you create a magical beverage, you can expend 2 Focus Points. When you do so, the benefit's duration extends to 8 hours.

Tipsy Sway

At 5th level, you can move in sudden, swaying ways. You gain the following benefits.

Leap to Your Feet. When you have the Prone Condition, you can stand up without spending movement so long as you do so during your Turn.

Redirect Attack. When a creature misses you with a melee attack roll, you can spend 2 Focus Points as a reaction to cause that attack to hit one creature of your choice, other than the attacker, that you can see within 5 feet of yourself.

Master Brewer

At 10th level, you learn more complex flavors. The following beverages are added to your Mystic Brew options.

Blue Lightning. Whenever you take a Reaction that isn't making an Opportunity Attack or casting a spell, you can make one Unarmed Strike as part of that Reaction.

Drunkard's Luck. You gain Heroic Inspiration if you don't already have it. In addition, you can give yourself Heroic Inspiration when you roll Initiative without it.

Elemental Attunement

At 1st level, at the start of your turn, you can expend 1 Focus Point to imbue yourself with elemental energy. The energy lasts for 10 minutes or until you have the Incapacitated condition. You gain the following benefits while this feature is active.

Reach. When you make an Unarmed Strike, your reach is 10 feet greater than normal, as elemental energy extends from you.

Elemental Strikes. Whenever you hit with your Unarmed Strike, you can cause it to deal your choice of Acid, Cold, Fire, Lightning, or Thunder damage rather than its normal damage type. When you deal one of these types with it, you can also force the target to make a Strength saving throw against your Focus Save DC. On a failed save, you can move the target up to 10 feet toward or away from you, as elemental energy swirls around it.

Elemental Wave. Once per Turn, you can spend 2 Focus Points to replace an Attack you make with the Attack Action with this feature. You choose one damage type: Acid, Cold, Fire, Lightning, or Thunder. Each creature in a 10-foot emnanation centered on you of your choice makes a Dexterity saving throw, taking two rolls of your Martial Arts die in the damage type you chose on a failed save or half as much on a successful one. The damage this deals improves at Unchained Monk Levels 5 (three rolls), 10, (four rolls), and 15 (five rolls). Additionally, at Unchained Monk Level 15, the Emanation of this Feature becomes 20 feet.

Manipulate Elements

At 1st level, you know the Elementalism spell. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for it.

Elemental Burst

At 5th level, as a Magic action, you can expend 4 Focus Points to cause elemental energy to burst in a 20-foot-radius Sphere centered on a point within 120 feet of yourself. Choose a damage type: Acid, Cold, Fire, Lightning, or Thunder.

Each creature in the Sphere must make a Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, a creature takes damage of the chosen type equal to four rolls of your Martial Arts die. On a successful save, a creature takes half as much damage.

Elemental Cascade

At 10th level, as a Magic action, you can expend 6 Focus Points to cause elemental energy to roar forward in a 40-foot-long, 15-foot-wide Line away from you. Choose a damage type: Acid, Cold, Fire, Lightning, or Thunder.

Each creature in the Line must make a Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, a creature takes damage of the chosen type equal to six rolls of your Martial Arts die. On a successful save, a creature takes half as much damage.

Stride of the Elements

At 10th level, while your Elemental Attunement is active, you also have a Fly Speed and a Swim Speed equal to your Speed.

At 15th level, you retain this Fly Speed and Swim Speed at all times, without needing Elemental Attunement to be active.

Elemental Epitome

At 15th level, while your Elemental Attunement is active, you also gain the following benefits.

Damage Resistance. You gain Resistance to one of the following damage types of your choice: Acid, Cold, Fire, Lightning, or Thunder. At the start of each of your turns, you can change this choice (no action required).

Destructive Stride. When you use your Step of the Wind, your Speed increases by 20 feet until the end of the turn. For that duration, any creature of your choice takes damage equal to one roll of your Martial Arts die when you enter a space within 5 feet of it. The damage type is your choice of Acid, Cold, Fire, Lightning, or Thunder. A creature can take this damage only once per turn.

Empowered Strikes. Once on each of your turns, you can deal extra damage to a target equal to one roll of your Martial Arts die when you hit it with an Unarmed Strike. The extra damage is the same type dealt by that strike.

Additionally, you can choose to have your Unarmed Strikes deal Acid, Cold, Fire, Lightning or Thunder Damage instead of Bludgeoning or Force. You choose what damage type is dealt when you hit with an Unarmed Strike. Your Elemental Attunement feature does not need to be active to gain this benefit.

Provocateur

At 1st level, you gain proficiency with the Deception skill and Disguise Kits. If you are already proficient with the Deception Skill, you gain Expertise in that Skill instead. If you are already proficient with Disguise Kits, you gain Proficiency with another tool of your choice.

Focused Taunt

At 1st level, you can spend 2 Focus Points as a Bonus Action to force one creature within 30 feet of you that can see and understand at least one language you can speak to make make a Wisdom saving throw against your Focus Save DC. On a failure, you gain Advantage on Attack Rolls you make with Unarmed Strikes or Unchained Monk Weapons against that creature, it has Disadvantage on Attack Rolls against any creature other than you, and if it is reduced to 0 Hit Points while under the effects of this feature you regain 1 Focus Point.

This feature lasts for a number of Rounds equal to your Wisdom Modifier (minimum one round), until the creature is reduced to 0 hit points, or you end this feature early (no action required).

Expert Provocateur

At 5th level, whenever you make a Deception or Insight Skill Check, you can treat a d20 roll of 9 or lower as a 10.

Additionally, you can spend 5 Focus Points (no action required) when you make such a check to roll it with Advantage.

Shed Blood

At 5th level, if you score a Critical hit against a creature affected by your Focused Taunt Feature, you roll your Martial Arts Die once and add your Dexterity Modifier to the result, recovering that many Hit Points. You may only benefit from this Feature Once per Round.

Superior Taunt

At 10th level, your Focused Taunt feature now affects all creatures of your choice within a 20-foot emanation of you.

Your Shed Blood feature also works on any creature affected by this Feature.

Blood-Red Strike

At 10th level, if you score a Critical Hit against a creature affected by your Focused Taunt or Superior Taunt Feature, all damage you deal with that Attack - including the damage from the Critical Hit - ignores Resistance and Immunity. You can only benefit from this Feature Once per Round.

Resistant Taunt

At 15th level, you have Resistance against any damage you take from a creature affected by your Focused Taunt or Superior Taunt Features.

Path of the Kensei

At 1st level, your special martial arts training leads you to master the use of certain weapons. This path also includes instruction in the deft strokes of calligraphy or painting. You gain the following benefits.

Kensei Weapons. You gain Proficiency with all Martial Melee Weapons except those that have the Special Property, and any Martial Melee Weapon that lacks the Special Property becomes an Unchained Monk Weapon for you and gains the Finesse Property while you wield it.

Agile Parry. If you make a Melee Weapon Attack using an Unchained Monk Weapon as part of the Attack Action during your Turn, you can spend 1 Focus Point (no action required) to gain a +1 bonus to AC and a +1 bonus to Saving Throws you make until the start of your next turn while you aren't incapacitated. If you are disarmed of all Unchained Monk Weapons you are wielding, this bonus to AC ends early.

Agile Strike. If you make an Unarmed Strike as part of the Attack Action during your Turn, you can make an Attack with an Unchained Monk Weapon you are wielding as a Bonus Action. If you spend Focus Points to use your Flurry of Blows Feature, you can replace one of those attacks with an attack using an Unchained Monk Weapon you are weilding.

Focused Strike. If you deal damage to the same creature twice during your Turn with an Unchained Monk Weapon, the next Weapon Attack made against the creature before the beginning of your next Turn has Advantage, and on a hit that Attack deals additional damage equal to your Wisdom Modifier (minimum +1). A creature can only be affected by this feature Once per Round, and multiple instances of this Feature do not stack.

Way of the Brush. You gain proficiency with your choice of Calligrapher's supplies and Painter's supplies. If you are already proficient with Calligrapher's Supplies or Painter's Supplies, replace the proficiencies you already have with Proficiency with a different set of Artisan's Tools.

Weapon Mastery

At 1st level, your training with weapons allows you to use the mastery properties of two kinds of Unchained Monk Weapons of your choice. Whenever you finish a Long Rest, you can practice weapon drills and change one of those weapon choices.

You gain an additional Weapon Mastery at Unchained Monk Levels 5 (three masteries), 10 (four masteries), and 15 (five masteries).

One With the Blade

At 5th level, you extend your power into your kensei weapons, granting you the following benefits.

Empowered Kensei Weapons. Your attacks with your kensei weapons deal their normal damage type or force damage (you choose which when you deal damage with your Kensei Weapons).

Extension of the Self. You cannot be disarmed of your Unchained Monk Weapons.

Nimble Blade. When you trigger a Weapon Mastery, you also apply the Vex Weapon Mastery to that Attack.

Sharpen the Blade

At 10th level, you gain the ability to augment your weapons further. 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.

When used on a Magic Weapon with a +X Value, you instead grant the weapon an additional Xd6 Force Damage, the X value being equal to the Weapon's +X Value. If a Magic Weapon lacks a +X Value, then you may spend Focus Points on it as if it were a nonmagical Weapon, increasing its Attack and Damage rolls by the amount of Focus Points spent.

Mastered Focused Strike

At 15th level, when you or another creature would benefit from your Focused Strike Subclass Feature, they can forgo the Advantage that Feature gives. If they do, then on a hit the damage bonus becomes two times your Wisdom Modifier (Minimum +2) instead. If they score a Critical Hit, they also roll one additional die of their weapon's damage when calculating the damage they deal with their Critical Hit.

Unerring Accuracy

At 15th level, your mastery of weapons grants you extraordinary accuracy. If you miss with an attack roll on your turn, you can reroll it once and must use the new result. You can use this feature only once on each of your turns.

Hand of Death

At 1st level, when you score a Critical Hit with an Unarmed Strike, you deal additional Necrotic Damage equal to one roll of your Martial Arts Die.

Touch of Death

At 1st level, your study of death allows you to extract vitality from another creature as it nears its demise. When a hostile creature within 5 feet of you is reduced to to 0 hit points, you gain temporary hit points equal to your a roll of your Martial Arts Die plus your Dexterity Modifier (minimum of 1 temporary hit point).

You roll one additional Martial Arts Die at Unchained Monk Level 5 (two rolls), 10 (three rolls), 15 (four rolls).

Hour of Reaping

At 5th level, you gain the ability to unsettle or terrify those around you, for your soul has been touched by the shadow of death. As part of the Attack Action, you may spend 2 Focus Points to replace one Attack with this feature. If you do, each creature of your choice that can see you within a 30-foot emanation centered on you must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw against your Focus Save DC or gain the Frightened Condition with you as the source of their fear until the end of your next turn. You have Advantage on any Unarmed Strikes you make against creatures Frightened by this feature.

Hand of Reaping

At 10th level, your Unarmed Strikes can deal Necrotic instead of Bludgeoning or Force Damage.

Additionally, you gain Resistance to Necrotic Damage.

Mastery of Death

At 10th level, you use your familiarity with death to escape its grasp. When you are reduced to 0 hit points, you can expend 4 focus points (no action required) to regain two rolls of your Martial Arts Die plus your Unchained Monk Level in Hit Points instead. The cost of this feature increases by 2 Focus Points for each use beyond the first, and resets to 4 focus points in cost after you finish a Short or Long Rest.

Additionally, you have Advantage on Death Saving Throws.

Touch of the Long Death

At 15th level, your touch can channel the energy of death into a creature. You can spend 10 Focus Points to replace one Attack you make with the Attack Action with a use of this Feature. If you do, target one Creature within 5 feet of you. It must make a Constitution Saving Throw against your Focus Save DC. It takes eight rolls of your Martial Arts Die in Necrotic Damage on a failed save, or half as much on a successful one. On a failed save, if the creature had 100 or fewer hit points remaining, it is instead reduced to 0 hit points. You can only use this Feature Once per Round.

Hand of Healing

At 1st level, as a Magic Action, you can touch one creature and expend 1 Focus Point. Roll your martial Arts Die once and add your Wisdom Modifier to the amount rolled. The creature recovers that many Hit Points.

At 5th level, when you use Flurry of Blows, you can replace one Attack you make with that feature with a use of Hand of Healing.

Impelments of Mercy

At 1st level, you gain proficiency in the Insight and Medicine skills, and you gain proficiency with the herbalism kit. If you are already proficient with either skill, you gain Expertise with those Skills instead. If you are already proficient with herbalism kits, replace that proficiency with proficiency in another type of Artisan's Tools.

Wise Hands

At 1st level, you can use Wisdom instead of Strength or Dexterity for all Unchained Monk Features that would use either except your Unarmored Defense and Monastic Wisdom feature (including calculating the Saving Throw DC for your Martial Maneuvers).

Spellcasting

At 1st level, you have learned to cast spells. See chapter 7 of the 2024 Player's Handbook for the rules on spellcasting. The information below details how you use those rules as a Warrior of Mercy Unchained Monk.

Cantrips. You know two cantrips of your choice from the Unchained Cleric spell list (see that class's document for its list). Guidance and Spare the Dying are recommended. Whenever you gain an Unchained Monk level, you can replace one of these cantrips with another cantrip of your choice from the Unchained Cleric spell list.

When you reach Unchained Monk level 10, you learn another Unchained Cleric cantrip of your choice.

Spell Slots. The Warrior of Mercy Spellcasting table shows how many spell slots you have to cast your level 1+ spells. You regain all expended slots when you finish a Long Rest.

Prepared Spells of Level 1+. You prepare the list of level 1+ spells that are available for you to cast with this feature. To start, choose two level 1 spells from the Unchained Cleric spell list. Cure Wounds and Inflict Wounds are recommended.

The number of spells on your list increases as you gain Unchained Monk levels, as shown in the Prepared Spells column of the Warrior of Mercy Spellcasting table. Whenever that number increases, choose additional spells from the Unchained Cleric spell list until the number of spells on your list matches the number on the table. The chosen spells must be of a level for which you have spell slots. For example, if you're a level 7 Unchained Monk, your list of prepared spells can include eight Unchained Cleric spells of levels 1 and 2 in any combination.

Changing your Prepared Spells. Whenever you gain an Unchained Monk level, you can replace one spell on your list with another Unchained Cleric spell for which you have spell slots.

Spellcasting Ability. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for your Unchained Cleric spells.

Spellcasting Focus. You can use a holy symbol or an Herbalism Kit as a Spellcasting Focus for your Unchained Cleric spells.

Open Hand Technique

At 1st level, Whenever you hit a creature with an Unarmed Strike, you can spend 1 Focus Point to impose one of the following effects on that target. You can only impose one effect on a creature at once. If you try to impose another, the previous effect ends immediately.

Addle. The target can't make Opportunity Attacks until the start of its next turn.

Push. The target must succeed on a Strength Saving Throw against your Focus Save DC or be pushed up to 15 feet away from you.

Topple. The target must succeed on a Dexterity saving throw or have the Prone condition.

Rapid Palm Technique

At 5th level, you can apply Effects from your Open Hand Technique to Unarmed Strikes made with your Flurry of Blows. If you do, then you do not need to spend a Focus Point to use that option, though you can only apply an effect on one of your Flurry of Blows Attacks.

Improved Open Hand Technique

At 10th level, the abilities granted by your Open Hand Technique Feature improve.

Addle. The target makes its next attack before the start of its next turn with Disadvantage.

Push. The distance a target that fails its saving throw is pushed is increased to 30 feet.

Topple. A target that falls prone due to failing its Dexterity Save against this ability takes Force Damage equal to one roll of your Martial Arts Die.

Sealed Gates Technique

At 10th level, you learn how to seal the chakras of a foe whom you strike. Once per Round, when you deal damage with an Unarmed Strike, you can force the creature to make a Constitution Saving Throw against your Focus Save DC. On a failure, they gain the Paralyzed (UCR) Condition until the end of their next turn. On a success, they take three rolls of your Martial Arts Die in Force Damage.

You can use this Feature a number of times equal to your Dexterity Modifier (minimum once) and regain all expended uses when you finish a Long Rest. You can also spend 10 Focus Points (no action required) to regain one use of this feature if you have none remaining.

Quivering Palm Technique

At 15th level, you gain the ability to set up lethal vibrations in someone's body. When you hit a creature with an Unarmed Strike, you can expend 6 Focus Points to start these imperceptible vibrations, which last for a number of days equal to your Unchained Monk level. The vibrations are harmless unless you take an action to end them. Alternatively, when you take the Attack action on your turn, you can forgo one of the attacks to end the vibrations. To end them, you and the target must be on the same plane of existence. When you end them, the target must make a Constitution saving throw, taking ten rolls of your Martial Arts Die in Force damage on a failed save or half as much damage on a successful one. If a creature has 100 hit points or less when you end the vibrations, it is instantly reduced to 0 Hit Points instead of making the saving throw.

You can have only one creature under the effect of this feature at a time. You can end the vibrations harmlessly (no action required).

Genin Shadow Arts

At 1st level, you can use your Focus Points to Gain powerful abilities to enhance your stealthiness. Any Spell you cast with this feature or any other feature from this Subclass uses Wisdom as its spellcasting modifier.

Shadow Sight. You gain 60 feet of darkvision, and can see in both magical and non-magical darkness. If you already have Darkvision from another source, you increase the range of it by 60 feet instead and also gain the benefits of seeing in magical darkness.

Shadowy Figments. You know the Minor Illusion Cantrip. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for it.

Shadow Step

At 1st level, While entirely within Dim Light or Darkness, you can use a Bonus Action to teleport up to 60 feet to an unoccupied space you can see that is also in Dim Light or Darkness. You then have Advantage on the next melee attack you make before the end of the current turn.

Chunin Shadow Arts

At 5th level, you learn more Shadow Arts.

Shadow Curtain. As a Magic Action, you can spend 4 Focus Points to cast the Darkness spell without providing material components. You can see within the spell's area when you cast it with this feature. While the spell persists, you can move its area of Darkness to a space within 60 feet of yourself at the start of each of your turns.

One With The Shadows. As a Magic Action, you can spend 6 Focus Points to cast the Pass without Trace Spell without providing material components.

Silent Shadows. As a Magic Action, you can spend 6 Focus Points to cast the Silence Spell.

Shadowy Form. As a Magic Action, you can spend 6 Focus Points to cast the Alter Self Spell.

Improved Shadow Step

At 10th level, you can draw on your Shadowfell connection to empower your teleportation. When you use your Shadow Step, you can expend 2 Focus Point to remove the requirement that you must start and end in Dim Light or Darkness for that use of the feature. As part of this Bonus Action, you can make an Unarmed Strike immediately after you teleport.

Jonin Shadow Arts

Also at 10th level, you learn new ways to bend your Focus Points into powerful magical effects.

True Shadow. As a Magic Action, you can spend 8 Focus Points to cast the Greater Invisibility spell without providing material components. If you cast this spell in this way, you may only target yourself with it.
Shifting Shadows. As a Magic Action, you can spend 8 Focus Points to cast the Polymorph spell without providing material components. If you cast this spell in this way, you may only target yourself with it.

Cloak of Shadows

At 15th level, as a Magic action while entirely within Dim Light or Darkness, you can expend 6 Focus Points to shroud yourself with shadows for 1 minute, until you have the Incapacitated condition, or until you end your turn in Bright Light. While shrouded by these shadows, you gain the following benefits.

Invisibility. You have the Invisible condition.

Partially Incorporeal. You can move through occupied spaces as if they were Difficult Terrain. If you end your turn in such a space, you are shunted to the last unoccupied space you were in.

Shadow Flurry. You can use your Flurry of Blows without expending any Focus Points.

Kage Shadow Arts

Also at 15th level, you learn the most powerful of Shadow Arts.

Duplicitous Shadows. As a Magic Action, you can spend 10 Focus Points to cast the Mislead Spell.
Shadow Roulette. As a Magic Action, you can spend 10 Focus Points to cast the Seeming Spell.

Radiant Energy Bolt

Starting at 1st level, you can hurl searing bolts of magical radiance.

You learn how to make a special Ranged Weapon Attack with a range of equal to your Speed Plus 5 feet. You are proficient with it, and you add your Dexterity modifier to its attack and damage rolls. Its damage is Radiant, it uses your Martial Arts die for damage, and any feature from the Unchained Monk Class that would apply to your Unarmed Strikes or Unchained Monk Weapons (such as Flurry of Blows) also applies to this attack option. Fiends and Undead take an additional roll of your Martial Arts Die in Radiant damage when they are hit with this Weapon Attack.

Searing Energy Wave

At 1st level, you gain the ability to unleash searing waves of energy. You can spend 1 Focus Point to replace one Attack when you take the Attack Action with a use of this Feature. When you do, every creature within a 15-foot Cone originating from you must make a Dexterity Saving Throw or take two rolls of your Martial Arts Die in Radiant Damage. Fiends and Undead make this saving throw with disadvantage and take an additional roll of your martial arts die in damage on a failed save.

The Damage of this feature increases at Unchained Monk Levels 5 (three rolls of your Martial Arts Die), 10 (four rolls of your Martial Arts Die) and 15 (five rolls of your Martial Arts Die).

At 15th level, the area of the cone increases to 30 feet.

Radiant Energy Beam

At 5th level, you learn how to condense your Energy Bolts into a powerful beam of radiant energy. You can spend 3 Focus Points to replace one Attack when you take the Attack Action with a use of this Feature. When you do, you unleash energy from your hands in a Line with a width of 5 feet and a length of 60 feet. Each creature within this area must make a Dexterity Saving Throw against your Focus Save DC or take three rolls of your Martial Arts die in Radiant damage. A creature that succeeds takes half damage instead. Fiends and Undead make this saving throw with disadvantage and take an additional roll of your martial arts die in damage on a failed save. You cannot use this feature and your Searing Energy Wave feature in the same Round.

The Damage of this feature increases at Unchained Monk Levels 10 (four rolls of your Martial Arts Die) and 15 (five rolls of your Martial Arts Die).

At Unchained Monk Level 15, the width of this beam becomes 15 feet and its length doubles to 120 feet.

Searing Soul Blast

At 10th level, you gain the ability to create an orb of light that erupts into a devastating explosion that utterly devastates evil beings. You can spend 5 Focus Points to replace one Attack when you take the Attack Action with a use of this Feature. When you do, target a point within 90 feet of you. Each creature in that 20-foot-radius emanation from the point you chose (including a creature on that point) must make a Dexterity saving throw against your Focus Save DC. Creatures take four rolls of your Martial Arts die in Radiant damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. Fiends and Undead make this saving throw with disadvantage and take an additional roll of your martial arts die in damage on a failed save. You cannot use this feature and your Searing Energy Wave or Radiant Energy Beam features in the same Round.

The Damage of this feature increases at Unchained Monk Level 15 (five rolls of your Martial Arts Die).

At Unchained Monk Level 15, the radius of the emanation increases to 40 feet.

Soaring Sunlight

At 10th level, you gain a fly speed equal to your speed and can hover. If you already have a fly speed, your Speed is increased by 10 feet.

Aura of the Sun

At 15th level, you become wreathed in a luminous, magical aura. You shed bright light in a 30-foot radius and dim light for an additional 30 feet. You can extinguish or restore the light as a bonus action.

While this shield is active, any undead or fiend within the bright light of this feature has disadvantage on attack rolls and saving throws and you have immunity to Necrotic damage as well as resistance to Radiant Damage.

If a creature hits you with a Melee Weapon Attack or Unarmed Strike while this light shines, you can use your reaction to deal radiant damage to the creature. The radiant damage equals one roll of your Martial Arts Die Plus your Dexterity Modifier. Undead and Fiends instead take damage equal to two rolls of your Martial Arts Die Plus your Dexterity Modifier.

Solar Flare

At 15th level, you can now use up to two of the following features in one Round: Searing Energy Wave, Radiant Energy Beam, Searing Soul Blast. If you do, the cost of both options is increased by 1 Focus Point.

Magical Tattoos

At 1st level, you gain the magic tattoos described by other features of this subclass. The tattoos appear on your body wherever you wish. Damage or injury doesn't impair your magic tattoos' function. A magic tattoo can look like a brand, scarification, a birthmark, patterns of scales, or any other cosmetic alteration.

If a tattoo's effect requires a saving throw, the DC equals your Focus Save DC. Your Spellcasting ability for spells granted by a tattoo is Wisdom, and you can use Wisdom instead of Strength or Dexterity for all Unchained Monk Features that would use either except your Unarmored Defense and Monastic Wisdom feature (including calculating the Saving Throw DC for your Martial Maneuvers).

Whenever you finish a Long Rest, you can reshape one of your magic tattoos, changing the option you chose from one list to another option on the same list.

Beast Tattoos

At 1st level, you gain two animal tattoos. Choose two Tattoos from the following options.

Bat. You know the Dancing Lights Cantrip. You also gain Blindsight with a range of 10 feet. If you would gain Blindsight from another source, increase it by 10 feet instead.

Butterfly. You know the Light Cantrip. You can cast the 1st level spell Jump on yourself at will, without expending a Spell Slot.

Crane. You know the Guidance Cantrip. When you miss a creature with an attack granted by your Flurry of Blows, you have Advantage on your next attack roll against that creature before the end of your next turn.

Horse. You know the Message Cantrip. When you spend 1 Focus Point to use Step of the Wind, your Speed increases by 10 feet until the start of your next Turn. At Unchained Monk Level 20, this bonus to your Speed is passive.

Tortoise. You know the Resistance Cantrip. When you spend 2 Focus Points to use Patient Defense, you have a +1 bonus to AC until the start of your next turn.

Celestial Tattoo

At 5th level, you gain an additional magic tattoo depicting a celestial phenomenon. Choose a tattoo from the following options.

Comet. You gain Resistance to Thunder Damage. When you make a Wisdom (Insight), Intelligence (Investigation), or Wisdom (Perception) Skill Check, you can expend 1 Focus Point to roll your Martial Arts Die and add the number rolled to the result of the Skill Check.

Eclipse. You gain Resistance to Necrotic Damage. When you make a Charisma (Deception), Dexterity (Sleight of Hand), or Dexterity (Stealth) Skill Check, you can expend 1 Focus Point to roll your Martial Arts Die and add the number rolled to the result of the Skill Check.

Sunburst. You gain Resistance to Radiant Damage. When you make an Intelligence (Arcana), Intelligence (History), or Charisma (Persuasion), Skill Check, you can expend 1 Focus Point to roll your Martial Arts Die and add the number rolled to the result of the Skill Check.

Nature Tattoo

At 10th level, you gain an additional magic tattoo depicting a natural feature. Choose a tattoo from the following options.

Sea. You gain Resistance to Cold Damage. You can spend 2 Focus Points to cast the Level 2 Spell Watery Surge (SCoC) as a Magic Action.

Storm. You gain Resistance to Lightning Damage. You can spend 2 Focus Points to cast the Level 2 Spell Sparking Ray (MCoC) as a Magic Action.

Volcano. You gain Resistance to Fire Damage. You can spend 2 Focus Points to cast the Level 2 Spell Aganazzar's Scorcher (XGE).

Arcane Sight

Prerequisites(s): Proficient in the Arcana skill

You can cast detect magic at will, without expending a spell slot.

Blademaster

Prerequisites(s): 5th level, Proficiency with at least one Martial Weapon.

Select one type of martial weapon with which you are proficient. While you are wielding this weapon, it counts as magical for the purpose of piercing resistance and immunity. You also gain one additional Weapon Mastery.

Carnie

Prerequisites(s): Thrown Weapon Fighting Feat.

The ranges of any weapon you use with the Thrown property are doubled when you throw that weapon.

Dual Spear Strike

Prerequisites(s): 5th level

When you would deal damage with an Unarmed Strike, you can forgo dealing damage to force the target to make a Dexterity saving throw against your Focus Save DC. On a failed save, the target is blinded until the end of its next turn.

Duel of Honor

Prerequisites(s): Proficient in the Deception or Intimidation Skill. Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma 14 or higher.

You can cast compelled duel at 1st level once without using a spell slot. You can't do so again until you finish a short or long rest. Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma is your Spellcasting modifier for this spell (you choose which when you take this talent).

Enhanced Elements

Prerequisites(s): 2nd level, Warrior of the Elements

You learn the Sorcerous Burst Spell. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for it.

Expert

Prerequisites(s): N/A
You choose one Skill or Tool with which you are Proficient. You gain Expertise with that Skill or Tool. This talent can be taken up to two times, and you must choose a different skill or tool to benefit from this Talent for each.

Flowing River

Prerequisites(s): 2nd level
When you take the attack action on your turn, you can spend 1 Focus Point as part of that action to move 15 feet. You must end this movement within range of your opponent to use this Talent.

Giantslayer

Prerequisites(s): N/A

You gain a climb speed equal to your speed if you don't already have one. If you already have a climb speed, your speed is increased by 10 feet while using it. You can use your climb speed to scale creatures that are at least one size larger than you. At the start of each of your turns while you are climbing this creature, you must make a Strength (Athletics) skill check contested by a Strength (Athletics) skill check from the creature you are climbing.

While you are climbing a creature in this way, you have advantage on your melee attack rolls against it while that creature has disadvantage on attacks against you. The creature you are climbing has advantage on a Strength (Athletics) Skill Check made to grapple you while you are climbing it.

Hurricane Step

Prerequisites(s): Proficiency in Athletics

You gain an additional 5 feet of Speed.

Kiai

Prerequisites(s): 5th level

When you take the attack action on your turn, you can spend 3 Focus Points to replace one attack you make as part of that action with a special burst of energy. All creatures of your choice within a 10-foot emenation centered on you must succeed on a Strength saving throw against your Focus Save DC or be pushed back 10 feet in a straight line. At 15th level, the Emanation of this Talent increases to 20 feet and the distance enemies are pushed back is increased to 20 feet.

Merciful Grace

Prerequisites(s): 2nd level, Warrior of Mercy

You know the Spare the Dying cantrip and may cast it as a bonus action or replace one of your Unarmed Strikes from your Flurry of Blows feature with a casting of this cantrip. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for it.

Art (In Order)

Jesse Schickler

1.0

• Created the document.

1.1

• Updated Source list.
• Addded Warrior of the Tattoo, an Unchaned version of the Tattooed Warrior (XUA25ArS) Subclass.

1.2

• Updated Drunken Fist to reflect the improvements made in XUA25SU.