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Alternate Monk - GM Binder
Alternate Monk - GM Binder
The Monk
The young man took a deep breath and
steadied himself as the ogre charged him.
Thinking back to his training he prepared
to counter the incoming blow. As the ogre's
club struck the dirt where he had been only
moments before, the young man drew upon
his reservoir of spiritual power and let fly a
flurry of blows upon the unsuspecting beast.
Before the hulking ogre realized what had
happened, it lay stunned in the mud. Hopefully,
when the ogre regained consciousness it would
think twice before raiding the local homesteads.
Moving silently through the darkness of the
moonless night, a squad of hobgoblin assassins
approached the tent of the enemy general. Trained
in Martial Arts from birth, the lethal warriors slew the
enemy guards without a sound. As the general stirred from
sleep, his eyed widened as the hobgoblins seemed to appear
from the darkness itself. He tried to call for help, but no
sound came from his mouth as his life was ruthlessly snuffed
out by the assassins. As quietly as they had arrived, the dark
hobgoblin assassins disappeared into the night.
The Grand Master stepped forward to block the pass. As
her students reluctantly fled into the mountains, she studied Creating
the horde of goblins that would soon be upon her. Though
she was the most powerful living Wu Jen master, even in her Your Monk
prime she could not hope to slay half this many foes. She When you create your monk, consider who instructed you in
dropped her cloak from her shoulders, and her tattoos the ways of martial arts, and what they gave up in order to
glistened with elemental magic as she prepared to bring become a student. Were you an orphan left on the steps of a
down the mountain itself down upon her. Though she would mountain monastery, raised from birth as a student of the
most certainly perish, the pass would be blocked, and most Eternal Mountain technique? Or were you the lesser child of
importantly, her students would be able to escape. a noble family who gave up everything in order to learn the
Shadow Arts in a quest for vengeance? Whatever the reason
Mastery of Body and Mind for your training, consider why you left a life of solitude and
Where most warriors strive for physical perfection, monks introspection for the dangerous life of an adventurer.
spend their lives training both their body and mind to work Example Monasteries
together. When both aspects of themselves are mastered, a
monk is able to channel the life giving spiritual energy within Name Monastic Tradition
themselves, their ki. Drawing upon this hidden power, these Disciples of the Way Way of the Open Hand
reclusive warriors can perform supernatural physical feats. Iron Shadow Assassins Way of the Shadow Arts
Looking always inward, monks often eschew any material
possession they cannot carry on their backs, instead focusing Order of Gravekeepers Way of the Reaper
on immaterial wealth. Whether enlightenment, happiness, Sacred Light Monastery Way of Radiance
challenging foes, or tests of might, all monks usually have an
ideal or goal that they are constantly striving toward. Temple of the Five Ways Way of the Wu Jen
Mystic Asceticism
Often trained in hidden monasteries or by reclusive masters, Multiclassing and the Monk
monks must often give up any inheritance or titles in order to If your group uses the optional multiclassing rule,
be accepted as monastic students. Some grand masters even here's what you need to know if you choose to
require years of servitude and dedication to the monastery take a level in the monk class.
before they will even begin to train a new pupil. Once begun, Ability Score Minimum. As a multiclass character,
a monks training does not stop until they die. They put all of you must have at least a 13 in both Dexterity and
their heart, mind, and soul in their quest for a perfect self. Wisdom to take a level in this class, or to take a
Even the greatest monastic masters will sometimes seek level in another class if you are already a monk.
out other monasteries, entering as a novice, even in old age. Proficiencies. If monk isn't your initial class, here
The quest for perfection is never ending, and despite great are the proficiencies you gain when you take your
spiritual progress, the greatest view themselves as novices, first level as a monk: simple weapons, shortswords.
eager to progress on the next step to enlightenment.
The Monk
Martial Unarmored Techniques
Level PB Features Arts Movement Known
1st +2 Martial Arts, Unarmored Defense 1d6 ─ ─
2nd +2 Ki, Flurry of Blows, Unarmored Movement 1d6 +10 ft. 3
3rd +2 Monastic Tradition 1d6 +10 ft. 3
4th +2 Ability Score Improvement 1d6 +10 ft. 3
5th +3 Extra Attack 1d8 +10 ft. 4
6th +3 Enlightened Fist, Monastic Tradition Feature 1d8 +15 ft. 4
7th +3 Spirit of Tranquility 1d8 +15 ft. 5
8th +3 Ability Score Improvement 1d8 +15 ft. 5
9th +4 ─ 1d8 +15 ft. 6
10th +4 Purity of Body 1d8 +20 ft. 6
11th +4 Monastic Tradition Feature 1d10 +20 ft. 7
12th +4 Ability Score Improvement 1d10 +20 ft. 7
13th +5 ─ 1d10 +20 ft. 8
14th +5 Evasion 1d10 +25 ft. 8
15th +5 Timeless Body 1d10 +25 ft. 9
16th +5 Ability Score Improvement 1d10 +25 ft. 9
17th +6 Monastic Tradition Feature 1d12 +25 ft. 9
18th +6 ─ 1d12 +30 ft. 10
19th +6 Ability Score Improvement 1d12 +30 ft. 10
20th +6 Ascended Soul 1d12 +30 ft. 10
Martial Arts
Class Features You honed your body itself into a weapon, mastering multiple
Hit Points styles of martial arts. For the purposes of your monk abilities,
Hit Dice: 1d10 per monk level Martial Arts attacks are your unarmed strikes, and attacks
with melee weapons without the heavy or special properties.
Hit Points at 1st Level: 10 + your Constitution modifier. Beginning at 1st level, so long as you are not wearing heavy
Hit Points at Higher Levels: 1d10 (or 6) + your Constitution armor, wielding a shield, or wielding a heavy weapon, your
modifier per monk level after 1st Martial Arts attacks gains the benefits listed below:
Proficiencies You can use your Dexterity, in place of Strength, for the
Armor: none attack and damage rolls or your Martial Arts attacks.
Weapons: Simple weapons, shortswords You can make a Dexterity (Athletics) check to grapple or
Tools: A set of artisan's tools or a musical instrument shove in place of the normal Strength (Athletics) check.
Saving Throws: Strength, Dexterity You can roll your Martial Arts die in place of the normal
Skills: Choose two of the following: Acrobatics, Athletics, damage of a Martial Arts attack. This die starts out as a
History, Insight, Nature, Religion, and Stealth d6 and changes as you gain monk levels, as indicated in
Equipment the Martial Arts column of the Monk table above.
You start with the following equipment. When you take the Attack action on your turn and make a
Martial Arts attack, you can use your bonus action on that
(a) a shortsword or (b) any simple weapon same turn to make a single unarmed strike attack.
(a) a shortbow and 20 arrows or (b) 20 darts
(a) a dungeoneer’s pack or (b) an explorer’s pack Some styles of Martial Arts make use of exotic weapons
(a) a holy symbol or (b) a musical instrument like nunchaku (clubs), kamas (sickles), or sai (daggers).
Quick Build Unarmored Defense
You can make a monk quickly by using these suggestions. You have trained to defend yourself from deadly blows even
First, make Dexterity your highest ability score, followed by when unarmored. Starting at 1st level, so long as you aren't
your Constitution if you wish to focus on physical power, or wearing armor and not wielding a shield, your Armor Class
your Wisdom if you wish to focus on spiritual enlightenment. equals 10 + your Dexterity modifier + your Wisdom modifier.
Second, choose either the acolyte or the hermit background.
Ki
Unarmored Movement
At 2nd level, you learn to manipulate the spiritual energy that
resides within you, known as Ki. You can draw on your Ki to Your pursuit of physical perfection has awakened the hidden
perform supernatural physical feats known as techniques. potential of your body. At 2nd level, your speed increases by
10 feet so long as you are not wearing armor or a shield.
Ki Points This speed bonus increases as you gain levels, as indicated
Your inner reserve of Ki is represented by a pool of Ki Points. in the Unarmored Movement column of the Monk table.
This pool has a total number of Ki Points equal to your monk
level + your Wisdom modifier. You regain expended Ki Points Monastic Tradition
when you finish a short or long rest, so long as you spent at At 3rd level, choose one of the following Monastic Traditions
least 30 minutes of that rest in spiritual meditation. that best represents your training and philosophy as a monk:
Techniques Known the Ways of the Drunken Fist, the Open Hand, Radiance, the
At 2nd level, you learn three Techniques of your choice from Reaper, the Shadow Arts, the Wu Jen, or the Wuxia, each of
the list at the end of this class description. The Monk table which is detailed at the end of this class.
shows when you learn more Techniques of your choice. Each The Monastic Tradition you choose grants you features at
time you gain a monk level, you can choose a Technique you 3rd level, and again when you reach 6th, 11th, and 17th level.
know and replace it with another Technique of your choice. Signature Techniques
Saving Throws Each Monastic Tradition has a list of Signature Techniques
Techniques rely on your mastery of body and spirit, and grow that you learn at the monk levels as noted in your Tradition's
in proportion to your self-control. When a Technique requires description. These Techniques don't count against your total
a saving throw, its saving throw DC is calculated as follows: number of Techniques Known and they cannot be replaced
with other Techniques when you gain a level in this class.
Technique save DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus
+ your Wisdom modifier Ability Score Improvement
At 4th level, and again at 8th, 12th, 16th, and 19th level, you
Flurry of Blows can increase one of your ability scores by 2, or two different
You can draw on your spiritual power to strike with blinding ability scores of your choice by 1. As normal, you can't use
speed. Starting at 2nd level, when you take the Attack action this feature increase one of your ability scores above 20.
and make a Martial Arts attack, you can spend 1 Ki Point to
make two unarmed strikes as a bonus action on that turn. Extra Attack
When you reach 11th level in this class, you can use this Beginning at 5th level, you can attack twice, instead of once,
bonus action without expending a Ki Point. whenever you take the Attack action on your turn.
Enlightened Fist
Your spirit empowers your strikes. Upon reaching 6th level,
your unarmed strikes count as magical for the purposes of
overcoming resistance and immunity to non-magical attacks.
Spirit of Tranquility
Beginning at 7th level, the strength of your spirit enhances
your physical and mental defenses. Whenever you make a
saving throw while you are conscious you gain a bonus to
your roll equal to your Wisdom modifier (minimum of +1).
Moreover, if you are charmed or frightened when you start
your turn, you can spend 1 Ki Point to immediately end either
the charmed or frightened condition for yourself.
Purity of Body
The power of your spirit and strength of your body protects
you against physical ailments. Beginning at 10th level, you
are immune to all disease and the poisoned condition.
Also, whenever you make a saving throw and fail, you can
spend 1 Ki Point to reroll it and take the second result.
Evasion
Starting at 14th level, your instinctive agility lets you dodge
out of the way of certain area effects, such as a black dragon's
acid breath or a lightning bolt spell. When you are subjected
to an effect that allows you to make a Dexterity saving throw
to take only half damage, you instead take no damage if you
succeed on the saving throw, and only half damage if you fail. Way of the
Drunken Fist
Timeless Body Where most monks are serious and contemplative, students
Beginning at 15th level, you have detached yourself from the of the Drunken Fist seek out joy wherever they go. Masters of
desires of the flesh. You no longer require food or water and a style that mimics the unpredictable movements of a drunk,
you suffer none of the frailty of old age. Additionally, for every these monks will use their considerable skills to play the fool
10 years that pass your body ages only 1 year and make others laugh, or to embarrass haughty nobles.
Ascended Soul Drunken Fist Techniques
You have gained such mastery over your spirit that you can You learn certain Techniques at the levels noted in the table
meditate even while performing other actions. At 20th level, below. They don't count against your number of Techniques
light activity, such as traveling, eating, and talking, counts as Known and they cannot be switched upon gaining a level.
short resting for you for the purposes of regaining your Ki. Monk Level Technique
3rd step of the wind
Monastic Traditions 5th deflect missiles
Choose one of the following Monastic Traditions that best 9th heavenly step
represents the philosophy and training of your monk: the
Ways of the Drunken Fist, the Open Hand, Radiance, the Jovial Performer
Reaper, the Shadow Arts, the Wu Jen, or the Wuxia.
When you join this Monastic Tradition at 3rd level, you learn
to use your martial arts to bring joy. You gain proficiency in
Additional Monastic Traditions
Performance, improvised weapons and brewer's supplies.
Moreover, your melee attacks with improvised weapons
Looking for additional subclass options? Check out count as Martial Arts attacks.
the Alternate Monk: Expanded for eight additional
Monastic Traditions, including the Ways of the Drunken Style
Boulder, Ferocity, Hurricane, and the Sacred Inks! You move about battle with chaotic grace. Beginning at 3rd
The Alternate Monk class as presented here is
also compatible with any subclass for the monk,
level, each time you hit a creature with a Martial Arts attack,
official or homebrew, that grants subclass features
your speed increases by 5 feet until the end of your turn.
at the official levels of 3rd, 6th, 11th, and 17th. In addition, when you hit a creature with a Martial Arts
attack, that creature has disadvantage on any opportunity
attacks it makes against you until the start of your next turn.
Way of the Open Hand
While all monks are warriors, monks who follow the Way of
the Open Hand train relentlessly, forging their bodies into
deadly weapons. They do not neglect spiritual training, but
disciples of the Open Hand pride themselves on their skill
with martial arts, and it is exceptionally rare to see an Open
Hand monk who wields a weapon other than their fists.
Open Hand Techniques
You learn certain Techniques at the monk levels noted in the
table below. These don't count against your total number of
Techniques Known. Moreover, when you gain a monk level,
you can replace one strike Technique you learned through
this feature with another strike Technique of your choice.
Monk Level Technique
3rd empowered strike
5th stunning strike
9th indomitable spirit
Practiced Strikes
Starting when you join this Tradition at 3rd level, when you
hit a creature with an unarmed strike, you can choose to use
a strike Technique you know without expending a Ki Point.
You can do so a number of times equal to your Wisdom
modifier (minimum of once), and you regain all expended
uses each time you finish a long rest.
Ebb and Flow
Beginning at 6th level, you can use your the momentum of
your foes against them. When a creature misses you with a
melee attack, you can use one of the following reactions:
You force it to make a Dexterity saving throw. On a failed
save, it is knocked prone and has its speed reduced to 0
until the end of its turn. Creatures at least one size larger
than you have advantage on their saving throw.
You can make one unarmed strike against the creature.
Open Hand Strike
Unpredictable Sway Starting at 11th level, your fists strike with enough force to
Your erratic movements have become more complicated and disrupt the flow of your foe's Ki. When you score a critical hit
unpredictable. At 6th level, you gain the following benefits: with an unarmed strike, the target has disadvantage on any
When you are prone you can stand up without expending saving throw you force it to make as part of that attack.
movement, rather then expending half your movement. Master of Many Forms
When a creature misses you with a melee attack, you can You are able to master new Techniques with ease. Beginning
use your reaction to spend 1 Ki Point and force it to attack at 11th level, whenever you finish a long rest, you can replace
another creature of your choice within 5 feet of you. one of the Techniques you know with another Technique of
Chaotic Luck your choice that you meet the prerequisites for.
You have an almost comical way of turning your misfortunes Grand Master of the Open Hand
on their head. Starting at 11th level, when you make an attack You are an unparalleled master of unarmed martial arts and
roll, ability check, or saving throw with disadvantage, you can are able to strike with wondrous speed and overwhelming
spend 1 Ki Point to cancel the disadvantage on that roll. power. At 17th level, you gain the following benefits:
Grand Master of the Drunken Fist When you use Flurry of Blows you can make three
You flit and fly about the battlefield with unparalleled chaos. unarmed strikes as part of that bonus action.
Beginning at 17th level, when you take the Attack action on When you make an opportunity attack against a creature,
your turn, you can make a Martial Arts attack against each you can make two unarmed strikes in place of that attack.
creature you move past on that turn, even if the number of When you use Ebb and Flow to make an unarmed strike
attacks you make exceeds your normal limit. against a creature, you can make two unarmed strikes.
Way of Radiance Way of the Reaper
Legends tell of wandering sages that channel bursts of light While most monasteries teach their students to live their life
from within their bodies. These students of Radiance have to its full potential, some are obsessed with the taking of life.
such fine control over their spirit that they can assault others One such order is the Way of the Reaper. These monks are
with radiant blasts of Ki. These luminous warriors travel the experts at snuffing out the lives of other mortals and they
land promoting harmony and justice amongst all peoples. learn to use deathly ki to fuel their own martial power.
Radiant Techniques Reaper Techniques
You learn certain Techniques at the levels noted in the table You learn certain Techniques at the levels noted in the table
below. They don't count against your number of Techniques below. They don't count against your number of Techniques
Known and they cannot be switched upon gaining a level. Known and they cannot be switched upon gaining a level.
Monk Level Technique Monk Level Technique
3rd mystic healing 3rd crippling strike
5th seeking strike 5th slowing strike
9th aura sight 9th indomitable spirit
Artist Credits:
Covers - Yongjae Choi - the Ancient Way
Page 1 - Piotr Dura - Island MTG Art
Page 3 - Willian Murray - Ojutai Exemplars
Page 4 - M. Villeneuve - Academy Journeymage
Page 5 - Chase Stone - Singing Bell Strike
Page 7, Left - G. Opalinski - Ninja of New Moon
Page 7, Mid - Zara Alfonso - Imperial Subduer
Page 7, Right - Josu Hernaiz - Zur the Enchanter
Page 8 - Chris Rallis - Flusterstorm
Page 9 - C. Balanescu - Wanderer's Intervention
Page 10 - Sam Burley - Abandoned Mire