Alternate Monk v3.0.0 - Massive Update!
Added 2023-05-21 13:35:26 +0000 UTCHey all, after spending the better part of 3 weeks working on this, I’ve finally finished the latest update for my Alternate Monk Class! v3.0 is here!
For those who haven’t been following along, my goal with the Alternate Monk was to improve the mechanics of the class so they would match the fantasy of playing a true master of martial arts! And, since it’s me, that meant adding an “Invocation-style” system of Techniques for the Monk to learn at various levels.
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ALTERNATE MONK V3.0.0
For this update, the major foci were (1) streamlining class/subclass features, (2) making the power curve of the class more gradual, and (3) add in the subclasses from Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything and Fizban’s Treasury of Dragons.
Streamlining
The Monk has always been a bit of a mess with a ton of class features that don’t really build on anything else in the class. In this update, I’ve tried to make its abilities either reference each other mechanically (Ki Adept) or thematically (Purity of Body, Mind, Spirit). Ki Adept is also used by a number of subclasses!
Power Curve
It's no secret the PHB Monk is fairly weak at low levels, but I think having a d12 for Marital Arts die was a little too much at high levels. I’ve flattened the power curve there, moved the third Monastic Tradition feature to 10th level, and added Ki Adept, which allows the free use of an ability or Technique once per turn, at 11th level.
I’ve also adjusted where the Monk’s defensive features come online, moving Evasion up and Spirit of Tranquility back.
The Way of the Wu Jen has been given some major quality-of-life buffs.
The Way of Radiance has been changed to go “all in” on the DBZ themes.
New Monastic Traditions
This update sees the long-awaited appearance of Alternate Traditions based on those from Tasha’s and Fizban’s: the Way of Astral Warrior (Astral Self), Way of the Rising Dragon (Ascendant Dragon), and Way of Yin & Yang (Mercy).
Alternate Monk: Expanded & Patreon-exclusive Traditions
Updates to both of these (Patreon first) will be coming later this week - stay tuned for some big changes and brand-new Monastic Traditions!
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As always, I'd love to hear any constructive criticisms or feedback you have!
Enjoy!
~laserllama
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Change log v3.0.0
- Martial Arts // Changed Martial Arts die scaling. 1d6 to start, 1d8 at 5th level, and 1d10 at 13th level (dropped 1d12).
- Flurry of Blows // Reverted changes. Removed free use at 11th level (merged with the new Ki Adept feature at 11th level).
- Monastic Tradition // Moved 11th level features up to 10th level. General name change to all 17th level features to “Master of ____” (instead of Grand Master).
- Evasion // Moved up to 7th level
- Purity of Body // Moved up to 9th level. Moved ability to reroll a failed saving throw to a Technique (Mystical Integrity).
- Ki Adept // New 11th level feature (free use of FoB or a 1 Ki Technique)
- Spirit of Tranquility // Moved back to 13th level. Moved charm/fear effect to a new feature (Purity of Mind).
- Purity of Mind // NEW feature.
- Purity of Spirit // Renamed (Ascended Soul). Reworked.
- Monastic Traditions // Included 3 and moved the rest to the end of the class.
- Open Hand // Signature Techniques // Added Indomitable Spirit.
- Open Hand // Practiced Strike // Clarified. Limited to once per turn.
- Open Hand // Ebb and Flow // Specified you must be able to see the creature.
- Wu Jen // Removed elemental tags.
- Wu Jen // Disciple of the Elements // Reworked Wu Jen spellcasting! They now get cantrips and can convert their Ki into spell slots as a bonus action.
- Wu Jen // Elemental Attunement // Cut (merged into spellcasting).
- Wu Jen // Fist of the Five Ways // You have all of the damage types, and when you empower an unarmed strike your reach increases.
- Wu Jen // Master of the Elements // You always get all benefits. Removed the fire damage to your attackers.
- Wu Jen // Spell List // Added cantrips.
- Wu Jen // Spell List // Added // hail of thorns, witch bolt, continual flame, and elemental bane.
- Techniques // General // Removed 11th level buffs allowing free use (now part of the Ki Adept class feature at 11th level). Clarified wording.
- Techniques // Mystic Healing // Increased cost to 2 Ki Points.
- Techniques // Gentling Touch // Limited additional Ki to WIS mod
- Techniques // Stunning Strike // Now specifies a melee Martial Arts attack.
- Techniques // Aura Sight // Increased range (20/30/60 feet)
- Techniques // Mantle of Courtesy // Moved up to 9th level. Slight Rework.
- Techniques // Mystical Integrity // Renamed. Reworked with old “Purity of Body”.
- Astral Warrior // NEW Tradition based on the Way of the Astral Self!
- Drunken Fist // Jovial Performer // Ranged improvised weapon attacks now count as Martial Arts attacks as well.
- Drunken Fist // Unpredictable Sway // Clarified how redirecting an attack works.
- Drunken Fist // Chaotic Luck // Cost reduced to 1 Ki Point
- Radiance // Signature Techniques // Changed them all out to make you feel more like a DBZ character (because that’s what this subclass is for).
- Radiance // Radiant Bolt // Clarified how this works.
- Radiance // Searing Blast // Added baseline 1 Ki cost, but you can use Ki Adept at 11th level to use it for free.
- Radiance // Luminous Burst // Changed out fireball for lightning bolt equivalent. Now you can add additional Ki power up to your WIS mod limit.
- Radiance // Master of Light // Renamed. Added resistance to necrotic damage.
- Reaper // Signature Techniques // Added Aura Sight at 9th level.
- Reaper // Frightful Touch // Now costs 1 Ki but can be used for free once per turn with Ki Adept starting at 11th level.
- Rising Dragon / NEW Tradition based on the Way of the Ascendant Dragon!
- Wuxia // Student of Steel // Added Masterful Aim and Masterful Parry
- Wuxia // Ki-Infused Weapons // Reworked 3rd bullet around Flurry of Blows.
- Wuxia // Master of Steel // Renamed and reworked.
- Yin & Yang // NEW Tradition based on the Way of Mercy.
Comments
Beam attacks definitely fit the classic DBZ image better, they're just not as good in practical D&D terms. Hm. Maybe if there was an option to spend extra ki to make the beam wider? A 10- or 15-foot beam would still fit the DBZ image and be a lot more useful and easier to catch multiple enemies in. I'm not sure how complicated you'd want this one ability to get, though.
Jeff Potato
2023-05-21 17:09:45 +0000 UTCThanks for checking it out! In regards to the Way of Radiance, that was one of the changes that I felt made it more "in-line" with the DBZ/anime fantasy (since that's all this subclass is). "Beam" attacks are much more in-line with that fantasy IMO. Good catch on Ki Adept, I've updated it on GM Binder. Rising Dragon is a first draft, I will probably fine-tune it (and the other new subclasses) in the next few weeks. I'll be getting started on the Expanded doc soon!
laserllama
2023-05-21 17:05:23 +0000 UTCThere's a lot of good stuff here, but I have to say, the nerf to Way of Radiance stings. (Fireball is *much* more useful than Lightning Bolt.) I tested this subclass once and it would have been noticeably less effective without Shiny Fireball. Also, the text of Ki Adept should probably say "Starting at 11th level" or something similar. You just know someone is going to try and tell his DM "The text takes precedent over table entries! RAW I get Ki Adept at 1st level!" My first thought was that Rising Dragon's damage was lacking -- it feels wrong to wait until level 17 for a breath weapon of more than 2 dice -- but I may be underestimating how much the other improved class features benefit the Alternate Rising Dragon Monk compared to the canon Ascendant Dragon monk. I look forward to seeing what you do with Way of the Flowing River in the Expanded update. That subclass was a really cool idea, but I always felt like it needed something more.
Jeff Potato
2023-05-21 14:10:21 +0000 UTC
