Monk Codex [Monster Thursday]

I have weird feelings about monks. On one hand, I really like the idea of a punch man. On the other hand, I don't really like monks as a concept. I've never played as a monk, though as a GM, I've had plenty of monk assassins try to kill the party (they fail a lot). Something about the core monk just doesn't sit well with me, and I think its partly due to monks not really feeling different from each other and not really having much else than just... I hit things. I stun things. I hit things more as a bonus action. I hit things even more on my turn. They could be so much more interesting if there were different forms or styles or stances that they could flow into, giving them buffs in different ways. Which is what I tried to do here, each monk has at least two different stances it can take, giving it different ways of attacking, moving, controlling the battlefield, and more.

Breaker Monk (CR 4) This is a brute of a monk, focusing on dealing damage and breaking things. Their stances either allow them to ignore resistances to their attacks or you can really destroy objects/structures or stun people.

Dancing Monk (CR 7) Graceful and with lots of poise, the dancing monk has a bit of a soldier archetype. It is focused on ensuring that people don't make it past it and values a good defense. The original inspiration for this monk came from the 1984 The Karate Kid movie, where the guy crane kicks (ILLEGALLY) his opponent when he gets charged.

Dominating Monk (CR 8) Monks are kind of just known for their DPS, but why can't they also crowd control? The dominating monk provides debuffs and lasting injury, ensuring that while they may not be the biggest threat on the battlefield, they are definitely an annoying one.

Elemental Monk (CR 5) This monk's design was based on an artillery role where they hide in the back and shoot magic, missiles, or whatever they have from far away. This monk has learned to channel the primal elements, launching them at their foes in different ways.

Lurking Monk (CR 6) Hidden within the shadows, a lurking monk attacks when you least expect it. They are trained killers who seek perfection through death. They have a lurker role, meaning they like to hide in the shadows and only attack when the best opportunity presents itself.

Striking Monk (CR 3) A skirmisher needs a few things to stay a live, lots of room to maneuver, a way to avoid getting targeted, and high speed. The striking monk jumps into the attack, quickly delivers a few strikes, before slipping away again. They kite their enemies, constantly moving in and out of combat, all the while avoiding injury.