Way of the Beast (5e Subclass)
Way of the Beast[edit]
Monk Subclass
Those who follow the Way of the Beast are akin to druids in many ways. They greatly revere animals, and mold their techniques after them. This lends them many unique fighting styles, known as "stances". In these stances, powered by ki, they are capable of great feats even most other monks cannot attempt.
- Beast Stance
Upon following this monastic tradition at 3rd level, you gain the ability to enter a Beast Stance as a bonus action for 2 ki points. The Beast Stance lasts for 1 minute, until you enter another Beast Stance, or until you become incapacitated. You know 2 stances and learn an additional stance at 6th, 11th, and 17th level. The possible Beast Stances are as follows.
- Monkey. You draw from the mobility of a monkey. You gain a climbing speed equal to your walking speed, and you have advantage on Dexterity saving throws.
- Tortoise. You shape your ki into a shell to protect you from harm. You resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage.
- Crane. You channel the grace of a swan. Creatures cannot make attacks of opportunity against you, and you have advantage on saving throws against being pushed or knocked prone.
- Mantis. You adopt the reach of a mantis. Your unarmed strikes gain the Reach property.
- Bear. You embrace the power of a bear. You count as proficient in Athletics, and you can use your Dexterity score in place of your Strength score.
- Cobra. You strike with the deadly speed and accuracy of a cobra. Your attacks made with unarmed strikes or monk weapons score a critical hit on a roll of 19-20.
- Owl. You are granted the wisdom and senses of the owl, the nocturnal predator. You gain truesight at a range of 60 feet, and have advantage on Wisdom saving throws.
- Panther. You hunt your pray and manifest the strength of the primal nightstalker. The first time you hit a creature on your turn with an unarmed strike or monk weapon, you can add double your Dexterity modifier, instead.
- Friend of Fauna
At 6th level, you can cast speak with animals as a ritual, or as a bonus action, spending 2 ki points to do so.
In addition, you can add your Wisdom modifier to any Charisma checks made while interacting with animals.
- Hybrid Style
At 11th level, when you enter a beast stance, you may spend 3 ki points to enter 2 Beast Stances simultaneously. When you change stances you can spend 1 ki point to enter 1 stance or spend 3 ki points to enter 2 stances.
- Embrace the Land
At 17th level, you may spend 10 ki points and an action to enter all the stances you know simultaneously for 1 minute. After this ends, you cannot do this again until you finish a long rest.
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