The Essence of Nekketsu

The Essence of Nekketsu, “Nekketsu,” meaning “boiling blood,” is not a vow or way of life one takes, but rather, the harnessing of the strength within your own physical form. Those who harness the Essence of Nekketsu make an extreme use of what little they have at their disposal, being resourceful in tight situations and using their own physical form to their advantage to unleash brutal attacks and techniques with the aim of maximizing their chance for victory. They learn to hold their own in long battles, attack with extreme conviction, and practice martial arts techniques inspired by a multitude of different arts (Krav Maga, Jujitsu, MMA, ect.) all with a sharp intensity of fighting.

Their training lies in gaining control over their bodies, and honing their craft. The Essence of Nekketsu is one of the more down-to-earth paths one can take, often harnessed by those without very much, power gained honestly, embracing the freedom and chaos that come with life. It’s said if magic and fantastical concepts were removed from the world, those with this Essence would Remain, with full strength.

Heat Brawler

Starting at the 3rd level, you learn how to use your body and the tools around you to your advantage in combat, to not only adapt to certain situations, but to also keep yourself on your feet at all times. You also feel adrenaline flow through you during battle, being able to channel it into raw power. You gain the following benefits:

Judoka Form. When you make a Strength (Athletics) roll, you may use your Dexterity instead of your Strength Modifier.

Street Boxer. You gain improvised weapons proficiency, and they count as monk weapons.

Surge of Violence. Whenever you roll a natural 20 when attacking with a monk weapon or unarmed strike, or drop an enemy to 0 HP, You gain +1 ki.

Blazing Adrenaline

Starting at 6th level, You feel invigorated by your adrenaline, keeping you on your feet at a moment’s notice and only serving to only make you more riled up. When you roll initiative at the beginning of a battle, you can add your Wisdom modifier to your initiative roll. You also gain access to Extreme Heat Mode , a fury-like state in which you become hyped up through your adrenaline.

Fervorous Brutality

Your blood practically boils in battle, whether people know who you are or not, you inspire fear in those who challenge  you. You feel you can fight harder with your martial arts, channeling your strength to an extreme. With this milestone, you gain the following benefits:

Terrifying Presence. You don't give examples, you make them. Whenever you drop a creature to 0 HP, and Extreme Heat Mode is active, you can spend 1 ki, and every hostile creature within a 30ft radius must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw, or become frightened of you for 1 minute. The affected creatures can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a successful save.

Decisive Blow. When you strike an enemy hard, you make sure they can feel the sheer force that comes with it. Whenever you score a critical hit with a monk weapon or unarmed strike, you can make your enemy roll a Dexterity Saving Throw. If they fail, you knock your enemy back 10 ft, and knock them prone.

Smoldering Martial

You've become an example of what can be achieved through physical means in this cruel world, and through discipline and dedication you've reached a peak in your martial arts. Your connection to what is humanity, has made you constant to the world itself.

Like a Legend. There truly is a grace in your furious aggression, one that shows off your strength in the heat of battle, and one that truly leaves no creature safe from your conviction. When Extreme Heat Mode is active, your damage is automatically conisdered critical when you strike an opponent. You also bypass all bludgeoning, piercing, slashing and fire damage resistances.

The World. When you kill an enemy with a strike during Extreme Heat Mode, you can spend 4 ki to make an enemy killed by this strike cannot come back to life by any means other than Wish.