Kod Kendo: The Way of the Gentle Resistance

Kod Kendo is an ancient martial art, whispered of in tales and shrouded in the mists of time. Passed down through generations of enlightened masters, it is said to embody the ultimate defence, a perfect harmony of body, mind, and spirit. The monks who practice Kod Kendo are seen as guardians of peace, using the power of their foes against them in a delicate dance of balance and grace.

The essence of Kod Kendo lies in the art of absorption. When an enemy strikes, the monk channels the energy of the attack through their arms, neutralizing its force before redirecting it with precision and fluidity. In the blink of an eye, this energy is transformed into swift, decisive strikes delivered by the monk’s legs, felling even the mightiest of foes with the gentleness of a breeze.

These monks are often found seated upon tranquil shores, gazing at the setting sun on the horizon. They are serene warriors, humbling those who challenge them with a calm and resolute presence. Violence is a last resort, wielded only when there is no other path. Their true quest is one of enlightenment, in search of a worthy soul to whom they may pass on the secrets of Kod Kendo.

Little is known about this mystic art, for it is guarded as a sacred trust, revealed only to those deemed pure of heart. The philosophy of Kod Kendo dictates that its power is to be used only for the cause of good, never to further the ends of evil. It is a path of balance, where “true strength lies not in the force of one’s blows, but in the wisdom to know when to strike”.

Monks that utilize Kod Kendo are never seen using weapons, deeming it dishonourable.
From now on you can only use your legs for unarmed strikes by hitting with the shin, heel, knee, and the whole foot, but you can still use your hands for control (e.g. throwing, grabbing, and pushing if you have to)
You also don't regain ki in the normal manner, instead you gain it by blocking.

Note: this monastic tradition was sorta meant to be passed down in some tricky way since it's quite strong, also the subclass is modelled after the fighting style Kod Kendo in the game Pillgrammed

Gentle Defense

Upon mastering this fighting style, you learn the Way of Perfect Defense. Starting when you are taught this technique, you may use your action to enter a state of deep concentration. While in this state, you forgo all actions, reactions, and bonus actions, except for basic movement. With your arms ready, you absorb the force of incoming melee and ranged attacks, protecting yourself from bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage. This is done by increasing your AC by 8, this increase scales at higher levels. If the attack isn't one of the mentioned damage types, ignore the added AC.
At lvl6 by 10, at lvl9 by 12, at lvl12 by 14, at lvl15 by 16 and at lvl18 by 18.
While in this state, every failed attack on you makes you gain 1ki point.
This ability doesn't work if prone, freighted, charmed, restrained or grappled.
Note: i didnt find out how to increase AC in a way that isnt permanent, so this ability is done manually.

Kinetic Infusion

Starting at 6th level, you learn to channel the energy of the attacks you've deflected, weaving it into your own strikes. With this mastery, you can infuse your kicks with energy, transforming them into precise and deadly blows. Use 3 ki to throw an infused strike that deals heavy damage. The damage automatically scales with level, these strikes also count as force.

(FYI: you can do multiple of these)

Immovable Guardian

Beginning at 11th level, you attain the long-sought state of Nirvana, achieving a profound inner peace that fortifies your mind like unyielding stone. With this enlightenment, you unlock the true path of Kod Kendo defense, mastering its most guarded secrets. You gain immunity to the effects of stunned, charmed, freighted and gain resistance to all psychic attacks. You learn to absorb magical attacks e.g., lightning strikes, fireballs, and even lasers, you also gain the ability to do normal unarmed strikes while in gentle defense. Furthermore, you have now gained enough knowledge to pass down the ancient art of Kod Kendo to another soul.

Elephant's foot

At 17th level, you unlock a devastating technique known as the “Elephant's Foot”, a strike feared by all who witness it. With a powerful leap, you can propel yourself up to 15 feet away, descending with immense force as your foot crashes down upon your target. The impact of this attack is so tremendous that it causes the very earth to tremble.

As an action, spend 8ki points to leap to a point within 15 feet and unleash the Elephant's Foot upon a target. The target and all creatures within a 20-foot radius sphere centered on the point of impact must make a Dexterity saving throw (DC = 12 + your Dexterity or Strength modifier + 1d12). On a failed save, creatures take 2d8 bludgeoning damage and are knocked prone; on a successful save, they take half damage and remain standing.

The primary target of the strike must also make a Constitution saving throw (DC 16). On a failure, the target is rendered unconscious until the end of its next turn.

Once you use this feature, you cannot do so again until you finish a short rest.