Way of the Swordsage

Way of the Swordsage train relentlessly with their weapons, to the point where the weapon becomes an extension of the body. Founded on a mastery of sword fighting, the tradition has expanded to include many different weapons.

Students of War, this style of Martial Arts is a mastery of weapons which few warriors might achieve. Sages of the art of War, They are often called Kensei. Kensei view their weapons as tools, used to express the beauty and precision of martial arts. Any who walk this path learn to make their chosen weapons as much a part of themselves as their fist or feet. These Warriors learn to even enhance the weapons they master with their own aura, sharpening blades or arrows, making edges sharp enough to slice through rock if need be. These Warriors often find themselves working as mercenaries, hired to be nearly unmatched blitz strikers in conflicts, or as bodyguards who easily ensure the safety of their ward. Little is know about the specific schools who teach this tradition, but what is known is each school takes in the young and mold them into hardened Kensei who weave a dance of beautiful death on the battlefield. These schools take commissions, often hiring out Warrior Saints to the highest bidder in war torn lands. Whoever has these Sages on their side often finds victory in a flash of steel and crimson.

 

Path of the Swordsage

Your special martial arts training leads you to master the use of certain weapons. This path also includes instruction in the deft strokes of calligraphy or painting. You gain the following benefits.

Kensei Weapons. Choose two weapons to be your Kensei weapons: one melee weapon and one ranged weapon. You gain proficiency with these weapons if you don’t already have it, and unlock the Mastery of these two weapons. Your Kensei weapons are monk weapons for you, and many features you gain with this subclass require the use of these weapons. You may change your choice of weapons only when you gain a level in this class.

Agile Parry. When you take the attack action on your turn and are holding a melee Kensei weapon, you gain a +2 bonus to your AC until the start of your next turn. This bonus fades if you are incapacitated.

Kensei’s Shot. When you take the attack action with a ranged Kensei weapon you add a +2 bonus to attack rolls with this weapon.

Iaijutsu Master. When you draw or stow a Kensei weapon you may draw or stow an additional Kensei weapon as part of the same free action.

Way of the Brush. You gain proficiency with your choice of calligrapher’s supplies or painter’s supplies.

One with the Blade

You learn to extend your Focus and Aura into your Kensei weapons, granting you the following benefits.

Ki Focused Weapons. Attacks made with your Kensei weapons may deal their normal damage type or force damage, your choice when you make the attack.

Focused Strike. When you hit a target with a Kensei weapon, you can spend 1 Focus point to cause the weapon to deal extra damage to the target equal to your Martial Arts die. You can use this feature only once on each of your turns.

Battle Art: Dance of Blades

Kensei learn to master wielding their weapon's with incredible speed. When you use your martial arts to make an attack as a bonus action, or use your Flurry of Blows feature, you may make these attacks with your Kensei weapons. 

Battle Art: Sage of War

Your mastery over your body and weapons allows you to heighten your battle spirit. When you start your turn you may choose to spend 5 ki (No action required) to cause attacks made with your Martial Arts and your Kensei Weapons to deal additional damage equal to your wisdom modifier. This lasts for 1 minute or until you are incapacitated.