Base Class: Warlock
Zanpakutō are the trademark weapons beings who have mastered their soul energies. Capable of damaging spiritual bodies, they can defeat undead as well as spiritual or ethereal creatures. Every Zanpakutō is unique; the weapons are reflections of the wielder's power and soul, and sentient beings unto themselves. The Zanpakutō's name is the name of the living spirit which empowers the sword and lends its strength to the creature who wields it. These beings can vary greatly in appearance, and have their own distinct personalities, which match their owner's.
Low level Zanpakutō (Asauchi) do not have names, but as the Zanpakutō levels up and forges a stronger bond to its wielder, it eventually reveals its true form and name. Zanpakutō are born with their wielder's soul, and they die along with them too. When released, they can display a vibrant power. They are one with their wielder, and they share their convictions and ideals. Inside each Zanpakutō is an incarnation which manifests itself upon the Zanpakutō's transformation. The first step is to acquaint oneself with this incarnation.
Expanded Spell List
The Zanpakutō lets you choose from an expanded list of spells when you learn a warlock spell. The following spells are added to the warlock spell list for you.
Shikai
Over time you have imprinted a reflection of your soul into an Asauchi (a nameless Zanpakutō), transforming it into a full fledged Zanpakutō.
At 1st level, you gain the Zanpakutō item. It is soulbound to you and requires attunement at all times. If you are attuned to the maximum number of items you must unattune to one of them to make room for the Zanpakutō.
Zanpakutō
Requires Attunement
Katana 1d8 Slashing Finesse, Versatile, Sentient Zanpakutō
As you obtain this item immediately rename it, you may not rename it again later. You can use this weapon as a spellcasting focus for your warlock spells. When you attack with this weapon, you can use your Charisma modifier, instead of Strength or Dexterity, for the attack and damage rolls. You are proficient with this weapon while you wield it.
You can use your action to recite an incantation, empowering your Zanpakutō into it's Shikai (Release) form for 5 mins. When you activate this form for the first time, choose a simple or martial melee weapon type and a first level spell from any class, you cannot change them again later. From then on when you empower this weapon, it's weapon type changes to the previously selected choice and you may cast the previously selected spell at 1st level without spending a spell slot using Charisma as the Spellcasting Modifier once per long rest, while the empowerment lasts. This weapon deals an additional 1d4 weapon damage to Undead and Fiends, once per round.
If you choose the Pact of the Blade feature at later levels, you automatically perform the Special ritual to turn a Magic Weapon into your Pact weapon on the Zanpakutō, ignoring the Sentient Weapon rule. When you use your action to create a pact weapon in your empty hand, you may not choose another weapon other than your Zanpakutō. You may, however, empower the Zanpakutō into it's Shikai form in the same action you create it in your hand.
If you choose the Pact of the Chain feature at later levels, you may choose the Jigokuchō (Hell Butterfly) as your familiar.
If you choose the Pact of the Tome, Pact of the Star Chain or Pact of the Scepter features at later levels, you may choose to integrate those feature-items with your Zanpakutō. Alternatively, you may have your Zanpakutō absorb those feature-items and gain their properties.
If you choose the Pact of the Talisman feature at later levels, your Talisman might take the appearance of a Substitute Shinigami Badge.
Shihakusho
The Shihakusho (Garment of Dead Souls) is the black kimono worn by Shinigami. Like his Zanpakuto, a Shinigami's Shihakusho is made of his soul pressure, meaning that it can be repaired by the will of it's wearer, and is stronger than a normal robe.
While you wear the Shihakusho and are unarmored, your AC is equal to 13 + your Constitution modifier.
Zankensoki
Zankensoki translates to "Cut-Fist-Run-Spirit". These are the basic Shinigami fighting techniques. Zan refers to sword fighting techniques. Ken refers to unarmed fighting techniques. So refers to moving techniques. Ki refers to Kidō.
Zanjutsu: Sword fighting techniques for the Zanpakutō. The most basic fighting technique.
Hakuda: An unarmed fighting technique that makes use of one's own body in a fight.
Hohō: The name for all high-speed fighting movements based on the art of Shunpo.
Kidō: Advanced spells that require strong spiritual power.
At 6th level, choose one of the following benefits.
- You may learn a Fighting Style from the the Fighter class.
- You're Unarmed Attacks deal 1d4 Damage and you gain 2 AC while you have no weapons or shield equipped.
- You're Speed increases by 10ft and you may cast Misty Step once without spending a Spell Slot, per Long Rest.
- As an action, you gather spiritual pressure to refund one spent Spell Slot. You can do this once per Long Rest.
Bankai
Bankai (Final Release) is the second and final upgraded form of a Zanpakutō. To achieve Bankai, one must be able to materialize and subjugate their Zanpakutō spirit. Materialization means the opposite of getting dragged into the Zanpakutō's inner world: the wielder needs to summon the Zanpakutō's spirit into the physical world. It usually takes 10 years or more to achieve, plus the experience needed to master it. Despite the Zanpakutō spirit being subjugated for their Shinigami to learn Bankai, the Zanpakutō also becomes stronger and learns Bankai at precisely the moment their Shinigami learns it.
At level 10, your Zanpakutō gains the following text added to it's item description:
While in Shikai form, you may spend an Action and make a Consitution 15 Save. On success, you further empower your Zanpakutō into it's Bankai form for 1min. When you enter Bankai form for the first time, choose a 5th level spell from any class, you may not change it again later. From then on, you may cast that spell at 5th level without consuming a Spell Slot using Charisma as it's Spellcasting Modifier once per Long Rest, while the Bankai empowerment lasts. The extra damage dealt to Undead and Fiends is increased to 1d8.
Ōzokutokumu Training
The Ōzokutokumu , or Royal Special Task Force, is an organization that is dedicated to the protection of the Soul King, the Royal Family, and the Soul King Palace. By soaking in the healing hot springs, eating food infused with spiritual pressure, having your Zanpakutō reforged by the creator of the Zanpakutō, acclimating to the immense density of the palace's spiritual pressure, you attain great power.
You gain proficiency in Constitution saving throws.
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