Monks of the Way of the Kensei 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.
A kensei sees a weapon in much the same way a calligrapher or painter regards a pen or brush. Whatever the weapon, the kensei views it as a tool used to express the beauty and precision of the martial arts. That such mastery makes a kensei a peerless warrior is but a side effect of intense devotion, practice, and study.
Way of the Kensei Features
Monk Level
Feature
3rd
Path of the Kensei (FIFY)
6th
One with the Blade (FIFY)
11th
Sharpen the Blade (FIFY)
17th
Unerring Accuracy
Path of the Kensei (FIFY)
3rd-level Kensei feature
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 types of weapons to be your kensei weapons: one melee weapon and one ranged weapon. Each of these weapons can be any simple or martial weapon that lacks the heavy and special properties. The longbow is also a valid choice. You gain proficiency with these weapons if you don’t already have it. Weapons of the chosen types are monk weapons for you. Many of this tradition’s features work only with your kensei weapons. When you reach 6th, 11th, and 17th level in this class, you can choose another type of weapon — either melee or ranged — to be a kensei weapon for you, following the criteria above.
Agile Parry. While you are holding a melee kensei weapon and are not incapacitated you gain a +2 bonus to AC.
Kensei’s Shot. When you take the Attack action on your turn you can use your bonus action to make a single attack with a ranged kensei weapon you are holding.
Way of the Brush. You gain proficiency with your choice of calligrapher’s supplies or painter’s supplies.
One with the Blade (FIFY)
6th-level Kensei feature
You extend your ki into your kensei weapons, granting you the following benefits.
Magic Kensei Weapons. Your attacks with your kensei weapons count as magical for the purpose of overcoming resistance and immunity to nonmagical attacks and damage. If the weapon is already magical, it deals 1 additional damage on a hit the damage die for the weapon increments by one die size.
Deft Strike. When you hit a target with a kensei weapon, you can spend 1 ki 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.
Sharpen the Blade (FIFY)
11th-level Kensei feature
You gain the ability to augment your weapons further with your ki. You gain the following benefits:
As a bonus action, you can expend up to 3 ki points to grant one kensei weapon you touch a bonus to attack and damage rolls when you attack with it. The bonus equals the number of ki points you spent. This feature has no effect on a magic weapon that already has a bonus to attack and damage rolls.
As a bonus action, you can expend up to 3 ki points and touch one kensei weapon to add a number of d4s equal to the number of ki points you spent to damage rolls when you attack with that weapon.
The bonus applied with this feature lasts for 1 minute, or until you use this feature again.
You gain the ability to augment your weapons further with your ki. As a bonus action, you can expend up to 3 ki points to grant one kensei weapon you touch one of the following benefits for up to 1 minute, or until you use this feature again:
You grant the weapon a bonus to attack and damage rolls when you attack with it. The bonus equals the number of ki points you spent. This feature has no effect on a magic weapon that already has a bonus to attack and damage rolls.
You add a number of d4s equal to the number of ki points you spent to damage rolls when you attack with that weapon.
Unerring Accuracy
17th-level Kensei feature
Your mastery of weapons grants you extraordinary accuracy. If you miss with an attack roll using a monk weapon on your turn, you can reroll it. You can use this feature only once on each of your turns.
I think that most of the features here work really well. But I think that a flat 1 additional damage if the weapon is already magical is a little low, and since the whole point of the sixth-level feature is that your ki surrounds your weapons, I think it would make sense thematically to have the bonus damage be equal to your wisdom modifier.
Also, I think that the 11th-level feature is just inherently flawed and should be replaced with something more interesting rather than trying to fix it. Even with your improvements, the feature becomes completely useless once the monk has a +3 weapon which isn't that far off at 11th level. My suggestion would be to let the monk spend ki points to grant their allies some kind of bonus if they're using the same kind of weapon.
I dunno, adding an additional +3 — +5 damage onto every hit seems like a lot. What if instead it were to increase the damage die by one size, so a d8 weapon would become a d10 weapon, and a d10 weapon would become d12? Would that work?
There’s also really no guarantee that the hero will ever get a +3 weapon at all. Even if they get a super cool magic weapon, it might be, like, a flame tongue or something instead. And there are plenty of really cool, legendary items out there that only carry a +1 or +2 bonus, or none at all. Knowing you can get a guaranteed +1 — +3 to hit by spending Ki seems pretty nice to me. Don’t ya think?
I agree that upping the damage die is the better option.
While you're right in that there is no guarantee of getting a +3 weapon, it definitely isn't uncommon at higher levels. In my opinion, if a reasonably common occurrence renders a feature useless then it is not a good feature. It would need some kind of clause like you added to the 6th level feature that still makes it valuable regardless of the weapon's inherent bonus.
You gain the ability to augment your weapons further with your ki. You gain the following benefits:
As a bonus action, you can expend up to 3 ki points to grant one kensei weapon you touch a bonus to attack and damage rolls when you attack with it. The bonus equals the number of ki points you spent. This feature has no effect on a magic weapon that already has a bonus to attack and damage rolls.
As a bonus action, you can expend up to 3 ki points and touch one kensei weapon to add a number of d4s equal to the number of ki points you spent to damage rolls when you attack with that weapon.
The bonus applied with this feature lasts for 1 minute, or until you use this feature again.
Or at least something along those lines at any rate.
Does that mean every attack you make for a minute adds 3d4 damage (if you spend 3 ki)? You'll be making 3 attacks normally, 4 with Flurry of Blows, for a potential extra 12d4 damage every round? That seems preferable to the first option in almost every situation. Just asking for clarification.
Does that mean every attack you make for a minute adds 3d4 damage (if you spend 3 ki)? You'll be making 3 attacks normally, 4 with Flurry of Blows, for a potential extra 12d4 damage every round? That seems preferable to the first option in almost every situation. Just asking for clarification.
YeH, that’s the general idea. The benefit of the first option is it adds a +1 — +3 bonus to not only the damage roll, but also the attack roll. It makes you more likely to hit against a high AC target. Different benefits for different situations.
It would not be 12d4, the max extra damage is 6d4 in melee or 9d4 if ranged. In melee, you would get your 2 weapon attacks each with the extra 3d4, then you could make an unarmed strike or flurry of blows for regular damage. If using a bow or something similar, you would get your 2 regular attacks and then the bonus action attack from the 3rd level feature each with an extra 3d4. On average, that's only 15 extra damage per round in melee and 22.5 extra damage per round if ranged. This is not that much compared to other melee and ranged combatants at 11th level, and either option would cost you up to 3 ki points.
It would not be 12d4, the max extra damage is 6d4 in melee or 9d4 if ranged. In melee, you would get your 2 weapon attacks each with the extra 3d4, then you could make an unarmed strike or flurry of blows for regular damage. If using a bow or something similar, you would get your 2 regular attacks and then the bonus action attack from the 3rd level feature each with an extra 3d4. On average, that's only 15 extra damage per round in melee and 22.5 extra damage per round if ranged. This is not that much compared to other melee and ranged combatants at 11th level, and either option would cost you up to 3 ki points.
You’re absolutely correct. That’s what I get for not reading more carefully and critically analyzing things. Thank you.
It would not be 12d4, the max extra damage is 6d4 in melee or 9d4 if ranged. In melee, you would get your 2 weapon attacks each with the extra 3d4, then you could make an unarmed strike or flurry of blows for regular damage. If using a bow or something similar, you would get your 2 regular attacks and then the bonus action attack from the 3rd level feature each with an extra 3d4. On average, that's only 15 extra damage per round in melee and 22.5 extra damage per round if ranged. This is not that much compared to other melee and ranged combatants at 11th level, and either option would cost you up to 3 ki points.
You’re absolutely correct. That’s what I get for not reading more carefully and critically analyzing things. Thank you.
No don't blame yourself. I'm the one who failed to read it correctly. :) Sorry about that.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
Well, here is the latest subclass I’m trying to tackle, the Way of the Kensei:
FIFY Way of the Kensei
v.0.1.1v.0.1.2Monks of the Way of the Kensei 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.
A kensei sees a weapon in much the same way a calligrapher or painter regards a pen or brush. Whatever the weapon, the kensei views it as a tool used to express the beauty and precision of the martial arts. That such mastery makes a kensei a peerless warrior is but a side effect of intense devotion, practice, and study.
Way of the Kensei Features
Path of the Kensei (FIFY)
3rd-level Kensei feature
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 types of weapons to be your kensei weapons: one melee weapon and one ranged weapon. Each of these weapons can be any simple or martial weapon that lacks the heavy and special properties. The longbow is also a valid choice. You gain proficiency with these weapons if you don’t already have it. Weapons of the chosen types are monk weapons for you. Many of this tradition’s features work only with your kensei weapons. When you reach 6th, 11th, and 17th level in this class, you can choose another type of weapon — either melee or ranged — to be a kensei weapon for you, following the criteria above.
Agile Parry. While you are holding a melee kensei weapon and are not incapacitated you gain a +2 bonus to AC.
Kensei’s Shot. When you take the Attack action on your turn you can use your bonus action to make a single attack with a ranged kensei weapon you are holding.
Way of the Brush. You gain proficiency with your choice of calligrapher’s supplies or painter’s supplies.
One with the Blade (FIFY)
6th-level Kensei feature
You extend your ki into your kensei weapons, granting you the following benefits.
Magic Kensei Weapons. Your attacks with your kensei weapons count as magical for the purpose of overcoming resistance and immunity to nonmagical attacks and damage. If the weapon is already magical,
it deals 1 additional damage on a hitthe damage die for the weapon increments by one die size.Deft Strike. When you hit a target with a kensei weapon, you can spend 1 ki 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.
Sharpen the Blade (FIFY)
11th-level Kensei feature
You gain the ability to augment your weapons further with your ki. You gain the following benefits:As a bonus action, you can expend up to 3 ki points to grant one kensei weapon you touch a bonus to attack and damage rolls when you attack with it. The bonus equals the number of ki points you spent. This feature has no effect on a magic weapon that already has a bonus to attack and damage rolls.As a bonus action, you can expend up to 3 ki points and touch one kensei weapon to add a number of d4s equal to the number of ki points you spent to damage rolls when you attack with that weapon.The bonus applied with this feature lasts for 1 minute, or until you use this feature again.You gain the ability to augment your weapons further with your ki. As a bonus action, you can expend up to 3 ki points to grant one kensei weapon you touch one of the following benefits for up to 1 minute, or until you use this feature again:
Unerring Accuracy
17th-level Kensei feature
Your mastery of weapons grants you extraordinary accuracy. If you miss with an attack roll using a monk weapon on your turn, you can reroll it. You can use this feature only once on each of your turns.
I’d love your opinions on it, thanks in advance!!
For a list of all the current fixes, please check out the series thread: (https://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/dungeons-dragons-discussion/homebrew-house-rules/157618-fify-wotc-a-series).
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
Epic Boons on DDB
I think that most of the features here work really well. But I think that a flat 1 additional damage if the weapon is already magical is a little low, and since the whole point of the sixth-level feature is that your ki surrounds your weapons, I think it would make sense thematically to have the bonus damage be equal to your wisdom modifier.
Also, I think that the 11th-level feature is just inherently flawed and should be replaced with something more interesting rather than trying to fix it. Even with your improvements, the feature becomes completely useless once the monk has a +3 weapon which isn't that far off at 11th level. My suggestion would be to let the monk spend ki points to grant their allies some kind of bonus if they're using the same kind of weapon.
Thanks! I appreciate it.
I dunno, adding an additional +3 — +5 damage onto every hit seems like a lot. What if instead it were to increase the damage die by one size, so a d8 weapon would become a d10 weapon, and a d10 weapon would become d12? Would that work?
There’s also really no guarantee that the hero will ever get a +3 weapon at all. Even if they get a super cool magic weapon, it might be, like, a flame tongue or something instead. And there are plenty of really cool, legendary items out there that only carry a +1 or +2 bonus, or none at all. Knowing you can get a guaranteed +1 — +3 to hit by spending Ki seems pretty nice to me. Don’t ya think?
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
Epic Boons on DDB
I agree that upping the damage die is the better option.
While you're right in that there is no guarantee of getting a +3 weapon, it definitely isn't uncommon at higher levels. In my opinion, if a reasonably common occurrence renders a feature useless then it is not a good feature. It would need some kind of clause like you added to the 6th level feature that still makes it valuable regardless of the weapon's inherent bonus.
Hmm… I’ll cogitate on it and post again when I come up with something.
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
Epic Boons on DDB
How’s this?
Or at least something along those lines at any rate.
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
Epic Boons on DDB
Yes, I think that works very well.
Does that mean every attack you make for a minute adds 3d4 damage (if you spend 3 ki)? You'll be making 3 attacks normally, 4 with Flurry of Blows, for a potential extra 12d4 damage every round? That seems preferable to the first option in almost every situation. Just asking for clarification.
Okay, I’ve updated it.
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
Epic Boons on DDB
YeH, that’s the general idea. The benefit of the first option is it adds a +1 — +3 bonus to not only the damage roll, but also the attack roll. It makes you more likely to hit against a high AC target. Different benefits for different situations.
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
Epic Boons on DDB
It would not be 12d4, the max extra damage is 6d4 in melee or 9d4 if ranged. In melee, you would get your 2 weapon attacks each with the extra 3d4, then you could make an unarmed strike or flurry of blows for regular damage. If using a bow or something similar, you would get your 2 regular attacks and then the bonus action attack from the 3rd level feature each with an extra 3d4. On average, that's only 15 extra damage per round in melee and 22.5 extra damage per round if ranged. This is not that much compared to other melee and ranged combatants at 11th level, and either option would cost you up to 3 ki points.
You’re absolutely correct. That’s what I get for not reading more carefully and critically analyzing things. Thank you.
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
Epic Boons on DDB
No don't blame yourself. I'm the one who failed to read it correctly. :) Sorry about that.