what do you all think of the monks UA? I like the Kensai monk idea. It brings out the samurai in martial arts.

either way happy to hear you comments!

 The kensai needs to be fixed so that it actually functions, but otherwise these two sub classes and the drunken master are pretty awesome- I love the idea of using the kensai to make a wandering swordsman type build ala Kenshin Himura. Tranquility is nice because it adds another healer/support option to the game that doesn't rely on spell casting.

I'll be interested in the Kensai once it's tuned for multi-classing.

Maybe I'm late to the party on this, but I'm having a hell of a time trying to figure out if in my attack phase, if I attack with Kensei weapon first, the unarmed second (post lvl 5) would I get the +2 AC?

Secondly, why would I use my bonus action for anything but flurry of blows? I don't understand the benefit of pummel...

I've been playing the Tranquility path, and the healing ability has definitely come in handy for my party. 

As written, Kensei weapons aren't monk weapons, so you couldn't do the bonus unarmed strike if you have a Kensei weapon in hand. That's why the bonus pummel damage would be used.

http://www.sageadvice.eu/2016/12/14/are-kensei-weapons-also-monk-weapons/

When you have multiattack, if you make one weapon attack and one unarmed attack you would get the +2 to AC. You could use your bonus action to add a d4 of damage if you successfully hit with your Kensei weapon.

Notice the date on that advice? Its 2016. In 2016 they came out with the first version of the Kensai, which there was much debate about that topic.

In 2017 both JC and MM have published this new version of Kensai where it specifically states that the weapons you choose are monk weapons

Quote from Hypedrobot >>

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—melee or ranged—to be a kensei weapon for you, following the criteria above.

I notice that they restricted the types of weapons used in the latest edition. I made a female samurai (in terms of nobility) who uses a "Naginata" or a Glaive for self defense. I understand why D&D didn't want monks with the "Great Weapon Master" feat but it destroys the idea of the Kensei. The original write up for Kensei is in the AD&D Oriental Adventures. In the book they describe a Kensei as a "Sword saint" or "Sword Master." Their main function is to master their chosen weapons. Not giving the Kensei weapon diversity is like not giving the Fighter proficiency in greatswords. Granted that the Kensai in the original write up is a fighter archetype.

Indeed.  Some Monks specifically trained with naginata. 

I haven't got a chance to actually playtest any, but the drunken master sent me into a spurt of laughter. Drunken Master (the movie) is probably one of my favorite Jackie Chan films.

i like the way of tranquility alot, it enables some interesting storytelling options and is great for people who want to play the stereotypical monk who wants to not fight

There could be some clarity of common ground for this.

https://media.wizards.com/2017/dnd/downloads/UA-RevisedSubclasses.pdf

Revised version of the Kensei, which should be the version for discussion.

Quote from Halaku >>

I'll be interested in the Kensai once it's tuned for multi-classing.

I would love to have Tranquility on DDB, it's sad that it didn't get considered. It is such an iconic concept, and I really love the basic premise. Do you know why it wasn't considered for publication?