Way of the Whirling Steel

The greatest rule in combat is to adapt to the circumstances. The monks of the Way of the Whirling Steel know that well. Their mastery of weapons that under some circumstances would be foreign to a monk is to further the cause that they fight for, and to win each battle fought. Originally an elven tradition that has since spread throughout Oria, these disciples are as formidable as they are mysterious, having no flag, no sigil, and no colors, only an uncanny and shared skill with the blade. Utilizing complex and dangerous actions, monks who cleave to this discipline have the potential to outmatch fully trained knights in combat. 

Despite their lack of official presence, these warriors are by no means unknown, for even the most seasoned fighters are wary when they learn they are crossing blades with a follower of the Way of the Whirling Steel. 

Keen Facility

Upon choosing this tradition at 3rd level, you gain the ability to wield weapons that may usually look unconventional in the hands of a monk. You become proficient with the longsword, scimitar, and rapier. In addition, you can use the longsword as a finesse weapon. All three count as monk weapons for you. 

You also learn one of the following fighting styles: 

Dueling 

When you are wielding a melee weapon in one hand and no other weapons, you gain a +2 to damage rolls with that weapon. 

Great Weapon Fighting

When you roll a 1 or 2 on a damage die for an attack you make with a melee weapon that you are wielding with two hands, you can reroll the die and must use the new roll, even if the new roll is a 1 or a 2. The weapon must have the two-handed or versatile property for you to gain this benefit.   

Two Weapon Fighting

When you engage in two-weapon fighting, you can add your ability modifier to the damage of the second attack. 

Combat Stratagems

Upon reaching 3rd level, you gain access to secret maneuvers closely guarded by your order. You learn the following stratagems, learning a third at 11th level and a fourth at 17th level: 

Web of Steel - after taking the Attack action, you can spend a ki point as a bonus action to begin a complex series of parrying swings with your weapon. You gain a bonus to your AC equal to your Wisdom modifier until the end of your next turn.  

Sweeping Strike - while taking the Attack action, you can spend a ki point to attempt to use your weapon to trip your opponents up. The target must make a Strength saving throw, and on a failed save, it takes damage equal to one roll of your Martial Arts die and is knocked prone. The damage is the same as that of the weapon you are using.

Bladed Retort - when an opponent’s attack misses you, you can spend a ki point to use your reaction to automatically make a riposte against them. The damage they take is equal to one roll of your Martial Arts die. 

Ferric Will

At 6th level, you gain the ability to fortify your mind in the middle of combat. You become proficient in Wisdom saving throws. 

Combat Stratagem - Advanced

Upon reaching 11th level, you learn a new stratagem: 

Disciplined Ferocity -  your understanding of ki has granted you the ability to be even more of a force in combat. On your turn, you can spend 3 ki points to take an additional Attack action. 

Additionally, when someone attempts to penetrate your Web of Steel, they take damage equal to 2 rolls of your Martial Arts die. The damage is the same as that of the weapon you are using. Also, the damage dealt by your Sweeping Strike and Bladed Retort increases to 2 rolls of your Martial Arts die. 

Combat Stratagem - Master

Upon reaching 17th level, you learn a new stratagem. 

Ethereal Blade - wielding a weapon, the blade appears in your off hand. It is weightless and responds perfectly to your will. It remains in your hand for a number of rounds equal to half your monk level rounded down or until you are killed. The blade has a +2 bonus to attack and damage rolls, has the finesse property, and deals force damage equal to 3 rolls of your Martial Arts die. 

Additionally, the damage dealt by your Deadly Evasion increases to 2 rolls of your Martial Arts die.