Way of the Stout Heart

Monks of the Way of the Stout heart are hardy folk but gentle and loving creatures. While their love of food has made them plump and rotund, the inner peace that it provides has given them a connection to their inner Ki that can be harnessed to benefit themselves and the good company they keep. Due to their size and occasional laziness, they might not seem as agile as the average monk, but they are just as effective. However, their use of dexterity is different, their movement unorthodox and their inner Ki often fuelled by a love of food, drink and good company. They are jolly, round and quite possible the best companion to have in a pub. 

Absorbing Blows

At 3rd level your chubby exterior and connection to Ki allows you to store damage from blows and deal it back to your enemies. When you take damage that is bludgeoning, piercing or slashing damage, as a reaction you can spend 1 Ki point to activate Absorbing Blows, reducing the damage taken by half and storing the remaining damage within. On your next successful melee attack, the absorbed amount is released as force damage and is added to your attacks damage roll. 

When you reach level 6 in this class your continued love for food has built a tough exterior, you gain resistance to bludgeoning damage. In addition, the amount of damage you absorb from bludgeoning sources is doubled. 

When you reach level 11 in this class, you can also use Absorbing Blows on attacks that deal cold, fire, acid, thunder, lightning and poison. 

When you reach level 17 in this class, you can use Absorbing Blows on all damage types except psychic. 

 

Ki Fuel

At 6th level you can harness the energy of foods to replenish Ki points. As a bonus action you can consume 1-days worth of rations to regain 1 Ki point. You can do this a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus per Short rest 

Tough Exterior

When you reach level 6 in this class your continued love for food has built a tough exterior, you gain resistance to bludgeoning damage. In addition, the amount of damage you absorb from bludgeoning sources is doubled. 

 

Good Company

At 11th level you relish the good company that you keep. At dawn, you can select up to 7 allies that you consider ‘good company’. When those allies are within a 10ft aura around you, you and those allies receive reduced bludgeoning, piercing and slashing damage equal to the number of allies including yourself. You must have at least 1 ally within your aura to receive this benefit.

Food Between Friends

At 17th level, you apply your Ki into the food and drink you share with friends. With 500GP worth of food and drinks, over an hour you can provide a feast for up to 12 companions. Channelling your Ki into the meal you can provide the benefit of the heroes' feast spell every 1d6 days.