The Way of the Underground is a monk subclass that combines the traditional wisdom of the monk with the raw, primal power of the streets. Drawing upon the techniques of boxing and other martial arts, practitioners of this path channel their rage and aggression into devastating attacks, fuelled by the power of their own bodies. With their ability to unleash powerful strikes and devastating combos, Way of the Underground monks are a force to be reckoned with in any fight. But they also possess a deep compassion for the underdog, using their skills to protect the weak and fight for justice in a world that often overlooks their struggles.

Fighting Stances

3rd-level Way of the Underground feature

When you roll for initiative at the beginning of combat, you may determine your fighting stance. You can switch your fighting stance as a bonus action or spend 1 ki point on your turn. The fighting stances are:

The Slugger. You focus on heavy punches and hooks that deal extra damage. Whenever you hit a creature with an unarmed strike, you may add your martial arts die to the damage roll.

The Brawler. You rely on quick jabs and dodges to evade attacks and strike back. You can use your martial arts die to add to your AC as a reaction to a melee attack that would hit you.

The Counterpuncher. You wait for your opponents to make the first move, then swiftly strike back. When a creature misses you with a melee attack, you can use your reaction to make an unarmed strike against them with advantage.

The Dirty Fighter. You fight with no holds barred, using any means necessary to take down your opponent. When you make an unarmed strike against a creature, you may choose to impose one of the following conditions on them, blinded, deafened, or prone. The creature must succeed on a Constitution saving throw or suffer the chosen condition until the end of their next turn.

One-Two Combo

6th-level Way of the Underground feature

Starting at 6th level, when you use your Flurry of Blows feature, you can spend an additional ki point to perform a powerful finishing blow. If you hit with both unarmed strikes from Flurry of Blows, you can expend an additional ki point to make a third unarmed strike as a finishing move. The finishing move deals additional damage equal to your monk level, and the target must make a Strength saving throw (DC 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Wisdom modifier) or be knocked prone.

Underground Resilliance

11th-level Way of the Underground feature

Starting at 11th level, your time spent in the rough underground has hardened your body and sharpened your senses. You gain proficiency in Constitution saving throws, and you can spend 1 ki point to use the Dodge action as a bonus action on your turn.

Additionally, when you take the Dodge action, you can choose one of the following effects to apply until the end of your turn:

• You gain temporary hit points equal to your Wisdom modifier (minimum of 1).
• You gain resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, or slashing damage of your choice until the end of your turn.
• You gain advantage on your next attack roll against a creature that damaged you since the start of your last turn.

You can use this feature a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.

Ringside Tactics

17th-level Way of the Underground feature

Starting at 17th level, you have mastered the art of analysing your opponents and predicting their moves. When you roll for initiative, you can choose to roll twice and pick the result you want.

Ringside Tactics (additional)

17th-level Way of the Underground feature

Starting at 17th level, you have mastered the art of analysing your opponents and predicting their moves. You can use your action to make a Wisdom (Insight) check against a creature's Deception or Performance check. If you succeed, you learn one of the creature's personality traits, ideals, bonds, or flaws, as well as one of their combat weaknesses or strengths. This information is accurate for 24 hours or until the creature's behaviour significantly changes.