Shadow Monarch

Monks who follow the path of the **Shadow Monarch** wield the essence of death itself, extracting the shadows of the fallen and bending them to their will. By mastering the void, they become spectral overlords, sustaining an army of darkness with their Ki.

Shadow Dominion

Prerequisite: Monk Level 3

You gain proficiency in Arcana, and you may use Wisdom or Intelligence for Arcana checks.

Whenever a creature dies within 30 feet of you, you can extract its shadow, raising it as one of two types:

Regular Shadow Soldiers (1 Ki per summon)

• If the creature’s CR is 3 or lower, it becomes a basic shadow soldier (use the Shadow stat block from the Monster Manual, without Strength Drain reduction. Instead of rolling for damage, it deals necrotic damage equal to your Wisdom modifier).

Special Shadows (Ki equal to creature's CR)

• If the creature’s CR is higher than 3, make an Arcana (Wisdom) check (DC = 8 + creature’s CR - Wisdom modifier)).
• On success, the creature retains its abilities (but becomes undead and follows your commands).
• You can control a maximum number of Special Shadows equal to your Wisdom modifier (minimum of 1).
• Homebrewed creatures instead become random undead of equal CR. (If no equal CR creatures round down)

Shadow Preservation

You can store any number of extracted shadows within your personal shadow, preventing decay.

• If a shadow is destroyed, you may resummon it as a bonus action or reaction by expending Ki equal to ¼ its CR (minimum 1 Ki).

Enter the Void

Prerequisite: Monk Level 6

Shadow Exchange (Reaction, 5 Ki)

As a reaction, you can instantly swap places with any of your shadows, regardless of distance, as long as it is on the same plane.

• You may hide your shadow inside another creature’s shadow by making a Stealth check vs. its passive Perception.
• As an action, you can view the world through the creature’s eyes.

Shadow Storage (Bonus Action, 3 Ki)

You create a pocket dimension within your shadow.

• This space is Wisdom score × 10 feet in size.
• You can only enter it outside of combat, but during combat, you can retrieve items as an object interaction.

Ruler’s Authority

Prerequisite: Monk Level 11

Ruler's Hand (Bonus Action, 4 Ki)

You gain the ability to manipulate objects and creatures using your shadows within 60 feet for 1 minute.

• You can lift, move, and wield objects weighing (1000 × Wisdom modifier) lbs.
• You may make Wisdom-based melee spell attacks (range 30 ft.), dealing force damage equal to Monk level + Wisdom modifier.
• You can restrain creatures with shadows. A restrained creature may attempt a Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check vs. your Arcana (Wisdom) check to break free.

Enhanced Shadow Abilities

Your shadows become stronger, gaining the following benefits:

• Regular Shadow Soldiers (CR 3 or lower) gain advantage on attack rolls if another shadow is within 5 feet of their target.
• The Arcana (Wisdom) check for Special Shadows is now DC = Creature’s CR - Wisdom modifier, making it easier to raise stronger shadows over time.
• You can now control twice your Wisdom modifier worth of Special Shadows.
• Your summoned shadows gain advantage on saving throws against being turned or banished.

Monarch’s Domain

Prerequisite: Monk Level 17

Shadow Extraction Mastery

• You automatically succeed on all Shadow Extraction attempts.
• Extraction costs half the normal Ki.

Monarch’s Domain (Action, 1 Minute Duration)

You summon the true domain of the Shadow Monarch, covering a 60-foot radius centered on you.

• The area is magical darkness, but you and your shadows see normally.
• Creatures of your choice must make a Charisma saving throw (DC = your Arcana check). On failure, they are frightened until they succeed at the end of their turns.
• You instantly summon 2d6 additional Regular Shadow Soldiers as part of this feature.
• Your movement speed is doubled, and attacks against you have disadvantage.