Those that choose the Kyūdō style of archery do so in order to gain a better understanding of themselves through their craft. Archery is not a means to hunt or provide glory to the Kyūdō archer, rather it is a pious art-form. Kyūdō archers can be found within the ranks of Way of the Open Hand monasteries as protectors and choose to live a similar lifestyle. They can also be found within monasteries of Pelor, Lathander, Helm, Bahamut, or even some smaller sects dedicated to Lolth in Drow society.

Kyūdō archers are said to position themselves similarly to water, fitting their forms slowly and surely to strike true. These archers prefer to find weak spots in enemies and strike once rather than create a pin cushion.

Communion

Each long rest a Kyūdō archer may pray to their respective deity to imbue their quiver with holy might. Roll 1d4 + half your Wisdom modifier, rounded up, to bless your arrows. The number you receive is the number of arrows which now deal radiant damage as can be seen in the Releasing Smite section. These arrows are not created out of thin air, they are preexisting arrows that take on holy energy. After taking a ranged attack action these arrows turn back into their normal state. Any preexisting damage on the arrow may be stacked with Communion, however spell attacks cannot be stacked.

Releasing Smite

Starting at 3rd level, when you hit a creature with a ranged weapon attack imbued with Communion, you can expend one holy arrow to deal radiant damage to the target, in addition to the weapon’s damage. The extra damage is 1d8 at third level and scales as more ranger levels are taken to a maximum of 4d8. The damage increases by 1d8 if the target is an undead or a fiend.

Ashibumi

At 7th level, the player may now forgo a standard action, a reaction, as well as a movement action to ensure proper footing. The result of perfecting posture allows the player to take a free attack action during the resulting turn. This free attack action gains a +5 to hit. During the first turn, the player may still use a bonus action so long as the position of the player does not change e.g., dash actions for rogues or misty step. If the player is attacked after declaring Ashibumi then they must make a constitution save in order to maintain their posture.

Controlled Breathing

At 11th level you have mastered the ability to slow your heart and lungs in order to become more focused. On your turn, as a bonus action you may relax your body by taking a deep breath. You may gain these benefits outside of combat as well, however the amount of times you can control your breathing is limited.

While controlling your breathing you gain the following benefits if you aren't wearing heavy armor:

• You have advantage on Constitution checks and saving throws for one minute.
• You gain advantage on any perception or investigation checks.
• You double the time in which you can hold your breath.

It ends early if you are knocked unconscious.

You regain the amount of times you can control your breathing after a long rest.

Protective Strike

At 15th level, when an attack is made against a creature that is non-hostile you may use your reaction to make a ranged attack against the hostile creature. The range for this attack is equal to the standard range allotted to the weapon. In addition, when taking this reaction you can make another attack with the same weapon against a different creature that is within 5 feet of the non-hostile creature and within range of your weapon.  Spells may not be used for the purpose of this reaction.