The Way of the Circuit represents monks who blend ki mastery with synthetic circuitry, channeling spiritual energy like flowing electricity. Often created by powerful megacorporations as experimental weapons, these monks are either escaped prototypes or rare initiates who discovered inner harmony through integration with technology.

They view energy not just as life force, but as code—lines of intention, power, and movement that can be disrupted or enhanced. They can short-circuit enemies with a touch, interface with digital systems through meditation, and even enter Overdrive Mode, becoming living surges of raw power.

These monks often walk the line between being tools of destruction and seekers of truth, striving to transcend their programming and prove that even forged life can evolve, adapt, and enlighten. In a world of neon and steel, they are conduits of both discipline and disruption.

Circuit Techniques

Overload Strike
When you hit a creature with an unarmed strike, you can spend 1 ki point to disrupt its nervous system or circuitry. The target must make a Constitution saving throw or be shocked until the end of your next turn.

A shocked creature:

• Can't take reactions.

• Has disadvantage on its next attack roll before the end of its next turn.

Internal Interface
You gain proficiency in the Technology skill (or Arcana if Technology is not used in your setting).
You can connect to simple machines and terminals by channeling ki through your internal circuitry.

• You can open or disable simple electronic locks or security doors by touching them and succeeding on a DC 10 Technology check.

• You can detect nearby power sources and signals as if using Detect Magic, flavored as sensing energy fields and electronic currents.

• You can communicate silently with cybernetic creatures or AI through physical contact, conveying simple concepts or binary signals.

Flow disruption

Your ki attacks now short out energy pathways. When you use Flurry of Blows, you can choose one of the following effects for each additional attack:

• EMP Pulse – The target must make a Dexterity saving throw or drop one item of your choice that it is holding.

• Short-Circuit – The target's speed is reduced by 10 feet until the end of its next turn.

• Magnetic Pull – You can pull the target 10 feet closer to you (if it is your size or smaller) or move yourself 10 feet toward it, ignoring difficult terrain.

Energy Sync

You’ve learned to transfer your internal energy to allies and stabilize unstable systems.

• As a bonus action, you can spend 2 ki points to grant a creature within 30 feet temporary hit points equal to your Wisdom modifier + half your monk level.

• Alternatively, you can spend 2 ki points and touch a creature to end the blinded, paralyzed, or stunned condition.

• You are immune to being stunned, paralyzed, or shocked by lightning or technological effects.

Circuit Ascendant

You become a living surge of power. As a bonus action, you can enter Overdrive Mode for 1 minute. While in Overdrive Mode:

• You deal an additional 1d8 lightning damage with unarmed strikes.

• You gain a hover speed equal to your walking speed.

• You ignore difficult terrain.

• Once per turn, you can use Overload Strike without expending a ki point.

• You can spend 1 ki point to cast Lightning Bolt or Dispel Magic (spell save DC equals your Ki save DC).

You can use Overdrive Mode once per long rest, or you can activate it again by spending 6 ki points.