Way of the Fanged Serpent

Practitioners of the Way of the Fanged Serpent follow a ruthless martial philosophy that emphasizes aggression, initiative, and psychological dominance. They strike first, strike hard, and show no mercy to those who threaten them. Through relentless training, they learn to punish hesitation, overwhelm opponents with speed, and break their spirit through fear.

Monks of this tradition are a storm of fists, kicks, sweeps, and counterattacks, always pressing forward, always seizing momentum, and always ready to finish a fight decisively

Level 3: Strike First

When you roll initiative, you gain temporary hit points equal to your Wisdom modifier + your proficiency bonus.

During the first round of combat:

• Your unarmed strikes deal an additional 1d4 damage.

• You may make one unarmed strike as a bonus action without spending ki.

Level 3: No Mercy

When a creature within 5 feet of you misses you with an attack, you may use your reaction to make an unarmed strike against it. If the attack was made with disadvantage, your counterattack has advantage.

Level 6: Sweep the leg

When you hit a creature with an unarmed strike, you may spend 1 ki point to attempt a leg sweep. The target makes a Dexterity saving throw.

• Fail: The target is knocked prone and takes extra damage equal to your Martial Arts die. • Success: No additional effect.

If the target is already prone, you deal double your Martial Arts die in extra damage instead.

Level 11: Fear Does Not Exist

You gain proficiency in Intimidation. If you already have it, you gain expertise.

As a bonus action, you may spend 2 ki points to unleash a terrifying kiai. Creatures of your choice within 10 feet must make a Wisdom saving throw or become frightened of you until the end of your next turn.

While a creature is frightened of you, your unarmed strikes deal an additional Martial Arts die of damage to it.

Level 17: Strike Hard, Strike Fast

Once per turn, when you hit a creature with an unarmed strike, you may deal extra damage equal to your Martial Arts die for each attack you have already made this turn.

Additionally, when you reduce a creature to 0 hit points, you may immediately make one unarmed strike against another creature within reach.