Way of the Black Stone

Since the dawn of the of the known world Black Stone has held a special value to all would be miners, mints, and forge smiths. Known more commonly as Adamant, this jet-black ore can only be found near active volcanic sites or deep below sleeping mountains. The Way of the Black Stone focuses a Monk on absorbing the qualities of Adamant ore through ancient techniques first discovered by the early races. Monks who follow this path tend to descend from races that hold a more primitive view of the world such as Orcs, Bugbears, Hobgoblins, and even Goliaths. Over time a Monk of the Black Stone will become an incredibly durable combatant due to the Adamant ore absorbed into their body and capable of unleashing devastating blows on their opponents. This path does not come without its own dangers however as many do not survive the initiation process and those that do may expect a shorter lifespan due to ore poisoning unless they can achieve Purity of Body.  

 

The Black Pool

 

At 3rd level, all Monks of the Black Stone must be initiated by bathing in a Black Pool made of pure Adamant ore.The existence and location of these Black Pools are a closely guarded secret and those who do not survive the initiation are never seen or heard from again. This process infuses the ore into their skin and forever changes their body and fighting style. Where as monks of other paths focus on their dexterity to avoid attacks, Monks of the Black Stone are able to absorb and deflect blows using their ore-infused strength.

• While you are wearing no armor and are not wielding a shield, your Unarmored Defense AC equals 10 + Strength modifier + your Wisdom modifier.

Crushing Blows

At 3rd level, Monks of the Black Stone have emerged from a Black Pool forever changed. As a result of the Adamant ore infusion your attacks carry an extra weight and you may strike with fierce Crushing Blows.

• When making unarmed strikes, treat your Martial Arts damage die as one higher than it would normally be, to a maximum of 1d12.

Unwavering Assault

Starting at 6th level, Monks of the Black Stone have become accustomed to their new bodies and develop fighting techniques that match their new found strength in combat. As they advance towards a foe little may stand in their way, and escaping a Monk of the Black Stone becomes nearly impossible.

You gain the following Ki abilities:

• Driving Force: Immediately after you take the Attack action on your turn, you can spend 1 ki point to Shove a creature as a bonus action.
• Adamant Grasp: Immediately after you take the Attack action on your turn, you can spend 1 ki point to Grapple a creature as a bonus action.

Adamantine Symbiosis

Starting at 11th level, Monks of the Black Stone have removed the poison from their bodies as a result of their initiation. Both their body and the Adamant ore have fused naturally to create biological Adamantine. As a result of this symbiosis Monks of the Black Stone increase their durability and when channeling Ki will emit a green sheen from their bodies.

• Your hit point maximum increases by 1 for each level of Monk, and it increases by 1 again whenever you gain a level in this class.
• You gain 2 temporary hit points whenever you expend 1 Ki. Powers that cost more than 1 Ki provide temporary hit points at the same ratio. These temporary hit points stack to a maximum of 10 and are lost when combat ends or when another source of temporary hit points is applied to you.

Obliterating Strike

Starting at 17th level, Monks of the Black Stone have mastered their final and most destructive technique. The unique Ki energy produced by their Adamantine Symbiosis is focused and expended into an Obliterating Strike of force. While sacrificing their defensive aura leaves them open to counter attacks few enemies survive long long to take advantage of it as force of the blow is enough to fold steel.

• You must have at least 2 temporary hit points granted by the Adamantine Symbiosis feature to utilize Obliterating Strike. Once per round, you may select one of your attacks to become an Obliterating Strike. Doing so expends all temporary hit points granted by Adamantine Symbiosis and the targeted creature must make a Strength saving throw.  If it succeeds, it takes half damage. If it fails, it takes the following damage depending on how many temporary hit points were expended:
  • 1-2   HP:   2d8 Force Damage
  • 3-4   HP:   4d8 Force Damage
  • 5-6   HP:   6d8 Force Damage
  • 7-8   HP:   8d8 Force Damage
  • 9-10 HP: 10d8 Force Damage