Royal Guard monks go through vigorous training with weapons, magic, and body, perfecting a style of fighting in a way that allows them to protect those they have been assigned. Whether through their fists or weapons, they will find a way to make their enemies relinquish. A Royal Guard monk may have been formally trained, or maybe they wish to prevent a dark upbringing that has happened to them. Nonetheless, the monk holds the strength to protect others or themselves.

Royal Parry

Starting at 3rd level, you become an expert at defending with weapons and can use your Ki to guard and counter at unnatural speed. Choose 2 martial weapons of your choice that lack heavy or special properties. You become proficient with these weapons and they count as monk weapons for you.

When you or a creature within your melee range is hit by a melee attack, you can use your reaction to spend Ki points. You must be wielding a melee weapon to use this feature.
The target's AC increases by 2 for each Ki point spent for the attack, potentially causing the attack to miss. If the attack misses, you can make a melee weapon attack against the creature or object that attacked if it is in reach of your weapon. The maximum number of Ki points you can spend on this feature is 3. This increases to 6 when you reach 17th level in this class.

Magic of the Protectorate

Starting at 6th level, your life energy and strong resolve allow you to perform wards to aid others and protect yourself, allowing you to cast healing spells. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for these spells, and you can use your Ki Save DC for these spells. You do not need to provide material components unless they are costly or consumed upon casting. 

Casting a spell of the 1st level or higher costs a number of Ki points equal to the spell's level. You can spend additional Ki points to cast these spells at a higher level, the maximum number of additional Ki points you can spend is equal to half your proficiency bonus. The spell slot level increases by 1 for each additional Ki point. 

Cantrip: Spare the Dying
1st: Healing Word, Cure Wounds
2nd: Prayer of Healing, Lesser Restoration

Greater Protectorate Magic

Your protective magic becomes more potent, allowing you access to stronger spells. Starting at 11th level, you may cast the following spells, following the same rules as Magic of the Protectorate:

3rd: Beacon of Hope, Mass Healing Word

4th: Death Ward, Dimension Door

Protector of People

At 17th level, you are so suffused with righteous might that all your actions carry the power of your resolve with them. Whenever you successfully parry a hostile creature's attack, you mark them as an Assailant you gain the following benefits against them:

• Whenever you hit the assailant with a melee attack, they take an additional 1d8 damage. This damage type is the same as the attack used
• Your melee attacks score a critical hit on a 19-20 against your Assailant.

You may have multiple Assailants at the same time. In addition, the creature benefitting from your Royal Parry gains temporary hit points equal to your Monk level + Wisdom modifier.