Samurai of the Shadows

The life of the samurai was too restrictive for you, you hunger for the blood that only dwelling in the shadows can allow you to acquire. You broke your ancient code, yet still utilise the various stances your samurai training provided you with.

Shadow Dweller

When you choose this archetype at 3rd level, you gain proficiency in Stealth and heavy armour doesn't impose disadvantage on dexterity (stealth) checks.

Stone Stance

Starting at 3rd level, you continue to fight with honour and have gained enough knowledge to take down those unworthy of wielding the weapon of the samurai. If an enemy is wielding a type of sword you can choose to attempt to disarm them if you land any form of hit, causing your opponent to make a strength save against your DC, which is either strength or dexterity + proficiency bonus + 8. If an opponent is disarmed this way they feel compelled and can only attack you until the end of their next turn.

Water Stance

Starting at 7th level, shields become a joke next to your martial prowess, you are easily able to manoeuvre your weapons around your opponents defences. If an opponent is wielding a shield it becomes ineffective and the enemy loses the AC benefit they would normally be granted against your attacks due to their shields.

Wind Stance

Starting at 10th level you have become proficient in being attacked by those wielding long weapons and thrown weapons. Your range for melee attacks are doubled and if an opponent attacks you with a thrown weapon they have disadvantage on the attack roll.

Moon Stance

Starting at 15th level, you learn that the bigger they are, the harder they fall. If you are fighting a creature at least one size bigger than you, you may attempt to knock them prone, forcing them to make a strength save against your Samurai DC. If a creature succeeds this save they are immune to effect for 24 hours. If an opponent is knocked prone in this way it takes all their movement to get back up.

Ghost Stance

Starting at 18th level, you have realised that honour is a burden. If you land a critical hit you can choose to behead the opponent you hit, killing them instantly unless they don't require their head, have legendary actions or your weapon could not realistically cut off the creatures head. If you successfully behead an opponent every hostile creature must make a wisdom save against your Samurai DC or be scared of you for 24 hours.

Once you use this feature, you can’t use it again until you finish a long rest.