| Jesse Brake |
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
I've always been a big fan of the non supernatural monk and vow roleplay. I decided to make an archetype that embraced it (albeit it in a very specific fashion) called the samnyasin.
The samnyasin is obviously based on it's real world counterpart and borrows some elements from preexisting kit classes. They follow the god Mnemosyne in my homebrew world, but would fit Irori very easily.
The idea is to make an archetype that allows for the flavor of the selfless monk who sacrifices everything, but doesn't make you a *complete* hindrance to the party.
I'd love some feedback, or even a playtest if possible. There seems to be a lot of folks here good at mechanics breakdowns and number crunching and I'm always appreciative.
The samnyasin renounce the world completely, with no preoccupation for tomorrow, who do not worry about what they will eat or wear. It is necessary for them to be like a man who can climb the tallest of towers and then can abandon himself to a fall, without worrying about his limbs nor his life. Samnyasin is he whose only aspiration is to attain to a state of peace and perfect knowledge of the self, beyond birth and death. He gives up activities that are based on material desire and the results of all activities, dedicating himself fully to the service of Mnemosyne. His renunciation makes him a martyr to commitment, he who sacrifices himself.
Code of Conduct: The samnyasin follow the sacred Samaya Scripture, and loses all class features except proficiencies, Flurry of Blows, and AC Bonus if she ever willingly commits an act against his teachings. The Samaya Scripture functions as though the monk took the Vow of Poverty, Chastity, Fasting, and Silence. This replaces the Still Mind class feature.
Samaya Scripture
Abandon love, but never kindness and compassion for sentient beings
Abandon speech, but never introspection and study
Abandon pleasure, but not happiness and beatitude
Abandon the world, it is the only way to realize reality
Ki Pool (Su): A samnyasin gains this ability at first level instead of fourth. The number of points in a samnyasin's ki pool is equal to twice his monk level + his Wisdom modifier. As long as he has at least 1 point in his ki pool, he receives a +1 insight bonus to all rolls. This bonus increases by +1 for every 5 levels of samnyasin (to a maximum of +5 at 20th level).
As an immediate action, a sanyasin may spend 1 point from his ki pool to double this insight bonus on one type of roll (e.g. attack, saving throws, damage, skill check, combat maneuver, etc.). This lasts for one round.
Class Skills: The samyasin adds Bluff, Knowledge (geography), Knowledge (local), and Survival to his list of class skills.
Wanderer’s Path (Ex): At 4th level, a samyasin leaves no trail and cannot be tracked, though he can leave a trail if desired. By spending 1 point from his ki pool, he can ignore difficult terrain as though as he had woodland stride. This ability replaces slow fall.
Deny Death (Ex): At 5th level, the samyasin's conviction can keep him at the brink of death without crossing over. He gains Deny Death as a bonus feat (Ultimate Magic pg. 148). This replaces High Jump.
Staunch Ki (Ex): At 7th level, the samyasin can use mental and physical resiliency to avoid certain attacks. If she makes a Fortitude or Will saving throw against an attack that has a reduced effect on a successful save, the samyasin may spend 1 ki point to avoid the effect entirely. This ability replaces wholeness of body.
Disappear Unnoticed (Ex): At 12th level, the samyasin may use Stealth to hide even while being directly observed or when no cover or concealment is available, as long as he is adjacent to at least one creature of his size or larger, by spending 1 point from his ki pool. This effect lasts until the beginning of the wanderer’s next turn and may be continued in consecutive rounds by spending 1 ki point each round. This ability replaces abundant step.
Manasa-vrat (Ex): At 15th level, the samyasin's vow of chasity has taught him to master his emotions. He is immune to fear, charm, and compulsion effects. This replaces Quivering Palm.
Vachika-vrat (Ex): At 17th level, a samyasin's vow of silence has allowed him to better speak to the inner power within him. A samyasin gains a +4 insight bonus to AC and CMD. This ability replaces Tongue of Sun and Moon.
Kayika-vrat (Ex): At 19th level, a samyasin has truly transcended the world of the material. The samyasin may spend 3 points from his ki pool to gain the benefit of the Greater Penetrating Strike for all of his attacks made in that round. This replaces Empty Body.
Payovrata (Ex): At 20th level, a samyasin undertakes a ritual in attempts to show the goddess Mnemosyne the extent of his devotion. Over a period of 30 days, the samyasin fasts, forsaking all food and drinking water once every 6 days, communing with his goddess internally. Should the samyasin survive the ritual, he no longer suffers age penalties. In addition, he gains a +2 bonus to Strength, Constitution, and Wisdom. This ability replaces perfect self.