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Wanted to do something with swords and polearms that wasn't exactly covered by the weapon master or the kensai archtypes. Please critique.
Blade master
A master of edged steel, these monks train to use swords and other slashing weapons as an extension of themselves. Some choose to use two swords, or a single blade, or even pole-arms.
Regardless, in combat they are all equally deadly.
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Blade masters are proficient with all slashing simple and martial melee weapons in addition to their normal weapon proficiencies.
Flurry of Blows (Ex): Starting at 1st level, a blade master can make a flurry of blows as a full-attack action, but only when using a slashing melee weapon.
A blade master’s flurry of blows otherwise functions as normal for a monk of his level, with the exception that he may use all of his flurry attacks with a single weapon.
When using flurry of blows, the blade master must be using a slashing weapon with which he has the Weapon Focus feat. A blade master applies his Strength bonus (not ½ Strength bonus on offhand attacks) on all damage rolls made with flurry of blows, even if he is using a weapon two-handed (not 1 ½ Strength bonus).
Bonus Feats: At first level, a blade master gains Weapon Focus as a bonus feat.
All other blade master’s bonus feats must be taken from the following list: Combat expertise, Combat Reflexes, Dodge, Power Attack, Weapon Finesse and Weapon Focus.
At 6th level, the following feats are added to the list: Cleave, Improved Disarm, Improved Sunder, Mobility, Vital Strike and Weapon Specialization.
At 10th level, the following feats are added to the list: Greater Weapon Focus, Improved Critical, Spring attack, Two weapon rend* and Two Weapon Defense*.
A blade master monk need not have any of the prerequisites normally required for these feats to select them. These feats replace the monk’s normal bonus feats.
Perfect Strike (Ex): At 1st level, a blade master gains Perfect Strike as a bonus feat, even if he does not meet the prerequisites. A blade master can use Perfect Strike with any sword. At 10th level, the monk can roll his attack roll three times and take the highest result. If one of these rolls is a critical threat, the monk must choose one of his other two rolls to use as his confirmation roll. This ability replaces Stunning Fist.
Ki Blade (Su): At 5th level, a blade master may spend 1 point from his ki pool as a swift action to change the damage dice of his slashing weapon to that of his unarmed strikes. This lasts
until the start of his next turn. For example, a Medium blade master’s shortsword normally deals 1d6 damage; using this ability, his shortsword deals 1d8 damage until the start of his next
turn. This ability replaces purity of body.
Dance of Blades (Ex): At 7th level, while flurrying, a blade master may take a 5' step between each attack, up to half his movement. This movement does not provoke an attack of opportunity.
At 14th level he may move up to half his movement and still use flurry of blows. This ability replaces wholeness of body.
Zen blade (Su): At 11th level, a blade master may hit targets that he might otherwise miss. By spending 1 point from his ki pool as a swift action, the blade master can ignore concealment. By spending 2 points, he can ignore total concealment or cover. By spending 3 points, he can ignore total cover. These effects last for 1 round. This ability replaces diamond body.
Ki Focus Blade (Su): At 17th level, as long as he has at least 1 point of ki in his ki pool, a blade master may treat his slashing weapons as if it they were ki focus weapons, allowing him to use his special ki attacks as if his slashing weapons were unarmed attacks. This ability replaces tongue of the sun and moon.
*The idea is that these feats will work only while flurrying, as it emulate the two weapon fighting rules.
Didn't know where to specify this, but he can still flurry with a double weapon, as long as one end of it was a slashing end.
First thing, right off the bat: Finally someone made this archetype. I was starting to wonder why nobody made a nonmagical martial weapon wielding unarmored class yet.
I'm not too intimately familiar with the monk but I'd say the archetype looks fine.
I thought the same thing, hence here it is :)
I am also planning some weapon based style feats for these guys too, to better flesh out 2 weapon, 1 handed, 2 handed or polearm styles.
Wanted to make sure this seemed kosher first.
I really like this archetype. It's extremely thematic, and would be really effective - and 'monk' and 'effective' don't often get said in the same sentence without a 'not' inserted between them.
I can already see an elf monk with an elven curve blade turning enemies into chutney...
A couple of sources were the inspiration for this.
The Weapon Master class in the Black Company campaign setting by Green Ronin, and the Elven Blademaster class from Warhammer: Age of Reckoning.
So the fact that you would envision that makes me happy :)
Very nice, feels like the zen archer. Well done. :)
Ther are a few re-skinned archer abilities.
I was thinking of the old TV series, The Water Margin where swordsmen sliced through enemies a dozen at a time in half that many heartbeats.
Nice! That would be possible...
Well, a re-skinned Zen Archer is hardly a bad thing; it is one of the better monk archetypes.
I wanted to emulate a wu-dan swordsman, or someone from Dynasty Warriors, that used swords, or bladed poelarms and cut swaths through enemies without wearing armor.
So I gave them a special flurry so they could with a 2 hander or polearm, and at 7th they get the in-combat movement stuff. Down side is, no in-class magic weapon abilties, so they'll have to enchant their weapons just like everyone else, untill they get to Ki Focus Blade and can get the DR avoidance stuff and quivering palm via their weapon.
They can still jump, have evasion and slow fall and fast movement like a normal monk, so it should make for an attractive melee package. He's still a support fighter more than a DPS'r, just now he can maneuver much better to get into flanking positions, and do some damage along the way.
My thoughts in a nut shell.
I can already see an elf monk with an elven curve blade turning enemies into chutney...
Exactly my thoughts. I made a character for 3.5 one, an overly complex combination of fighter, monk and champion of corellon. With this archetype I could do the whole thing in one class.
It's certainly very nice. I like this class archetype a lot, it's one monk archetype that I would seriously consider playing because it's simple and effective.
Exactly what I was looking for.
I wanted a Katana-wielding monk (who is able to flurry with it) an here it is. Maybe it is too strong? I don't know.
Good work!
The only thing I worry about is the combo of:
Full enhancement + flurry of blows + unarmed damage + high threat range + two-handed weapon.
2d10+5+str+effects 15-20/x2 is a lot...especially with power attack thrown in for another +15 damage.
That is intended. They need to use Ki points to do this, as a swift. Since you only get one swift action per round, it may be a no-brainer to use this, but like other ki pool abilities it has to be a choice that's made every round, not just on all the time. They've lost the meager ability to heal themselves in favor of mobility, they are still a MAD class, so while they may out-damage the figher, they lack his sustainability. I was more concerned about reach weapons tbh.
I see what you did there, a monk with martial proficiencies and weapon spec, while still retaining flurry.
It is funny that there is always the push to trespass on the old fighter's clear territory. Someone always wants spec (and spec inside a flurry with the unarmed damage ported to the sword to boot).
@ jumpydady I was unaware of any other full class liek this. I made this as an archtype because the monk as is just neeeded a few minor changes to what I wanted to represent.
@ 3.5 Loyalist Thanks for the view and the comment. This archtype in no way will replace a Pathfinder fighter. 3.5 fighters or older I don;t care about. I play pathfinder.
Do you believe in class niche protection? Or, would you prefer the steady beat of new classes coming out, merging together more classes abilities in one?
I think you can do better than steal spec. What is your class and what does it represent? What do you want to do that isn't already done by other classes? Good luck.
I want a monk that uses slashing weapons like swords and stuff, and actually takes advantage of their speed and mobility in combat. As it stands there are no other classes that do this currently.
I think being a 3.5 loyalist is causing you to see class bloat where there is none.
Thanks for the input though, snark aside.
Because this is the blade master. It can allow slashing polearms.
The beauty of it is, if you wanted to, you could swap out slashing for piercing or bludgeoning and go with it if you like.
Because this is the blade master. It can allow slashing polearms.
The beauty of it is, if you wanted to, you could swap out slashing for piercing or bludgeoning and go with it if you like.
You might want to change the language for perfect strike to reflect "slashing weapons" rather than specifically "swords", then. The other abilities do already, but PS specifies swords.
That said, this looks really nice - I'd love to play one sometime! ^_^
Ok yeah I thought I had caught all of those instances, but thank you I will correct it.
Fixed the Perfect Strike error.
Blade master
A master of edged steel, these monks train to use swords and other slashing weapons as an extension of themselves. Some choose to use two swords, or a single blade, or even pole-arms.
Regardless, in combat they are all equally deadly.
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Blade masters are proficient with all slashing simple and martial melee weapons in addition to their normal weapon proficiencies.
Flurry of Blows (Ex): Starting at 1st level, a blade master can make a flurry of blows as a full-attack action, but only when using a slashing melee weapon.
A blade master’s flurry of blows otherwise functions as normal for a monk of his level, with the exception that he may use all of his flurry attacks with a single weapon.
When using flurry of blows, the blade master must be using a slashing weapon with which he has the Weapon Focus feat. A blade master applies his Strength bonus (not ½ Strength bonus on offhand attacks) on all damage rolls made with flurry of blows, even if he is using a weapon two-handed (not 1 ½ Strength bonus).
If using Power Attack in the same round as a flurry of blows, do not add the bonus damage for using a 2 handed weapon, a one handed weapon with two hands, nor the penalty for an 'off hand' attack.
Bonus Feats: At first level, a blade master gains Weapon Focus as a bonus feat.
All other blade master’s bonus feats must be taken from the following list: Combat expertise, Combat Reflexes, Dodge, Power Attack, Weapon Finesse and Weapon Focus.
At 6th level, the following feats are added to the list: Cleave, Improved Disarm, Improved Sunder, Mobility, Vital Strike and Weapon Specialization.
At 10th level, the following feats are added to the list: Greater Weapon Focus, Improved Critical, Spring attack, Two weapon rend* and Two Weapon Defense*.
A blade master monk need not have any of the prerequisites normally required for these feats to select them. These feats replace the monk’s normal bonus feats.
Perfect Strike (Ex): At 1st level, a blade master gains Perfect Strike as a bonus feat, even if he does not meet the prerequisites. A blade master can use Perfect Strike with any slashing weapon with which he is proficient. At 10th level, the monk can roll his attack roll three times and take the highest result. If one of these rolls is a critical threat, the monk must choose one of his other two rolls to use as his confirmation roll. This ability replaces Stunning Fist.
Ki Blade (Su): At 5th level, a blade master may spend 1 point from his ki pool as a swift action to change the damage dice of his slashing weapon to that of his unarmed strikes. This lasts until the start of his next turn. For example, a Medium blade master’s shortsword normally deals 1d6 damage; using this ability, his shortsword deals 1d8 damage until the start of his next turn. This ability replaces purity of body.
Dance of Blades (Ex): At 7th level, while flurrying, a blade master may take a 5' step between each attack, up to half his movement. This movement does not provoke an attack of opportunity.
At 14th level he may move up to half his movement and still use flurry of blows. This ability replaces wholeness of body.
Zen blade (Su): At 11th level, a blade master may hit targets that he might otherwise miss. By spending 1 point from his ki pool as a swift action, the blade master can ignore concealment. By spending 2 points, he can ignore total concealment or cover. By spending 3 points, he can ignore total cover. These effects last for 1 round. This ability replaces diamond body.
Ki Focus Blade (Su): At 17th level, as long as he has at least 1 point of ki in his ki pool, a blade master may treat his slashing weapons as if it they were ki focus weapons, allowing him to use his special ki attacks as if his slashing weapons were unarmed attacks. This ability replaces tongue of the sun and moon.
*The idea is that these feats will work only while flurrying, as it emulate the two weapon fighting rules.
Dabbler, do you think I should specify that power attacking while flurrying would always be considered as if he were wielding a one handed weapon?
Dabbler, do you think I should specify that power attacking while flurrying would always be considered as if he were wielding a one handed weapon?
Not Dabbler, but I would say yes. It's common sense to me that since strength applies that way, PA would too, but people could potentially make the case that they're using a weapon two-handed even though they're only getting 1x str bonus (no case to be made, in fact, if they're using a 2h weapon) and that PA doesn't say anything about it.
Let's see what Power attack says:
Power Attack (Combat)
You can make exceptionally deadly melee attacks by sacrificing accuracy for strength.
Prerequisites: Str 13, base attack bonus +1.
Benefit: You can choose to take a –1 penalty on all melee attack rolls and combat maneuver checks to gain a +2 bonus on all melee damage rolls. This bonus to damage is increased by half (+50%) if you are making an attack with a two-handed weapon, a one handed weapon using two hands, or a primary natural weapon that adds 1-1/2 times your Strength modifier on damage rolls. This bonus to damage is halved (–50%) if you are making an attack with an off-hand weapon or secondary natural weapon. When your base attack bonus reaches +4, and every 4 points thereafter, the penalty increases by –1 and the bonus to damage increases by +2. You must choose to use this feat before making an attack roll, and its effects last until your next turn. The bonus damage does not apply to touch attacks or effects that do not deal hit point damage.
Yeah the way this is worded, and done through the lens of the class, you would neither get the bonus for using a 2 hander or one handed blade with 2 hands, nor the penalty for what would be considered the 'off hand' attacks.
I'll change it, thanks again for the feedback :)EDIT: ...and change made to the latest post with the archtype in it.
I like. I'll use this at my table... with the author's permission, of course :-)
Yes of course! Use away, test away. Let me know if you find anything that needs tweaking. Feel free to PM or post here.
I like it! :)
Thanks for taking a look Owen!
That is intended. They need to use Ki points to do this, as a swift. Since you only get one swift action per round, it may be a no-brainer to use this, but like other ki pool abilities it has to be a choice that's made every round, not just on all the time. They've lost the meager ability to heal themselves in favor of mobility, they are still a MAD class, so while they may out-damage the figher, they lack his sustainability. I was more concerned about reach weapons tbh.
I agree with you, but I thought it should be pointed out.
I see what you did there, a monk with martial proficiencies and weapon spec, while still retaining flurry.
It is funny that there is always the push to trespass on the old fighter's clear territory. Someone always wants spec (and spec inside a flurry with the unarmed damage ported to the sword to boot).
I do not think this does that, but the simple answer to the matter would be to rescind the Martial Weapon Proficiency and instead replace it with proficiency with one martial or exotic weapon with which they can flurry. Then the blade master basically has to select one weapon with which they are proficient and it becomes their speciality for the rest of their career.
Also, this class isn't treading on the fighter's toes: Weapon training will still put the fighter well ahead in average damage when the monk isn't burning ki like there was no tomorrow.
I considered changing the weapon proficiency section to say:
'The blade master make select any one simple or martial slashing weapon. They become proficient in this weapon, in addition to all of their normal weapon proficiencies.'
As it stands now, they would have to burn a feat to get an exotic.
I could add exotic to this, or leave it as is...or not edit it at all.
Making them only able to flurry with a weapon that they have weapon focus with, already limits them.
Which do you all think fits best?
Keep with weapon focus-only flurry, and let them have proficiency with any one martial or exotic weapon in addition to their normal monk proficiencies.
To be honest, I see a lot of dipping into fighter with this class otherwise just to get a decent weapon and Weapon Focus in it.
Ok. Change comin right up.
Change the section on Weapon Proficiencies to:
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Blade masters are proficient with their choice of any one simple, martial or exotic slashing weapon, in addition to their normal weapon proficiencies.
Any other suggestions/critiques?
You might want to clarify if most abilities are useable only with light or one-handed weapons, or can they be used with two-handed weapons as well.
@ JiCi These abilities are meant to be used with all slashing weapons. Scimitars, longswords, shortswords, falchions, greatswords and halbreds, etc.
I have specified that the flurry of blows may be used with a single weapon, so you can dual wield, use one sword (or axe) or flurry with a slashing polearm, no big deal.
@Helaman What stops them from taking a level in fighter, then going blade master the rest of the way? I don't care if people want to level dip. If they think multiclassing is the way to go and possibly miss out on a class' endcap, so be it. It's not game breaking.
Thanks for the input guys!
I'm working on style feats for single hand weapon use, dual weapon use, polearm use or two-handed weapon use.
This is a great idea. I really want to play this some day. Although, the name Blade Master seems a bit generic. I would call it Zen Fencer or Zen Swordsman or even Kensei (if that name weren't claimed by the Magus). Well done!
Zen Blade lets me stab someone through a wall?
Here's a question, the Chinese used a thrusting blade, the gin (roughly analogous to the rapier) as a martial arts weapon. Why should that be barred? Should this be rather than a slashing specialist, a sword specialist?
@ JiCi These abilities are meant to be used with all slashing weapons. Scimitars, longswords, shortswords, falchions, greatswords and halbreds, etc.
I have specified that the flurry of blows may be used with a single weapon, so you can dual wield, use one sword (or axe) or flurry with a slashing polearm, no big deal.
Ok, cool, I wasn't too sure.
Zen Blade lets me stab someone through a wall?
As written I suppose it does. I hadn't considered this. My thought was if one were to duck behind a tower shield or run around a corner, you were hitting them before they got there, not run up to a wall and stab someone through it...
I should have left the language in there about the room with no windows or doors...I'll have to think about this.
EDIT: To get the idea of avoiding armor, maybe have him spend Ki to hit touch AC for 1 round? It won't bypass cover, but it would make more sense for a melee attacker?
Here's a question, the Chinese used a thrusting blade, the gin (roughly analogous to the rapier) as a martial arts weapon. Why should that be barred? Should this be rather than a slashing specialist, a sword specialist?
My original idea was to call this the Weapon Master, and open it up to all damage types. Since there already was a weaponmaster archtype, I decided to limit it to slashing weapons. I could rename it the Zen Weaponmaster, and remove the slashing verbiage...