| 3 people marked this as a favorite. |
I was flipping through my copy of Ultimate Magic last night and it hit me. Why not make katas (martial arts forms) that function similarly to masterpieces? At least the ones that require dance skill ranks and wind instrument ranks because katas require both complex movement patterns and precise breath control.
Anyway, I am not the best at wording or number-crunching. But I feel this idea has potential. Perhaps monks could qualify for certain masterpieces if they meet certain requirements other than perform ranks. And instead of expending bardic performance rounds they could expend ki points. Also, the masterpiece/kata would only benefit the monk and no one else.
Just think: Animal Style Katas, Monk Weapon Katas...
I little help in this matter would be greatly appreciated.
I agree; that's a really good idea. Sorry, though, I'm not nearly conversant enough with wuxia films and conventions to design these sorts of katas, although I imagine that some of the Qinggong, Neili, and Dianxue abilities would be appropriate.
I think thats an awesome idea. I tried to do something like that a few years back but none of my players would run a test with me and no one wanted to GM, so it went nowhere. As for classes stealing schticks from other classes two words: unarmed fighter.
Anything that will make weapons more viable for the monk is a good idea in my book.
THIS HAND OF MINE GLOWS WITH AN AWESOME POWER...
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
katas.... then we would have monks saying things like "Dragon visits grandmothers grave" and "turkey flies over the moon" before each and every attack.
Using flurry, they would sound like auctioneers trying to sell off a pig at the state fair....
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
katas.... then we would have monks saying things like "Dragon visits grandmothers grave" and "turkey flies over the moon" before each and every attack.
Using flurry, they would sound like auctioneers trying to sell off a pig at the state fair....
Haha! I had a Dark Sun game recently were the dwarf monk dropped kicked a thri-kreen archer while screaming 'tiny elephant squashes bug!'
Love this idea. Thematic masterpiece of synergistic creativity. Stolen Thunder, Bardic Devolution. Good for all those warriors-as-dancers and vice versa....
Go for it h-brewers!!!
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
I have a bit of a dim view of having classes steal schticks from others. Performances are really a bard thing, if there is anything that they should operate in it really should be more physical skills like acrobatics and endurance.
You have a point and maybe monks should not steal masterpieces right out. But Katas could work in a similar way mechanically.
@Arcanemuses,
Did you make any progress in making any katas yet? I'm excited to see what you came up with.
@Arcanemuses,
Did you make any progress in making any katas yet? I'm excited to see what you came up with.
Sorry, the inspiration hasn't hit me yet. I'll see what I can come up with this weekend.
Cool. Keep me posted.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
I have a bit of a dim view of having classes steal schticks from others. Performances are really a bard thing, if there is anything that they should operate in it really should be more physical skills like acrobatics and endurance.
Every other class does it to the monk, I say so it back to them!
More seriously, rather than use bardic masterpieces which rely on bardic performance, use different mechanics (or ki) to make monk katas an extension of Styles. And make them unique to monks, too. As monks don't have spells, these would of necessity be feats.
For example:
Impaling Strike Kata/Slicing Strike Kata
Prerequisites: Snake Style or Tiger Style, Monk level 5th.
Benefit: By expending one point of ki, the monk may increase the threat range of their piercing attacks by two steps, or four steps if they have the Improved Critical feat or the keen property on the weapon in question. This will last until the start of the monk's next initiative action.
Special: If the monk has the pre-requisites for this feats they may select it instead of a bonus feat.
Butterfly Step Kata
Prerequisites: Dodge, Monk level 7th, Acrobatics 5 ranks, either Combat Expertise, Crane Wing or Snake Sidewind.
Benefit: When attacked the monk may make a 5' step in any direction available to them, which will provoke an attack of opportunity (they may make an Acrobatics check to avoid this). They may do this even if they have already taken a 5' step this round. If this leaves an attacker unable to strike at them, the attacker cannot make any further attacks - although nothing prevents the attacker taking a 5' step if they have such available.
Special: If the monk has the pre-requisites for this feats they may select it instead of a bonus feat.
Reflecting Strike Kata
Prerequisites: Monk level 9th, one of more of: Snake Fang, Crane Riposte, Panther Claw.
Benefit: When attacked while considered flat-footed, the monk may make an immediate free attack in retaliation against their attacker.
Special: If the monk has the pre-requisites for this feats they may select it instead of a bonus feat.
Anybody else come up with anything more for Kata Masterpieces?
Where can I find Bardic Masterpieces anyway, is it in Ultimate Magic?
I think that's a pretty cool idea! You could give certain bonuses depending on the stance they take. Some would give them significant offensive, defensive or other bonuses. Say for example, one kata would give them a large bonus to CMD against being tripped or forced movement.
Good idea over all. I like it!