Monastic Traditions for non-Monks (5e Variant Rule)
Ki
The power known as “Ki” is a representation of life: the vital energy which exists within all living things; which allows a creature to act, to move, to believe and think. Though most beings do not understand Ki, all possess it. Monks, and a few other individuals train for years to tap into this vital power, to enhance their natural abilities, and, in rare cases, perform seemingly supernatural feats.
Though most non-Monks never gain access to an actual 'Ki-pool', those that gain access to powers which are normally fueled by Ki nevertheless may make use of those powers.
As a rule, any Ki-power possessed by any character may be used up to once per short rest.
Individual Class Descriptions
Barbarian
Receives level 3 and 6 features at their normal levels.
Receives level 11 feature at level 10.
At level 14 the Barbarian receives the Stillness of Mind feature.
Bard
Receives level 3 and 6 features at their normal levels.
Receives level 11 feature at level 14.
At level 3 the Bard gains a Proficiency of their choice, and gains the Martial Arts feature.
Cleric
Receives level 3 feature at level 6.
Receives level 6 feature at level 8.
Receives level 17 feature at level 17.
At level 1, the Cleric learns the Stillness of Mind feature.
At level 2 the Cleric gains access to a monks “Ki” feature, except that they do not gain an actual Ki pool. The Cleric may activate any of the effects available through the monk's “Ki” feature, or any other effect utilizing Ki, by expending a use of Channel Divinity instead.
A single use of Channel Divinity can produce:
1 Ki at level 2
3 Ki at level 5
4 Ki at level 9
5 Ki at level 13
6 Ki at level 17.
If this Ki is not used in the round the Channel Divinity use is expended then the Ki is wasted.
This is in addition to the normal 1/short rest uses available to most Ki-powers.
Druid
Receives level 3 feature at level 2.
Receives level 6 feature at level 6.
Receives level 11 feature at level 10.
At level 14 the Druid receives Stillness of Mind.
Fighter
Receives level 3 feature at level 3.
Receives level 6 feature at level 7.
Receives level 11 feature at level 10.
Receives level 17 feature at level 18.
At level 15 the Fighter receives Stillness of Mind.
Paladin
Receives level 3 feature at level 3.
Receives level 6 feature at level 7.
Receives level 11 feature at level 15.
Receives level 17 feature at level 20.
The Paladin may activate any power they have utilizing Ki, by instead expending a use of Channel Divinity instead.
A single use of Channel Divinity can produce:
1 Ki at level 2
3 Ki at level 5
4 Ki at level 9
5 Ki at level 13
6 Ki at level 17.
If this Ki is not used in the round the Channel Divinity use is expended then the Ki is wasted.
This is in addition to the normal 1/short rest uses available to most Ki-powers.
At level 20, the Paladin gains the Ki feature of a monk. each of the listed effects may be used once per short rest. Additional uses may be gained using Channel Divinity, as noted above.
Ranger
Receives level 3 feature at level 3.
Receives level 6 feature at level 7.
Receives level 11 feature at level 11.
At level 15 the Ranger receives Stillness of Mind.
Rogue
Receives level 3 feature at level 3.
Receives level 6 feature at level 9.
Receives level 11 feature at level 13.
Receives level 17 feature at level 17.
At level 3, the Rogue receives the Monk's Martial Arts feature, though their unarmed damage never increased beyond 1d4.
Sorcerer
Receives level 3 feature at level 1.
Receives level 6 feature at level 6.
Receives level 11 feature at level 14.
Receives level 17 feature at level 18.
Rather than gaining the normal use of Ki-powers once per short rest, the Sorcerer must pay for their Ki-powers using Sorcery Points.
The Sorcerer may activate any Ki power they possess by expending a number of Sorcery Points equal to the normal Ki-point cost of that ability, plus one.
Warlock
Receives level 3 feature at level 6.
Receives level 6 feature at level 10.
Receives level 11 feature at level 14.
At level 1 the Warlock gains the Unarmored Defense and Slow Fall features of a Monk.
At level 14 the Warlock learns the Deflect Missiles feature of a monk.
Wizard
Receives level 3 feature at level 2.
Receives level 6 feature at level 6.
Receives level 11 feature at level 10.
Receives level Stillness of mind feature at level 14.
At level 14 the Wizard learns the Deflect Missiles feature of a monk.
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