Monk Sub-Class: Way of the First Avenger

[Caliban]

Yeah, after posting I thought "Way of the Defender" might be better. Or Protector.

Or how about "Way of the Righteous Shield"?

Way of the Interposing Shield
Way of the Aggressive Shield
Way of the Avenging Shield of Righteousness

 

[Caliban]

You might want to specify that the monk can still use their "Unarmored Defense" ability while wielding the shield. By default they can't use it if they wear armor or use a shield.

(Also, technically, a monk can always wield a shield - they just lose certain abilities if they do so.)

Perhaps something like "Level 3: You may wield a shield and still use Unarmored Defense, a long as your other hand is empty."

(Right now I can't recall if other abilities are shut off by using a shield, if so you may need to say something like "the shield doesn't interfere with monk class abilities", etc.)

You also need to come up with quirky/cool names for their abilities. Because it's tradition.

 

[Guest 6801328]

You also need to come up with quirky/cool names for their abilities. Because it's tradition.

Yeah, working on that....

 

[Cap'n Kobold]

It's a "Monk Weapon", so it has stats. And, yes, the idea is that you still get the AC bonus. That's basically your level 3 bonus.

Damage type?

 

[Caliban]

Level 6: When an ally within half of your movement rate is hit by an attack, you may use your reaction to move to that ally and partially deflect the attack, momentarily granting the ally resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage. Requires shield. Movement will provoke Attacks of Opportunity.

Level 11: As a bonus action you may throw your shield, with a range of 30/60. If you hit, for 1 Ki you may make the shield deflect to a 2nd target, although with disadvantage on the second attack roll. For 1 additional Ki you may make the shield return to your hand at the end of your turn.

You might consider swapping these two abilities. The level 11 ability seems like the "defining" ability of the Way that would attract a player (and it's the most fun ability), and I think it would best be gained before level 11. (i.e. lvl 6-10 is where most campaigns spend the bulk of their time, with a lot of campaigns petering out or ending between levels 10-15.)

Another name suggestion: Way of the Flying Shield (an indirect reference to the "Master of the Flying Guillotine" kung fu movie.)

 

[Caliban]

Damage type?

Based on previous editions, default damage type of a shield would be bludgeoning. Piercing if it's a spiked shield (not normally an option in this edition).

I could see a case for making the thrown shield do slashing damage (the edge of the shield is hitting them, in theory).

Just suggestions, this is not my creation.

 

[TwoSix]

You might consider swapping these two abilities. The level 11 ability seems like the "defining" ability of the Way that would attract a player (and it's the most fun ability), and I think it would best be gained before level 11. (i.e. lvl 6-10 is where most campaigns spend the bulk of their time, with a lot of campaigns petering out or ending between levels 10-15.)

Another name suggestion: Way of the Flying Shield (an indirect reference to the "Master of the Flying Guillotine" kung fu movie.)

Honestly, I'd put it at 3. It's the ability to make an attack with your unarmed strike damage at range, or two targets for 1 extra Ki. That's pretty much equivalent to Flurry of Blows, except at a moderate range. It's nice, but but certainly not better than Open Hand's free shove or prone. I'd probably make it target one creature for free (since monk already has the ability to make an unarmed attack for free, baseline) with return also free. Second target (within 30' of the first) would be one Ki.

 

[Satyrn]

I miss the Captain America reference in the name.

 

[Caliban]

Honestly, I'd put it at 3. It's the ability to make an attack with your unarmed strike damage at range, or two targets for 1 extra Ki. That's pretty much equivalent to Flurry of Blows, except at a moderate range. It's nice, but but certainly not better than Open Hand's free shove or prone. I'd probably make it target one creature for free (since monk already has the ability to make an unarmed attack for free, baseline) with return also free. Second target (within 30' of the first) would be one Ki.

Similar to the Sun Soul monk in SCAG?

 

[TwoSix]

Similar to the Sun Soul monk in SCAG?

Going from memory (I don't have the book), I think so. SS Monk could exchange normal unarmed strikes for ranged radiant bolts that did unarmed strike damage, right?