Way of the Kensei

The Kensei is a master of focused blade technique, drawing from the original teachings of Sword Saint Jheri, a style refined over generations through relentless combat and discipline. This path emphasizes instant precision, mental focus, and the idea that growth only comes through battle. Kensei live by the sword and believe in transcendence through bladecraft. Their minds are still, but their strikes are faster than the eye can follow.

Only the katana speaks for them. And when it does, it cuts clean through fate itself.

(3rd Level) 

Iaijutsu Draw

You specialize in swift, preemptive strikes that punish hesitation.

• When you roll initiative, you may immediately make one weapon attack with a katana against a creature you can see within reach. This does not consume your Action.
• You may also use your reaction to make a drawing slash when a creature ends its turn within 5 feet of you, if you haven’t already drawn your katana this round.

Kensei Weapon Requirement:
You must be wielding a katana (treated mechanically as a longsword or finesse-based versatile weapon) to benefit from any subclass feature.
You may choose to wield a tanto (dagger) in your off-hand, gaining advantage on Initiative rolls while dual-wielding a katana and tanto.

Cut the Breath

Your sword flows faster than conscious thought.

• When you hit a creature with a katana attack, you may force it to make a Constitution saving throw (DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Dexterity or Wisdom modifier).
• On a failure, the creature cannot take reactions and has disadvantage on the next attack roll it makes before the end of its next turn.

You can use this feature a number of times equal to your Proficiency Bonus per long rest.

(6th Level)

Still Mind, Ready Blade

You hone your awareness and keep your soul unshaken.

• You gain proficiency in Wisdom saving throws, or expertise if already proficient.
• You gain resistance to psychic damage.
• You may draw or stow your katana as part of any movement or action, and attacks made during the same turn as your draw gain +2 to hit.

A true Kensei is never truly caught off guard—they are always one step from the blade.

(10th Level) 

Two Cuts, One Thought

You move with such clarity that a single thought leads to multiple slashes.

• When you take the Attack action on your turn, you can make two attacks with a single swing, but only with a katana.
• Choose one of the following options:
• Focus Split: Attack two different targets within reach with one sweep.
• Sundering Line: Make both attacks against the same target; if both hit, add an extra damage die of your weapon’s type.

You can use this feature once per turn, and only while wielding a katana.

(14th Level)

Heaven's Edge

You achieve the impossible draw, cutting through armor, spell, or stance alike.

Once per long rest, you can unleash Heaven’s Edge, a perfect slash:

• As a bonus action, you sheathe your katana.
• On your next Attack, you may draw and strike in one motion.
• This attack gains the following benefits:
• It automatically hits (you do not roll to attack).
• It deals maximum weapon damage, plus an additional 4d10 force damage.
• The attack ignores resistance, immunity, and magical defenses (including damage resistance, Mirror Image, and Shield spells).

If the target is reduced to 0 HP by this attack, you may immediately move up to your speed and make a second attack against another creature within range.

Summary Table

Katana & Tanto Notes

• Treat katana as a versatile weapon (1d8/1d10) with finesse and slashing damage.
• Tanto is a light, finesse dagger; no subclass benefits unless dual-wielded with katana.