Monk

System for Multi-Classing into Monk

1. Meditation

Monks are deeply connected to their inner energy (ki), and this milestone is all about mastering mental discipline and spiritual focus. Meditation helps the player attune themselves to their own ki and lays the foundation for the Monk’s unique abilities.

How to Complete:

• The player must engage in structured meditation or spiritual practice for a significant amount of time. This can include learning specific techniques such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, or focusing on controlling emotions and mind.
• Meditation could take place in quiet, sacred locations (e.g., monasteries, temples, or natural settings) where the player is guided by a monk mentor or teacher. They might also practice in isolation, focusing inwardly for long stretches of time.
• The player should learn the basics of ki energy and how to center themselves to harness their inner power.

Completion Criteria:

• The player must meditate for a total of 200-500 hours (depending on your campaign pacing). This could be done during downtime or specific quests designed for this task.
• After completing the meditation, the player gains proficiency in Wisdom saving throws and can feel the flow of ki within them, preparing for further training in martial arts.

2. Hand-to-Hand Combat Training

Monks specialize in unarmed combat, using their bodies as weapons. This milestone represents the player’s dedication to honing their physical strength and agility, mastering hand-to-hand combat techniques.

How to Complete:

• The player must train with a martial arts master or in a combat-focused monastery. Training could include sparring with other trainees, learning ancient combat techniques, and perfecting unarmed strikes.
• The player should study different hand-to-hand techniques, including grappling, striking, and evading attacks. This might involve physical conditioning exercises to build strength, speed, and stamina.
• Training could also involve mastering specific martial arts forms or stances, such as stances for defensive blocks, swift strikes, or special techniques.

Completion Criteria:

• The player must complete a set of practical exercises and challenges, such as sparring with other students or mastering a specific technique (e.g., a palm strike, roundhouse kick, or evading techniques).
• After completing the training, the player gains proficiency in unarmed strikes and can deal damage using their fists, feet, and elbows, similar to the Monk’s Martial Arts ability.

3. Martial Weapons Training

While monks are known for their unarmed fighting, they are also skilled in martial weapons, especially those that complement their fluid fighting style, such as staffs and polearms. This milestone ensures that the player is prepared to wield martial weapons in addition to their own body.

How to Complete:

• The player must train with a martial weapons instructor who teaches the basics of weapon use, focusing on weapons like the quarterstaff, spear, and other simple or martial weapons that fit the Monk's style.
• The training can take the form of learning the fundamentals of weapon combat, including strikes, blocks, and evasive maneuvers. The player may also be taught how to combine weapon use with their martial arts movements for fluid, graceful attacks.
• The player should practice using martial weapons in combat scenarios, testing their ability to defend and attack using both their weapons and their unarmed strikes.

Completion Criteria:

• The player must gain proficiency with martial weapons (such as the quarterstaff, spear, or other weapons suitable for monks).
• Upon completing this training, the player has mastered the use of Martial Weapons and can incorporate them into their combat style, gaining additional flexibility in combat.

4. Ki Training

Ki is a central concept for monks, representing their inner energy that can be used to enhance their physical abilities. Ki training is essential for learning how to harness this energy in combat, enabling the player to perform superhuman feats such as stunning enemies or moving faster than normal.

How to Complete:

• The player must undertake focused ki training, which can take place in a temple, under a monk master, or in an isolated retreat. The goal is to awaken and learn to control their ki energy, using it to perform extraordinary feats.
• The training could involve specific meditative practices or exercises designed to teach how to channel ki through the body, including energy strikes, leaps, or rapid movements.
• The player may need to spend time in intense physical exercises or rituals designed to test their control over their ki energy, such as holding certain postures for extended periods, performing energy-based strikes, or undergoing rigorous physical endurance tests.

Completion Criteria:

• The player must train and practice controlling their ki for a specific period of time (e.g., 100-200 hours) and demonstrate their ability to use ki in combat scenarios.
• After completing the training, the player gains the ability to harness ki energy, granting them Ki Points and access to Monk abilities like Flurry of Blows and Step of the Wind.

5. Gladiator Arena Rank

To fully master the Monk path, the player must test their newfound skills in a public arena or combat environment. The gladiator arena represents the crucible where the player’s abilities are put to the test, not only as a physical fighter but also in their control of ki energy and martial arts.

How to Complete:

• The player must compete in a gladiatorial arena, where they face a series of increasingly challenging opponents in hand-to-hand combat or with martial weapons. The arena could feature single combat, team battles, or obstacle courses.
• The player should demonstrate the use of ki energy in real combat, employing their martial arts and unarmed techniques to outlast or defeat their opponents.
• The arena battles could be designed with various challenges, such as traps, environmental hazards, and combatants who use a variety of tactics.

Completion Criteria:

• The player must earn a specific rank in the gladiator arena, such as defeating a number of high-ranking opponents or surviving a set number of rounds.
• Upon completing this final step, the player gains the Monk class features, such as Martial Arts, Ki, and Unarmored Movement. The player also earns recognition and respect within the arena, potentially gaining allies, mentors, or fame.

Finalizing the Multi-Classing

Once the player has completed all five milestones, they are ready to officially multi-class into Monk. The player may need to undergo a formal ritual of initiation into a Monk’s order or receive the blessing of a respected monk master.

Completion Criteria:

• The player must either be inducted into a Monk’s order or complete a final trial to prove their mastery of ki and martial arts.
• After completing the ritual or proving their worth in the arena, the player officially gains the Monk class and can access all associated abilities.

Bonus System for Extra Depth

To add additional depth to this system, consider including Skill Development Rewards for each milestone:

• Meditation: Gain proficiency in Wisdom saving throws and advantage on concentration checks.
• Hand-to-Hand Combat Training: Gain the ability to make unarmed strikes that deal 1d6 damage and improve Dexterity-based checks.
• Martial Weapons Training: Unlock proficiency with specific martial weapons and access to feats like Polearm Master or Tavern Brawler.
• Ki Training: Gain a limited number of Ki Points per day, allowing the player to use abilities like Flurry of Blows, Patient Defense, and Step of the Wind.
• Gladiator Arena Rank: Gain a Gladiator title and a reputation that grants combat advantages or influence in specific regions.