The Way of the Soulbound Aegis - Monk Tradition

Monks of the Way of the Soulbound Aegis form a sacred bond with the spirits that Chergathar watches over. This unique connection empowers them with spiritual essence, enabling them to act as both guardians and conduits of souls. The Soulbound Aegis monks are not just warriors; they are custodians of life's delicate balance between the realms of the living and the departed. They learn to harness the energies of souls, both for protection and to empower their martial abilities. Those who walk this path must belong to one of Chergathar's religions: Angshire Spirits or Chergathar Faith, and take on the solemn responsibility to ensure that every soul's journey is honored and safeguarded.   These monks have learned to tap into the ethereal plane, allowing them to manipulate life force and souls. They often serve as spiritual guides, helping souls transition from one phase of existence to another. With every meditation, they draw closer to Chergathar's essence, imbuing their martial prowess with the mysterious power of the spirit realm.  

Ethereal Attunement

At 3rd level, you've forged a connection with the ethereal plane. You can see into the Ethereal Plane for minutes equal to your Wisdom modifier (minimum of 1). Additionally, you can sense the presence of spirits or souls within 30 feet, even if they are not visible. Once you use this feature, you can't use it again until you finish a long rest.  

Soul Strike

At 3rd level, your understanding of the soul empowers your strikes. When you hit a creature with one of your unarmed strikes, you can expend 1 ki point to deal additional psychic damage equal to your Martial Arts die. The target must also succeed on a Wisdom saving throw against your Ki save DC or be frightened until the end of its next turn.  

Guided Transition

At 6th level, when a creature within 30 feet of you is reduced to 0 hit points but not killed outright, you can use your reaction to grant them a momentary glimpse of the afterlife. The creature stabilizes and gains temporary hit points equal to your monk level.  

Spiritual Reprisal

At 6th level, your bond with the ethereal spirits allows you to retaliate against those who harm you. When a creature hits you with an attack, you can use your reaction and spend 1 ki point to force the attacker to make a Wisdom saving throw against your Ki save DC. On a failed save, the creature takes psychic damage equal to your Martial Arts die and is pushed 10 feet away from you.  

Ethereal Step

At 11th level, you've further attuned yourself to the ethereal plane. As a bonus action, you can spend 2 ki points to cast the Misty Step spell without using a spell slot and without requiring any components.  

Soulbound Armor

At 17th level, your connection with Chergathar allows you to envelop yourself with souls, forming a protective barrier. As a bonus action, you can spend 4 ki points to gain resistance to all damage types for 1 minute. While this armor is active, any creature that starts its turn within 5 feet of you takes psychic damage equal to your Wisdom modifier.