Monk (Martial Artists)
Monks are united in their ability to magically harness the energy that flows in their bodies. Whether channeled as a striking display of combat prowess or a subtler focus of defensive ability and speed, this energy infuses all that a monk does.
Monks can include anyone who has devoted a large portion of their lives to the ascetic practices (giving up comforts) in pursuit of martial skill.
They can channel their life energy, or “Ki”, also known as “Chi” “Chakra”, “Mana” or “Od” accross different cultures,, do empower themselves and their techniques, from summon spiritual armour to reflexes fast enough to catch arrows and throw them back.
I don’t much like this picture. Typically envisioned as a variation of a Shaolin monk (the ones with orange robes and shaved heads who do kung-fu tricks), but the Monk class can be for any kind of martial artist, such as kung-fu style fighters using nun-chucks, bare-knuckle brawlers, ninjas or warriors using their spiritual essence to manifest an armour of chi.
Monk Monastic Traditions
Subclasses for monks are called “Monastic Traditions” but basically they refer to the “School” of martial arts the character has mastered. Examples would be Bruce Lee with Jeet-Kun-Do, or Ryu from streetfighter with Karate.
Way of the Astral Self
A monk who follows the Way of the Astral Self believes their body is an illusion. They see their ki as a representation of their true form, an astral self. This astral self has the capacity to be a force of order or disorder, with some monasteries training students to use their power to protect the weak and other instructing aspirants in how to manifest their true selves in service to the mighty.
Personal Favourite, Astral self monks can use their Ki to summon spiritual arms with which to fight, and even potentially armour.
There’s so many ways you could rework this, such as someone with missing limbs using them as replacements, or a warrior clad in armour of the spirits of fallen warriors.
I like the charming little critter picture!
Way of the Ascendant Dragon
The fundamental teaching of this tradition holds that by emulating dragons, a monk becomes a more integrated part of the world and its magic. By altering their spirit to resonate with draconic might, monks who follow this tradition augment their prowess in battle, bolster their allies, and can even soar through the air on draconic wings. But all this power is in service of a greater goal: achieving a spiritual unity with the essence of the Material Plane.
Martial artists using a style based on dragons. Says it all.
Way of Four Elements
You follow a monastic tradition that teaches you to harness the elements. When you focus your ki, you can align yourself with the forces of creation and bend the four elements to your will, using them as an extension of your body. Some members of this tradition dedicate themselves to a single element, but others weave the elements together.
Many monks of this tradition tattoo their bodies with representations of their ki powers, commonly imagined as coiling dragons, but also as phoenixes, fish, plants, mountains, and cresting waves.
Wielding the four elements through martial practice. Streetfighters “Hadouken” would be a good example of this!
Way of Kensei
Monks of the Way of the Kensei train relentlessly with their weapons, to the point that the weapon becomes like an extension of the body. Founded on a mastery of sword fighting, the tradition has expanded to include many different weapons.
A kensei sees a weapon much in the same way a calligrapher or a painter regards a pen or brush. Whatever the weapon, the kensei views it as a tool used to express the beauty and precision of the martial arts. That such mastery makes a kensei a peerless warrior is but a side effect of intense devotion, practice, and study.
Another option for master swordsmen or masters of unusual weapons. A great choice for the travelling warrior seeking vengeance.
Way of Open Hand
Monks of the Way of the Open Hand are the ultimate masters of martial arts combat, whether armed or unarmed. They learn techniques to push and trip their opponents, manipulate ki to heal damage to their bodies, and practice advanced meditation that can protect them from harm.
Masters of non-lethal martial arts, these warriors usually believe that it is wrong to take a life and so learn to capture villains by incapacitating them. A classic example of this would me mased heroes like Batman.
Way of Shadow
Monks of the Way of Shadow follow a tradition that values stealth and subterfuge. These monks might be called ninjas or shadowdancers, and they serve as spies and assassins. Sometimes the members of a ninja monastery are family members, forming a clan sworn to secrecy about their arts and missions. Other monasteries are more like thieves’ guilds, hiring out their services to nobles, rich merchants, or anyone else who can pay their fees. Regardless of their methods, the heads of these monasteries expect the unquestioning obedience of their students.
Think ninjas!
Way of Sun Soul
Monks of the Way of the Sun Soul learn to channel their own life energy into searing bolts of light. They teach that meditation can unlock the ability to unleash the indomitable light shed by the soul of every living creature.
Using martial skill to summon powerful beams of light. I guess the creators were envisioning Kamehameha from Dragon Ball Z. A bit rubbish.