Monk Subclass: Way of the Force

Monks in some far reaches of the world learn to turn their feelings into physical manifestations, and manipulate a strange, mystical power known only as the Force. It has many uses, and all the belieivers in it subscribe to different faiths and tenets. The force has always been a two-sided coin; the dark side and the light. The dark side comes from passion, ambition, anger, and pain. While not inherently evil, it is seductive and focuses more on use of the force for selfish gain and personal ambition. It is not more powerful than the light side, but comes easier, and power gained without a cost can be dangerous. The light side treats the force as the means to a blessed, peaceful existence, and letting go of worldly possessions and selfish needs to become one with all and the world at large. It is a difficult path, and it is paved with sacrifice and devotion, but the reward is enlightenment and a mind and soul at peace.

To the Jedi Knights of the Old Republic, these differing idealogies are known as Jedi and Sith, but in other settings the line between them may not be so black and white.

Force Sensitive

Those who study the way of the force are blessed with supernatural reflexes, the Force granting them insight into the future. When you choose this Way at 3rd level, you gain a bonus to your initiative rolls equal to your Wisdom modifier, and you can't be surprised while you are conscious. You have advantage on Dexterity Saving Throws. If you are sleeping and a creature within 20 feet of you rolls initiative, you are awakened automatically, potentially interrupting a rest you may be taking.

"May the force be with us..." -Common phrase for wishing good luck

Force Magic

The force reaches out and touches everything, it exists between you, your foes, your allies, and all objects. You can manipulate this ever-permeating, surrounding, and penetrating force to reach out generate supernatural effects. When you choose this Way at 3rd level, you gain the Mage Hand cantrip. You can make the hand invisible, and manipulate it as a bonus action. As an action, you can spend 2 Ki points to cast the Bless, Catapult, Levitate, Suggestion, or Charm Person spells at 2nd level, without expending a spell slot or material components. You may expend additional Ki points to cast any of these spells at a higher level, at a cost of 1 Ki point per spell level. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

"The dark side of the force is a pathway to many abilities some consider unnatural."

Stretch out with your feelings

You learn to mind your surroundings, and use your attunement to the force to your advantage. Starting at 6th level, you can add your Martial Arts die to Wisdom(Perception) and Wisdom(Insight) checks you make. Perception checks you make reveal information in a 120 feet sphere around you, even places you cannot see, penetrating obstacles and even walls. In addition, you may expend 1 ki point to cast the True Strike cantrip as a bonus action on your turn.

Padawan of the Way

Starting at 6th level, you gain additional spells to cast with your Force Magic feature; you can cast detect thoughts, clairvoyance, calm emotions, and major image without expending a spell slot or requiring material components by expending a number of ki points equal to the level you wish to cast them at. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for these spells. In addition, choose one of the following:

Light - You learn to supplement your strikes with the power of the Force, lending its aid to protect you. Whenever you hit a creature with an attack, you can expend any number of ki points up to your wisdom modifier to launch a creature backwards, sending them flying with a powerful unseen force. The creature is pushed 5 feet backwards for every Ki point you expend this way. In addition, you can use your Deflect Missiles feature on any ranged spell attack directed at you or a creature within 5 feet of you.

Dark - You can use the dark side of the force to attack others with an unseen, malicious force. You gain an additional use of your Mage Hand; you can make unarmed attacks with your mage hand whenever you would be able to make one with your own limbs. If the attack hits, it deals Lightning damage rather than it's normal type.