The Kensei, Revised

The original kensei monk was terrible. It stook too hard to it's original archetype of japanese warrior instead of building on that and creating an actually enjoyable subclass. Although the original subclass was dry in flavor, I've tried to add some.

The Title of Kensei

Being known as the Kensei is much different than being a kensei. When you are a kensei, you are under training and on your way to become the Kensei. This title is one given only to the greatest warrior monks and is so exclusive that there may only be a single Kensei at a time. One can only achieve being the Kensei through pure enlightenment and, when you achieve this at the end of this path, you must duel the Kensei to gain his/her title. When one becomes known as the Kensei, the person's original name is irrelevant. They are the Kensei; they must be known only as such. As you go down this Monastic Tradition, you should ask youself some clarifying questions in order to understand why your character would travel this difficult path. Was your character a part of an ancient prophecy to become the Kensei? Did you character set out on this path? Perhaps they were mentored by the Kensei and were given minimal training, but the Kensei was killed. Or maybe you are on a quest to find the Kensei and prove yourself, going down this path in order to train before the duel. Whatever the reason for having this Monastic Tradition, those who adopt the way of the Kensei train rigorously to become the one and only, Kensei.

Path of the Kensei

When you choose this tradition at 3rd level, your special martial arts training leads you to master the use of certain weapons. This path also includes instruction in the deft strokes of calligraphy or painting. You gain the following benefits:

Kensei Weapons. Your training allows you to master and wield two weapons of your choice, which can be simple or martial weapons. Neither of these can be a flail or crossbow. You become proficient with them, they are considered monk weapons for you and they qualify for any monk feature that can utilize them. When you reach 6th, 11th, and 17th level, you may choose an additional weapon that meets the prerequisites above.

Fighting Style. You found a style of fighting you have adopted at your specialty. You may choose one fighting style from the fighter's list of styles.

Martial Superiority. You have learned how to use various tactics to gain the upper hand in combat. You learn two maneuvers from the battle master's list of maneuvers. You also have superiority dice, which equal your Martial Arts die. You may spend two ki to use a maneuver on your turn. You learn another maneuver of your choice at 6th, 11th and 17th level.

Some of your maneuvers require the target to make a saving throw. The DC for such maneuvers is calculated as follows:

Maneuver Save DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your

Wisdom or Dexterity modifier

Way of the Brush. You gain proficiency with your choice of painter's or calligrapher's supplies.

One With the Blade

At 6th level, you extend your ki to your weapons. You gain the following benefits:

Ki-Empowered Weaponry. Your attacks with your kensei weapons count as magical for the purpose of overcoming resistance and immunity to nonmagical attacks and damage.

Mind over Matter. You may use your action to transform an item you can see that weighs at most a pound into a kensei weapon or ammunition. Additionally, you may transport an unattended piece of ammunition or kensei weapon that you can see to your hands. The weapon does not teleport, but instead flys toward you in a line with a speed of 150ft. Creatures in the way must make a Dexterity saving throw or take the weapons damage.

Extension of Self

At 11th level, your kensei weapons nearly become a part of you. Choose two of the following options now and another at 20th level, none of which can be chosen twice: