The Silken Chain Monk

New PDF time! The Silken Chain monk subclass for D&D 5e is specifically designed around my concerns for the monk overall. It’s available now in the shop and is for free to patrons of the Spud Club during February.

It’s no secret that the monk isn’t my favorite class so I was eager to design an option that I actually would want to play. I’ve focused on inflicting status conditions, multiple-target damage, ki management and reach. Giving a monk reach helps keep our bonus action available for more damage while giving us some defensive options. I think it’s also super cinematic with this particular flavor.

I’m really happy with how this turned out, and I hope you give it a shot!

Overview

Monks of the Silken Chain focus on acrobatic and elegant movements through a special ribbon bound to their weapon. They are able to channel their ki directly into this silken chain to perform incredible feats. A silken chain can be made of most anything, including actual silk, but is deeply infused with ki to grant it supernatural durability regardless of its material.

Silken Chain monks tend to be highly emotional, often either expressing their feelings through their abilities or using their powers to repress them. Embracing restraint of one’s self or others can be a key aspect of the Silken Chain Monastic Tradition, just as easily as the artistic displays of gymnastics.

Feature Preview

Silken Chain

3rd-level Silken Chain feature

You’ve learned how to create a ki-infused ribbon, the silken chain. This ribbon binds a single melee weapon with which you are proficient and that has the light property to yourself. Creating your silken chain requires a ritual that takes 1 hour, which can be done during a short rest, and the weapon must be within your reach throughout the ritual. You can only have one silken chain at a time.

A weapon bound to your silken chain has its reach increased by 5 feet, as you’re able to whip and swing your weapon in graceful, rapid motions. Also, you can’t be disarmed of this weapon unless you are incapacitated.

You can choose to destroy your silken chain as an action. Doing so releases the contained ki, restoring a number of ki points equal to your Wisdom modifier.

Whip-crack went his whippy tail!