Warrior-Monks

[Mr. Darke]

I decided to finally axe the cleric as the class doesn't jive with my campaign. In place of the class I tried to create a warrior-monk type drawing from ideas from the Paladin, monk and AD&D's Kensai. What came out was something that my wife said was a medieval Jedi.

Thinking about it I did realize that the Jedi may have had some influence on the class. However, since the Jedi were created from the concept of Eastern Warrior-Monks I can see where there would be some things that would resemble them.

Basically the class looks like this:

*Restrictions on wealth, armor and only allowed one weapon.

*Every third level the class gains a one-step bonus to AC based on its familiarity with the chosen weapon.

*Every second level the class gains +1 to damage with the chosen weapon.

* Ability to heal 1d6 points of damage once per level. (Can be used on self or others)

* Immune to Charm effects.

* I had put in an influence ability that works as a charm spell.


I like what I have but I can see the Jedi influence. ( Not that there is anything wrong with that) I have a two-fold question here; How does it look, is there anything you would change? Second, how would you handle a warrior monk?

[cooper]

Looks good.

For warrior-monks/jedi I go with eldritch wizardry psionics. Fighters lose 1 point of strength as the rules stipulate every time they gain powers. You end up with something closer to the indian yogi as the fighting mans strength dwindles he becomes small and skinny, but his mind grows, not his muscles as his swordmanship improves. If you don't want the lovecraftian overtones, just jettison the psionic combat rules entirely.

A fighting-man or thief with psionic abilities (10% of those with exceptional int/wis/or cha)is a practicer of Yoga. Though diligent meditative study that slowly turns them from a brawny wrestler into someone resembling Ghandi they may begin to control their body with their mind. Most men at arms can't handle all the chackra and fasting and abstention from sex, so fighters also lose followers the more they delve into the mind. Very old and powerful fighters with lots of psionic abilities sometimes appear as scrawny long bearded mystics (see kill bill, or kung fu the TV show or Hollywood celebrity spiritual advisors). As part of their training with their master each level they attempt to control their body.

Fighters lose 1 henchman for every ability and 1 point of strength for every 4 abilities and thieves also lose 1 point of dex.