Way of Cardinal Virtues
Every devoted creature wants to follow the same path as the divinity they worship and to be their likeness among mortals. Those who seek to follow paths of righteousness usually find common ground in some sacred cardinal virtues. As a monk trains to become a fighter for all that is good, these cardinal virtues act as a guide. In time, these virtues not only become their lifestyle, but also line the path they are to walk. The Way of Cardinal Virtues represents the very best in all monks and through these virtues, a monk becomes their best version.
Fists of Justice
When you choose this way at 3rd level, you realize that justice is the most important virtue separating good from evil. You fuel your soul with righteous thoughts and fill your attacks with the just power of the divine. While attacking evil-aligned creatures, you can choose to deal radiant damage instead of the type normally dealt by the attack.
In addition, at 11th level, you can spend 5 ki points to pass judgment on a creature until the end of your next turn. When you do so, your allies within 30 feet of you can deal radiant damage to the creature being judged by you.
Mortal Fortitude
Starting at 6th level, you begin to see that your resilience allows you to be a shining example of how nothing can bring the righteous down. When you are hit with an attack, you can use your reaction to spend 3 ki points and reduce the damage you take by 1d6. At 10th level, you can spend 5 ki points to reduce the damage you take by 2d6 and at 14th level, you can spend 7 ki points to reduce the damage you take by 3d6.
Prudent Fighting
Starting at 11th level, you are a master of when and how to act in combat. When a creature within your reach attacks you, you can use your reaction to make a melee attack against the attacker. If you hit, you hit the attacker before it can hit you and stop the attack, taking no damage.
You can use this feature a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus. You regain any expended uses when you finish a long rest.
Full Temperance
At 17th level, you gain full control over your body and your mind. Thus, your soul and body can’t be tampered with unless you allow them to be. Your vitality endures against any magic that consumes and rots your life essence. You are immune to any necromancy spell unless you are willing.
In addition, you spend one less ki point for all the features that require you to spend ki points. This feature doesn’t apply to those that require 1 ki point.
Comments