Path of the Western Star

Followers of the Western star are mystics, focusing on manipulating the flow of ki through their bodies, gaining their energy from within, rather than without. The rigid discipline required by such studies means that only Lawful shugenja can follow this path.

Ki Pool (Su)

At 4th level, a disciple of the western star gains a pool of ki points, supernatural energy he can use to accomplish amazing feats. The number of points in a disciple of the western star’s ki pool is equal to 1/2 his shugenja level + his Wisdom modifier. As long as he has at least 1 point in his ki pool, he can make a ki strike.

• • At 4th level, ki strike allows his unarmed attacks to be treated as magic weapons for the purpose of overcoming damage reduction.

  • At 7th level, his unarmed attacks are also treated as cold iron and silver for the purpose of overcoming damage reduction.

  • At 10th level, his unarmed attacks are also treated as lawful weapons for the purpose of overcoming damage reduction.

  • At 16th level, his unarmed attacks are treated as adamantine weapons for the purpose of overcoming damage reduction and bypassing hardness.

By spending 1 point from his ki pool, a disciple of the western star can do one of the following:

• • Make one additional attack at his highest attack bonus when making a flurry of blows attack, or

  • Increase his speed by 20 feet for 1 round, or

  • Give himself a +4 dodge bonus to AC for 1 round.

Each of these powers is activated as a swift action.

The ki pool is replenished each morning after 8 hours of rest or meditation; these hours do not need to be consecutive.

Ki Power (Su)

At 4th, 7th, 9th, 12th, 15th, and 19th level, the disciple of the Western star learns a Ki power, selected from the list of Unchained Monk Ki powers found here. He treats his shugenja level as monk level for the purposes of qualifying for these abilities.

Additionally, the disciple of the Western star may sacrifice one spell known of every level in exchange for gaining a new ki power. He may make this trade once for every five shugenja levels he possesses (up to four times).

Ki Master (Su)

At 19th level, the disciple of the Western Star can use any of the Unchained Monk Ki powers he hasn't learned, albeit at an increased cost. Activating such a power costs one more ki point than the power's usual cost.