Way of the Taut Strand

Monks of the Taut Strand have a deep connection to the ki of all creatures, understanding how ki is the essence of all life. They use this understanding to draw out knowledge and capacities from the ki of others. Because the act of changing others against their will is so invasive, Taut Strand Monks are frequently seen as malicious or cruel. However, the loss of one’s capacities can be an insightful experience.



Ki siphon

Starting when you choose this tradition at 3rd level, you can pull small amounts of ki from your enemies with every strike.

You heal 1 hit point each time you hit another creature with a melee attack.



Worldly Essence

At 3rd level, you gain proficiency in medicine or nature.



Ki of Extraction

Starting at 3rd level, you can push your Ki into others to draw their experience and characteristics into yourself.

As a touch action, or once per turn when you hit another creature with a melee attack, you may attempt to extract that creature's characteristics.

The creature makes a wisdom saving throw against your Ki save DC, or they can choose to fail.

On a failed save, you will be able to extract different kinds of characteristics with this ability as your Monk level increases: Talents at 3rd level, spells at 6th level, life at 11th level, and abilities at 17th level.



Extract talent:

Starting at 3rd level, your Ki of Extraction can draw out skill, tool, or weapon proficiencies.

On a failed save, you spend 1 Ki point and choose what type of proficiency you will extract (skill, tool, or weapon), you learn the creature's proficiencies in the chosen type, and extract one of your choice.

For the next hour, the creature loses that proficiency and you gain it. If you already have the extracted proficiency, the creature still loses it for the hour, but you gain no additional benefit.

If you extract a weapon proficiency, it is considered a monk weapon for the hour.



Extract spell:

Starting at 6th level, your Ki of Extraction can draw out prepared spells that you can cast yourself.

On a failed save, you spend a number of Ki points (up to 1/3 your monk level rounded down), learn all their prepared or known spells of that level, and extract one of your choice if they have any.

For the next hour, the creature loses the ability to cast this spell. You learn the spell and may cast it once as normal using WIS as your spellcasting ability, and your body as a spell focus.

You may hold one extracted spell at a time, and it is lost if not cast within the hour.



Extract life:

Starting at 11th level, your Ki of Extraction can draw out life force, bolstering your own.

On a failed save, you spend 2 ki, roll the creature's largest hit die and add their constitution bonus; they take necrotic damage equal to the total and you gain temporary hit points equal to the necrotic damage taken.



Extract ability:

Starting at 17th level, your Ki of Extraction can draw out special abilities,

On a failed save, you spend 5 ki points, learn all their non-weapon actions, and extract one of your choice if they have any.

For the next minute, the creature loses the ability to use this action and you gain it. If you already have the chosen action, the creature still loses it for the minute, but you gain no additional benefit.

You may have only one extracted ability at a time.

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Any input about balance or wording would be appreciated.

I have already gotten feedback from people thinking Ki syphon is too strong. I am leaning towards putting a cap on it of prof+wis/short rest. but I don't think it is inherently broken, since a monk would likely heal upwards of 10 hp with this in a long fight. which I think is an ok amount.