Way of Alteration

Throughout history, monks have traditionally studied forms and fighting styles that mimic the moves and actions of animals. This monastic tradition, particularly favoring heavily wooded forests, harsh deserts, and other extreme environments; can always be found in close proximity to the animal their fighting forms represent. Some temples have close relations with some druid circles, protecting the lands and creatures that dwell within.

Few monks are able to master these forms, even fewer can physically manifest themselves as the creatures they train with.

The Beast Within

Way of Alteration monks, through mastery of body, mind and the energy that flows through all living beings; are capable of altering their physical bodies while retaining all their mental capabilities and all physical abilities not requiring a humanoid body, this form is called an Altered State.

Altered State

When you choose this tradition at 3rd level, you can use your bonus action to duplicate the effects of Wild Shape. You may expend 2+1 per CR beyond CR 1 ki points to become a creature under the WildShape class feature description. The challenge rating of these creatures must be 1/4th the monks class level or lower. Lasts 10 minutes.

When in this state, the monk retains all class abilities, feats, skill and saving throw proficiencies and racial abilities that dont require a humanoid physiology, including speech. They retain their mental scores, they are considered both humanoid and beast creature types for purpose of spell effects.

Unarmed attacks and Flurry of Blows may be used, dealing martial arts die damage.

Alter Self

At 6th level the monk may cast Alter Self, as per the spell. Costs 3 ki points

Ki-empowered Strikes also affect attacks made while in Altered State.

Improved Altered State

At 11th level, you can now expend 1 ki point while in Altered State to make an attack as a bonus action.

The Beast Within

At 17th level, the monk may expend 8 ki points to duplicate the effects of Shapechange. The monk is restricted to any creature with the beast, monstrosity, dragon creature type; challenge rating 8 or less. The monk regains this ability on a long rest.

CR availability by Monk level
Monk level 1/4th
3rd CR < 1
4th CR ≤ 1
8th CR ≤ 2
12th CR ≤ 3
16th CR ≤ 4
20th CR ≤ 5