A New Class- Ninjutsu [Archive] - Wizards Community

A New Class- Ninjutsu [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Machiel_WarriorofDarkness
10-18-03, 01:36 AM I don't have the OA manual so I don't know what is in there , but I wanted to create a class based on the game Ninja Gaiden(LOVE THAT GAME). Please give me feedback so I can make any changes to balance it out as much as possible.

Ninjustu

AL any
HD d8

Class Skills
Balance(Dex), Climb(Str), Concentration(Con), Craft(Int), Disable Device(Int), Escape Artist(Dex), Hide(Dex), Intimidate(Cha), Intuit Direction(Wis), Jump(Str), Listen(Wis), Move Silently(Dex), Search(Int), Sense Motive(Wis), Spot(Wis), Swim(Str), Tumble(Dex), Use Magic Device(Cha), Use Rope(Dex)

Skill Points at 1st Level: (4+Int modifier) x 4
Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 4+ Int modifier

Class Features
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Ninjustu are proficient with katanas (See end instructions), waikisashis (See end instructions), Crossbows(hand or light), dagger(any), dart, kama, sap, shortbow(normal and composite), and shurikens. Ninjutsu are proficient with no armor and bucklers(which are actually bracers of sorts although they do not hinder the wearer from wearing bracers).
They also have gained through training the ability to avoid blows. They add their wisdom bonus, if any, to their AC.

Fast Movement: A ninjustu moves faster than normal while wearing no armor. At 1st level it is +10, increasing every five levels by an additional +5.
Sneak Attack: As rogue.
Evasion: At 2nd level the ninjutsu gains the evasion ability.
Deflect Arrows: At 2nd level the ninjutsu gains the deflect arrows feat.
Uncanny Dodge: Upon reaching third level the ninjutsu retains their dexterity bonus to AC.
Leap: When 7th level is reached the ninjutsus jumping ability is no longer limited by their height.
Imaculate Stealth: At 10th level the ninjutsu may move at their full movement rate while moving silently and hiding without penalty.
Spider Climb: Upon reaching 10th level the ninjustu gains the ability to spider climb as the spell a number of times per day equal to his ninjutsu level.
Improved Evasion: At 11th level the ninjutsu gains the improved evasion ability.
Mind Over Body: At 13th level the ninjutsu gains spell resistance equal to 10+ concentration.

Level BAB Fort Ref Will Special
1 +1 +2 +2 +2 Sneak attack +1d6, Movement +10
2 +2 +3 +3 +3 Deflect Arrows, Evasion, Sneak attack +2d6
3 +3 +3 +3 +3 Uncanny Dodge (Dex Bonus to AC)
4 +4 +4 +4 +4
5 +5 +4 +4 +4 Sneak attack +3d6, Movement +5
6 +6/+1 +5 +5 +5
7 +7/+2 +5 +5 +5 Leap, Sneak attack +4d6
8 +8/+3 +6 +6 +6
9 +9/+4 +6 +6 +6 Sneak attack +5d6
10 +10/+5 +7 +7 +7 Spider climb, Movement +5, Immaculate
stealth
11 +11/+6/+1 +7 +7 +7 Improved Evasion, Sneak attack +6d6
12 +12/+7/+2 +8 +8 +8
13 +13/+8/+3 +8 +8 +8 Sneak attack +7d6, Mind over body
14 +14/+9/+4 +9 +9 +9
15 +15/+10/+5 +9 +9 +9 Sneak attack +8d6, Movement +5
16 +16/+11/+6/+1 +10 +10 +10
17 +17/+12/+7/+2 +10 +10 +10 Sneak attack +9d6
18 +18/+13/+8/+3 +11 +11 +11
19 +19/+14/+9/+4 +11 +11 +11 Sneak attack +10d6
20 +20/+15/+10/+5 +12 +12 +12 Movement +5

Katana
A katana is essentially a bastardsword with a higher critical range. 1d10 18-20x2.
Waikisashi
A waikisashi is basically a shortsword with a hight critical range. 1d6 18-20x2.
Machiel_WarriorofDarkness
10-18-03, 01:40 AM How's this?

Ninjustu

AL any
HD d6

Class Skills
Balance(Dex), Climb(Str), Concentration(Con), Craft(Int), Escape Artist(Dex), Hide(Dex), Jump(Str), Listen(Wis), Move Silently(Dex), Sense Motive(Wis), Spot(Wis), Swim(Str), Tumble(Dex), Use Rope(Dex)

Skill Points at 1st Level: (4+Int modifier) x 4
Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 4+ Int modifier

Class Features
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Ninjustu are proficient with katanas, waikisashis, Crossbows(hand or light), dagger(any), dart, kama, sap, shortbow(normal and composite), and shurikens. Ninjutsu are proficient with no armor and bucklers(which are actually bracers of sorts although they do not hinder the wearer from wearing bracers).
They also have gained through training the ability to avoid blows. They add their wisdom bonus, if any, to their AC.

Fast Movement: A ninjustu moves faster than normal while wearing no armor. At 1st level it is +10, increasing every five levels by an additional +5.

Sneak Attack: At 1st level the ninjustu gains the sneak attack ability that increases every four levels.

Evasion: At 2nd level the ninjutsu gains the evasion ability.

Deflect Arrows: At 2nd level the ninjutsu gains the deflect arrows feat.

Uncanny Dodge: Upon reaching third level the ninjutsu retains their dexterity bonus to AC.

Leap: When 7th level is reached the ninjutsus jumping ability is no longer limited by their height.

Imaculate Stealth: At 10th level the ninjutsu may move at their full movement rate while moving silently and hiding without penalty.

Spider Climb: Upon reaching 10th level the ninjustu gains the ability to spider climb as the spell a number of times per day equal to his ninjutsu level.

Improved Evasion: At 11th level the ninjutsu gains the improved evasion ability.

Mind Over Body: At 13th level the ninjutsu gains spell resistance equal to 10+ concentration.

BAB- As Rogue
Saves- As Rogue

Level Special
1 Sneak attack +1d6, Movement +10
2 Deflect Arrows, Evasion
3 Uncanny Dodge (Dex Bonus to AC)
4 Sneak attack +2d6
5 Movement +5
6
7 Leap
8 Sneak attack +3d6
9
10 Spider climb, Movement +5, Immaculate stealth
11 Improved Evasion, Sneak attack +6d6
12 Sneak attack +4d6
13 Mind over body
14
15 Movement +5
16 Sneak attack +5d6
17
18
19
20 Movement +5, Sneak attack +6d6
Kaya Kenobi
10-18-03, 02:37 AM This class is too much.. full SA, full BAB, and full saves?
Ulorian
10-18-03, 02:42 AM Full BAB, Full Saves?!?.. back to the drawing board. Come back when you have something even close to balanced. Don't get your nose out of joint, but this is grossly over-powered..
Tenzhi
10-18-03, 02:48 AM Full BAB, Full Saves, 10d6 Sneak Attack, and a heckuva movement bonus... This class should be called "I AM GOD, Jr." ;)
PhaedrusXY
10-18-03, 02:53 AM I would suggest you just use >this< (http://www.legendofthefiverings.com/rpg/rokugan_ninja.pdf).
Skar
10-18-03, 09:54 AM Well there is always room for another Ninja variant! I like the spider climb ability these Ninjustsu have, In fact I'd even go so far as to say that you could redesign the class maybe by taking away some of their higher Sneak Attacks and giving them more abilities like that such as ability to cast web spells, freedom of movement, web jump, poison touch, etc., and call them the Spider Ninjas, but that is just me. I would suggest though, that like the others have said, you should reduce their saving throws, maybe to only having Reflex be 12 at 20th level and reduce Fortitude and Will to a +6 maximum.
moby
10-18-03, 10:15 AM My first impression is that this is overpowered. However, it's not so grossly out of line as some people seem to suggest.

My suggestions would be thus:

Drop the BAB to 3/4 progression (as rogue)
Drop the good fort save
Change sneak attack to +1d6/3 levels (so it would be +1d6 @ 1st, +2d6 @ 4th, up to +7d6 @ 19th)
Reducing the skill list a tad. It's quite large for 4sp/level.

That would put it at the top of what I would consider balanced. Right alongside most every other class in the books. :)

pre-edit:
Katana and wakizashi have already been defined. They're simply masterwork bastard swords and short swords, respectively. No need to give them a higher critical range.

All in all, a great first shot!

moby
Machiel_WarriorofDarkness
10-18-03, 10:22 AM PhaedrusXY- Thanks for the info. It seems that the people at wizards do it better once again. Maybe that's why it's their job.

Skar & Moby- Good suggestions I'll do some tweaking.

Others- Points taken, no harm no foul.
Kaya Kenobi
10-18-03, 11:59 AM First off, a Ninja isn't all that.

Here's what I'd do:

I'd reduce the skill list some and give 6 sp a level.
I'd make SA max out at 5d6.
I'd change the BAB to 3/4.
The 3 saves are ok, but I'd get rid of the good fort save.
I would also have the ninja specialized in all of the oriental weapons. They can only wear light armor.

I would also spread out the abilities more, so it's not so frontloaded.
Willie the Duck
10-18-03, 02:45 PM Well, normally I'd have to mock you indeffinately for giving ninjas proficiency in katanas, but you are following a video game, so I'll cut you some slack. Get rid of the katana and give them a ninja-to. Also remember to stipulate that they lose their wis to AC bonus if they wear armor. Not giving them proficiency isn't enough, as people will just take a level of fighter first, then walk around in full plate with a wisdom bonus as well. Lose Mind over body, it doesn't fit. If you keep it, tie it to class level, not a skill (a SR of 10+level+3+con modifier is over the top).
HitoKage
10-18-03, 03:54 PM Originally posted by PhaedrusXY
I would suggest you just use >this< (http://www.legendofthefiverings.com/rpg/rokugan_ninja.pdf).

I wouldn't :/

That class lacks
Xaxor
10-18-03, 04:24 PM >Here (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?threadid=111219)'s< yet another version. You even get some philosphy to accompany it. I have to say this is very in depth and interesting.
Dunii Nanashi
10-19-03, 08:15 PM Naming a class after a martial arts style? :confused:
Laucien_of_Llanowar
10-26-03, 08:59 AM Dude, Ninjutsu is a form of Martial Arts, not a class.

I would know, A kiosonihm (Chief-Instructor in Korean)at my Tae Kwon Do school took it and threatened to make us go through the training exercise if we ever screwed up.
Da Elf
10-29-03, 11:49 AM Well, IMO, that wouldn't be a bad thing. It would, though, take a lot of practice...

As for the class, as much as I love Ninja Gaiden (and boy, do I), these guys are right, that abomination is horribly overpowered, particularly Immaculate Stealth, full Sneak Attack progression, and Mind over Body. If you don't like heretic888's version of the class, which is very well done (the second one listed), then at least start with it and rework it from there.
Machiel_WarriorofDarkness
10-29-03, 12:07 PM Thanks for the suggestions and I'll come back later with a new idea. It seems this class isn't recieving good fan-fair.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Machiel_WarriorofDarkness 10-18-03, 01:36 AM	I don't have the OA manual so I don't know what is in there , but I wanted to create a class based on the game Ninja Gaiden(LOVE THAT GAME). Please give me feedback so I can make any changes to balance it out as much as possible. Ninjustu AL any HD d8 Class Skills Balance(Dex), Climb(Str), Concentration(Con), Craft(Int), Disable Device(Int), Escape Artist(Dex), Hide(Dex), Intimidate(Cha), Intuit Direction(Wis), Jump(Str), Listen(Wis), Move Silently(Dex), Search(Int), Sense Motive(Wis), Spot(Wis), Swim(Str), Tumble(Dex), Use Magic Device(Cha), Use Rope(Dex) Skill Points at 1st Level: (4+Int modifier) x 4 Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 4+ Int modifier Class Features Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Ninjustu are proficient with katanas (See end instructions), waikisashis (See end instructions), Crossbows(hand or light), dagger(any), dart, kama, sap, shortbow(normal and composite), and shurikens. Ninjutsu are proficient with no armor and bucklers(which are actually bracers of sorts although they do not hinder the wearer from wearing bracers). They also have gained through training the ability to avoid blows. They add their wisdom bonus, if any, to their AC. Fast Movement: A ninjustu moves faster than normal while wearing no armor. At 1st level it is +10, increasing every five levels by an additional +5. Sneak Attack: As rogue. Evasion: At 2nd level the ninjutsu gains the evasion ability. Deflect Arrows: At 2nd level the ninjutsu gains the deflect arrows feat. Uncanny Dodge: Upon reaching third level the ninjutsu retains their dexterity bonus to AC. Leap: When 7th level is reached the ninjutsus jumping ability is no longer limited by their height. Imaculate Stealth: At 10th level the ninjutsu may move at their full movement rate while moving silently and hiding without penalty. Spider Climb: Upon reaching 10th level the ninjustu gains the ability to spider climb as the spell a number of times per day equal to his ninjutsu level. Improved Evasion: At 11th level the ninjutsu gains the improved evasion ability. Mind Over Body: At 13th level the ninjutsu gains spell resistance equal to 10+ concentration. Level BAB Fort Ref Will Special 1 +1 +2 +2 +2 Sneak attack +1d6, Movement +10 2 +2 +3 +3 +3 Deflect Arrows, Evasion, Sneak attack +2d6 3 +3 +3 +3 +3 Uncanny Dodge (Dex Bonus to AC) 4 +4 +4 +4 +4 5 +5 +4 +4 +4 Sneak attack +3d6, Movement +5 6 +6/+1 +5 +5 +5 7 +7/+2 +5 +5 +5 Leap, Sneak attack +4d6 8 +8/+3 +6 +6 +6 9 +9/+4 +6 +6 +6 Sneak attack +5d6 10 +10/+5 +7 +7 +7 Spider climb, Movement +5, Immaculate stealth 11 +11/+6/+1 +7 +7 +7 Improved Evasion, Sneak attack +6d6 12 +12/+7/+2 +8 +8 +8 13 +13/+8/+3 +8 +8 +8 Sneak attack +7d6, Mind over body 14 +14/+9/+4 +9 +9 +9 15 +15/+10/+5 +9 +9 +9 Sneak attack +8d6, Movement +5 16 +16/+11/+6/+1 +10 +10 +10 17 +17/+12/+7/+2 +10 +10 +10 Sneak attack +9d6 18 +18/+13/+8/+3 +11 +11 +11 19 +19/+14/+9/+4 +11 +11 +11 Sneak attack +10d6 20 +20/+15/+10/+5 +12 +12 +12 Movement +5 Katana A katana is essentially a bastardsword with a higher critical range. 1d10 18-20x2. Waikisashi A waikisashi is basically a shortsword with a hight critical range. 1d6 18-20x2.
Machiel_WarriorofDarkness 10-18-03, 01:40 AM	How's this? Ninjustu AL any HD d6 Class Skills Balance(Dex), Climb(Str), Concentration(Con), Craft(Int), Escape Artist(Dex), Hide(Dex), Jump(Str), Listen(Wis), Move Silently(Dex), Sense Motive(Wis), Spot(Wis), Swim(Str), Tumble(Dex), Use Rope(Dex) Skill Points at 1st Level: (4+Int modifier) x 4 Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 4+ Int modifier Class Features Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Ninjustu are proficient with katanas, waikisashis, Crossbows(hand or light), dagger(any), dart, kama, sap, shortbow(normal and composite), and shurikens. Ninjutsu are proficient with no armor and bucklers(which are actually bracers of sorts although they do not hinder the wearer from wearing bracers). They also have gained through training the ability to avoid blows. They add their wisdom bonus, if any, to their AC. Fast Movement: A ninjustu moves faster than normal while wearing no armor. At 1st level it is +10, increasing every five levels by an additional +5. Sneak Attack: At 1st level the ninjustu gains the sneak attack ability that increases every four levels. Evasion: At 2nd level the ninjutsu gains the evasion ability. Deflect Arrows: At 2nd level the ninjutsu gains the deflect arrows feat. Uncanny Dodge: Upon reaching third level the ninjutsu retains their dexterity bonus to AC. Leap: When 7th level is reached the ninjutsus jumping ability is no longer limited by their height. Imaculate Stealth: At 10th level the ninjutsu may move at their full movement rate while moving silently and hiding without penalty. Spider Climb: Upon reaching 10th level the ninjustu gains the ability to spider climb as the spell a number of times per day equal to his ninjutsu level. Improved Evasion: At 11th level the ninjutsu gains the improved evasion ability. Mind Over Body: At 13th level the ninjutsu gains spell resistance equal to 10+ concentration. BAB- As Rogue Saves- As Rogue Level Special 1 Sneak attack +1d6, Movement +10 2 Deflect Arrows, Evasion 3 Uncanny Dodge (Dex Bonus to AC) 4 Sneak attack +2d6 5 Movement +5 6 7 Leap 8 Sneak attack +3d6 9 10 Spider climb, Movement +5, Immaculate stealth 11 Improved Evasion, Sneak attack +6d6 12 Sneak attack +4d6 13 Mind over body 14 15 Movement +5 16 Sneak attack +5d6 17 18 19 20 Movement +5, Sneak attack +6d6
Kaya Kenobi 10-18-03, 02:37 AM	This class is too much.. full SA, full BAB, and full saves?
Ulorian 10-18-03, 02:42 AM	Full BAB, Full Saves?!?.. back to the drawing board. Come back when you have something even close to balanced. Don't get your nose out of joint, but this is grossly over-powered..
Tenzhi 10-18-03, 02:48 AM	Full BAB, Full Saves, 10d6 Sneak Attack, and a heckuva movement bonus... This class should be called "I AM GOD, Jr." ;)
PhaedrusXY 10-18-03, 02:53 AM	I would suggest you just use >this< (http://www.legendofthefiverings.com/rpg/rokugan_ninja.pdf).
Skar 10-18-03, 09:54 AM	Well there is always room for another Ninja variant! I like the spider climb ability these Ninjustsu have, In fact I'd even go so far as to say that you could redesign the class maybe by taking away some of their higher Sneak Attacks and giving them more abilities like that such as ability to cast web spells, freedom of movement, web jump, poison touch, etc., and call them the Spider Ninjas, but that is just me. I would suggest though, that like the others have said, you should reduce their saving throws, maybe to only having Reflex be 12 at 20th level and reduce Fortitude and Will to a +6 maximum.
moby 10-18-03, 10:15 AM	My first impression is that this is overpowered. However, it's not so grossly out of line as some people seem to suggest. My suggestions would be thus: Drop the BAB to 3/4 progression (as rogue) Drop the good fort save Change sneak attack to +1d6/3 levels (so it would be +1d6 @ 1st, +2d6 @ 4th, up to +7d6 @ 19th) Reducing the skill list a tad. It's quite large for 4sp/level. That would put it at the top of what I would consider balanced. Right alongside most every other class in the books. :) pre-edit: Katana and wakizashi have already been defined. They're simply masterwork bastard swords and short swords, respectively. No need to give them a higher critical range. All in all, a great first shot! moby
Machiel_WarriorofDarkness 10-18-03, 10:22 AM	PhaedrusXY- Thanks for the info. It seems that the people at wizards do it better once again. Maybe that's why it's their job. Skar & Moby- Good suggestions I'll do some tweaking. Others- Points taken, no harm no foul.
Kaya Kenobi 10-18-03, 11:59 AM	First off, a Ninja isn't all that. Here's what I'd do: I'd reduce the skill list some and give 6 sp a level. I'd make SA max out at 5d6. I'd change the BAB to 3/4. The 3 saves are ok, but I'd get rid of the good fort save. I would also have the ninja specialized in all of the oriental weapons. They can only wear light armor. I would also spread out the abilities more, so it's not so frontloaded.
Willie the Duck 10-18-03, 02:45 PM	Well, normally I'd have to mock you indeffinately for giving ninjas proficiency in katanas, but you are following a video game, so I'll cut you some slack. Get rid of the katana and give them a ninja-to. Also remember to stipulate that they lose their wis to AC bonus if they wear armor. Not giving them proficiency isn't enough, as people will just take a level of fighter first, then walk around in full plate with a wisdom bonus as well. Lose Mind over body, it doesn't fit. If you keep it, tie it to class level, not a skill (a SR of 10+level+3+con modifier is over the top).
HitoKage 10-18-03, 03:54 PM	Originally posted by PhaedrusXY I would suggest you just use >this< (http://www.legendofthefiverings.com/rpg/rokugan_ninja.pdf). I wouldn't :/ That class lacks
Xaxor 10-18-03, 04:24 PM	>Here (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?threadid=111219)'s< yet another version. You even get some philosphy to accompany it. I have to say this is very in depth and interesting.
Dunii Nanashi 10-19-03, 08:15 PM	Naming a class after a martial arts style? :confused:
Laucien_of_Llanowar 10-26-03, 08:59 AM	Dude, Ninjutsu is a form of Martial Arts, not a class. I would know, A kiosonihm (Chief-Instructor in Korean)at my Tae Kwon Do school took it and threatened to make us go through the training exercise if we ever screwed up.
Da Elf 10-29-03, 11:49 AM	Well, IMO, that wouldn't be a bad thing. It would, though, take a lot of practice... As for the class, as much as I love Ninja Gaiden (and boy, do I), these guys are right, that abomination is horribly overpowered, particularly Immaculate Stealth, full Sneak Attack progression, and Mind over Body. If you don't like heretic888's version of the class, which is very well done (the second one listed), then at least start with it and rework it from there.
Machiel_WarriorofDarkness 10-29-03, 12:07 PM	Thanks for the suggestions and I'll come back later with a new idea. It seems this class isn't recieving good fan-fair.