Blackswordsman....like Gatsu from BERSERK [Archive] - Wizards Community

Blackswordsman....like Gatsu from BERSERK [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Stoneraven
06-11-04, 02:38 AM BLACKSWORDSMAN

If you've ever seen or read Berserk you know what I mean.

The figure is swathed in black and carries a sword fit for a giant, in combat he is a blur cutting through three men at a swing. He is covered in gore and spraying blood. The sword must weigh as much as he does yet he swings it one handed with such ease that most sane men turn and run when they see him coming.
The Blackswordsman is not a a crusader for good or evil, to some he may seem a depraved killer, though deep in his heart he fights for something greater...his own survival. Despite being mostly loners and mercenaries, Blackswordsman often join adventuring groups that they see as strong and capable, though staying somewhat distant from his comrades.

Hit Die: 1D10.
Requirements:
BAB: +8
Feats: Weapon Proficiency (Full Blade), Weapon Focus (Full Blade), Monkey Grip, Power Attack, Cleave, Greater Cleave.
Skills: Intimidate 8 ranks.

BAB Fort Ref Will Abilities
1. +1 +2 +2 +0 Str +1
2. +2 +3 +3 +0 Great Swing(3 squares)
3. +3 +3 +3 +1 Str +1, Endurance
4. +4 +4 +4 +1 Mighty Swing(Move + Great Swing)
5. +5 +4 +4 +1 That’s too big to be a sword.
6. +6 +5 +5 +2 Str +1, Imposing Figure
7. +7 +5 +5 +2 Diehard
8. +8 +6 +6 +2 DR 5/-, Massive Swing(4 squares)
9. +9 +6 +6 +3 Str +1
10.+10 +7 +7 +3 Larger than Life, Sentry Slayer

Class Skills: Climb (Str), Craft (Int), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Listen (Wis), Profession (Wis), Spot (Wis), Survival (Wis), Swim (Str).

Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 2 + Int modifier.

Weapons and Armor Proficiencies: The Blackswordsman is proficient in all simple and martial weapons, and with light and medium armor.

Great Swing: The Blackswordsman takes a mighty swing in combat, hitting all opponents in his way. He can hit the three squares in front of him on each attack.

Endurance, Diehard: As the feats in the PHB.

Mighty Swing: The Blackswordsman can move and take a Great Swing in the same round.

That’s too big to be a sword: As the Blackswordsman grows stronger and stronger a puny full blade simply doesn’t cut it, he adds layers of steel to his blade effectively making the full blade one size category larger (which increases the damage to 3d8, the weight to 50 lbs. and the critical multiplier to x3).

Imposing Figure (Ex): The Blackswordsman’s mere presence sets his opponents cowering. Using an Intimidate check he can demoralize all opponents within 30 feet with a single standard action.

DR 5/-: The Blackswordsman becomes so tough that he shrugs off normal damage as if it were nothing at all.

Massive Swing: As Mighty Swing but four squares rather than three squares.

Larger than Life: Though the Blackswordsman isn’t ten feet tall he sure seems like it, for all instances in which it is beneficial the Blackswordsman is considered Large sized. Also, a glance from his eyes can demoralize all opponents within 30 feet as a move action, not a standard action (see imposing figure above).

Sentry Slayer: The Blackswordsman reaches the pinnacle of his power, cutting through the multitudes like a farmer mowing the fields. He gains Supreme Cleave.
_________________
Lady Ishtar
06-12-04, 10:40 AM Str bonus is too much, maybe reduce it to a total of +5 and makeit an inherent bonus so it doesnt stack with tomes.

That’s too big to be a sword: to make is simpler allow him to use a fullblade thats one size category larger.

shouldnt he have an ability called Sentryslayer?
TMPikachu
06-12-04, 10:46 AM I've always thought of Gats as a high lvl fighter/barb

Century Slayer was his title when he killed a hundred men in one campaign.

I think fighter/barbarian is all you need to represent Gats.

He wears half plate (it seems). Cutting multiple men in half, that's whirlwind attack (he is also increadibly quick with his gigantic sword, improved initiative should be one of his feats) and greater cleave. He would also have expertise, there are many times fatal blows are blocked by his weapon. Toughness and Iron will are also valid options. Gats's greatest asset is his unbreakable will, as he lives constantly resisting the pull of demons on his spirit.

Gats also eventually gets heavy-armour to wear, but that's in the latest comic.
Stoneraven
06-12-04, 11:18 AM You make some good points, though this class will not need to worry about the pull of demon spirits..as only the Chosen have to worry about that.

I can see giving him Greater Cleave, and maybe Whirlwind attack..but I always saw Gatsu as more of accomplishing in one swing rather than multiple attacks..so in his first attack he takes down three guys, his second attack that round he takes down three more guys etc.
As much as I could see the barbarian aspect of Gatsu i just don't think it warrants making this class a barbarian class, or by representing Gatsu as a Fighter /Barbarian.

As for Sentryslayer would you be able to suggest exactly what that would do and what level it should be at??
Lady Ishtar
06-12-04, 11:31 AM sentryslayer: supreme cleave as long as he can kill an enemy with one hit.

how about Favored Enemy: Griffin :D
Alexander_Dane
06-12-04, 12:31 PM 1) I think the str bonus is fine, but the BAB each level sould be set to 0.

2) Thats to big to be a sword, and larger than life skills, should add damage to the fullblades top end, suggesting that its gets bigger is really only aestheic (cool as hell though).

3)Adding whirlwind attack and Greater cleave to requirements / maybe skill focus intimidate would add abit to the class mytique.

4)I agree with Lady Ishtar on Sentry Slayer = Supreme Cleave

5) Damage reduction might be something to add, man does Gatsu shrug off some blows!!

BLACKSWORDSMAN
Hit Die: 1D10.
Requirements:
BAB: +8
Feats: Weapon Proficiency (Full Blade), Weapon Focus (Full Blade), Monkey Grip, Power Attack, Cleave, Great Cleave
Skills: Intimidate 8 ranks.

BAB Fort Ref Will Abilities
1. +0 +2 +2 +0 Str +2
2. +0 +3 +3 +0 Great Swing
3. +0 +3 +3 +1 Str +2, Endurance
4. +0 +4 +4 +1 Mighty Swing
5. +0 +4 +4 +1 That is too big to be a sword.
6. +0 +5 +5 +2 Str +2, Imposing Figure
7. +0 +5 +5 +2 Diehard
8. +0 +6 +6 +2 DR, Massive Swing
9. +0 +6 +6 +3 Str +2
10.+0 +7 +7 +3 Larger than Life

Class Skills: Climb (Str), Craft (Int), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Listen (Wis), Profession (Wis), Spot (Wis), Survival (Wis), Swim (Str)

Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 2 + Int modifier.

Weapons and Armor Proficiencies: The Blackswordsman is proficient in all simple and martial weapons, and with light and medium armor.

Great Swing: The Blackswordsman takes a mighty swing in combat, hitting all opponents in his way. He can hit the three squares in front of him on each attack.

Endurance, Diehard: As the feats in the PHB.

Mighty Swing: The Blackswordsman can move and take a Great Swing in the same round.

That’s too big to be a sword: As the Blackswordsman grows stronger and stronger a puny full blade simply doesn’t cut it, he adds layers of steel to his blade, making the blade larger. This gives the Fullblade a critical range of x4

Imposing Figure (Ex): The Blackswordsman’s mere presence sets his opponents cowering. Using an Intimidate check he can demoralize all opponents within 30 feet with a move action.

Massive Swing: As Mighty Swing but four squares rather than three squares.

Damage Reduction: Blackswordsman gains DR 5/ All

Larger than Life (Ex): Though the Blackswordsman isn’t ten feet tall he sure seems like it, for all instances in which it is beneficial the Black Swordsman is considered Large sized. Also, a glance from his eyes can demoralize all opponents within 30 feet as a free action, not a move action (see imposing figure above).
Stoneraven
06-12-04, 07:48 PM I added some changes, DR and Sentry slayer as suggested, though I'll have to think about cutting the BAB.
Lady Ishtar
06-12-04, 08:15 PM the Str increase is too much, reduce it or reduce BAB

That’s too big to be a sword: get rid of x4 crit multiplier, if you must have it, drop it to x3
Stoneraven
06-12-04, 08:25 PM Originally posted by Lady Ishtar
the Str increase is too much, reduce it or reduce BAB

That’s too big to be a sword: get rid of x4 crit multiplier, if you must have it, drop it to x3

If I drop the Str increase could you suggest an ability to replace it??

What is the Crit Multiplier and damage on full blades anyway?? It's kinda funny trying to work with the full blade idea when I don't actually have a book with it in it.
Lady Ishtar
06-12-04, 08:35 PM maybe just reduce Str increase to +1 instead of +2

fullblade 2d8 19-20 x2 23lbs
Stoneraven
06-12-04, 08:48 PM Originally posted by Lady Ishtar
maybe just reduce Str increase to +1 instead of +2

fullblade 2d8 19-20 x2 23lbs

Bumped the Str to +1 and fixed That's too big to be a sword.
Ramaloke
06-12-04, 09:29 PM I love it, You did a very good job on Gats, :)
Stoneraven
06-12-04, 09:31 PM Originally posted by Ramaloke
I love it, You did a very good job on Gats, :)

Glad you like it.
Lady Ishtar
06-13-04, 01:55 AM looks good
Dagart Anderheim
06-13-04, 03:16 AM Wow great! Normally I just thought of him as a Human Fighter with a full-blade, but your idea is good, and welcome.
I'll save it as a words document, and show it to my brother (the DM) later.
My brother really likes elves, bards, sorcerers, and magic, but strangely enough he said that next time he plays he wants to be a warrior just like Gutz. This PrC will come in handy.
Thanks. Animes Rock!! :bounce:
Stoneraven
06-13-04, 12:01 PM Originally posted by Dagart Anderheim
Wow great! Normally I just thought of him as a Human Fighter with a full-blade, but your idea is good, and welcome.
I'll save it as a words document, and show it to my brother (the DM) later.
My brother really likes elves, bards, sorcerers, and magic, but strangely enough he said that next time he plays he wants to be a warrior just like Gutz. This PrC will come in handy.
Thanks. Animes Rock!! :bounce:

Glad I could help:tiphat:
Stoneraven
09-01-04, 01:13 AM I found a much better pic, one actually of Gatsu from Berserk...hope everyone enjoys.
Stoneraven
10-06-04, 01:37 AM Stupid websites, I'll have to find a reliable website with the pic of Gatsu from Berserk. Any suggestions?
edsonaoki
10-06-04, 09:08 AM Hmm just a note, wasn't full-blade errataed on Sword & Fist Errata? It seems it's now just a huge bastard sword, meaning it can be used one-handed by large creatures with the proper proficiency but it can't be used by medium creatures at all.
Zsasz_Diedne
10-06-04, 11:13 AM Comments to come later, but on a clerical note, his name is Guts, don't let bad subtitling of japanese accents lead you astray.
Stoneraven
10-10-04, 10:16 PM Hmm just a note, wasn't full-blade errataed on Sword & Fist Errata? It seems it's now just a huge bastard sword, meaning it can be used one-handed by large creatures with the proper proficiency but it can't be used by medium creatures at all.

I don't really keep up with errata, so it may have happened. But as we had an assimar wielding a fullblade in a recent game, I can only assume that fullblades are still useable by medium creatures. It's a good question, I'll have to look into it.
Stoneraven
10-10-04, 10:19 PM Comments to come later, but on a clerical note, his name is Guts, don't let bad subtitling of japanese accents lead you astray.

Clerical correction noted, as I had seen the name several different ways I had figured one was as good as another. I'll make it a point to change it.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Stoneraven 06-11-04, 02:38 AM	BLACKSWORDSMAN If you've ever seen or read Berserk you know what I mean. The figure is swathed in black and carries a sword fit for a giant, in combat he is a blur cutting through three men at a swing. He is covered in gore and spraying blood. The sword must weigh as much as he does yet he swings it one handed with such ease that most sane men turn and run when they see him coming. The Blackswordsman is not a a crusader for good or evil, to some he may seem a depraved killer, though deep in his heart he fights for something greater...his own survival. Despite being mostly loners and mercenaries, Blackswordsman often join adventuring groups that they see as strong and capable, though staying somewhat distant from his comrades. Hit Die: 1D10. Requirements: BAB: +8 Feats: Weapon Proficiency (Full Blade), Weapon Focus (Full Blade), Monkey Grip, Power Attack, Cleave, Greater Cleave. Skills: Intimidate 8 ranks. BAB Fort Ref Will Abilities 1. +1 +2 +2 +0 Str +1 2. +2 +3 +3 +0 Great Swing(3 squares) 3. +3 +3 +3 +1 Str +1, Endurance 4. +4 +4 +4 +1 Mighty Swing(Move + Great Swing) 5. +5 +4 +4 +1 That’s too big to be a sword. 6. +6 +5 +5 +2 Str +1, Imposing Figure 7. +7 +5 +5 +2 Diehard 8. +8 +6 +6 +2 DR 5/-, Massive Swing(4 squares) 9. +9 +6 +6 +3 Str +1 10.+10 +7 +7 +3 Larger than Life, Sentry Slayer Class Skills: Climb (Str), Craft (Int), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Listen (Wis), Profession (Wis), Spot (Wis), Survival (Wis), Swim (Str). Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 2 + Int modifier. Weapons and Armor Proficiencies: The Blackswordsman is proficient in all simple and martial weapons, and with light and medium armor. Great Swing: The Blackswordsman takes a mighty swing in combat, hitting all opponents in his way. He can hit the three squares in front of him on each attack. Endurance, Diehard: As the feats in the PHB. Mighty Swing: The Blackswordsman can move and take a Great Swing in the same round. That’s too big to be a sword: As the Blackswordsman grows stronger and stronger a puny full blade simply doesn’t cut it, he adds layers of steel to his blade effectively making the full blade one size category larger (which increases the damage to 3d8, the weight to 50 lbs. and the critical multiplier to x3). Imposing Figure (Ex): The Blackswordsman’s mere presence sets his opponents cowering. Using an Intimidate check he can demoralize all opponents within 30 feet with a single standard action. DR 5/-: The Blackswordsman becomes so tough that he shrugs off normal damage as if it were nothing at all. Massive Swing: As Mighty Swing but four squares rather than three squares. Larger than Life: Though the Blackswordsman isn’t ten feet tall he sure seems like it, for all instances in which it is beneficial the Blackswordsman is considered Large sized. Also, a glance from his eyes can demoralize all opponents within 30 feet as a move action, not a standard action (see imposing figure above). Sentry Slayer: The Blackswordsman reaches the pinnacle of his power, cutting through the multitudes like a farmer mowing the fields. He gains Supreme Cleave. _________________
Lady Ishtar 06-12-04, 10:40 AM	Str bonus is too much, maybe reduce it to a total of +5 and makeit an inherent bonus so it doesnt stack with tomes. That’s too big to be a sword: to make is simpler allow him to use a fullblade thats one size category larger. shouldnt he have an ability called Sentryslayer?
TMPikachu 06-12-04, 10:46 AM	I've always thought of Gats as a high lvl fighter/barb Century Slayer was his title when he killed a hundred men in one campaign. I think fighter/barbarian is all you need to represent Gats. He wears half plate (it seems). Cutting multiple men in half, that's whirlwind attack (he is also increadibly quick with his gigantic sword, improved initiative should be one of his feats) and greater cleave. He would also have expertise, there are many times fatal blows are blocked by his weapon. Toughness and Iron will are also valid options. Gats's greatest asset is his unbreakable will, as he lives constantly resisting the pull of demons on his spirit. Gats also eventually gets heavy-armour to wear, but that's in the latest comic.
Stoneraven 06-12-04, 11:18 AM	You make some good points, though this class will not need to worry about the pull of demon spirits..as only the Chosen have to worry about that. I can see giving him Greater Cleave, and maybe Whirlwind attack..but I always saw Gatsu as more of accomplishing in one swing rather than multiple attacks..so in his first attack he takes down three guys, his second attack that round he takes down three more guys etc. As much as I could see the barbarian aspect of Gatsu i just don't think it warrants making this class a barbarian class, or by representing Gatsu as a Fighter /Barbarian. As for Sentryslayer would you be able to suggest exactly what that would do and what level it should be at??
Lady Ishtar 06-12-04, 11:31 AM	sentryslayer: supreme cleave as long as he can kill an enemy with one hit. how about Favored Enemy: Griffin :D
Alexander_Dane 06-12-04, 12:31 PM	1) I think the str bonus is fine, but the BAB each level sould be set to 0. 2) Thats to big to be a sword, and larger than life skills, should add damage to the fullblades top end, suggesting that its gets bigger is really only aestheic (cool as hell though). 3)Adding whirlwind attack and Greater cleave to requirements / maybe skill focus intimidate would add abit to the class mytique. 4)I agree with Lady Ishtar on Sentry Slayer = Supreme Cleave 5) Damage reduction might be something to add, man does Gatsu shrug off some blows!! BLACKSWORDSMAN Hit Die: 1D10. Requirements: BAB: +8 Feats: Weapon Proficiency (Full Blade), Weapon Focus (Full Blade), Monkey Grip, Power Attack, Cleave, Great Cleave Skills: Intimidate 8 ranks. BAB Fort Ref Will Abilities 1. +0 +2 +2 +0 Str +2 2. +0 +3 +3 +0 Great Swing 3. +0 +3 +3 +1 Str +2, Endurance 4. +0 +4 +4 +1 Mighty Swing 5. +0 +4 +4 +1 That is too big to be a sword. 6. +0 +5 +5 +2 Str +2, Imposing Figure 7. +0 +5 +5 +2 Diehard 8. +0 +6 +6 +2 DR, Massive Swing 9. +0 +6 +6 +3 Str +2 10.+0 +7 +7 +3 Larger than Life Class Skills: Climb (Str), Craft (Int), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Listen (Wis), Profession (Wis), Spot (Wis), Survival (Wis), Swim (Str) Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 2 + Int modifier. Weapons and Armor Proficiencies: The Blackswordsman is proficient in all simple and martial weapons, and with light and medium armor. Great Swing: The Blackswordsman takes a mighty swing in combat, hitting all opponents in his way. He can hit the three squares in front of him on each attack. Endurance, Diehard: As the feats in the PHB. Mighty Swing: The Blackswordsman can move and take a Great Swing in the same round. That’s too big to be a sword: As the Blackswordsman grows stronger and stronger a puny full blade simply doesn’t cut it, he adds layers of steel to his blade, making the blade larger. This gives the Fullblade a critical range of x4 Imposing Figure (Ex): The Blackswordsman’s mere presence sets his opponents cowering. Using an Intimidate check he can demoralize all opponents within 30 feet with a move action. Massive Swing: As Mighty Swing but four squares rather than three squares. Damage Reduction: Blackswordsman gains DR 5/ All Larger than Life (Ex): Though the Blackswordsman isn’t ten feet tall he sure seems like it, for all instances in which it is beneficial the Black Swordsman is considered Large sized. Also, a glance from his eyes can demoralize all opponents within 30 feet as a free action, not a move action (see imposing figure above).
Stoneraven 06-12-04, 07:48 PM	I added some changes, DR and Sentry slayer as suggested, though I'll have to think about cutting the BAB.
Lady Ishtar 06-12-04, 08:15 PM	the Str increase is too much, reduce it or reduce BAB That’s too big to be a sword: get rid of x4 crit multiplier, if you must have it, drop it to x3
Stoneraven 06-12-04, 08:25 PM	Originally posted by Lady Ishtar the Str increase is too much, reduce it or reduce BAB That’s too big to be a sword: get rid of x4 crit multiplier, if you must have it, drop it to x3 If I drop the Str increase could you suggest an ability to replace it?? What is the Crit Multiplier and damage on full blades anyway?? It's kinda funny trying to work with the full blade idea when I don't actually have a book with it in it.
Lady Ishtar 06-12-04, 08:35 PM	maybe just reduce Str increase to +1 instead of +2 fullblade 2d8 19-20 x2 23lbs
Stoneraven 06-12-04, 08:48 PM	Originally posted by Lady Ishtar maybe just reduce Str increase to +1 instead of +2 fullblade 2d8 19-20 x2 23lbs Bumped the Str to +1 and fixed That's too big to be a sword.
Ramaloke 06-12-04, 09:29 PM	I love it, You did a very good job on Gats, :)
Stoneraven 06-12-04, 09:31 PM	Originally posted by Ramaloke I love it, You did a very good job on Gats, :) Glad you like it.
Lady Ishtar 06-13-04, 01:55 AM	looks good
Dagart Anderheim 06-13-04, 03:16 AM	Wow great! Normally I just thought of him as a Human Fighter with a full-blade, but your idea is good, and welcome. I'll save it as a words document, and show it to my brother (the DM) later. My brother really likes elves, bards, sorcerers, and magic, but strangely enough he said that next time he plays he wants to be a warrior just like Gutz. This PrC will come in handy. Thanks. Animes Rock!! :bounce:
Stoneraven 06-13-04, 12:01 PM	Originally posted by Dagart Anderheim Wow great! Normally I just thought of him as a Human Fighter with a full-blade, but your idea is good, and welcome. I'll save it as a words document, and show it to my brother (the DM) later. My brother really likes elves, bards, sorcerers, and magic, but strangely enough he said that next time he plays he wants to be a warrior just like Gutz. This PrC will come in handy. Thanks. Animes Rock!! :bounce: Glad I could help:tiphat:
Stoneraven 09-01-04, 01:13 AM	I found a much better pic, one actually of Gatsu from Berserk...hope everyone enjoys.
Stoneraven 10-06-04, 01:37 AM	Stupid websites, I'll have to find a reliable website with the pic of Gatsu from Berserk. Any suggestions?
edsonaoki 10-06-04, 09:08 AM	Hmm just a note, wasn't full-blade errataed on Sword & Fist Errata? It seems it's now just a huge bastard sword, meaning it can be used one-handed by large creatures with the proper proficiency but it can't be used by medium creatures at all.
Zsasz_Diedne 10-06-04, 11:13 AM	Comments to come later, but on a clerical note, his name is Guts, don't let bad subtitling of japanese accents lead you astray.
Stoneraven 10-10-04, 10:16 PM	Hmm just a note, wasn't full-blade errataed on Sword & Fist Errata? It seems it's now just a huge bastard sword, meaning it can be used one-handed by large creatures with the proper proficiency but it can't be used by medium creatures at all. I don't really keep up with errata, so it may have happened. But as we had an assimar wielding a fullblade in a recent game, I can only assume that fullblades are still useable by medium creatures. It's a good question, I'll have to look into it.
Stoneraven 10-10-04, 10:19 PM	Comments to come later, but on a clerical note, his name is Guts, don't let bad subtitling of japanese accents lead you astray. Clerical correction noted, as I had seen the name several different ways I had figured one was as good as another. I'll make it a point to change it.