Alternate name for CW Samurai [Archive] - Wizards Community

Alternate name for CW Samurai [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Kouk
04-24-07, 11:02 PM I am thinking of having an OA setting soon, and I wanted to allow the Complete Warrior Samurai class (if, for some reason somebody wanted to choose it) but just calling it a Samurai wouldn't work because I want to allow the various OA samurai clans as well.

I would like suggestions on having the CW Samurai be some different kind of clan with a name that would reflect the focus on their kiai shouting and two weapon fighting features, and possibly the staredown/indimidation.

I was thinking it would be like a Lion because of the "roaring" and having two claws, (let's ignore the bite) but Lion is already taken.

My other thoughts are maybe cougar (similar to lion idea), eagle (claws, cry) or elephant (tusks mostly).

Any other ideas?
Steely_Dan
04-25-07, 07:08 AM -Two-Weapon Wanker

-Odd Dwarf Boy

Seriously, though, I once used the class for a special elite force of male drow, and called them Llolth's Honour Guard.
narukagami
04-25-07, 07:27 AM -Two-Weapon Wanker

-Odd Dwarf Boy Some more:
-Worthless

-Weaker than the Fighter

-PoS

-HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHA!

-Failure
Steely_Dan
04-25-07, 07:31 AM Some more:
-Worthless

-Weaker than the Fighter

-PoS

-HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHA!

-Failure

While I agree, and especially like "-HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHA!" we should try and offer the OP a couple of real ideas as well.

…Thinking, thinking…give me a sec…
Lord Gwydion
04-25-07, 08:09 AM Well, considering that your class listed on your character sheet doesn't need to have any sort of relevance to what your character is described as within the game world, why not just list it as "CW Samurai" on the character sheet (assuming someone actually takes it...)?

I mean, someone's likely to pull up the link to that Order of the Stick comic since it makes a valid point. There doesn't need to be the word "Samurai" written on the line of your sheet for character classes to be called a samurai within the game.

Likewise, just because your character class is called "Samurai" doesn't mean it has to be played as a samurai.

From the perspective of characters within the shared imagined space of the game, there are warriors and there are warriors. And if you want your OA world to have a special school or clan to "provide" the CW Samurai's abilities, any name really would work.

And for the players, just a slight notation on the character sheet like "OA Samurai" and "CW Samurai" should be all they need.

P.S. I figured this topic would be likely to open up a can of worms around here. :D
Kouk
04-25-07, 11:27 AM Firstly, I know that the CW Samurai is not considered a "good" class.

Second, I also know you can call them anything you want within the game world, and that is why I am looking for animals - in case, for some reason, somebody wants to pick that class.

The OA Samurai class is separate, but there are enough similarities that I feel I can rename the CW Samurai to have a clan name like the OA Samurai have to differentiate their progressions.
The_Shaman
04-25-07, 11:38 AM I think the CW samurai, as a very restricted archetype, should be a prestige class instead. Most classes allow for more freedom, while prestige classes go for specialization.

As for a name, hmm. I am tempted to put some "knight"-ness into them, but they are not exactly knights. Something generic like "Champion" could do.
Pazu
04-25-07, 12:50 PM I am thinking of having an OA setting soon, and I wanted to allow the Complete Warrior Samurai class (if, for some reason somebody wanted to choose it) but just calling it a Samurai wouldn't work because I want to allow the various OA samurai clans as well.

I would like suggestions on having the CW Samurai be some different kind of clan with a name that would reflect the focus on their kiai shouting and two weapon fighting features, and possibly the staredown/indimidation.

I was thinking it would be like a Lion because of the "roaring" and having two claws, (let's ignore the bite) but Lion is already taken.

My other thoughts are maybe cougar (similar to lion idea), eagle (claws, cry) or elephant (tusks mostly).

Any other ideas?

You could pick something from the shijin animals (the four celestial guardians of the compass). Dragon (east) and Phoenix (south) are already taken, but White Tiger (west) and Black Tortoise (north) are available.
Harkle
04-25-07, 01:23 PM My name for the CW Samurai is "Banned Because it Sucks That Bad"
Jenrock
04-25-07, 03:54 PM ...I mean, someone's likely to pull up the link to that Order of the Stick comic since it makes a valid point. There doesn't need to be the word "Samurai" written on the line of your sheet for character classes to be called a samurai within the game.

You mean this link (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0209.html)?

Likewise, just because your character class is called "Samurai" doesn't mean it has to be played as a samurai.

From the perspective of characters within the shared imagined space of the game, there are warriors and there are warriors. And if you want your OA world to have a special school or clan to "provide" the CW Samurai's abilities, any name really would work.

And for the players, just a slight notation on the character sheet like "OA Samurai" and "CW Samurai" should be all they need...

I quite agree, however, if you really want a new name, just add an adjective in front of samurai, like "dread samurai" or something along those lines.
CaptKillern
04-25-07, 04:12 PM If you are allowing the clans, I would just say the CW samurai is a dragon clan Niten samurai. If you allow Dragon clan feats the class would not be that bad.

Or you could use them as a template for minor clan samurai. This way they are weaker than OA samurai but due to not being from a great clan.

What setting are you using? Our game is kara-tur in FR. But the islands of Wa were replaced with the map from Rokugan. I use classes from Legends of the samurai for Samurai from Kozakura. Maybe you can use the CW samurai for "foreign" samurai from other Japanese like lands...
Sleepwalker13666
04-25-07, 09:59 PM In my game I have both, I call the OA one Samurai and the CW one Bushido Warrior.
Ranger REG
04-26-07, 03:19 AM Because it's Western, I call it Bravos.
Zumarai
04-26-07, 03:35 AM -Zumarai

-Mononofu Wasarau

-Tera-Bushi
Ranger REG
04-26-07, 08:27 PM -Tera-Bushi
-Miso-Bushi :P

P.S. What does "zumarai" translate to in English?
Zumarai
04-27-07, 03:08 AM -Miso-Bushi :P

P.S. What does "zumarai" translate to in English?

Zumarai and Mononofu Wasarau are what Samurai were called before they were called "Samurai".

I don't know the exact century/time period, but I'm sure one of the know it alls in this forum will have the answer. *wink*
robitusinz
04-27-07, 09:48 AM Has anyone here even read Oriental Adventures? The OP is basically just expanded his OA game by tossing in the Samurai from the CW. He wants it to gel with his gameworld, and thus would like to give an "animal" name to that class so that it fits in with the rest of the class.

Here are some suggestions:

Animals from the Chinese Calendar not used in Rokugan:
Ox, **** <--(grown-up word for "Rooster"), Boar, Tiger, Horse, Sheep, Dog

Other animals that you may not want to use:
Rat (Nezumi in game already), Snake (Naga in game already)

Animals from the Five Deadly Venoms: Toad, Lizard, Centipede (minor clan in Rokugan already), Snake (see above), Scorpion (already a major clan in Rokugan)

Other animals in general:
Tortoise, Chimera, Shark, Whale, Elephant/Mammoth, Cobra, Mongoose

Personally, I'd go with Tiger and make them a minor clan directly off-shooted from the Lion clan. Have the Tigers be more of a mix between Lion and Scorpion mentality, sacrificing martial discipline for more devious methods of operations. The Tigers can be less-than-honorable ex-Lions, perhaps specializing in guerrilla tactics (in order to differentiate themselves from the commonly solitary Scorpion-style of deception). They can also be like the "Special Forces" of the Empire, where they use squad-based tactics in covert missions. Instead of Ninjas who are typically solitary assassins, they're more like Navy Seals or Marine Commandos, who operate as a group but use covert/deceptive methods.
Hochiu
04-27-07, 10:50 AM So they'd be like the Hiruma, Daidoji, and every other guerilla-style family in Rokugan? Heh.
CaptKillern
04-27-07, 07:01 PM the only problem is per fluff only the dragon fight with 2 swords... even rangers rarely fight 2 weapon style.

So if it is an off shoot perhaps a clan related to the dragon?

Komodo
Iguana
Fire-lizard
Drake
Serpent
Viper

Or, if you want to use real snake names, this website lists snakes native to Japan:

http://homepage3.nifty.com/japrep/snake/ejaphebi.htm
CaptKillern
04-27-07, 07:05 PM They can also be like the "Special Forces" of the Empire, where they use squad-based tactics in covert missions. Instead of Ninjas who are typically solitary assassins, they're more like Navy Seals or Marine Commandos, who operate as a group but use covert/deceptive methods.

The class doesn't really reflect this though. As others have put, the class is rather lacking, and using it as "special forces" does not seam appropriate.
Ranger REG
04-27-07, 09:25 PM Has anyone here even read Oriental Adventures? The OP is basically just expanded his OA game by tossing in the Samurai from the CW. He wants it to gel with his gameworld, and thus would like to give an "animal" name to that class so that it fits in with the rest of the class.
Cockroach. Stinkbug. Bedmite.
heretic888
04-27-07, 09:36 PM Instead of Ninjas who are typically solitary assassins...

Oh, really?? :smirk:
HK-47 II
04-28-07, 09:31 PM While I don't own CW, I say 'Tainted Samurai' or TSam for the Character Sheet (assuming anyone actually wants to play one), implying that, while they have a sense of Honor, they prefer battlefield power over it, ultimately losing both...
Kouk
04-28-07, 11:11 PM Hehe, Chimera is interesting. Some sort of bastard-child of the other clans that has been cast out for various reasons.
robitusinz
05-04-07, 10:44 AM The class doesn't really reflect this though. As others have put, the class is rather lacking, and using it as "special forces" does not seam appropriate.

LOL, I don't disagree that the class sucks. But just about every other arch-type is already done in Rokugan. Cranes are the stylists, Lions are the militants, Scorpions are the sneaks, Dragons are the weird ones, Crabs are the tough brutes, Phoenix are the smart ones, Unicorns are calvary. What's left?

The CW Samurai does nothing but fight...they use 2 weapons, ok, great, but they're basically just fighters with some BS thrown in. You could give them any sort of role and they'd be just fine. After all, in a campaign world, 90 to 99% of the population are 0-level commoners (yeah, that's exaggerated, but you get my point), so anyone that's even a little better than that is "awesome".

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Kouk 04-24-07, 11:02 PM	I am thinking of having an OA setting soon, and I wanted to allow the Complete Warrior Samurai class (if, for some reason somebody wanted to choose it) but just calling it a Samurai wouldn't work because I want to allow the various OA samurai clans as well. I would like suggestions on having the CW Samurai be some different kind of clan with a name that would reflect the focus on their kiai shouting and two weapon fighting features, and possibly the staredown/indimidation. I was thinking it would be like a Lion because of the "roaring" and having two claws, (let's ignore the bite) but Lion is already taken. My other thoughts are maybe cougar (similar to lion idea), eagle (claws, cry) or elephant (tusks mostly). Any other ideas?
Steely_Dan 04-25-07, 07:08 AM	-Two-Weapon Wanker -Odd Dwarf Boy Seriously, though, I once used the class for a special elite force of male drow, and called them Llolth's Honour Guard.
narukagami 04-25-07, 07:27 AM	-Two-Weapon Wanker -Odd Dwarf Boy Some more: -Worthless -Weaker than the Fighter -PoS -HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHA! -Failure
Steely_Dan 04-25-07, 07:31 AM	Some more: -Worthless -Weaker than the Fighter -PoS -HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHA! -Failure While I agree, and especially like "-HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHA!" we should try and offer the OP a couple of real ideas as well. …Thinking, thinking…give me a sec…
Lord Gwydion 04-25-07, 08:09 AM	Well, considering that your class listed on your character sheet doesn't need to have any sort of relevance to what your character is described as within the game world, why not just list it as "CW Samurai" on the character sheet (assuming someone actually takes it...)? I mean, someone's likely to pull up the link to that Order of the Stick comic since it makes a valid point. There doesn't need to be the word "Samurai" written on the line of your sheet for character classes to be called a samurai within the game. Likewise, just because your character class is called "Samurai" doesn't mean it has to be played as a samurai. From the perspective of characters within the shared imagined space of the game, there are warriors and there are warriors. And if you want your OA world to have a special school or clan to "provide" the CW Samurai's abilities, any name really would work. And for the players, just a slight notation on the character sheet like "OA Samurai" and "CW Samurai" should be all they need. P.S. I figured this topic would be likely to open up a can of worms around here. :D
Kouk 04-25-07, 11:27 AM	Firstly, I know that the CW Samurai is not considered a "good" class. Second, I also know you can call them anything you want within the game world, and that is why I am looking for animals - in case, for some reason, somebody wants to pick that class. The OA Samurai class is separate, but there are enough similarities that I feel I can rename the CW Samurai to have a clan name like the OA Samurai have to differentiate their progressions.
The_Shaman 04-25-07, 11:38 AM	I think the CW samurai, as a very restricted archetype, should be a prestige class instead. Most classes allow for more freedom, while prestige classes go for specialization. As for a name, hmm. I am tempted to put some "knight"-ness into them, but they are not exactly knights. Something generic like "Champion" could do.
Pazu 04-25-07, 12:50 PM	I am thinking of having an OA setting soon, and I wanted to allow the Complete Warrior Samurai class (if, for some reason somebody wanted to choose it) but just calling it a Samurai wouldn't work because I want to allow the various OA samurai clans as well. I would like suggestions on having the CW Samurai be some different kind of clan with a name that would reflect the focus on their kiai shouting and two weapon fighting features, and possibly the staredown/indimidation. I was thinking it would be like a Lion because of the "roaring" and having two claws, (let's ignore the bite) but Lion is already taken. My other thoughts are maybe cougar (similar to lion idea), eagle (claws, cry) or elephant (tusks mostly). Any other ideas? You could pick something from the shijin animals (the four celestial guardians of the compass). Dragon (east) and Phoenix (south) are already taken, but White Tiger (west) and Black Tortoise (north) are available.
Harkle 04-25-07, 01:23 PM	My name for the CW Samurai is "Banned Because it Sucks That Bad"
Jenrock 04-25-07, 03:54 PM	...I mean, someone's likely to pull up the link to that Order of the Stick comic since it makes a valid point. There doesn't need to be the word "Samurai" written on the line of your sheet for character classes to be called a samurai within the game. You mean this link (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0209.html)? Likewise, just because your character class is called "Samurai" doesn't mean it has to be played as a samurai. From the perspective of characters within the shared imagined space of the game, there are warriors and there are warriors. And if you want your OA world to have a special school or clan to "provide" the CW Samurai's abilities, any name really would work. And for the players, just a slight notation on the character sheet like "OA Samurai" and "CW Samurai" should be all they need... I quite agree, however, if you really want a new name, just add an adjective in front of samurai, like "dread samurai" or something along those lines.
CaptKillern 04-25-07, 04:12 PM	If you are allowing the clans, I would just say the CW samurai is a dragon clan Niten samurai. If you allow Dragon clan feats the class would not be that bad. Or you could use them as a template for minor clan samurai. This way they are weaker than OA samurai but due to not being from a great clan. What setting are you using? Our game is kara-tur in FR. But the islands of Wa were replaced with the map from Rokugan. I use classes from Legends of the samurai for Samurai from Kozakura. Maybe you can use the CW samurai for "foreign" samurai from other Japanese like lands...
Sleepwalker13666 04-25-07, 09:59 PM	In my game I have both, I call the OA one Samurai and the CW one Bushido Warrior.
Ranger REG 04-26-07, 03:19 AM	Because it's Western, I call it Bravos.
Zumarai 04-26-07, 03:35 AM	-Zumarai -Mononofu Wasarau -Tera-Bushi
Ranger REG 04-26-07, 08:27 PM	-Tera-Bushi -Miso-Bushi :P P.S. What does "zumarai" translate to in English?
Zumarai 04-27-07, 03:08 AM	-Miso-Bushi :P P.S. What does "zumarai" translate to in English? Zumarai and Mononofu Wasarau are what Samurai were called before they were called "Samurai". I don't know the exact century/time period, but I'm sure one of the know it alls in this forum will have the answer. wink
robitusinz 04-27-07, 09:48 AM	Has anyone here even read Oriental Adventures? The OP is basically just expanded his OA game by tossing in the Samurai from the CW. He wants it to gel with his gameworld, and thus would like to give an "animal" name to that class so that it fits in with the rest of the class. Here are some suggestions: Animals from the Chinese Calendar not used in Rokugan: Ox, **** <--(grown-up word for "Rooster"), Boar, Tiger, Horse, Sheep, Dog Other animals that you may not want to use: Rat (Nezumi in game already), Snake (Naga in game already) Animals from the Five Deadly Venoms: Toad, Lizard, Centipede (minor clan in Rokugan already), Snake (see above), Scorpion (already a major clan in Rokugan) Other animals in general: Tortoise, Chimera, Shark, Whale, Elephant/Mammoth, Cobra, Mongoose Personally, I'd go with Tiger and make them a minor clan directly off-shooted from the Lion clan. Have the Tigers be more of a mix between Lion and Scorpion mentality, sacrificing martial discipline for more devious methods of operations. The Tigers can be less-than-honorable ex-Lions, perhaps specializing in guerrilla tactics (in order to differentiate themselves from the commonly solitary Scorpion-style of deception). They can also be like the "Special Forces" of the Empire, where they use squad-based tactics in covert missions. Instead of Ninjas who are typically solitary assassins, they're more like Navy Seals or Marine Commandos, who operate as a group but use covert/deceptive methods.
Hochiu 04-27-07, 10:50 AM	So they'd be like the Hiruma, Daidoji, and every other guerilla-style family in Rokugan? Heh.
CaptKillern 04-27-07, 07:01 PM	the only problem is per fluff only the dragon fight with 2 swords... even rangers rarely fight 2 weapon style. So if it is an off shoot perhaps a clan related to the dragon? Komodo Iguana Fire-lizard Drake Serpent Viper Or, if you want to use real snake names, this website lists snakes native to Japan: http://homepage3.nifty.com/japrep/snake/ejaphebi.htm
CaptKillern 04-27-07, 07:05 PM	They can also be like the "Special Forces" of the Empire, where they use squad-based tactics in covert missions. Instead of Ninjas who are typically solitary assassins, they're more like Navy Seals or Marine Commandos, who operate as a group but use covert/deceptive methods. The class doesn't really reflect this though. As others have put, the class is rather lacking, and using it as "special forces" does not seam appropriate.
Ranger REG 04-27-07, 09:25 PM	Has anyone here even read Oriental Adventures? The OP is basically just expanded his OA game by tossing in the Samurai from the CW. He wants it to gel with his gameworld, and thus would like to give an "animal" name to that class so that it fits in with the rest of the class. Cockroach. Stinkbug. Bedmite.
heretic888 04-27-07, 09:36 PM	Instead of Ninjas who are typically solitary assassins... Oh, really?? :smirk:
HK-47 II 04-28-07, 09:31 PM	While I don't own CW, I say 'Tainted Samurai' or TSam for the Character Sheet (assuming anyone actually wants to play one), implying that, while they have a sense of Honor, they prefer battlefield power over it, ultimately losing both...
Kouk 04-28-07, 11:11 PM	Hehe, Chimera is interesting. Some sort of bastard-child of the other clans that has been cast out for various reasons.
robitusinz 05-04-07, 10:44 AM	The class doesn't really reflect this though. As others have put, the class is rather lacking, and using it as "special forces" does not seam appropriate. LOL, I don't disagree that the class sucks. But just about every other arch-type is already done in Rokugan. Cranes are the stylists, Lions are the militants, Scorpions are the sneaks, Dragons are the weird ones, Crabs are the tough brutes, Phoenix are the smart ones, Unicorns are calvary. What's left? The CW Samurai does nothing but fight...they use 2 weapons, ok, great, but they're basically just fighters with some BS thrown in. You could give them any sort of role and they'd be just fine. After all, in a campaign world, 90 to 99% of the population are 0-level commoners (yeah, that's exaggerated, but you get my point), so anyone that's even a little better than that is "awesome".