Samurai Redux [Archive] - Wizards Community

Samurai Redux [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
geekmasterflash
04-01-07, 03:27 AM SAMURAI
In the popular imagination, the samurai is a ferocious and volatile warrior, thanks to an inscrutable code of honor that drives him to seemingly random acts of violence and fanaticism. In truth, however, he is a cultured soldier who strives to be courteous, brave, and unswervingly loyal to his overlord.

Adventurers: The Samurai will often take up quests for their lord, no matter what the difficulty. Sometimes a Samurai will lose his master, if such were to occur the will travel the world in search of a new master. If for whatever reason they were directly responsible for the death of his master he then becomes a Ronin.

Characteristics: Samurai’s are very capable warriors, honing their skills whenever possible. They are allowed to use all simple weapons plus all weapons that are considered Oriental.

Alignment: Samurai’s can be of any lawful alignment. However most are of the Lawful Neutral alignment. Either way they are bound by honor no matter what alignment they are. The reason being that they must lead a life of Order.

Religion: The samurai often takes on the patron god of his lord but other will also worship Heironeous or in some cases Kord. But as with every case there will be exceptions.

Background: Samurai learn their combat techniques and the principals of bushido in established, rigorously organized schools. Every family maintains at least one training dojo, if not more.

Races: Any race if available to become a Samurai, as long as they have the requirements and the spirit to serve a master unquestionably. Humans are the most prominent, whereas elves and dwarves are also somewhat common.

Other Classes:
The samurai feels most at home with the other warrior-based classes. He feels he shares a common bond when traveling with them. He is especially curious of the Paladins code of honor.

GAME RULE INFORMATION
Samurai have the following game statistics.
Abilities: Strength is especially important for Samurai because it improves their melee attack and damage rolls. Constitution is important for giving samurai lots of hit points, which they will need in their many battles. Dexterity is important for Samurai who plan to be archers or are lightly armored.
Alignment: Any Lawful
Hit Die: d8
Skill Selection: (4 + Int modifier) x 4
Skill Progression: 4 + Int modifier
Starting Wealth: 6d4 x 10 gp

Class Skills

The Samurai’s Class Skills (and the Key Abilities for each skill) are as follows.

Battle (Wis), Climb (Str), Craft (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Handle Animal (Cha), Iaijutsu Focus (Cha), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Perform (Cha), Profession (Wis), Ride (Dex), Sense Motive (Cha), Swim (Str), and Knowledge (History)(Int) and , Knowledge (nobility and royalty)(Int)

See Chapter 4: Skills for skill descriptions.

Table P-1: The Samurai
Base Attack Fort Ref Will
Level Bonus Save Save Save Special
1 +1 +2 +2 +0 Honor’s Challenge
2 +2 +3 +3 +0 Clan Feat
3 +3 +3 +3 +1 Kiai Smite 1/day
4 +4 +4 +4 +1 Honor’s Challenge: Test of Mettle
5 +5 +4 +4 +1 Clan Feat
6 +6/1 +5 +5 +2
7 +7/2 +5 +5 +2 Kiai Smite 2/day
8 +8/3 +6 +6 +2 Clan Feat
9 +9/4 +6 +6 +3 Honor’s Challenge: Call to Battle
10 +10/5 +7 +7 +3
11 +11/6/1 +7 +7 +3 Clan Feat
12 +12/7/2 +8 +8 +4 Kiai Smite 3/day
13 +13/8/3 +8 +8 +4 Honor’s Challenge: Daunting Challenge
14 +14/9/4 +9 +9 +4 -
15 +15/10/5 +9 +9 +5 Clan Feat
16 +16/11/6/1 +10 +10 +5 Bond of Loyalty
17 +17/12/7/2 +10 +10 +5 Kiai Smite 4/day
18 +18/13/8/3 +11 +11 +6 Clan Feat
19 +19/14/9/4 +11 +11 +6
20 +20/15/10/5 +12 +12 +6 Loyal Beyond Death

Class Features
All of the following are class features of the Samurai.
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Samurai are proficient with all simple and martial weapons and with light and medium armor. Samurai are not proficient with shields. Note that armor check penalties for armor heavier than leather apply to the skills Balance, Climb, Escape Artist, Hide, Jump, Move Silently, Pick Pocket, and Tumble. Also Swim checks suffer a -1 penalty for every 5 pounds of armor and equipment carried.

Honor’s Challenge: Starting at 1st level, a samurai gains the power to call out a foe and gain various advantages in combat. The subject of the challenge must meet certain requirements as noted in the Knight class description.

As the samurai gains levels in the class, these advantages become more potent. The samurai can use this ability a number of times per day equal to half his samurai class level + his Charisma bonus (minimum once per day). Each of the effects described below consumes one daily use of the samurai's challenge ability.

At 1st level, a samurai can issue a fighting challenge against a single foe as a swift action. The samurai gets a boost from the challenge and gains a +1 morale bonus on Will saves and a +1 morale bonus on attack and damage rolls against the challenged foe. If the foe defeats the samurai (by reducing his to 0 hit points or less), the samurai loses two uses of his Honor's challenge ability because of the blow to his ego. The effect of a fighting challenge lasts for a number of rounds equal to 5 + your Charisma bonus (if any).

At 7th level, the bonus from this ability increases to +2. At 13th level, it rises to +3. At 19th level, it increases to +4.

Starting at 4th level, a samurai can issue a test of mettle. This is a general challenge to all foes within 100 feet. Affected creatures must make Will saves (DC 10 + 1/2 samurai level + the samurai's Cha modifier). Creatures that fail this save are forced to attack the samurai with their ranged or melee attacks (or spells or special attacks) in preference over other available targets. Using this power is a swift action.

If the samurai is reduced to 0 or fewer hit points by any opponent forced to attack his through this ability, he experiences a burst of confidence (from facing a slew of foes) and an additional use of his samurai's challenge ability for the current day.

Starting at 9th level, a samurai can issue a call to battle, which makes his an inspiring figure to an ally. As a swift action, the samurai grants one ally an extra save against a fear effect (after failing the initial save against the effect). The ally gains a bonus on the extra save equal to the samurai's Charisma bonus (if any). If the second save succeeds, the ally gains the benefits of a successful save against the fear effect.

Starting at 13th level, a samurai can issue a daunting challenge as a swift action. Like a test of mettle, this is a general challenge to all foes within 100 feet. Affected creatures must make Will saves (DC 10 + 1/2 samurai level + the samurai's Cha modifier). Creatures that fail this save are shaken.

Clan Feats: At second level the Samurai gets a clan feat. Every time the Samurai gains a Clan feat, he must choose a feat from the Clan Feat list.

Badger: Armor proficiency (Heavy), Endurance, Great Fortitude, Power Attack, Cleave, Improved Bull Rush, Sunder, Great Cleave, Toughness, Weapon Focus (Ono, die tsuchi, katana)

Bat: Blind Fight, Dodge, Iron Will, Mobility, Quick Draw, Skill Focus (Spell craft), Exotic Weapon Proficiency (chijiriki, kusari-gama, kawanga, lajatang, manriki-gusari, parangu, shikomizue, tankoji), Weapon Focus (Kama, nunchuku, yari, nagamaki, chijiriki, kusari-gama, kawanga, lajatang, manriki-gusari, parangu, shikomizue, tankoji)

Boar: Armor proficiency (Heavy), Endurance, Power Attack,
Cleave, Improved Bull Rush, Sunder, Great Cleave, Skill Focus (Craft: armor smiting), Weapon Focus (Warhammer, mai chong, katana)

Centipede: Alertness, Combat Reflexes, Expertise, Improved Disarm, Improved Trip, Whirlwind Attack, Weapon Focus (Katana)

Crab: Armor Proficiency (Heavy), Dodge, Mobility, Spring Attack, Endurance, Power Attack, Cleave, Improved Bull Rush, Sunder, Great Cleave, Run, Toughness, Weapon Focus (battle axe, greatclub, katana, and warhammer)

Crane: Dodge, Mobility, Spring Attack, Expertise, Improved Disarm, Improved Trip, Whirlwind Attack, Improved Initiative, Quick Draw, Skill Focus (Iaijutsu Focus), Toughness, Weapon Focus (Katana)

Dragon: Improved Grapple, Choke Hold, Improved Unarmed Strike, Defensive Throw, Deflect Arrows, Grappling Block, Great Throw, Stunning Fist, Two Weapon fighting, Improved Two weapon fighting, Greater Improved Two Weapon Fighting, Weapon focus (Katana, Wakizashi)

Dragonfly: Iron Will, Point Blank Shot, Far Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Shot, Shot on the Run, Toughness, Void Use, Weapon Focus (katana, yumi)

Falcon: Alertness, Skill Focus (Knowledge (ghosts), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Power Attack, Cleave, Improved Bull Rush, Sunder, Great Cleave, Weapon Focus (katana, tetsubo)

Fox: Alertness, Dodge, Expertise, Improved Disarm, Improved Trip, Whirlwind Attack, Mobility, Spring Attack, Run, Weapon Focus (katana)

Hare: Blindfighting, Dodge, Expertise, Improved Disarm, Improved Trip, Whirlwind Attack, Mobility, Spring Attack, Run, Weapon Focus (Katana)
Imperial Families: Select Clan of choice.

Lion: Endurance, Expertise, Improved Disarm, Improved Trip, Whirlwind attack, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Ki Shout, Great Ki Shout, Remain conscious, Skill Focus (Battle), Toughness, Weapon Focus (katana)

Mantis: Two weapon fighting, Power Attack, Cleave, Improved Bull Rush, Sunder, Great Cleave, Exotic Weapon Proficiency (chijiriki, kusari-gama, kawanga, lajatang, manriki-gusari, parangu, shikomizue, tankoji), Improved Two Weapon fighting, Weapon Focus (chijiriki, kusari-gama, kawanga, lajatang, manriki-gusari, parangu, shikomizue, tankoji)
Monkey: Alertness, Blight-Fight, Combat Reflexes, Dodge, Improved Initiative, Leadership, Mobility, Spring Attack, Weapon Focus (Katana)

Ox: Improved Initiative, Mounted Combat, Mounted Archery, Ride-by-attack, Spirited Charge, Trample, Quick Draw, Weapon Focus (katana)

Oriole: Endurance, Power Attack, Cleave, Improved Bull Rush, Sunder, Great Cleave, Skill Focus (Craft: weapon smiting), Weapon Focus (katana)

Phoenix: Alertness, Blind-Fight, Combat Reflexes, Expertise, Improved Disarm, Improved Trip, Whirlwind Attack, Great Fortitude, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Quick Draw, Weapon Focus (Katana)

Scorpion: Blind-fight, Dodge, Mobility, Spring Attack, Expertise, Improved Disarm, Improved Trip, Whirlwind Attack, Improved Initiative, Prone Attack, Quick Draw, Weapon Focus (Katana)

Snake: Blind Fight, Dodge, Iron Will, Mobility, Quick Draw, Skill Focus (Spell craft), Weapon Focus (Katana)

Sparrow: Dodge, Expertise, Improved Disarm, Improved Trip, Whirlwind Attack, Mobility, Skill Focus (Iaijutsu Focus), Weapon Focus (Katana)

Tortoise: Expertise, Improved Disarm, Improved Trip, Whirlwind Attack, Quick Draw, Prone Attack, Weapon Focus (Katana)

Unicorn: Alertness, Mounted Combat, Mounted Archery, Trample, Ride-By Attack, Spirited Charge, Point Blank Shot, Far Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Shot, Shot on the Run, Weapon Focus (Spear, Lance, Bow, Katana)

Wasp: There are no Samurai in the Wasp.

Ronin: Any fighter feats.

Kiai Smite: Starting at 3rd level, a samurai can shout once per day to improve his combat prowess. When he does so, he gains a bonus equal to his Charisma bonus (but always at least +1) on his attack and damage roll for one attack. At higher levels, he can use his kiai shout more often.

Bond of Loyalty: Starting at 16th level, a samurai gains a bond of loyalty. This allows the samurai to attempt a second saving throw if he fails a saving throw against any mind-affecting attack or effect. If the second save succeeds, the samurai gains the benefits of a successful save against the mind-affecting effect. Using this power is a free action.

Loyal Beyond Death: Starting at 20th level, a samurai becomes loyal beyond death. As a free action, he can act for one round even when reduced to –10 hit points or less, provided that his body remains more or less intact.
geekmasterflash
04-01-07, 07:23 PM Any thoughts?
Ranger REG
04-01-07, 10:54 PM You had me until "Clan Feats." Then I moved on. :devil:
geekmasterflash
04-03-07, 04:36 AM You had me until "Clan Feats." Then I moved on. :devil:

Historically, Samurai have been involved in the clan warfare of Japan since their inception. Despite the Rokugan flavor, you can simply change the name of the clans to what ever you feel like. For a historic example, change "Lion" to "Shimazu."
Darth Sephiroth
04-03-07, 04:49 AM Or simply remove the clan feats seperation and allow them all.
Lord Gwydion
04-03-07, 08:06 AM Or rename them as Fighting Schools or something similar, and assume it's how that Samurai trains, and others within his clan may or may not train in a similar manner.
Ranger REG
04-03-07, 10:04 PM Or rename them as Fighting Schools or something similar, and assume it's how that Samurai trains, and others within his clan may or may not train in a similar manner.
Bingo!
Rogue Shadows
04-04-07, 10:43 AM ...

...idle question: am I the only person at this baord that doesn't mind the idea of running an OA game as "D&D in funny hats"?
Ranger REG
04-05-07, 02:16 AM ...

...idle question: am I the only person at this baord that doesn't mind the idea of running an OA game as "D&D in funny hats"?
No, you're the only person who can't spell "board." :evillaugh

Beside, they're not funny hats. They're artistically beautiful, if not functional, compared to the European pig-faced bascinet.

And so begins the long-running debate of Eastern helm vs Western helm that will lead to many, many thread cancellations as the katana debates hereafter...
Azzy
04-07-07, 02:41 PM No, you're the only person who can't spell "board." :evillaugh

Beside, they're not funny hats. They're artistically beautiful, if not functional, compared to the European pig-faced bascinet.

Um....

http://www.geocities.com/azuchiwind/abe_seimei_portrait_20thcentury.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/nobukaze23/sui_dynasty_china_emperor.jpg

http://www.imaginatorium.org/shop/pics/y101027det.jpg

And so begins the long-running debate of Eastern helm vs Western helm that will lead to many, many thread cancellations as the katana debates hereafter...

But I thought we were talking about hats.
Ranger REG
04-07-07, 10:52 PM :uh-huh:

Yeah, and if I could, I would wear them.
The_Shaman
04-08-07, 02:34 PM I might, once or twice per year. Is this an attempt to combine the OA and CW samurai? Anyway, I liked samurai more with a higher will save. They strived - supposedly - for discipline no less than for quick reflexes.

"In the popular imagination, the samurai is a ferocious and volatile warrior, thanks to an inscrutable code of honor that drives him to seemingly random acts of violence and fanaticism. In truth, however, he is a cultured soldier who strives to be courteous, brave, and unswervingly loyal to his overlord."

Actually, to the best of my knowledge it was more like the opposite, except for the fanaticism:rolleyes: . Weren't many crucial battles in Medieval Japan impacted by the defection of one general or another?
Ranger REG
04-09-07, 01:56 AM I might, once or twice per year. Is this an attempt to combine the OA and CW samurai?
More like making an Samurai version of the Knight class from PHB II.
MarkSamurai
04-09-07, 12:24 PM samurai hit die d8?!?! c'mon dude hit die d10 was better imo
geekmasterflash
04-09-07, 01:00 PM samurai hit die d8?!?! c'mon dude hit die d10 was better imo

The ranger has to live with a d8, and less available feats. This samurai gets a rangers HD, a rangers armor proficency, automatic ability to use a katana and wakizashi, as well as crowd control abilitys that the knight gets...only twice as deadly, because it has not only Ki-Smite, but iaijutsu focus as a class skill.

Challenge, declare smite, roll iaijutsu, and what ever you just challenged is dead.
narukagami
04-09-07, 01:42 PM The ranger has to live with a d8, and less available feats. This samurai gets a rangers HD, a rangers armor proficency, automatic ability to use a katana and wakizashi, as well as crowd control abilitys that the knight gets...only twice as deadly, because it has not only Ki-Smite, but iaijutsu focus as a class skill.

Challenge, declare smite, roll iaijutsu, and what ever you just challenged is dead. And the knight gets Heavy armor, ac boosts while using a shield, and a d12 HD. I think a d10 would be balanced even with IF. IF can only be used in the very first round of combat, and only if you win initiative, and if your opponent is in melee range. Unless your DM allows that blurstrike cheese, and even then forgets the whole "attack immediately after the melee weapon is drawn" rule.
Azzy
04-09-07, 01:50 PM :uh-huh:

Yeah, and if I could, I would wear them.

Hey, they'd be perfect conversation starters. And if you can pick up a date while wearing one, you get ultra bragging rights. :)

~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O ~

On a more on topic note....

Considering that I don't care for the knight class, swashbuckler class, etc. I'm not incline to groove on this version of the samurai (though no fault to you, geekmasterflash). I'm of the belief that the samurai, knight, swashbuckler and other various straight warrior concepts (as opposed to supernatural warriors like paladins, rangers and duskblades) should just be roled into the fighter class--and the fighter class subsequently overhauled to A) handle each of these concepts and B) be balanced with spellcasting classes--maybe going the martial adept route (can't really comment on that, I don't have ToB yet).

But again, I'm the wrong audience for a proposed samurai class, so take my comments in context with that. ;)
Matthew_
04-17-07, 03:45 PM I tend to agree. The increasing tendency towards Specialised Base Classes seems like it would have been better handled by modified Fighters and associated Feat Trees.
tedopon
04-17-07, 06:09 PM No, you're the only person who can't spell "board." :evillaugh

[/i]

You should go over to the Star Wars boards for awhile. Illiteracy is nearly a prerequisite for posting.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
geekmasterflash 04-01-07, 03:27 AM	SAMURAI In the popular imagination, the samurai is a ferocious and volatile warrior, thanks to an inscrutable code of honor that drives him to seemingly random acts of violence and fanaticism. In truth, however, he is a cultured soldier who strives to be courteous, brave, and unswervingly loyal to his overlord. Adventurers: The Samurai will often take up quests for their lord, no matter what the difficulty. Sometimes a Samurai will lose his master, if such were to occur the will travel the world in search of a new master. If for whatever reason they were directly responsible for the death of his master he then becomes a Ronin. Characteristics: Samurai’s are very capable warriors, honing their skills whenever possible. They are allowed to use all simple weapons plus all weapons that are considered Oriental. Alignment: Samurai’s can be of any lawful alignment. However most are of the Lawful Neutral alignment. Either way they are bound by honor no matter what alignment they are. The reason being that they must lead a life of Order. Religion: The samurai often takes on the patron god of his lord but other will also worship Heironeous or in some cases Kord. But as with every case there will be exceptions. Background: Samurai learn their combat techniques and the principals of bushido in established, rigorously organized schools. Every family maintains at least one training dojo, if not more. Races: Any race if available to become a Samurai, as long as they have the requirements and the spirit to serve a master unquestionably. Humans are the most prominent, whereas elves and dwarves are also somewhat common. Other Classes: The samurai feels most at home with the other warrior-based classes. He feels he shares a common bond when traveling with them. He is especially curious of the Paladins code of honor. GAME RULE INFORMATION Samurai have the following game statistics. Abilities: Strength is especially important for Samurai because it improves their melee attack and damage rolls. Constitution is important for giving samurai lots of hit points, which they will need in their many battles. Dexterity is important for Samurai who plan to be archers or are lightly armored. Alignment: Any Lawful Hit Die: d8 Skill Selection: (4 + Int modifier) x 4 Skill Progression: 4 + Int modifier Starting Wealth: 6d4 x 10 gp Class Skills The Samurai’s Class Skills (and the Key Abilities for each skill) are as follows. Battle (Wis), Climb (Str), Craft (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Handle Animal (Cha), Iaijutsu Focus (Cha), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Perform (Cha), Profession (Wis), Ride (Dex), Sense Motive (Cha), Swim (Str), and Knowledge (History)(Int) and , Knowledge (nobility and royalty)(Int) See Chapter 4: Skills for skill descriptions. Table P-1: The Samurai Base Attack Fort Ref Will Level Bonus Save Save Save Special 1 +1 +2 +2 +0 Honor’s Challenge 2 +2 +3 +3 +0 Clan Feat 3 +3 +3 +3 +1 Kiai Smite 1/day 4 +4 +4 +4 +1 Honor’s Challenge: Test of Mettle 5 +5 +4 +4 +1 Clan Feat 6 +6/1 +5 +5 +2 7 +7/2 +5 +5 +2 Kiai Smite 2/day 8 +8/3 +6 +6 +2 Clan Feat 9 +9/4 +6 +6 +3 Honor’s Challenge: Call to Battle 10 +10/5 +7 +7 +3 11 +11/6/1 +7 +7 +3 Clan Feat 12 +12/7/2 +8 +8 +4 Kiai Smite 3/day 13 +13/8/3 +8 +8 +4 Honor’s Challenge: Daunting Challenge 14 +14/9/4 +9 +9 +4 - 15 +15/10/5 +9 +9 +5 Clan Feat 16 +16/11/6/1 +10 +10 +5 Bond of Loyalty 17 +17/12/7/2 +10 +10 +5 Kiai Smite 4/day 18 +18/13/8/3 +11 +11 +6 Clan Feat 19 +19/14/9/4 +11 +11 +6 20 +20/15/10/5 +12 +12 +6 Loyal Beyond Death Class Features All of the following are class features of the Samurai. Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Samurai are proficient with all simple and martial weapons and with light and medium armor. Samurai are not proficient with shields. Note that armor check penalties for armor heavier than leather apply to the skills Balance, Climb, Escape Artist, Hide, Jump, Move Silently, Pick Pocket, and Tumble. Also Swim checks suffer a -1 penalty for every 5 pounds of armor and equipment carried. Honor’s Challenge: Starting at 1st level, a samurai gains the power to call out a foe and gain various advantages in combat. The subject of the challenge must meet certain requirements as noted in the Knight class description. As the samurai gains levels in the class, these advantages become more potent. The samurai can use this ability a number of times per day equal to half his samurai class level + his Charisma bonus (minimum once per day). Each of the effects described below consumes one daily use of the samurai's challenge ability. At 1st level, a samurai can issue a fighting challenge against a single foe as a swift action. The samurai gets a boost from the challenge and gains a +1 morale bonus on Will saves and a +1 morale bonus on attack and damage rolls against the challenged foe. If the foe defeats the samurai (by reducing his to 0 hit points or less), the samurai loses two uses of his Honor's challenge ability because of the blow to his ego. The effect of a fighting challenge lasts for a number of rounds equal to 5 + your Charisma bonus (if any). At 7th level, the bonus from this ability increases to +2. At 13th level, it rises to +3. At 19th level, it increases to +4. Starting at 4th level, a samurai can issue a test of mettle. This is a general challenge to all foes within 100 feet. Affected creatures must make Will saves (DC 10 + 1/2 samurai level + the samurai's Cha modifier). Creatures that fail this save are forced to attack the samurai with their ranged or melee attacks (or spells or special attacks) in preference over other available targets. Using this power is a swift action. If the samurai is reduced to 0 or fewer hit points by any opponent forced to attack his through this ability, he experiences a burst of confidence (from facing a slew of foes) and an additional use of his samurai's challenge ability for the current day. Starting at 9th level, a samurai can issue a call to battle, which makes his an inspiring figure to an ally. As a swift action, the samurai grants one ally an extra save against a fear effect (after failing the initial save against the effect). The ally gains a bonus on the extra save equal to the samurai's Charisma bonus (if any). If the second save succeeds, the ally gains the benefits of a successful save against the fear effect. Starting at 13th level, a samurai can issue a daunting challenge as a swift action. Like a test of mettle, this is a general challenge to all foes within 100 feet. Affected creatures must make Will saves (DC 10 + 1/2 samurai level + the samurai's Cha modifier). Creatures that fail this save are shaken. Clan Feats: At second level the Samurai gets a clan feat. Every time the Samurai gains a Clan feat, he must choose a feat from the Clan Feat list. Badger: Armor proficiency (Heavy), Endurance, Great Fortitude, Power Attack, Cleave, Improved Bull Rush, Sunder, Great Cleave, Toughness, Weapon Focus (Ono, die tsuchi, katana) Bat: Blind Fight, Dodge, Iron Will, Mobility, Quick Draw, Skill Focus (Spell craft), Exotic Weapon Proficiency (chijiriki, kusari-gama, kawanga, lajatang, manriki-gusari, parangu, shikomizue, tankoji), Weapon Focus (Kama, nunchuku, yari, nagamaki, chijiriki, kusari-gama, kawanga, lajatang, manriki-gusari, parangu, shikomizue, tankoji) Boar: Armor proficiency (Heavy), Endurance, Power Attack, Cleave, Improved Bull Rush, Sunder, Great Cleave, Skill Focus (Craft: armor smiting), Weapon Focus (Warhammer, mai chong, katana) Centipede: Alertness, Combat Reflexes, Expertise, Improved Disarm, Improved Trip, Whirlwind Attack, Weapon Focus (Katana) Crab: Armor Proficiency (Heavy), Dodge, Mobility, Spring Attack, Endurance, Power Attack, Cleave, Improved Bull Rush, Sunder, Great Cleave, Run, Toughness, Weapon Focus (battle axe, greatclub, katana, and warhammer) Crane: Dodge, Mobility, Spring Attack, Expertise, Improved Disarm, Improved Trip, Whirlwind Attack, Improved Initiative, Quick Draw, Skill Focus (Iaijutsu Focus), Toughness, Weapon Focus (Katana) Dragon: Improved Grapple, Choke Hold, Improved Unarmed Strike, Defensive Throw, Deflect Arrows, Grappling Block, Great Throw, Stunning Fist, Two Weapon fighting, Improved Two weapon fighting, Greater Improved Two Weapon Fighting, Weapon focus (Katana, Wakizashi) Dragonfly: Iron Will, Point Blank Shot, Far Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Shot, Shot on the Run, Toughness, Void Use, Weapon Focus (katana, yumi) Falcon: Alertness, Skill Focus (Knowledge (ghosts), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Power Attack, Cleave, Improved Bull Rush, Sunder, Great Cleave, Weapon Focus (katana, tetsubo) Fox: Alertness, Dodge, Expertise, Improved Disarm, Improved Trip, Whirlwind Attack, Mobility, Spring Attack, Run, Weapon Focus (katana) Hare: Blindfighting, Dodge, Expertise, Improved Disarm, Improved Trip, Whirlwind Attack, Mobility, Spring Attack, Run, Weapon Focus (Katana) Imperial Families: Select Clan of choice. Lion: Endurance, Expertise, Improved Disarm, Improved Trip, Whirlwind attack, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Ki Shout, Great Ki Shout, Remain conscious, Skill Focus (Battle), Toughness, Weapon Focus (katana) Mantis: Two weapon fighting, Power Attack, Cleave, Improved Bull Rush, Sunder, Great Cleave, Exotic Weapon Proficiency (chijiriki, kusari-gama, kawanga, lajatang, manriki-gusari, parangu, shikomizue, tankoji), Improved Two Weapon fighting, Weapon Focus (chijiriki, kusari-gama, kawanga, lajatang, manriki-gusari, parangu, shikomizue, tankoji) Monkey: Alertness, Blight-Fight, Combat Reflexes, Dodge, Improved Initiative, Leadership, Mobility, Spring Attack, Weapon Focus (Katana) Ox: Improved Initiative, Mounted Combat, Mounted Archery, Ride-by-attack, Spirited Charge, Trample, Quick Draw, Weapon Focus (katana) Oriole: Endurance, Power Attack, Cleave, Improved Bull Rush, Sunder, Great Cleave, Skill Focus (Craft: weapon smiting), Weapon Focus (katana) Phoenix: Alertness, Blind-Fight, Combat Reflexes, Expertise, Improved Disarm, Improved Trip, Whirlwind Attack, Great Fortitude, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Quick Draw, Weapon Focus (Katana) Scorpion: Blind-fight, Dodge, Mobility, Spring Attack, Expertise, Improved Disarm, Improved Trip, Whirlwind Attack, Improved Initiative, Prone Attack, Quick Draw, Weapon Focus (Katana) Snake: Blind Fight, Dodge, Iron Will, Mobility, Quick Draw, Skill Focus (Spell craft), Weapon Focus (Katana) Sparrow: Dodge, Expertise, Improved Disarm, Improved Trip, Whirlwind Attack, Mobility, Skill Focus (Iaijutsu Focus), Weapon Focus (Katana) Tortoise: Expertise, Improved Disarm, Improved Trip, Whirlwind Attack, Quick Draw, Prone Attack, Weapon Focus (Katana) Unicorn: Alertness, Mounted Combat, Mounted Archery, Trample, Ride-By Attack, Spirited Charge, Point Blank Shot, Far Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Shot, Shot on the Run, Weapon Focus (Spear, Lance, Bow, Katana) Wasp: There are no Samurai in the Wasp. Ronin: Any fighter feats. Kiai Smite: Starting at 3rd level, a samurai can shout once per day to improve his combat prowess. When he does so, he gains a bonus equal to his Charisma bonus (but always at least +1) on his attack and damage roll for one attack. At higher levels, he can use his kiai shout more often. Bond of Loyalty: Starting at 16th level, a samurai gains a bond of loyalty. This allows the samurai to attempt a second saving throw if he fails a saving throw against any mind-affecting attack or effect. If the second save succeeds, the samurai gains the benefits of a successful save against the mind-affecting effect. Using this power is a free action. Loyal Beyond Death: Starting at 20th level, a samurai becomes loyal beyond death. As a free action, he can act for one round even when reduced to –10 hit points or less, provided that his body remains more or less intact.
geekmasterflash 04-01-07, 07:23 PM	Any thoughts?
Ranger REG 04-01-07, 10:54 PM	You had me until "Clan Feats." Then I moved on. :devil:
geekmasterflash 04-03-07, 04:36 AM	You had me until "Clan Feats." Then I moved on. :devil: Historically, Samurai have been involved in the clan warfare of Japan since their inception. Despite the Rokugan flavor, you can simply change the name of the clans to what ever you feel like. For a historic example, change "Lion" to "Shimazu."
Darth Sephiroth 04-03-07, 04:49 AM	Or simply remove the clan feats seperation and allow them all.
Lord Gwydion 04-03-07, 08:06 AM	Or rename them as Fighting Schools or something similar, and assume it's how that Samurai trains, and others within his clan may or may not train in a similar manner.
Ranger REG 04-03-07, 10:04 PM	Or rename them as Fighting Schools or something similar, and assume it's how that Samurai trains, and others within his clan may or may not train in a similar manner. Bingo!
Rogue Shadows 04-04-07, 10:43 AM	... ...idle question: am I the only person at this baord that doesn't mind the idea of running an OA game as "D&D in funny hats"?
Ranger REG 04-05-07, 02:16 AM	... ...idle question: am I the only person at this baord that doesn't mind the idea of running an OA game as "D&D in funny hats"? No, you're the only person who can't spell "board." :evillaugh Beside, they're not funny hats. They're artistically beautiful, if not functional, compared to the European pig-faced bascinet. And so begins the long-running debate of Eastern helm vs Western helm that will lead to many, many thread cancellations as the katana debates hereafter...
Azzy 04-07-07, 02:41 PM	No, you're the only person who can't spell "board." :evillaugh Beside, they're not funny hats. They're artistically beautiful, if not functional, compared to the European pig-faced bascinet. Um.... http://www.geocities.com/azuchiwind/abe_seimei_portrait_20thcentury.jpg http://www.geocities.com/nobukaze23/sui_dynasty_china_emperor.jpg http://www.imaginatorium.org/shop/pics/y101027det.jpg And so begins the long-running debate of Eastern helm vs Western helm that will lead to many, many thread cancellations as the katana debates hereafter... But I thought we were talking about hats.
Ranger REG 04-07-07, 10:52 PM	:uh-huh: Yeah, and if I could, I would wear them.
The_Shaman 04-08-07, 02:34 PM	I might, once or twice per year. Is this an attempt to combine the OA and CW samurai? Anyway, I liked samurai more with a higher will save. They strived - supposedly - for discipline no less than for quick reflexes. "In the popular imagination, the samurai is a ferocious and volatile warrior, thanks to an inscrutable code of honor that drives him to seemingly random acts of violence and fanaticism. In truth, however, he is a cultured soldier who strives to be courteous, brave, and unswervingly loyal to his overlord." Actually, to the best of my knowledge it was more like the opposite, except for the fanaticism:rolleyes: . Weren't many crucial battles in Medieval Japan impacted by the defection of one general or another?
Ranger REG 04-09-07, 01:56 AM	I might, once or twice per year. Is this an attempt to combine the OA and CW samurai? More like making an Samurai version of the Knight class from PHB II.
MarkSamurai 04-09-07, 12:24 PM	samurai hit die d8?!?! c'mon dude hit die d10 was better imo
geekmasterflash 04-09-07, 01:00 PM	samurai hit die d8?!?! c'mon dude hit die d10 was better imo The ranger has to live with a d8, and less available feats. This samurai gets a rangers HD, a rangers armor proficency, automatic ability to use a katana and wakizashi, as well as crowd control abilitys that the knight gets...only twice as deadly, because it has not only Ki-Smite, but iaijutsu focus as a class skill. Challenge, declare smite, roll iaijutsu, and what ever you just challenged is dead.
narukagami 04-09-07, 01:42 PM	The ranger has to live with a d8, and less available feats. This samurai gets a rangers HD, a rangers armor proficency, automatic ability to use a katana and wakizashi, as well as crowd control abilitys that the knight gets...only twice as deadly, because it has not only Ki-Smite, but iaijutsu focus as a class skill. Challenge, declare smite, roll iaijutsu, and what ever you just challenged is dead. And the knight gets Heavy armor, ac boosts while using a shield, and a d12 HD. I think a d10 would be balanced even with IF. IF can only be used in the very first round of combat, and only if you win initiative, and if your opponent is in melee range. Unless your DM allows that blurstrike cheese, and even then forgets the whole "attack immediately after the melee weapon is drawn" rule.
Azzy 04-09-07, 01:50 PM	:uh-huh: Yeah, and if I could, I would wear them. Hey, they'd be perfect conversation starters. And if you can pick up a date while wearing one, you get ultra bragging rights. :) ~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O ~ On a more on topic note.... Considering that I don't care for the knight class, swashbuckler class, etc. I'm not incline to groove on this version of the samurai (though no fault to you, geekmasterflash). I'm of the belief that the samurai, knight, swashbuckler and other various straight warrior concepts (as opposed to supernatural warriors like paladins, rangers and duskblades) should just be roled into the fighter class--and the fighter class subsequently overhauled to A) handle each of these concepts and B) be balanced with spellcasting classes--maybe going the martial adept route (can't really comment on that, I don't have ToB yet). But again, I'm the wrong audience for a proposed samurai class, so take my comments in context with that. ;)
Matthew_ 04-17-07, 03:45 PM	I tend to agree. The increasing tendency towards Specialised Base Classes seems like it would have been better handled by modified Fighters and associated Feat Trees.
tedopon 04-17-07, 06:09 PM	No, you're the only person who can't spell "board." :evillaugh [/i] You should go over to the Star Wars boards for awhile. Illiteracy is nearly a prerequisite for posting.