Samurai
CLASS TRAITS
Role: Defender. You are very tough and have the exceptional ability to contain enemies in melee.
Power Source: Ki. You have become a master of combat through endless hours of practice, determination, and your own powerful connection with your soul.
Key Abilities: Strength, Dexterity, Wisdom, Constitution
Armor Proficiencies: Cloth, Leather, Hide, Chainmail, Scale.
Weapon Proficiencies: Simple melee, military melee, simple ranged, military ranged.
Bonus to Defense: +1 Fortitude, +1 Will
Hit Points at 1st Level: 15+ Constitution Score.
Hit Points per Level Gained: 6
Healing Surges per Day: 9+ Constitution Modifier.
Trained Skills: From the class skills list below, choose 3 trained skills at 1st level.
Class Skills: Athletics (Str), Endurance (Con), Insight ( Wis ), Intimidate (Cha),Perception( Wis ).
Build Options:
Class features: Ancestral Weapon, Ancestral Power, Combat Challenge, Fighting Style (Under question)
Samurai are determined combat adepts trained to protect the other members of their adventuring groups. Samurai define the front line by bashing and slicing foes into submission while reflecting enemy attacks through the use of heavy armor. Samurai draw weapons for gold, for glory, for duty, and for the mere joy of unrestrained martial exercise.
Regardless of your level of skill and the specific weapons you eventually master, your motivations determine who you defend and who you slay. You could be a noble champion who pledges your blade to gallant causes, a calculating mercenary who cares more for the clink of gold than praise, a homeless prince on the run from assassins, or a blood-loving thug looking for the next good fight.
Your future is yours. When you unsheathe your weapon, what battle cry flies from your lips?
SAMURAI CLASS FEATURES
Some of your most important characteristics are the ability to wear very good armor, your exceptional hit point total, and your mastery of all military weapons.
ANCESTRAL WEAPON
All samurai are gifted with a weapon from birth and trained to use it in battle. The Samurai gains Superior Weapon Proficiency for one weapon as a free feat. The samurai gains a +1 to attack rolls while using this weapon it also counts for his Ancestral Power Feature
ANCESTRAL POWER
The ancestral weapon is a sacred gift to a samurai. He eventually learns to communicate with the spirits that are bound into the metal, bringing out its inlaid power. The samurai can draw out the powers in his weapon with meditation. It takes an extended rest period of meditation that requires the samurai to do nothing but focus his mind on his sword and to sacrifice the gp value displayed below.
Weapon Bonus Total Sacrifice Required Minimum Character Level
+1 360 gp 1st
+2 1,800 gp 5th
+3 9,000 gp 10th
+4 45,000 gp 15th
+5 225,000 gp 20th
+6 1,125,000 gp 25th
COMBAT CHALLENGE
In Combat it is Dangerous to ignore a samurai. Every time you attack an enemy, whether the attach hits or misses, you can choose to mark that target. The mark lasts until the end of your next turn. While a target is marked, it takes a -2 penalty to attack rolls for any attack that doesn’t include you as a target. A creature can be subject to only one mark at a time. A new mark supersedes a mark that was already in place. In addition, whenever a marked enemy that is adjacent to you shifts or makes an attack that does not include you, you can make a melee basic attack against that enemy as an immediate interrupt.
PARAGON PATHS
Iaijutsu Master
Iaijutsu is the martial art of drawing a weapon and attacking with it in the same fluid motion and its masters are feared and respected throughout the world. Iaijutsu masters harness their ki energy to strike with blinding speed and devastating power.
Lightning Blade (11th Level): An Iaijutsu master adds double his Dexterity modifier to initiative.
One Strike, Two Cuts (11th Level): When you spend an action point to take an extra attack, An iaijutsu master can make two at-will attacks with his weapon as a standard action This means he can strike twice instead of just once at 21st level the iaijutsu master may use encounter powers for this as well.
Strike with No Thought (16th Level): If an iaijutsu master begins combat within melee range of an opponent, he gains a free surprise round, even though his opponents are aware of his presence. The only action the iaijutsu master can take in this surprise round is a standard action to make an at will power attack. The iaijutsu master gains combat advantage for this attack.
Samurai
CLASS TRAITS
Role: Defender. You are very tough and have the exceptional ability to contain enemies in melee.
Power Source: Ki. You have become a master of combat through endless hours of practice, determination, and your own powerful connection with your soul.
Key Abilities: Strength, Dexterity, Wisdom, Constitution
Armor Proficiencies: Cloth, Leather, Hide, Chainmail, Scale.
Weapon Proficiencies: Simple melee, military melee, simple ranged, military ranged.
Bonus to Defense: +1 Fortitude, +1 Will
Hit Points at 1st Level: 15+ Constitution Score.
Hit Points per Level Gained: 6
Healing Surges per Day: 9+ Constitution Modifier.
Trained Skills: From the class skills list below, choose 3 trained skills at 1st level.
Class Skills: Athletics (Str), Endurance (Con), Insight ( Wis ), Intimidate (Cha),Perception( Wis ).
Build Options:
Class features: Ancestral Weapon, Ancestral Power, Combat Challenge, Fighting Style (Under question)
Samurai are determined combat adepts trained to protect the other members of their adventuring groups. Samurai define the front line by bashing and slicing foes into submission while reflecting enemy attacks through the use of heavy armor. Samurai draw weapons for gold, for glory, for duty, and for the mere joy of unrestrained martial exercise.
Regardless of your level of skill and the specific weapons you eventually master, your motivations determine who you defend and who you slay. You could be a noble champion who pledges your blade to gallant causes, a calculating mercenary who cares more for the clink of gold than praise, a homeless prince on the run from assassins, or a blood-loving thug looking for the next good fight.
Your future is yours. When you unsheathe your weapon, what battle cry flies from your lips?
SAMURAI CLASS FEATURES
Some of your most important characteristics are the ability to wear very good armor, your exceptional hit point total, and your mastery of all military weapons.
ANCESTRAL WEAPON
All samurai are gifted with a weapon from birth and trained to use it in battle. The Samurai gains Superior Weapon Proficiency for one weapon as a free feat. The samurai gains a +1 to attack rolls while using this weapon it also counts for his Ancestral Power Feature
ANCESTRAL POWER
The ancestral weapon is a sacred gift to a samurai. He eventually learns to communicate with the spirits that are bound into the metal, bringing out its inlaid power. The samurai can draw out the powers in his weapon with meditation. It takes an extended rest period of meditation that requires the samurai to do nothing but focus his mind on his sword and to sacrifice the gp value displayed below.
Weapon Bonus Total Sacrifice Required Minimum Character Level
+1 360 gp 1st
+2 1,800 gp 5th
+3 9,000 gp 10th
+4 45,000 gp 15th
+5 225,000 gp 20th
+6 1,125,000 gp 25th
COMBAT CHALLENGE
In Combat it is Dangerous to ignore a samurai. Every time you attack an enemy, whether the attach hits or misses, you can choose to mark that target. The mark lasts until the end of your next turn. While a target is marked, it takes a -2 penalty to attack rolls for any attack that doesn’t include you as a target. A creature can be subject to only one mark at a time. A new mark supersedes a mark that was already in place. In addition, whenever a marked enemy that is adjacent to you shifts or makes an attack that does not include you, you can make a melee basic attack against that enemy as an immediate interrupt.
PARAGON PATHS
Iaijutsu Master
Iaijutsu is the martial art of drawing a weapon and attacking with it in the same fluid motion and its masters are feared and respected throughout the world. Iaijutsu masters harness their ki energy to strike with blinding speed and devastating power.
Lightning Blade (11th Level): An Iaijutsu master adds double his Dexterity modifier to initiative.
One Strike, Two Cuts (11th Level): When you spend an action point to take an extra attack, An iaijutsu master can make two at-will attacks with his weapon as a standard action This means he can strike twice instead of just once at 21st level the iaijutsu master may use encounter powers for this as well.
Strike with No Thought (16th Level): If an iaijutsu master begins combat within melee range of an opponent, he gains a free surprise round, even though his opponents are aware of his presence. The only action the iaijutsu master can take in this surprise round is a standard action to make an at will power attack. The iaijutsu master gains combat advantage for this attack.
It strikes me as odd that an ability called One Strike, Two Cuts actually ends up making three attacks (one normal action, 2 at-wills with the bonus action). Letting it be used with encounter powers at 21st might be too much, but I'm not sure on that.
What are the Iaijutsu Master's powers?
Will this share the Fighter's power list, or will it have its own?
I don't really understand what purpose this class has. Again, it is like an inferior Fighter who can enchant their own weapon without taking Ritual Caster.
Beyond that, officially, Ki has been dropped as a Power Source. You have sort of displayed why they did it. A "Samurai" class has no reason to be "Ki", other than how they are inspired by Japanese traditions. But again, as you have shown, a Samurai is a reflavoured Fighter, just as a Ninja is a reflavoured Rogue.
We don't need a billion extra classes just because they are based on Japan.
There are two ways you can go with this. Either you can actually make this class mechanically distinct from a Fighter, and actually give it a purpose other than "It has an ancestral weapon hurrah!", or you can simply make it some sort of Fighter option. Something like it replaces the standard Fighting Style choice, but in exchange you get, say, a +1 to damage per tier or something with your chosen type of weapon.
Instead of fighter weapon talent, you can choose the following feature:
Bushido
You gain Quick Draw as a bonus feat, even if you don't meet the prerequisites. The first time you draw your weapon in an encounter, you gain +1 to the next attack roll and +2 to the damage roll. When you score a critical hit, you can use this ability one more time.
I know that the Samurai is nothing but a fluff fighter. Sorry but I want this class to be more like the one from Oriental Adventures.
I'm working on the Iaijutsu master powers atm so ill post them in a bit. Thanks for your help. I need to work on this a lot. I like the idea of the quick draw but i want it to last for more than just the first time you draw it.
One Strike, Two Cuts (11th Level): When you spend an action point to take an extra attack, An iaijutsu master can make one at-will power attack with his weapon as a part of the same action. This means he can strike twice instead of just once at 21st level the iaijutsu master may use an encounter power instead.
The Iaijutsu Master powers are as follows and i have edited the features of it as well.
Bounding Assault Iaijutsu Master Attack 11
You spring across the battlefield using your ability and focus to attack quickly.
Encounter - Martial, Weapon
Standard Action Melee Weapon
Target: One creature
Attack: Strength vs. AC
Hit: 3[W] + Strength modifier
Special: You may charge and use this power in place of a basic attack. Moving does not provoke attack of opportunity.
Lightning Recovery Iaijutsu Master Utility 12
As your foe avoids your first attack your weapon becomes a blur as you attack with lightning speed for a second strike.
Immediate Reaction Personal
Trigger: You miss an enemy with an attack
Effect: you may reroll the attack with a +2 bonus to the attack roll.
Finishing Cut Iaijutsu Master Attack 20
You deliver a devastating strike to a wounded foe, aiming to finish them off once and for all.
Standard Action Melee Weapon
Target: One creature
Attack: Strength vs. Reflex
Hit: 5[W] + Strength modifier damage and the target takes ongoing 15 damage. (save ends)
Would a samurai fighter paragon path not suffice for most of what your trying to do here?
I think that this has been stated as WotC's exact plan for "Samurai".
Until then, you can always use the Kensai. They even have that whole "Weapon Bond" thing going on!
sorry no. ive thought of that and it just doesnt work for me.
Just to ask, why not? What in your mind makes a samurai that a fighter with a well themed paragon path and maybe a few creative feats cannot achieve?
They are not "tough" and they were not about defending anyone. Their sword fighting style is completely based around not getting hit (in other words: mobility) and doing as much damage in as few strikes as possible. That is the whole purpose of iaijutsu to begin with…to end the fight with one draw of the weapon.
The Samurai is the epitome of "glass cannon". High damage, mobility = striker…IMO.
And besides Im basically going off of the samurai from OA which was basically a copy of the fighter with the ancestral daisho ability which is really what im tryin to go for, give the option to tool it however you want like a build option more than just a paragon path or such things like that I just want to flesh out the whole class. im workin on makign it differ from the fighter but its hard to.
The gp totals should be adjusted slightly on the +2 and higher weapons to account for 20% of the value of the +X weapon before them - for example, a +2 weapon should be 1800 gold -73 gold for the return value of the lower power of the weapon. Otherwise, you're doing the equivalent of buying the next higher bonus weapon and just throwing away the weapon before it. Even an equivalent gp value like this is less advantageous than the ability to choose what to do with a replaced weapon- for example, I can buy a +2 Longsword and give my old +1 to the Bow Ranger as a backup melee weapon rather than selling it.
Honestly though, I do agree with the Paragon path idea. All of our concepts of Samurai are accomplished fighters before they can claim that title. A 1st level Samurai seems awfully strange, much like a 1st level Ninja.
Just to ask, why not? What in your mind makes a samurai that a fighter with a well themed paragon path and maybe a few creative feats cannot achieve?
to restate my question in the laziest manner possible.
It's hard to, because a samurai IS a fighter. Any roads, iirc, the samurai from OA was just a fighter with the daisho ability and will save. Why don't you better use the samurai from Complete Warrior? It focused on two-weapon fighting style and fear effects. You can make your 4e samurai this way: focus it on fear effects after attacks, maybe even AoE fear effects; and give it two builds: katana and wakizashi style or two-handed weapon style. The first would be better as an striker, dealing lots of damage to a single target, quick-drawing attacks, but sacrificing mobility for defence. The latter would be better as a defender, protecting the party with block-and-redirect type of powers. Give them also powers that grant temporary hit points and other type of self-buffs.
Thank you finally someone with something other than just arguing with me over what to build it as. i have that set in stone in my mind and that is how im goign with it. i like the ideas of the tempest fighter and AoE fear effects self buffs and stuff like that. as well as the gp value subtraction this is the feedback ive been wanting
Samurai
Show
Role: Defender. You serve as a front-line combatant that use buffs to protect yourself and fear to drive away your enemies. Depending on your class options, you can lean towards a more striker role.
Power Source: Martial. You have gained your powers through training, meditation and dedication.
Key Abilities: Strenght, Constitution, Wisdom.
Armor Proficiencies: Cloth, leather, hide, chainmail,
scale; light shield, heavy shield
Weapon Proficiencies: Simple melee, military melee,
simple ranged, military ranged
Bonus to Defense: +1 Fortitude, +1 Will
Hit Points at 1st Level: 15 + Constitution score
Hit Points per Level Gained: 6
Healing Surges per Day: 9 + Constitution modifier
Trained Skills: Intimidate (Cha). From the class skills list below, choose
three trained skills at 1st level.
Class Skills: Athletics (Str), Diplomacy (Cha), Endurance (Con), Heal
(Wis), Intimidate (Cha), Streetwise (Cha)
Build Options: Nito-Ichi Samurai, Battojutsu Samurai, Sojutsu Samurai, Kyudo Samurai
Class Features: Ancestral Weapon, Ancestral Power, Fighting Style, Fearful Presence
Ancestral Weapon
All samurai are gifted with a weapon from birth and trained to use it in battle. The Samurai gains Superior Weapon Proficiency for one weapon from the following list as a free feat: bastard sword, fullblade, great spear, kukri (wakizachi) or greatbow The samurai gains a +1 to attack rolls while using this weapon it also counts for his Ancestral Power Feature.
Ancestral Power
You can perform the Enchant Magic Item ritual. You can only use it on your Ancestral Weapon, and you can add any magical property and level you want (the component cost reflects this). For example, if you want your Ancestral Weapon to be a Flameburst +3 weapon, you must pay 17000 gp. You can also perform the Make Whole ritual, except that you can only use it on your Ancestral Weapon.
Fighting Style
Choose one of the following fighting styles: Nito-Ichi, Battojutsu, Kyujutsu or Sojutsu
Nito-Ichi
You are trained to fight with a katana in one hand and a wakizachi in the other. For this, you gain Two-Weapon Defence as a bonus feat, even if you don't meet the prerequisites. You gain only the benefits of this feat as long as you're fighting with your Ancestral Weapon.
Battojutsu
You are trained to make quick and lethal attacks from the sheath of your sword. As long as you're using your Ancestral Weapon, you're treated as if you had the Quick Draw feat, even if you don't meet the prerequisites. The first time in an encounter you draw your weapon, you get +1 to the next attack roll made in that same turn. When you score a critical hit with your ancestral weapon, you can use this ability once more (you must sheath your weapon first, sheating a weapon is also a minor action).
Sojutsu
You excel at fighting with spears and quarterstaves. When making melee basic attacks with your ancestral weapon (it must be from the spear group), you can use your constitution modifier instead of your strenght modifier. Also, once per encounter, you can make an opportunity attack against an enemy that is in your reach range (as if you had treathing reach).
Kyujutsu
Wherever you aim, you put an arrow there. You have such mastery with the bow, that you can use you wisdom modifier instead of your dextery modifier when making ranged basic attack rolls. You also gain Defense mobiity as a bonus feat. You only gain the benefits of this feat when holding your ancestral weapon.
Fearful Presence
You gain the Fearful Presence encounter power.
Fearful Presence
You take down your foe with such ability and power that you inspire dreadful fear.
Encounter ♦ Fear
Free Action Close burst 3
Trigger: Your attack reduces an enemy to 0 hit points or fewer
Target: Each enemy in burst
Attack: Intimidate vs Will + 5 + 1 per enemy in burst
Effect: The target is stunned until the end of your next turn. Aftereffect: The targets gets -2 to its Will defence (save ends)
Special: Enemies previously affected by this power obtain obtain +2 to their Will defence against this power.
Role: Defender. You serve as a front-line combatant that use buffs to protect yourself and fear to drive away your enemies. Depending on your class options, you can lean towards a more striker role.
Power Source: Martial. You have gained your powers through training, meditation and dedication.
Key Abilities: Strenght, Constitution, Wisdom.
Armor Proficiencies: Cloth, leather, hide, chainmail,
scale; light shield, heavy shield
Weapon Proficiencies: Simple melee, military melee,
simple ranged, military ranged
Bonus to Defense: +1 Fortitude, +1 Will
Hit Points at 1st Level: 15 + Constitution score
Hit Points per Level Gained: 6
Healing Surges per Day: 9 + Constitution modifier
Trained Skills: Intimidate (Cha). From the class skills list below, choose
three trained skills at 1st level.
Class Skills: Athletics (Str), Diplomacy (Cha), Endurance (Con), Heal
(Wis), Intimidate (Cha), Streetwise (Cha)
Build Options: Nito-Ichi Samurai, Battojutsu Samurai, Sojutsu Samurai, Kyudo Samurai
Class Features: Ancestral Weapon, Ancestral Power, Fighting Style, Fearful Presence
Ancestral Weapon
All samurai are gifted with a weapon from birth and trained to use it in battle. The Samurai gains Superior Weapon Proficiency for one weapon from the following list as a free feat: bastard sword, fullblade, great spear, kukri (wakizachi) or greatbow The samurai gains a +1 to attack rolls while using this weapon it also counts for his Ancestral Power Feature.
Ancestral Power
You can perform the Enchant Magic Item ritual. You can only use it on your Ancestral Weapon, and you can add any magical property and level you want (the component cost reflects this). For example, if you want your Ancestral Weapon to be a Flameburst +3 weapon, you must pay 17000 gp. You can also perform the Make Whole ritual, except that you can only use it on your Ancestral Weapon.
Fighting Style
Choose one of the following fighting styles: Nito-Ichi, Battojutsu, Kyujutsu or Sojutsu
Nito-Ichi
You are trained to fight with a katana in one hand and a wakizachi in the other. For this, you gain Two-Weapon Defence as a bonus feat, even if you don't meet the prerequisites. You gain only the benefits of this feat as long as you're fighting with your Ancestral Weapon.
Battojutsu
You are trained to make quick and lethal attacks from the sheath of your sword. As long as you're using your Ancestral Weapon, you're treated as if you had the Quick Draw feat, even if you don't meet the prerequisites. The first time in an encounter you draw your weapon, you get +1 to the next attack roll made in that same turn. When you score a critical hit with your ancestral weapon, you can use this ability once more (you must sheath your weapon first, sheating a weapon is also a minor action).
Sojutsu
You excel at fighting with spears and quarterstaves. When making melee basic attacks with your ancestral weapon (it must be from the spear group), you can use your constitution modifier instead of your strenght modifier. Also, once per encounter, you can make an opportunity attack against an enemy that is in your reach range (as if you had treathing reach).
Kyujutsu
Wherever you aim, you put an arrow there. You have such mastery with the bow, that you can use you wisdom modifier instead of your dextery modifier when making ranged basic attack rolls. You also gain Defense mobiity as a bonus feat. You only gain the benefits of this feat when holding your ancestral weapon.
Fearful Presence
You gain the Fearful Presence encounter power.
Fearful Presence
You take down your foe with such ability and power that you inspire dreadful fear.
Encounter ♦ Fear
Free Action Close burst 3
Trigger: Your attack reduces an enemy to 0 hit points or fewer
Target: Each enemy in burst
Attack: Intimidate vs Will + 5 + 1 per enemy in burst
Effect: The target is stunned until the end of your next turn. Aftereffect: The targets gets -2 to its Will defence (save ends)
Special: Enemies previously affected by this power obtain obtain +2 to their Will defence against this power.
(No cookie for me?)
ok ill post them
Lvl 1 Encounter Powers
Show
Razor’s Edge
You draw your weapon as you attack, adding force to the strike and cutting into you foe like a razor.
Encounter- Martial, Weapon
Standard Action Melee Weapon
Requirement: before you attack with this power your weapon must be sheathed.
Target: One Creature
Attack: Strength vs. AC
Special: you may shift 1 square towards your enemy before the attack
Hit: 2[W] + Strength modifier
Iaijutsu Style: You may shift squares up to your Dexterity modifier.
Sun and Moon Strike
Like the sun and moon rise and fall, you strike you foe and send him drifting across the battlefield before falling to the ground.
Encounter- Martial,Weapon
Standard Action Melee Weapon
Requirement: you must be wielding two weapons
Target: One Creature
Attack: Strength vs. AC (both attacks)
Hit: 1[W] + Strength modifier each attack. and you slide the target 1 square and knock it prone
Niten Ichi Style: You slide the target a number of squares equal to your Wisdom Modifier.
Razor’s Edge
You draw your weapon as you attack, adding force to the strike and cutting into you foe like a razor.
Encounter- Martial, Weapon
Standard Action Melee Weapon
Requirement: before you attack with this power your weapon must be sheathed.
Target: One Creature
Attack: Strength vs. AC
Special: you may shift 1 square towards your enemy before the attack
Hit: 2[W] + Strength modifier
Iaijutsu Style: You may shift squares up to your Dexterity modifier.
Sun and Moon Strike
Like the sun and moon rise and fall, you strike you foe and send him drifting across the battlefield before falling to the ground.
Encounter- Martial,Weapon
Standard Action Melee Weapon
Requirement: you must be wielding two weapons
Target: One Creature
Attack: Strength vs. AC (both attacks)
Hit: 1[W] + Strength modifier each attack. and you slide the target 1 square and knock it prone
Niten Ichi Style: You slide the target a number of squares equal to your Wisdom Modifier.
http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=1204346
Thanks. I'm guessing that most of the Uchigatanas weapons would fit perfectly to the samurai.
Yep, plus, I have also included the naginata into the armoury, though I have yet to update this.
Katana- bastard sword
nodachi- fullblade
wakizashi- kukri or short sword
though ive wanted to make a few changes to the swords
Katana (High Crit, Versatile)
Nodachi (High Crit, Brutal)
Wakizashi ( Defensive, Off hand)