Dragon Magazine #318 not your typical April issue

[Welverin]

OBTW, I'm not warmed up to this Sudden Strike class feature, which IMHO looks like a half-strength Sneak Attack.

I think it makes sense, it suits their sneak up and attack someone and not stand toe to toe approach. Plus they get a lot of other nfity abilities, so it might be there to keep them in check to a degree.

 

[AFGNCAAP]

From what I can tell from the article, it seems that the Ninja class is basically a monk/rogue hybrid class, though it focuses more on swiftness & stealth than unarmed combat. Seems like a viable option for a player who'd like a sort-of monk-like character, but without the Lawful AL-only restriction.

 

[I'm A Banana]

Holy crap.....................I heart JPL, and I will have your manbabies.

 

[Welverin]

From what I can tell from the article, it seems that the Ninja class is basically a monk/rogue hybrid class, though it focuses more on swiftness & stealth than unarmed combat. Seems like a viable option for a player who'd like a sort-of monk-like character, but without the Lawful AL-only restriction.

I think it would make a good assassin class, with a few changes to get it a little more in line. The ki abilities are well suited to the role, drop the more acrobatic abilities and replace them with some the Assassin PrC abilities, then you're good to go. Plus there's no spell casting.

 

[silverblade]

I dunno. Looks like a ghostbusting ninja class to me, at first glance. (Got my #318.) At least it couldn't blow away the Ninja Spy prestige class. OBTW, I'm not warmed up to this Sudden Strike class feature, which IMHO looks like a half-strength Sneak Attack.

All the ninja has to do is go invisible with his ghost step, and he can get off his sudden strike with major bonuses to hit. He doesn't have to have one of his buddies help flank. Plus, I think it is a way to balance the other nifty abilities it gets. The ninja in D&D has a tradition of using ki powers that allow him to do things like become invisible and walk through walls. Both ninja PRC's get similar abilities.

 

[Ranger REG]

But must they have Ghost Strike and Ghost Sight? Hence, "ghostbusting."

And while he may or may not have a buddy to help flank, Sneak Attack is what they do. I'm sorry, but this ninja class needs work, just not as much as Complete WarriorSamurai.

* gasp *

Unless, this is a "Western" version of the ninja class. Boy, those "haole" westerners in mainland US have quite an imagination about the Asian culture, with the exception of James Wyatt (at least he studied there).

What's that saying? Ah! "Don't pee on my foot and tell me it is raining."

It's a good thing that this issue features 3.5e update of OA, pirates, and dinosaurs.

 

[DM_Matt]

dssa