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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Manbearcat" data-source="post: 6771695" data-attributes="member: 6696971">Just a total (rather interesting because of the dynamics surrounding the situations...at least I think so) aside.  So far on these boards I've been not so subtly called a bigot against Mormonism (effectively) because of my appreciation for Dogs in the Vineyard and the thematic content that spins out of play.  Now I've been called a racist for the suggestion that 4e's PC build mechanics can support a reasonable facsimile of the pulp/genre and thematic aspects of a Samurai via a tempest build fighter + Samurai theme.I believe you were involved in both of those conversations so you likely witnessed the exchanges.  Those would seem to be pretty serious offenses with respect to board policy (especially when the charges are so ridiculously vacuous and unsupportable).  Conversely, advising someone they are projecting because they are exhibiting the exact behavior they are currently (wrongly) charging their adversary with would seem to be a rather petty offense by comparison (especially when it is blatantly obvious).Anyway, on to something even more interesting.  The Kensai (without Swordmage multi-class for sword prof!):This guy looks the part of the mystical "sword saint", an unarmored master of weapon that calls upon martial and mystical power to answer all who might challenge him to a duel with the promise of a swift death at the business end of his weapon.1)  Dex and Wisdom primary.2)  Martial and Psionic Power Source (for ki).  The Elemental Initiate Theme actually works great for a Kensai.  Ascetic, humble life.  Withdraws from the world to study to be free of distraction, devoting hours to study, meditation, and martial practice.  Its powers are Psionic keyword.  The level 1 encounter power is a Weapon/Psionic counterattack when you're missed in melee.  Very fitting, especially for duels.  Further, you gain training in a "peaceful" skill later and a bonus to Will.  Finally, the Utilities of Balancing Step, Restoring Touch, and Flowing Defense all support the amazingly mobile, graceful warrior who is at peace when he is not at war.3)  While he has a secondary proficiency in the bow (which is allowed in the 1e iteration), his primary training is focused on his chosen weapon...the khopesh.  This weapon strikes me as thematically appropriate, works well with a Dex melee ranger build, carries Brutal 1 property and comes with both Axe and Heavy Blade feat support.4)  Defender AC and very good NADs at 1st level.5)  Whirlwind (Five Storms) is a staple of Kensai.  Hunter's Quarry easily serves as the "duel specialist" mechanical augmentation.  Flurry of Blows does the same for the Monk side.6)  Tons of mobility and the ability to augment that mobility and defense with Skirmishing Stance.7)  Master of Martial Skills (Acro, Ath, End).  Insight is a must-have skill for a duelist.  Heal is the "peaceful" skill.Down the line you can take Cunning Stalker (CA when its just you and your enemy), Defensive Advantage (+2 AC vs targets you have CA against), Khopesh support (focus, exp, and HB/Axe feats) and multi-class Assassin or Rogue for single target damage spike.====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ======level 1Human, Monk/RangerMonastic Tradition (Hybrid) Option: Centered Breath (Hybrid)Hybrid Monk Option: Hybrid Monk FortitudeHybrid Ranger Option: Hybrid Ranger FortitudeHybrid Talent Option: Unarmored DefenseHuman Power Selection Option: Heroic EffortBlademaster (+2 to Insight)Theme: Elemental Initiate FINAL ABILITY SCORESSTR 12, CON 12, DEX 18, INT 12, WIS 14, CHA 10 STARTING ABILITY SCORESSTR 12, CON 12, DEX 16, INT 12, WIS 14, CHA 10  AC: 18 Fort: 15 Ref: 16 Will: 14HP: 24 Surges: 7 Surge Value: 6 TRAINED SKILLSAcrobatics +9, Athletics +6, Endurance +6, Heal +7, Insight +9 UNTRAINED SKILLSArcana +1, Bluff +0, Diplomacy +0, Dungeoneering +2, History +1, Intimidate +0, Nature +2, Perception +2, Religion +1, Stealth +4, Streetwise +0, Thievery +4 POWERSBasic Attack: Melee Basic AttackBasic Attack: Ranged Basic AttackElemental Initiate Attack: Disciplined CounterHuman Racial Power: Heroic EffortMonk Feature: Centered Flurry of BlowsHunter's Quarry  Power: Hunter's QuarryMonk Attack 1: Five StormsRanger Attack 1: Fading StrikeMonk Attack 1: Gentle RainfallRanger Attack 1: Skirmishing Stance FEATSLevel 1: Unarmored AgilityLevel 1: Hybrid Talent ITEMSCloth Armor (Basic Clothing) x1Adventurer's KitLongbowKhopesh x1Amulet of Protection +1 x1====== End ======</blockquote>

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