Halivar
First Post
This is an attempt at converting the 1st Edition AD&D kensai from Oriental Adventures as a fighter archetype for 5E. Take a look and let me know what you think! Suggestions and criticisms are welcome!
Kensai Fighter Archetype
The kensai, or “sword-saint,”is a moral ascetic who has mastered the use of one particular weapon.For the kensai, the chosen weapon is an extension of self. The kensai requires dedication and constant meditation to keep his or her martial focus.
Bonded Weapon – Upon taking the path of the kensai, the character eschews all other weapons and adopts one single, solitary weapon as their martial focus. Using any other weapon other than their bonded weapon type confers disadvantage to the attack. This weapon cannot be a magic weapon. NOTE:You can use weapons as the same type as your bonded weapon, but such weapons do not confer kensai bonuses. But, for instance, for two-weapon fighting, you can use a similar weapon in your off-hand without extra penalty, even a magic one.
Purity of Body – A kensai does not wear armor, but instead receives an armor bonus equal to their proficiency bonus so long as they wield their favored weapon. Also,the kensai gains proficiency in Wisdom saving.
Swift of Foot – The kensai can cover ground very quickly. At level 6 their speed increases by 5 feet. At level 10 it increases by a further 5 feet.
Sword Meditation – The kensai must daily meditate on their chosen weapon to maintain their preternatural martial ability. Starting at level 7, while holding their bonded weapon, a kensai can meditate for as little as two hours and receive the same benefit as eight hours of sleep. During this time they are fully cognizant. They can choose to meditate for as long as they wish, and while they do so, they are immune to sleep, hunger, thirst, disease, or poison.Meditating for two hours confers a bonus to attacks and damage with the chosen weapon equal to half the kensai's proficiency bonus(rounded down).
Two-Weapon Fighting – At level 10, the kensai gains the Two-Weapon Fighting fighter weapon style. If the kensai already has Two-Weapon Fighting, choose any other fighting style.
Frightful Display – At level 10, the kensai has mastered a series of impressive maneuvers with their chosen weapon that intimidate and unman potential foes. As a bonus action, an uninjured kensai can perform a series of dizzying swirls and slashes that frighten attackers. Foes must make a Wisdom save (DC8 + proficiency bonus + Wisdom modifier) or have disadvantage for all attacks against the kensai. This affect ends the first time the kensai takes damage. This ability can be used once before a long or short rest.
Whirlwind Attack – At level 15, the kensai can attack every foe within reach. This ability recharges after a long or short rest.
Master of Swords – At level 18, the kensai has perfected his or her weapon focus. They receive half-proficiency on all untrained saves (round down), and advantage for attacks against foes with no allies adjacent to themselves or the kensai.
Kensai Fighter Archetype
The kensai, or “sword-saint,”is a moral ascetic who has mastered the use of one particular weapon.For the kensai, the chosen weapon is an extension of self. The kensai requires dedication and constant meditation to keep his or her martial focus.
Bonded Weapon – Upon taking the path of the kensai, the character eschews all other weapons and adopts one single, solitary weapon as their martial focus. Using any other weapon other than their bonded weapon type confers disadvantage to the attack. This weapon cannot be a magic weapon. NOTE:You can use weapons as the same type as your bonded weapon, but such weapons do not confer kensai bonuses. But, for instance, for two-weapon fighting, you can use a similar weapon in your off-hand without extra penalty, even a magic one.
Purity of Body – A kensai does not wear armor, but instead receives an armor bonus equal to their proficiency bonus so long as they wield their favored weapon. Also,the kensai gains proficiency in Wisdom saving.
Swift of Foot – The kensai can cover ground very quickly. At level 6 their speed increases by 5 feet. At level 10 it increases by a further 5 feet.
Sword Meditation – The kensai must daily meditate on their chosen weapon to maintain their preternatural martial ability. Starting at level 7, while holding their bonded weapon, a kensai can meditate for as little as two hours and receive the same benefit as eight hours of sleep. During this time they are fully cognizant. They can choose to meditate for as long as they wish, and while they do so, they are immune to sleep, hunger, thirst, disease, or poison.Meditating for two hours confers a bonus to attacks and damage with the chosen weapon equal to half the kensai's proficiency bonus(rounded down).
Two-Weapon Fighting – At level 10, the kensai gains the Two-Weapon Fighting fighter weapon style. If the kensai already has Two-Weapon Fighting, choose any other fighting style.
Frightful Display – At level 10, the kensai has mastered a series of impressive maneuvers with their chosen weapon that intimidate and unman potential foes. As a bonus action, an uninjured kensai can perform a series of dizzying swirls and slashes that frighten attackers. Foes must make a Wisdom save (DC8 + proficiency bonus + Wisdom modifier) or have disadvantage for all attacks against the kensai. This affect ends the first time the kensai takes damage. This ability can be used once before a long or short rest.
Whirlwind Attack – At level 15, the kensai can attack every foe within reach. This ability recharges after a long or short rest.
Master of Swords – At level 18, the kensai has perfected his or her weapon focus. They receive half-proficiency on all untrained saves (round down), and advantage for attacks against foes with no allies adjacent to themselves or the kensai.
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