Shinobi - My Take on a Naruto Based Class

[muffin_of_chaos]

Separate classes might be the best if you want really minute, detailed differences between different "shinobi." Which, in an all-shinobi game, might make sense.
Taking for granted that more than just this class can be played...
I think one class to cover Shinobi works better in principle than multiple variants simply because--with the exception of Rock Lee--most of the ninja population use both Ninjustu and Taijutsu, and seem to have the potential to be versed in Genjutsu.
To make separate classes to cover each method of ninja combat would to go against this state of affairs.

To the OP:
Watch to make sure the Sneak Attack ability isn't more powerful than the alternative abilities. Reducing the bonus by 1d6 might be more balanced, especially considering that in general Genjutsu users don't themselves seem to be naturally sneakier but merely utilizing abilities that provide sneakiness.
Unless most of the combat will be between separate ninja (like in the manga) and combat advantage is hard to get, in which case I dunno what would be balanced. Playtesting I guess.

 

[DreamChaser]

Your chakra bug counter is a little flimsier than you think. The reason: Dispel Magic. The 4th edition version quite simply gets rid of a target zone or conjuration as long as it can successfully beat the creators will defense. This means that an Arcane spell can get rid of Arcane, Psionic, Divine, Primal, Shadow, or even Martial zones and conjurations.

I'm sorry...i think I must have mistyped my comment about the bugs. The point was not that they counter the powers but they they do so by attacking the ONE source that all the powers share.

(Of course, we have yet to see any reference to zones or conjurations from the martial power source and it has been explicitly stated that martial = extraordinary but not magical. I doubt that canon martial powers will ever create zones or conjurations.)

I could see one class (shinobi) that is a striker drawing off the Chakra source with three categories of power (like how wizards have three categories by implement.)

Trying to make this class a striker, defender, and controller is IMO absurd.

A second class could be the sage (controller or leader) class (like Jariah and Lady whatshername), who's powers are similar to but quite different from average (or even advanced) shinobi.

DC

 

[DreamChaser]

To the OP:
Watch to make sure the Sneak Attack ability isn't more powerful than the alternative abilities. Reducing the bonus by 1d6 might be more balanced, especially considering that in general Genjutsu users don't themselves seem to be naturally sneakier but merely utilizing abilities that provide sneakiness.
Unless most of the combat will be between separate ninja (like in the manga) and combat advantage is hard to get, in which case I dunno what would be balanced. Playtesting I guess.

This bears emphasizing and expanding.

The problem with creating a hybrid class is that the urge arises to make them as good at each role as the specialist. I can already imagine thinking: "A ninja would be much better at sneak attacking than a rogue...they're assassins afterall." If a hybrid class is ever going to be doable, this temptation must be avoided.

Of course, if we go too far the other way, we end up with a class that sucks at all of its roles (like a bard).

Perhaps then, focusing on a single role would allow the vision of the class to come through more.

DC

 

[muffin_of_chaos]

Trying to make this class a striker, defender, and controller is IMO absurd.DC

I think shinobi as found in the Naruto manga would all be strikers at 1st level.
Paragon/Epic paths would lend to leader/controller-like abilities, or perhaps feats to accommodate the "Medical Ninja" in the party.

 

[ShadowyFigure]

Can I just say that, this is MY class I'm doing. I'll do it how I like. If you think it would be done better with several classes better fine. I have already stated in an above post I may separate it into three separate classes after 4e release, so you can stop saying "This Should be X Numbers of classes of Chakra/Ki/The Force/Care Bears Love Power Source" as these would all be things that would happen on es release when we no more about powers, power sources and other important things.

Trying to make this class a striker, defender, and controller is IMO absurd.

DC

The important thing here, its just your opinion, an opinion every one may have and express. But you are however entirely wrong with your statement. This isn't a Striker, defender and controller. This is possibly a striker or defender or controller. Making it all three at the same time would be odd.

 

[muffin_of_chaos]

Take the criticism, man. Decide for yourself whether or not it's warranted.
You put it up in a forum, remember.

 

[ShadowyFigure]

I am and as stated, Its not changing. And it's not worth continuously saying it should be several classes, if i'm just gonna ignore such comments as it has been said several times now.

 

[muffin_of_chaos]

Arr, keep ignoring it like ya are.

 

[ShadowyFigure]

Arr?

 

[FadedC]

I think it predates anime. I know that the first place I heard the term was back in the nes and genesis days with Ninja Gaiden and Shinobi.

The word certainly predates anime....but it's literal japanese definition only means "to not be seen" (or at least according to the japanese teacher who I asked about it years ago). In the old arcade game shinobi shinobi did not actually mean ninja but was instead the code name of the main character (who happened to be a ninja if I remember right).