So how would you generate a classical samurai?

[Cadfan]

A classic samurai fights with two weapons?

I'd define a "classic" samurai as just fighting with one weapon, a katana, while wearing that neat stylized armor. And I'd just make him a fighter with scale and a greatsword or a bastard sword (or an actual katana if it has stats) wielded two handed.

He gets dex as his secondary stat, and scale doesn't penalize skills, so he's agile. And you can remove the speed penalty for the cost of a feat (and also get +1 ac) at paragon tier.

I think this works almost instantly, with basically no retheming or multiclass wackiness involved.

From this base, there are lots of ways to customize. Personally I'd go for opportunity attack abilities, to represent a "flurry of cuts" kind of fighting style. Heavy Blade Opportunist, and whatever is available at paragon tier (I haven't got the books, just the previews). I'd want to maximize attacks per round, and go for Kensai because a nice, fat bonus to damage helps the most when you attack multiple times.

From there, it really depends on what defines "samurai" for you.

 

[Sitara]

Ok thanks for the help. Can't believe so many people have the books already. Still awaiting my preorder box set.

Anyhow, from what I gather:

Race: Human
Class:Fighter 1
Feats: Quickdraw, Action Surge (is there a better choice?)
Powers: ??? (I only know about the pregen powers shown at XP and in KotSF)
Weapon: Katana (bastard sword)


-I do have to say the rangers larger skill list is tempting though...must resist..
-The paladin as the base class wont work due to mark power. Seriously, how will I explain IC my foe keeps taking damage.. (though maybe if I play a L5R type samurai I could claim its an ancestor spirit or a minor kami) But whta baout the paladin pure martial powers? Are there any cool ones that would fit samurai?

 

[Westwind]

Driz'zt was totally not a samurai.

True, but he also wasn't much of a ranger. More like a school counselor by the end of things.

It's worth noting that in the Rokugan setting (a great system as well), the Dragon Clan using both weapons, although the wakizashi is essentially a +defense tool. In that regard, the TWF feats might make sense, since you could argue the extra damage is simply using the wakizashi to open your opponent's defenses up a bit for you katana to strike home.

But, honestly, if you're going for a streamlined samurai and you can't wait for the ki power sourcebook, I'd go straight fighter, use a bastard sword as a versatile weapon (same +damage bonus as TWF, saves you a feat).

 

[Rechan]

Feat suggestion: Human perserverance; +1 to saving throws. Help you shrug off ongoing stuff.

The paladin as the base class wont work due to mark power. Seriously, how will I explain IC my foe keeps taking damage..

HP isn't pure meat that you're hacking up. It's also nerve, morale, luck, etc. This is why Warlords can heal you - they have no magic, they're just giving you the inspiration to push on and get back on your feat.

A Samurai using a paladin's mark is that the enemy is ashamed or is demoralized as he refuses to meet your challenge.

But whta baout the paladin pure martial powers? Are there any cool ones that would fit samurai?

Yes, though quite a few still do radiant damage, which might not jive with your concept.

 

[Westwind]

Paladins as samurai is kinda an interesting idea...

Radiant damage could be explained as "force of honor" thing, honorless dogs outside the celestial order (like, say, undead) would be more vulnerable to these sorts of attacks. Really, as long as the mechanics stay the same, you can define the special effects however you please.

 

[Andur]

Bastard Sword requires a feat, here is your "power list" for a 3rd level Samurai built on fighter, I'll do it with the Bastard sword...


Human Fighter 3
Feats: Quickdraw, Weapon Focus (Heavy Blade), Weapon Prof. (Bastard Sword)
Exploits:
At Will: Sure Strike (+2 to hit no dam mod), Cleave
Encounter: Passing Attack (hit 1st target, attack a second), Sweeping Blow (Close Burst 1 add 1.5 Str mod if using heavy blade)
Daily: Brute Strike
Utility: No Opening (Cancel Combat Advantage you grant once per encounter (aka no sneak attack me))

Your basic melee attack with the Bastard Sword with an 18 strength would be:
+10 (+2 BAB, +4 STR, +1 Two Handed Sup., +3 proficiency) and you would do 1d10+6 (+4 STR, +1 weapon Focus, +1 versatile)

Hope that is a good enough "tease" for you...

 

[Sitara]

True, and that is what I always do. thing is though this time around they actually gave descriptive text fro the powers. Which states stuff lke searing light coming down from the heavens and burning your foes.

Again, it could be fitting for a rokugani samurai, assuming you are playing a higher fantasy type of L5R, where the samurai can call from aid from the kami as well, not just the shugenja.

 

[ProfessorCirno]

-5 against knights ;p

 

[Nifft]

-5 against knights ;p

You misspelled "cuts through tanks".

Cheers, -- N

 

[Sitara]

@Andur: Thanks man. But do you need a weapon prof feat to use BS two handed? If so I will just go with a greatsword and take alertness OR action surge as a feat.