Ultimate Combat Playtest: Gunslinger, Ninja, Samurai

[gamerprinter]

There are some people who obviously would want a more historically accurate take on the class and I've seen posts on the Paizo boards saying they want a ninja that's based on a power source coming from demons. So there's obviously a wide range of possibilities.

I'm definitely not creating a real world Japan analog, there's plenty of magic and monsters (especially yurei ghosts and oni demons), my ninja, like the monk will get improvements from a wide array of new ki powers. My intentions are making them subtle, rather than overly powerful, yet ki magic will certainly enhance the ninja.

Ki Step (for example) for 1 ki point (as a swift action) allows you to remove one aspect of terrain for a single round, allowing you to move through thickets, on ice, or walking on water. Spend 2 ki points (as a swift action) to extend the duration to a number of rounds equal to your WIS bonus.

I am allowing a Ki Potential Trait, and a 4th level Activate Ki feat that will allow any class to have a ki pool of 2 ki points (3 ki with Extra Ki feat) and learn up to five different ki powers. Ki is something that should be inherent in all Japanese classes, not just monk. Except for monks and ninja (and certain other class archetypes) other classes cannot increase their ki pool by normal means beyond 3 points, however. (Artificed ki battery magic items might allow an extra point or two.)

I am also introducing new or extended lines of feat chains that emulate Jujitsu, Karate and Aikijutsu. Jujitsu (the original judo) uses Ki Throw and Improved Ki Throw from the APG, adding a greater one that allows you to throw an opponent to hit and damage other opponents in adjacent squares, plus some side feats for lessening falling damage, and meditative strengths.

So I am expanding martial arts through feat chains, without getting weird like OA 3.0 did. I think that martial arts capability and techniques should be wide spread across a Japan-inspired setting - not just relegated to monks and ninja. Because Shinobi is an archetype for a wide array of classes, including sorceror, arcane enhancements are only expected. Shinobi (sorceror archetype) have an alternate Shadow bloodline.

So my ninja aren't truly historic, but their subculture exists within the framework of what is known historically about them applied to a fantasy setting.

 

[BobROE]

Fair enough, I was using you as an example of someone who's done a crap load of historical research (obviously) and that a person like that might want a ninja that was more historically accurate. I wasn't trying to imply that you did.

 

[gamerprinter]

Yeah, the crapload of research is just for verisimilitude and authenticity only, not to make a realistic non-standarad Pathfinder game setting.

 

[Stacie GmrGrl]

My question is....if the Ninja is going to be using a Ki-pool type mechanic, than why isn't it based on the Monk Class instead, which ALREADY has a Ki-pool type mechanic??? Plus, would the Ninja just fit better with the Monk rather than the Rogue, with the martial arts like emphasis that the Monk appears to simulate???

Just my questions.

I also think the Gunslinger based on either Ranger or Alchemist would be good.

Samurai to me would be a more ideal fit for the Fighter than the Cavalier, but I could be wrong on this...

 

[Borthos]

My question is....if the Ninja is going to be using a Ki-pool type mechanic, than why isn't it based on the Monk Class instead, which ALREADY has a Ki-pool type mechanic??? Plus, would the Ninja just fit better with the Monk rather than the Rogue, with the martial arts like emphasis that the Monk appears to simulate???

Just my questions.

I also think the Gunslinger based on either Ranger or Alchemist would be good.

Samurai to me would be a more ideal fit for the Fighter than the Cavalier, but I could be wrong on this...

May not be entirely what you're looking for but I think it was UC that was going to have a gunmage. Might be UM but I forget. I can't wait for it. Any Alchemist variants would be fun to play. The Alc is my favorite base class ever. I'm running one now called Crazy Jim

 

[Stacie GmrGrl]

How do the gun rules for the gunslinger compare for those rules for firearms found in both Iron Kingdoms and Freeport Pathfinder Companion?

 

[TanisFrey]

Here is a question about guns in PF or 3.5.

A character decides to use pistols and wields two at a time, they choose to firing both in a single round. Do you allow them to do this with the Rapid Shot Feat or the Two-Weapon Fighting Feat?

 

[KainG]

I would rule Two-Weapon Fighting, due to the character having to use his actual off-hand to fire the gun.

 

[ProfessorCirno]

Here is a question about guns in PF or 3.5.

A character decides to use pistols and wields two at a time, they choose to firing both in a single round. Do you allow them to do this with the Rapid Shot Feat or the Two-Weapon Fighting Feat?

TWF.

Note that pistols are one handed weapons, not light, and to my understanding nothing was set out to allow them to be TWF'd without penalties.

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

Here is a question about guns in PF or 3.5.

A character decides to use pistols and wields two at a time, they choose to firing both in a single round. Do you allow them to do this with the Rapid Shot Feat or the Two-Weapon Fighting Feat?

Honestly, I'd probably let you do it either way (I also allow this in SW Saga Ed) - with the proviso that, if it works out to be overpowered, we'd revisit the decision.