Taizo's page

DEFENSE
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AC 18, touch 16, flat-footed 14. (+1 armor, +3 Dex, +2 Wis [monk], +1 natural [monk archetype], +1 dodge)
hp 45 (4d10+2d8+12)
Fort +8, Ref +7, Will +7
Defensive Abilities Resolve (2/day), Self Reliant

OFFENSE
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Spd 30 ft.
Melee +1 Katana +10 (1d8+7/18-20/x2)
Unarmed Strike +8 (1d6+3/20/x2)
Ranged Longbow, Comp. (Str +3) +8 (1d8+3/20/x3)
Special Attacks Flurry of Blows +0/+0, Ronin's Challenge +4/+2 (2/day), Power Attack

STATISTICS
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Str 16, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 10
Base Atk +5; CMB +8; CMD 24

Feats Combat Reflexes (4 AoO/round) [level], Dodge [Monk], Improved Initiative [Racial], Improved Unarmed Strike [Monk], Monk Weapon Proficiencies [Monk], Power Attack -2/+4 [level], Stunning Fist (3/day) (DC 15) [Monk], Toughness +6 [Monk-Archetype], Weapon Focus: Katana [level], Weapon Specialization: Katana [level]
Traits Indomitable Faith [need to work out what this is in a FR setting], Reactionary

[I'll add the ranks later.]
Skills Acrobatics +12, Bluff +4, Climb +7, Diplomacy +4, Escape Artist +7, Handle Animal +4, Intimidate +4, Knowledge (History) +4, Knowledge (Local) +5, Knowledge (Religion) +4, Perception +10, Profession: Soldier +6, Ride +8, Sense Motive +8, Stealth +10, Survival +7, Swim +7 Modifiers +0 Ride while riding your bonded mount.

Combat Gear +1 Katana, Arrows (20), Longbow, Comp. (Str +3); Other Gear Backpack, Masterwork (6 @ 21.5 lbs), Bedroll, Blanket, winter, Bracers of Armor, +1, Flint and steel, Grappling arrow, Grappling hook, Pouch, belt (1 @ 0 lbs), Pouch, belt (empty), Rope, Spider Silk (50'), Shaving kit, Soap Bar (50 uses), Tent, Small
PP:0 GP:2081 SP:8 CP:9 [I haven't purchased all his equipment or a mount... but these are the basics]

Languages Common
SQ AC Bonus +2, Animal Companion Link (Ex), Mounted Archer (Ex), Stunning Fist (Stun) (Ex), Unarmed Strike (1d6), Weapon Expertise: Katana (Ex)

SPECIAL ABILITIES
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+0 Ride while riding your bonded mount. (Ex) Cancel your armor check penalty of -0 while riding your mount.
AC Bonus +2 The Monk adds his Wisdom bonus to AC and CMD, more at higher levels.
Natural AC +1 Monk Archetype Bonus
Animal Companion Link (Ex) You have a link with your Animal Companion.
Combat Reflexes (4 AoO/round) You may make up to 4 attacks of apportunity per round, and may make them while flat-footed.
Flurry of Blows +0/+0 (Ex) Make Flurry of Blows attack as a full action.
Improved Unarmed Strike Unarmed strikes don't cause attacks of opportunity, and can be lethal.
Mounted Archer (Ex) At 4th level, the samurai becomes skilled at firing ranged weapons while mounted. A samurai only takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls with ranged weapons while his mount takes a double move. This penalty increases to –4 while his mount is running.
Power Attack -2/+4 You can subtract from your attack roll to add to your damage.
Resolve (2/day) (Ex) Starting at 1st level, the samurai gains resolve that he can call upon to endure even the most devastating wounds and aff lictions. He can use this ability once per day at 1st level, plus one additional time per day for every two samurai levels beyon
Ronin's Challenge +4/+2 (2/day) (Ex) +4 to damage target, -2 AC vs. others when used, +2 attack/dodge AC vs challenger when returning a challenge
Self Reliant (Ex) At 2nd level, the ronin learns to rely solely on himself, even in the most difficult of times. Whenever the ronin fails a Will saving throw against an effect with a duration greater than 1 round, he can attempt another saving throw at the end of the
Stunning Fist (3/day) (DC 15) You can stun an opponent with an unarmed attack.
Stunning Fist (Stun) (Ex) At 1st level, the monk gains Stunning Fist as a bonus feat, even if he does not meet the prerequisites. At 4th level, and every 4 levels thereafter, the monk gains the ability to apply a new condition to the target of his Stunning Fist. This conditio
Unarmed Strike (1d6) The Monk does lethal damage with his unarmed strikes.
Weapon Expertise: Katana (Ex) You can quick draw the chosen weapon, and gain +2 to confirm critical hits.

TBD depending on whether this is a 'mounted' campaign

What is the third son of a noble Samurai family supposed to do?

It is the question that has dogged Taizo's steps and defined his existence for most of his life. Even his nickname is a not particularly kind reminder; 'Taizo' means 'third son'. With his two older brothers and their numerous children inheriting all the power and responsibility for the clan, the only future for Taizo would be as a hanger-on at court - a purposeless parasite that contributes nothing. Taizo rejected this notion violently and dedicated himself to a different path, one that doesn't rely on blood, relatives, or title - the pursuit of martial perfection. The glory of wielding a sword with singular excellence was reliant on skill, heart, and karma... not blood.

From the time he left home, Taizo has worked to master the art of the sword. He has travelled the world - subjecting himself to privations to toughen his body and spirit, indenturing himself to martial masters in exchange for training, and selling his sword for decent money, the promise of a worthy opponent, or for any cause that caught his interest.

His purpose is simple: To become the greatest swordsman of this age or die gloriously.

Taizo is a purist. He relies on his skills with blade and bow. He scoffs at wearing conventional armor, relying on speed, maneuverability, and his deadly skills. He has sworn to never use a gun - disdaining the 'easy to use' quality of the weapons. While he doesn't object to others using guns, he nevertheless feels it is a crutch for someone lacking the martial skill to wield a blade or bow.

Taizo has few friends or long-term acquaintances. In this area of the world, his closest 'friends' would be at the monastery where he received his training as a monk. While he principally considers himself a Samurai, he feels a great debt to all of the monks who taught him what he considers invaluable lessons.

What enemies he has are most likely dead. Almost invariably, he has tested himself against his nemeses in the only way he finds meaningful - duels to the death.

Taizo is a somewhat muscular asian man in his 20's to 30's. His black hair is beginning to show streaks of grey. His gi, shirt, obi, and hakama are well-kept and clean but of plain cloth and muted colors. On first glance, his outfit could be mistaken for a monk's garments.