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Challenge 1/day, Mount, Order, Resolve, Wpn Fcs: Katana, Intimidating Prowess
Samurai2
Honor in all things
Samurai3
Weapon Expertise (Katana), Power Attack
Samurai4
Challenge 2/day, Mounted Archer
Samurai5
Banner, Dazzling Display
Samurai6
Shatter Defenses
Samurai7
Challenge 3/day, Conrugan Smash
Samurai8
Way of the Samurai
Samurai9
Gtr Resolve, Gtr Wpn Fcs
Samurai10
Challenge 4/day
Samurai11
Honorable Stand, Deadly Stroke
Samurai12
Critical Focus
Samurai13
Challenge 5/day, Staggering Critical
Samurai14
Gtr Banner
Samurai15
Strike True, Improved Critical
Samurai16
Challenge 6/day
Samurai17
True Resolve, Stunning Critical
Samurai18
Wpn Spl
Samurai19
Challenge 7/day, Gtr Wpn Spl
Samurai20
Last Stand
Done. You now kick Major Ass.
Your thread title said Two Handed.
I no you said no archtype, but if it's an option and you don't care about riding a mount, I highly recommend the Sword Saint Archtype.
Sure, till level 10 it sorta sucks, but honestly you're likely ignorning your mount for most of the game anyways(unless you're riding into dungeons firing arrows from your horse all the time) so it's not that much of a loss. Plus when you can do it, it's pretty damn cool and the potential debuffs from your strikes are on par with your buffs are greater than the bonuses from Banner Imo. Plus more damage, even conditional, is always a good thing imo.
In combination with STR Ranger's suggestions I'm sure it could be pretty brutal and probably way more effective than a TWFing samurai could be.
if you want to twf, use wakazashi and just call them katanas. then take TWF, ITWF, duble slice, 2 weapon rend. a 2 weapon fighting samurai is better then a 2 handed, because of challange. you run to the big bad guy and open up a can of woop ass on him.
if you want to twf, use wakazashi and just call them katanas. then take TWF, ITWF, duble slice, 2 weapon rend. a 2 weapon fighting samurai is better then a 2 handed, because of challange. you run to the big bad guy and open up a can of woop ass on him.
Why? Not the twf part, I can see why you might do that on account of the bonus damage a hit(I'd forgotten about that), but the Samurai gets the proficency for Katana thus can wield it one handed. So why sacrifice the larger damage die for a 2nd Wakazashi? Plus wielding a Katana and Wakazashi totally fits more in with a the style of combat the OP wants to do.
Why? Not the twf part, I can see why you might do that on account of the bonus damage a hit(I'd forgotten about that), but the Samurai gets the proficency for Katana thus can wield it one handed. So why sacrifice the larger damage die for a 2nd Wakazashi? Plus wielding a Katana and Wakazashi totally fits more in with a the style of combat the OP wants to do.
when i played 3.5 the players guide said " you get to decide how your weapons look" taking the stats from a katana and wakazashi there is a 2 point different between the 2 weapons. so why not just lose that 2 points for the sake of only needing weapon focus, specailization, and greater versions for only one weapon. that makes him much more compentent. then he can tack on paranah strike or say screw strength completely and focus dex as his main stat, which makes him even better at hitting and dealing damage. by making dex his main stats he also gains the ability to use a long bow and be functional at it.
its always been my opinion, that 2x light weapons are better then 1 hander and light weapon.
when i played 3.5 the players guide said " you get to decide how your weapons look" taking the stats from a katana and wakazashi there is a 2 point different between the 2 weapons. so why not just lose that 2 points for the sake of only needing weapon focus, specailization, and greater versions for only one weapon. that makes him much more compentent. then he can tack on paranah strike or say screw strength completely and focus dex as his main stat, which makes him even better at hitting and dealing damage. by making dex his main stats he also gains the ability to use a long bow and be functional at it.
its always been my opinion, that 2x light weapons are better then 1 hander and light weapon.
Ah, I can see the point of using two wakazashi's from a optimized point of view. Still rubs me the wrong way thematically, but whatever. It's probably cause I never heard/played with the "Decide how your weapons look" thing.
I would still recommend he keep some STR though since he'll probably want a composite Bows, ranged attacks are pretty weak without taking the appropriate feats... And frankly a TWF samurai won't be able to get said feats.
Still rubs me the wrong way thematically, but whatever. It's probably cause I never heard/played with the "Decide how your weapons look" thing.
its one of the best things in 3.5. they didnt say "YOU MUST HAVE A GREAT SWORD LOOK LIKE A GREAT SWORD!!!" they gave the players the abiliy to have an item look how they wanted, as long as it didnt go against the mechanics of the weapon(slight of hand a great sword).
that doesn't look very two-weapon friendly.
There are very good reasons to go for a two-hander vs two-weapon:
The two-weapon samurai (say katana and wakizashi or dual wakizashi*) will require both more feats and higher stats to make it work.
Two weapon build needs good STR and CON and DEX and you'll have to spend your feats on the TWF chain. Yes, occasionally you'll get to use your challenge ability to really shred one opponent with both weapons but as a whole I don't think the trade-off is worth it. Also, you'll need to spend twice as much for your magic weapons (because you have two of them).
The two hander build only require a good STR and CON. Extra points can be put into WIS. The only feats you really need are Power Attack and possibly Furious Focus. This leaves you with feats left over for Iron Will, Toughness, Dodge, etc.
* The reason I'd pick dual wakizashis over a katana+wakizashi is the samurai weapon training ability. Bonuses to crit, access to fighter feats and quick draw but only for one samurai weapon.
** Also, IMO you're better off getting the critical focus feat chain than improved critical, since the former opens up a chain of feats that allows for nice debuffing. It's better to just buy the keen weapon and between crit focus and samurai weapon training you'll get a +6 to confirm a crit (and you'll have Way of the Samurai to roll x3 to maximize your chances of getting a crit threat in the first place).
The penalties for a one-handed weapon in one hand and a light in the other are the same for a light in each hand.
The penalties for a one-handed weapon in one hand and a light in the other are the same for a light in each hand.
Yeah, which was what I was initally confused someone would wield 2 Wakizashi over a Daisho set, but as was pointed out the mechanical advantages are there for wielding 2 light weapons(namely fighter feats for only one weapon type).
Its one of the best things in 3.5. they didnt say "YOU MUST HAVE A GREAT SWORD LOOK LIKE A GREAT SWORD!!!" they gave the players the abiliy to have an item look how they wanted, as long as it didnt go against the mechanics of the weapon(slight of hand a great sword).
I suppose I'll just have to keep that in mind next time I play 3.5. Thanks sir.
** Also, IMO you're better off getting the critical focus feat chain than improved critical, since the former opens up a chain of feats that allows for nice debuffing. It's better to just buy the keen weapon and between crit focus and samurai weapon training you'll get a +6 to confirm a crit (and you'll have Way of the Samurai to roll x3 to maximize your chances of getting a crit threat in the first place).
This I don't neccasarily agree with, since getting a keen weapon sorta depends on the nature of the game. I've been in plenty of games where getting keen magic weapons were a pain, so being able to rely on yourself to double that range can be helpful.
Otherwise I can't help but agree with your other point Mr. Boggard.
you can make a cloth wearing samurai, by dipping monk. take wisdom con and strength as you highest stats, then get bracers of armor. in my opinion samurai should gain improved unarmed strike and unarmed damage increases because samurai were trained in kenpo jujitsu but thats a different discussion...
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is there any advantage to using a katana two-handed though apart from from increased STR bonus to damage? (not that more damage isn't neat.)
You've hit on part of it - a one handed weapon used in 2-hands lets you use 1.5x STR mod for damage.
The real kicker is that using a katana in 2-hands will permit you to get a 3:1 return on Power Attack.
No such luck with a Wakizashi or other light weapon wielded in 2-hands. Not only is your STR mod capped at 1x, but Power Attack is limited to 2:1 with a light weapon or just 1:1 if that weapon is in your off-hand.
Also you don't take the-2 penalty for TWF to ALL your attacks.
This is why I don't recommend TWF for Samurai/Cavalier UNLESS you go order of the Shield.
Why? Because TWF is only awesome IF you hit.
Rangers get FE - adds to hit
Paladins get smite, Divine Favor, Weapon Bond
Fighters get Weapon Training, Duelist gloves
Barbarians get, Rage, Furious, courageous weapons,reckless abandon
ALL THESE abilities add to your hit.
Samurai get Banner to charge and that's it.
Order of the shield/sword are the only two orders that add to your hit chance so they are the best for TWF.
Order of the Warrior is best for Crits/Condition removal.
Now the build I posted is awesome for a few reasons.
1. Dazzling Display is a good Debuff (shaken) that makes it harder for enemies to hit your allies and make their saves. Good for a round when you can't reach a guy to hit.
2. Shatter Defences/Cornugan Smash is Awesome cause your treat the enemy as FLATFOOTED. That means none of your actions Provoke AOO's from them (like moving around them or combat maneuvers) AND they are denied their DEX to AC. It's your own to Hit buff.
3. Anyone you treat as FLATFOOTED can be hit with DEADLY Stroke with DOUBLES ALL NON VARIABLE DAMAGE. So it doubles Power Attack, Weapon Enhancement Damage, Challenge Damage.AND inflicts CON bleed. That is a Massive hit.
You NEED Dazzling Display to take Shatter Defences/Deadly Stroke it's
a Preq.
You could Dump Intimidating Prowess for Furious Focus.
The Intimidate DC is not hard. Paying for a skill item will work.
With the new options from ARG and feats. I would take Critical Versatility at 13.
Here is something you can use against your GM.
Claim that your full plate, katana and other starting gear (non magical) should be free.
Samurais get all the equipment they need from their Dayimo :)
But if you were to be that slick about it, I guess the GM could make you never loot the bodies (Samurais never did) nor ever get a new katana, unless you lost it.
Samurai were strong, power attacking fighters, not dainty dexterity dancers.
this is not true. the samurai were more likely to sever your femoral artery then cleave you in half. and anyone who knows about sword fighting, or anatomy, knows your inner thigh only needs a 1/2 to 1 inch cut to kill you.
I donot really undesrtand the build of STR ranger. Why deadly stroke is so important? at that levels with a weapon with 15-20 crit range i would prefer more than one attack per round
If there was a way for samurai to get POUNCE I would agree with you. Never fought an enemy who wouldn't stand still?
Smart foes don't sit still and let the party dog pile it and eat full attacks. They move+cast or teleport or other stuff.
Sitting still so a samurai can pound on you is dumb.
With Deadly Stroke that is not a problem.
Typical tactic.
Buy a wand of invis.
Somebody ELSE kick in door.
You challenge, move in an Auto deadly Stroke. (Free Intimidated, -2 Attacks and Saves. Party wizard/low AC rogue says Thankyou)
Double EVERYTHING for damage. Enemy loses 1 Con
Rd 2
Enemy full attacks you: You full attack, he dies.
Or
Enemy moves away and casts: You close and Deadly Stroke again.
Double EVERYTHING. He dies. Or barely lives, then end of round he loses another 1 Con.
So his fort drops by 1, he loses his HD worth of HP and THEN he dies.
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An important announcement:
You do not need levels in Samurai to be a "Samurai".
There are a number of classes you can take, and allow flavor to define you as a Samurai.
Just letting you know.
By the way, fighting with two Katana will be hard, with a lot of penalties.
You will suffer less penalties if you wield a small sized Katana in your off hand.
Samurai were strong, power attacking fighters, not dainty dexterity dancers.this is not true. the samurai were more likely to sever your femoral artery then cleave you in half. and anyone who knows about sword fighting, or anatomy, knows your inner thigh only needs a 1/2 to 1 inch cut to kill you.
This is a pretty dangerous road to go down. :P
Dump Intimidating Prowess and go With the Focused Mind Human racial variant.
You swap your bonus feat (Intimidating Prowess) for a free skill focus at 1st, 8th and 16th level.
The bonus is +3 at level 1 (same as what prowess gives you) and improves to +6 later.
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I wouldn't give up my mount. They are great combatants and free feats. Step up, overrun, dragon style - with int 3 and a GM not being closedminded you can do alot. As getting the mount places there is a cheap armor enchant in ultimate equipment for that.
Also order of the cockatrice is amazing. Not that I never want way of the warrior or ronin, but it gives you the std action dazzling display and extra bonuses for doing it.
Edit: sorry for missing the ronin part.
Look at the Lore Warden fighter archetype might be a better fit to what you want
Mount can be a hassle, and only work well in the right campaign.
Mounts are the kinda thing you really need to bring up with your GM when starting a new campaign. If you're going to spend all your time underground in five foot wide corridors with a low ceiling, then mounted combat isn't an option.
One thing to bear in mind though, your mount can make a viable flanking buddy/combatant for when you're dismounted if you build it that way.
Mounts are the kinda thing you really need to bring up with your GM when starting a new campaign. If you're going to spend all your time underground in five foot wide corridors with a low ceiling, then mounted combat isn't an option.
This. And even when a party isn't underground all the time, they'll still only helpful half the time though. Which is why I suggested the Sword Saint earlier. It's also an ability you are likely to only get off half the time till level 10, but afterwards it doesn't matter where you are.
1 Challenge
2 Move
3 Iaijutsu strike
4 ???
5 Profit
the way I read it, Iaijutsu Strike isn't as cool as I wish it were. because prior to level 10, it is a full-round action. so I need to challenge, then move... then... wait until the next round... and then do the strike. that sounds like a bit of a waste, compared to challenging, moving, drawing as free action and hitting straight away.
Or you can Challenge, and ready your action to perform an Iaijutsu Strike for when the enemy closes to melee. If you ply your cards right, and properly read your enemies, this can become a very viable tactic at lower levels.
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Or you can Challenge, and ready your action to perform an Iaijutsu Strike for when the enemy closes to melee. If you ply your cards right, and properly read your enemies, this can become a very viable tactic at lower levels.the way I read it, Iaijutsu Strike isn't as cool as I wish it were. because prior to level 10, it is a full-round action. so I need to challenge, then move... then... wait until the next round... and then do the strike. that sounds like a bit of a waste, compared to challenging, moving, drawing as free action and hitting straight away.
Unfortunately you can't ready a full-round action.
What you can do for Iaijutsu Strike though, is Challenge, Move, Dazzling Display as Standard, then attack next turn.
the way I read it, Iaijutsu Strike isn't as cool as I wish it were. because prior to level 10, it is a full-round action. so I need to challenge, then move... then... wait until the next round... and then do the strike. that sounds like a bit of a waste, compared to challenging, moving, drawing as free action and hitting straight away.
What I suggest is some creative applications of the ability until then.
For example, a sword saint samurai player in my game was guarding the elven emperor. His son comes up, allies behind him, and begins monologuing how it's his rightful thrown, etc... When the Sword Saint interupts him by stepping infront of the emperor and declares his name and challenges him. At this point no weapons have been drawn, initiative hasn't been rolled, and combat hasn't really started yet. None the less, right after the emperor's son makes a witty retort, draws his weapon, and combat begins with the Samurai beating him on Initative and Iaijutsu striking him at the beginning of the fight.
Point is, if you play into it, I think you can role play out of the action at the begining of combat if you do it right. Argue that it's a suprise action that initiates combat. Make a deal of the challenge thematically, since otherwise it's just a mechanic. Do that and your DMs will love it.
RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8
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Look at the Lore Warden fighter archetype might be a better fit to what you wantI think the Samurai fits very well with my character, as I want him to be... a samurai. :-P
Heh, a class doesn't define one's social station.
Talyn's a noble's son, w/o a single level in Aristocrat.
as mentioned, I need to be ronin.
Any class will do for a ronin if you simply wish to follow the way of Bushido. Just focus on what you want to do simply tying your self to a class for the sake of the name can lock you down to things you may not want and limit your options. Build a character you will want to play and call him what you want.