Hi, so there are a few character concepts that I have in my head, and I discover that mechanically, I rather like the Ninja class. It's groovy, they've got cool little tricks, so far so good.
But, do they have to be 'Ninjas'? You know, do they have to walk around in kimonos, do they have to have learned their trade from a ninja clan? Can I play a skulky, stealthy guy who's more European in nature, or who fits in better with the general 'tone' of Golarian?
Thank you for your help.
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You can flavor them anyway you like.
Well consider that ninja don't really have a specified uniform at all. Never in Japanese history did ninjas ever wear those black stealth suits you see in the movies - that's a convention from Kabuki plays when the ninja was introduced in a kabuki play wearing the costume of a kabuki stage handlers uniform (those black suits). In reality ninjas wear whatever would be best to blend in to the environment they are infiltrating - like a good spy. If infiltrating a temple or church you dress as a monk or clergy. If infiltrating a castle you dress as a samurai guard or household staff. Wearing a black suit only identifies you as someone not in the right place - they don't belong there.
With this in mind, even if using the ninja concept in a generally western setting, the ninja dresses like anybody else. Ninja are the skills and powers of the class, not the costume. It's only an occupation.
I think a secret organization of spies for any setting works well using ninjas as the operatives, and doesn't necessarily have anything to do with Japan.
Ninjas don't have to wear Shinobi Shozoku(the pj's.), nor use ninja stars, nor be from an Asian themed land. Barbarians don't have to be completely unintelligent, unsocial, mouth frothing, illiterates, and samurai don't have to wield a katana and commit seppuku immediately upon dishonor. I'm sure there are many more examples beyond that.
The names of the classes are just a label. Fluff is mutable.
Assassin's Creed as a ninja ftw
The mechanics are at your disposal to build the character that you want to play. Don't get hung up on the names that are placed on these items.
When my nephew uses his Star Wars and Harry Potter legos to build a rad sports car, I do not call him out and say that I never saw Professor Snape driving that thing on Tatooine.
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Well, those people will just have to deal with my Batman/Zorro-esque adventurer.
Thanks, guys.
If you like 3rd party material, you can use the super genius games Talented Rogue, to mix and match rogue/ninja abilities via a talent and 'edge' system, taking what you do like and leaving out what you dont. Could help keep the mechanics closer to the flavor you want while still allowing whatever it is about the ninja you do like.
Unless your class has a code of conduct anyways (Ninja doesn't).Ninjas don't have to wear Shinobi Shozoku(the pj's.), nor use ninja stars, nor be from an Asian themed land. Barbarians don't have to be completely unintelligent, unsocial, mouth frothing, illiterates, and samurai don't have to wield a katana and commit seppuku immediately upon dishonor. I'm sure there are many more examples beyond that.
The names of the classes are just a label. Fluff is mutable.
Such codes are poor class design. I'm still surprised PF didn't flush them.
Well, those people will just have to deal with my Batman/Zorro-esque adventurer.
Thanks, guys.
Just remember...the pointy end goes in the man.
also
WHERRRRRE'S HARRRRVEYY DENNNT?! WHERRRE IS HEE?!!
Such codes are poor class design. I'm still surprised PF didn't flush them.Unless your class has a code of conduct anyways (Ninja doesn't).Ninjas don't have to wear Shinobi Shozoku(the pj's.), nor use ninja stars, nor be from an Asian themed land. Barbarians don't have to be completely unintelligent, unsocial, mouth frothing, illiterates, and samurai don't have to wield a katana and commit seppuku immediately upon dishonor. I'm sure there are many more examples beyond that.
The names of the classes are just a label. Fluff is mutable.
That, and alignment restrictions are probably another discussion altogether. Making it optional is a better option than flushing it entirely imo, or adding flexibility. I'm not a fan of being told how my character has to roleplay myself, freedom and choice are big things in this world.
Ninjas sometimes also wear orange jumpsuits.
A shudder of terror went through my body.
Albus Dumbledore vs. Obi Wan Kenobi...
...GO
How about judging their ability to not actually directly help the heroes they're trying to assist?
