[MOD] Samurai Kit v1.5 *UPDATED*
Greener
Member Posts: 430
SAMURAI: Samurai are professional warriors, members of the noble class who are trained in the arts of warfare. They are not only trained for their role in society, they are born into a system of allegiance, loyalty, and honor that influences every stage of their lives. A samurai cut loose from this system is no longer a samurai; he is an ordinary fighter, a ronin with no honor and no standing in society.
Advantages:
- May achieve Grand Mastery (five slots) in Katanas, Wakizashis, Halberds and Longbows.
- May use Kai ability once per day per level.
KAI: The Samurai increases his strength score to 18/00 for one round.
- 2nd level: Gains a +1 to damage rolls every 3 levels.
- 5th level: Becomes immune to fear and morale failure.
- 6th level: May cause fear at will.
FEAR: All enemies within visual range of the Samurai are shaken and suffer a -4 penalty to morale.
- 9th level: May use the Great Kai ability once per day.
GREAT KAI: The Samurai increases his strength score to 18/00 and all enemies within 30-ft are stunned for two rounds (Save vs. Paralyzation negates).
Disadvantages:
- Race restricted to human.
- May not wear armour heavier than splint mail.
- May not exceed Specialization (two slots) in any other weapons.
- Alignment restricted to lawful.
- May not dual class.
Advantages:
- May achieve Grand Mastery (five slots) in Katanas, Wakizashis, Halberds and Longbows.
- May use Kai ability once per day per level.
KAI: The Samurai increases his strength score to 18/00 for one round.
- 2nd level: Gains a +1 to damage rolls every 3 levels.
- 5th level: Becomes immune to fear and morale failure.
- 6th level: May cause fear at will.
FEAR: All enemies within visual range of the Samurai are shaken and suffer a -4 penalty to morale.
- 9th level: May use the Great Kai ability once per day.
GREAT KAI: The Samurai increases his strength score to 18/00 and all enemies within 30-ft are stunned for two rounds (Save vs. Paralyzation negates).
Disadvantages:
- Race restricted to human.
- May not wear armour heavier than splint mail.
- May not exceed Specialization (two slots) in any other weapons.
- Alignment restricted to lawful.
- May not dual class.
Post edited by Greener on
8
Comments
The kit makes a few assumptions, one being someone doesn't re-roll their ability scores until they get 18s, thus 18/xx is possible but no common
Every samurai must specialize with the katana, and the wakazashi is it's companion sword thus it seemed logical. In addition all samurai must have proficiency in horsemanship, and while that skill is applicable to the game the daikyu is a traditional samurai long bow used while riding
The minimum requirements create a more well rounded character (at least from an RPG perspective) instead of a one purely built for hack and slash. In addition they where the original requirements from AD&D Oriental Adventures 1st edition
I know the katana is their symbol weapon, but in many samurai movies and stories they use all kinds of stuff. But I guess a samurai with a staff or spear does seem a little weird.
BG doesn't handle minimum stat rolls correctly. You never need to waste points in the minimums, the game just guarantees them, so it just becomes a nice 'free' bonus... like the Paladin's guaranteed 17 charisma.
It's a nice kit... one of the few I'd like to try.
One point of difference the 2ed one tries to achieve is with weapon specialisation. In the 1ed version it restricts you to Katanas and Bows, so you have to use your 5 points in only those. However the 2ed version forces you to put two points in Katanas, three in Daikyu (Long Bow) and gives you one bonus specialisation point to be put in either the following:
Battle Axe/Hand Axe
Dagger
Halberd
Spear
Long Sword
Short Sword
Two-Handed Sword
Wakizashi
The equipment section of the 2ed rulebook says that those 8 weapon categories are valid for an oriental setting, so the Samurai can use those but only to a max of 1 point. To make things less rigid you could give the option to max out katanas with 2 points, long bows with 3 points and then 1 point for each of those 8. That allows some room for variation.
The 2ed version also states that upon becoming a Ronin they then receive experience points at half the rate of the Samurai. But can regain the Samurai class back upon finding a new lord to swear allegiance to. So I think what should be done is institute the reputation drop penalty that changes them to the Ronin class but give the Ronin class a condition that if they build up a reputation score of max 20 then they change back into the Samurai. Then if you fall to a low reputation again you return to being a Ronin, and must again achieve a reputation of 20 to change back. That adds a dynamic element to the class instead of it being too similar to the way the Ranger/Paladin works with their reputation penalty.
There seems to be an ability also missing above which is the "fear aura" effect that causes fear in creatures with 1HD or less. The creatures can save vs breath weapons to negate it. This is gained at level 6 and can be turned on and off like the Paladin/Cleric's Turn Undead ability. Sadly we can't mod the Turn Undead button, but a simple innate skill would do. Just make it recharge it self, so that it reappears in the Innate Ability section and isn't treated as a one day use thing.
The 2ed version actually removes all the Samurai's abilities to just the 18/00 Strength Score boost which is a bit lame... So I think if you combine the best of both worlds you'll get a rather cool kit.
I really would like to have the chance to play a samurai kit. I also think that it should be able to cast few spells like haste, horror (I like the idea that a samurai scare the enemies) etc...
also it would be nice to have some special equipment only for samurai, like an armor that looks like a samurai armor and can be used only by him (maybe make some new equipment or modify something already existing).
I know nothing about modding but it would be amazing if some modder decide to try make this kit! I would love it and I would play it starting with BGEE!
Also, adding spells like Haste and Horror as abilities is very easy.
yes I guess that with eekeeper it's very easy to add spells, but what would be nice it's a mod (or maybe a new feature in the next patch?:)) that add the kit with at the character creation. And in my mind I think the samurai with their specific special armor, with a different sprite than the normal chain mail. For example now I am thinking about the movie "the last samurai" with tom cruise. Like or not the movie, but the armor they wear were amazing, the style, the colors, the helmets that seems like masks... now I have no idea how samurai armors really were, but I was imagining something special, different from the classic chain mail or plate.
also for me a samurai is not just a warrior... it's a spiritual warrior, connected with his own soul, with his own weapon, extremely disciplined, limited in the choice of weapons but letal and fearless.
c'mon modders, no one interest in working in this new kit?!
Also, I don't have mu computer right now (nor for the next 25< days so I won't be able to nod in BG2:EE, but yes in vanilla BG2) so I can't.
but you as a modder and player would you enjoy playing a samurai kit?
also if you already have a knowledge of what samurais wear you should be the best to give suggestion about it in this thread! and hopefully one day you or other modders will create the kit!
I know nothing about modding so I really have no idea about how difficult could be to implement a new kit or new objects in the game.
I haven't worked yet, but I think I'll give a look at the PnP Samurai kit before starting
I won't make new graphics nor anything, just a mod, plain and authentic.
I had to utilize a paladin slot, in order to get the fallen status to work, thus I used the inquisitor slot...
SAMURAI: Samurai are professional warriors, members of the noble class who are trained in the arts of warfare. They are not only trained for their role in society, they are born into a system of allegiance, loyalty, and honor that influences every stage of their lives. A samurai cut loose from this system is no longer a samurai; he is an ordinary fighter, a Ronin with no honor and no standing in society.
Advantages:
1st Level the samurai begins to learn the art of focusing his ki. By concentrating on his breathing and using a kiai, the samurai increases his strength score to 18/00 for one round. A samurai can focus his ki a number of times per day equal to his level
2nd level a samurai gains a +1 bonus to his damage dice rolls. This bonus increases by an additional point for every three levels beyond 2nd
5th level the samurai is immune to fear
9th level the samurai also gains the ability of the great kiai, or paralyzing shout, This power draws upon the characters ki, exploding in a ferocious, warlike shout. The samurai’s Strength score is raised to 18/00 for two rounds and all enemies within 10 feet must save vs. paralyzation or be stunned for one round. The great kiai can be used only once per day
Disadvantages:
- Weapon specialization limited to katana, wakazashi, and daikyu (Long bow)
- Minimum scores of 13 in Strength, Wisdom and Constitution, and 14 in Intelligence
- Must maintain lawful alignment
- If party reputation drops below 8, becomes a ronin, loses all samurai abilities, and is the equivalent of a fighter (cannot regain samurai status)
- May not use lay on hands ability
- May not turn undead
- May not cast priest spells
A couple things about weapons and armor:
1. The Samurai only used short bows in earlier times, then started using longer composite bows which were called Yumi. So I'd add short bows to the list of available weapons.
2. They also used many pole weapons, called Naginata, that somewhat resemble spears or halberds.
3. Also before guns were commonly used, they mostly wore scale armor, so I would disable any armor above splint mail.
I agree that they work better as a paladin class than as a ranger (i know paladins aren't "knights", but they are the closest we got). I would disable turn undead, priest spells and lay on hands.
I like the ki ability. I would change it to something along the lines of what @crevsdaak offered. Maybe add one point of strength for every 3 levels of samurai and cap it at five. I would also only have the Ki ability once per day for every 4 levels in order to balance the kit. Maybe give them remove fear. Unfortunately horseback riding is not implemented in this game, so much of some samurai's combat styles can't be implemented. Perhaps add haste 1x/day as an innate ability like Mazzy has? Maybe even improved haste at level 18 or something.
In addition to weapon limitations and the loss of paladin spells and abilities, I would offset the power of the new features (improved haste is pretty boss) by limiting the samurai to single weapon and two handed weapon style (and of course no shields).
I hope this gets made! Samurai are so awesome
I completely agree, so I will add just one think:
should not the samurais be able to put 5 pips in the few weapon they have available?
Also, alignment should be locked to Lawful Good, Lawful Neutral, True Neutral, Chaotic Neutral and Lawful Evil.
Ki every 4 lvls starting at lvl1 with one use, raises STR by one point every three levels up to +5 STR.
They can put ++ in Single weapon style and ++ in two weapons style, ++ in Two handed weapon style, +++ in all the weapons but no BOWS, KATANAS AND WASHASKI, where they can have +++++.
Lvl 4 Immunity to Fear and Charm spells.
Lvl 2 +1 to damage hit rolls, +1 to damage hit rolls every 3 lvls therefore.
Restricted to Elves, half elves and humans.
May not wear armor heavier than splint mail.
May use the Horror ability every 5 levels starting at lvl5.
May use Improved Haste ability every 5 levels starting at lvl10.
May cast Remove Fear once per day starting at lvl4.
I hope soon we'll be able to play it, I was just thinking about starting a new game with an archer, but I'll wait for this!
1) People normally make mods for characters/classes that they love, which is reasonable of course, but this often means that they can go overboard with "how awesome"' the character/class is, and end up with OP characters/classes. I don't know the game logic well enough to comment on this particular case, but just something that modders should be aware of in my opnion.
2) I don't understand why you included Intelligence as a pre-requisite. Samurai are simply a warrior aristocracy via inheritance, much like Knighthood in Europe. Sure the odd lowborn who does something extraordinary might be able to join their ranks, but it's mostly an inherited thing. Samurai are expected to be educated in the arts, philosophy, religion, as well as trained warriors, but that says nothing about their inherent abilities. In times of turmoil, samurai were often just local thugs and strongmen who held military power in a region. As with knighthood, it has been greatly glamorised in pop culture.
A weak, stupid and lazy man can be born to a samurai family, and technically live a life of privilege as a member of the samurai class. There is no reason why he must have such high min reqs for Str, Con, Wis and Int. With so many min reqs set so high, it's gonna be stupidly easy to roll insanely high stats at Character Generation. It's like you saying, "All Samurai must be strong, healthy/fit, Wise and Smart! No Exceptions!". That just doesn't make sense.
3) Actually you don't need to be so strict with weapon proficiencies. Samurai were reasonably pragmatic warriors. They used whatever weapons that were suitable. Of course the Katana is iconic, but they also used pole-arms like Yaris, Naginata, heavy hammers and even muskets!
@maxi
Samurai armour is lamellar armour, fairly common in the Far East, but given samurai are a warrior aristocracy, their armour is manufactured to a very high standard.
I guess the closest equivalent in BG would be Splint Mail, although, at a stretch, Samurai should be allowed to use Plate Mail too, since lamellar armour is essentially 'plated armour'. Samurai should be barred from fullplate though, since that would certainly interfere with their fighting style.
4) @booinyoureyes
I maybe wrong, but I don't think samurai ever used 'short bows' as such, depending how you define 'short'. The earliest samurai were indeed horse archers, but I don't remember seeing their bows to be particularly short. They also used asymmetric bows, which allowed them to be longer than normally possible on horseback (since the bottom half is shorter so it doesn't hit the horse).
But you are right in that as samurai gradually became more of a heavily armoured shock infantry/cavalry force, they typically used longer bows on foot.
Samurai probably should be prohibited from using crossbows and slings, cos I am pretty sure they were never used in large quantities.
5) I wonder why D&D didn't make the 'Kensai' into a Samurai. Kensai is derived from Japanese for "Sword Saint"... and the mastery of the sword was pretty central to samurai identity. Instead they made the Kensai a really hardcore specialist with tonnes of penalties, and strongly encouraging Kensai==> Mage Dual-Class almost as a no-brainer.
I guess it's based Miyamoto Musashi, who was a legendary swordsman, called a Sword Saint, and typically depicted as unarmoured.
I agree--possibly the best source of reference for a project like this is to dig up an old copy of the Kara Tur ruleset. (Just looked for my hardcover copy from the 1980's, but alas it's missing.) While it's not as historic per se, it was already minced out into AD&D rules. Based off this, adjusted for live play vs pnp--awesome potential.
Some other cool classes in that book too, like the Wu Jen (Oriental Mage). might make a nifty sorcerer kit.
This kit is almost an exact replica of the samurai class from the AD&D Oriental Adventures 1st edition @booinyoureyes
The addition of the Naginata (halberd) and tetsubo (club) proficiency are excellent ideas as is the splint mail restriction @booinyoureyes
I already been disabled, thus why I choose the inquisitor kit as a template
I appreciate everyones desire to create a fun character, but I feel this would not only be incredibly powerful, but it encroaches on the barbarian kit to much. @maxi
I have allowed for grand mastery to be achieved in the katana, wakazashi, and long bow. I believe my kit description stated specialization by mistake, thank you for pointing it out @CrevsDaak
I believe I understand your sentiment, while I agree ronin are not evil samurai, they are dishonoured or disloyal samurai, and in the kara-tur and oriental adventures, honour plays a huge roll in day to day activities. Thus I believe in this case reputation can be a surrogate for honour. @Heindrich1988
An excellent point, I made this kit out of interest sake, but I also wanted the opportunity to create something that was balanced and didn't ruin the gaming experience by being overpowered @Heindrich1988
The ability pre-requisites are taken directly from the Oriental Adventures 1st edition @Heindrich1988
I completely agree, I will expand the weapon proficiencies to include Naginata (halberd) and the tetsubo (club)
@Heindrich1988
Once again and excellent point, I'll edit the kit to limit a smaurai's armour to splint mail and below
I am glad to see that with the help of the bg community you'll be able to create a very interesting kit... but if I can say my opinion there is still one thing I don't like so much: and it's the ki ability. for any kind of warrior strenght 18/00 it can be useful only for the first part of BG, then strenght goes up to 19 with the tome, and the ki ability will be useless in BG2. Why don't give the samurai more strenght, or a spell similar to the 2nd level priest spell "draw upon holy might".
I also like the idea to give him some minor spells like someone else said, horror, remove fear and improved haste at high level.
as a warrior it already have few limitations, like no shield, only splint mail (and the best armor in bg2 are plate or full plate) and limited weapon choice.
anyway thank you very much for doing this... I will play it for sure. I don't like pure fighters but I prefer rangers (or paladins), and the samurai will be perfect for my play style!
and also if the kit will be complete and working maybe I can tranlate it to italian and spanish (spanish only if you don't find someone that speak spanish as mother tongue, my spanish is good but maybe not good enough)!!
The kit is all but built, I've edited all the requisite files I'm simply waiting for someone to assist in packaging it into weidu for distribution, as that is far above my abilities
I understand what you are saying with regards to the ki ability, I'll consider your suggestion
With the dissatisfaction towards the included kai ability, would people prefer if I reverted back to the original kai ability? Kai: All successful attacks within the next 10 seconds (1 round) deal maximum damage?
Perhaps the Great Kai could be: All successful attacking within the next 20 seconds (2 rounds) deal maximum damage and all enemies within 10 feet must save vs. paralyzation or be stunned for one round?
SAMURAI: Samurai are professional warriors, members of the noble class who are trained in the arts of warfare. They are not only trained for their role in society, they are born into a system of allegiance, loyalty, and honor that influences every stage of their lives. A samurai cut loose from this system is no longer a samurai; he is an ordinary fighter, a Ronin with no honor and no standing in society.
Advantages:
- May use Kai ability once per day per level (start at 1st level with one use)
- May achieve Grandmastery (5 slots) in katana, wakazashi, longbows, halberd, and club
KAI: The samurai begins to learn the art of focusing his ki. By concentrating on his breathing and using a kiai (loud shout), the samurai increases his strength score to 18/00 for one round.
or
KAI: All successful attacks within the next 10 seconds (1 round) deal maximum damage
- 2nd level: Gains a +1 damage rolls every 3 levels.
- 5th level: Becomes immune to fear and morale failure
- 9th level: May use the Great Kai ability once per day
GREAT KAI: This power draws upon the characters ki, exploding in a ferocious, warlike shout. The samurai’s Strength score is raised to 18/00 for two rounds and all enemies within 10 feet must save vs. paralyzation or be stunned for one round
or
GREAT KAI: All successful attacks within the next 20 seconds (2 round) deal maximum damage and all enemies within 10 feet must save vs. paralyzation or be stunned for one round
Disadvantages:
- May not wear armour heavier than splint mail
- May not equip shields
- May only become Proficient (one slot) with all other weapon classes
- May not use Lay On Hands Ability
- May not turn undead
- May not cast priest spells
- Alignment restricted to lawful
- If party reputation drops below 8, becomes a ronin, loses all samurai abilities, and is the equivalent of a fighter (cannot regain samurai status)
And I think that the disvantages are more than the advantages. Think about the paladin for example: ok, they can't reach grandmastery, but they have lay on hands, priest spells, turn undead and some kits have amazing resistance from the 1st level. So I would give the samurai one or two more abilities, like a haste spell, or horror, or an extra attack for 1 or 2 rounds, or something like that.
Anyway I can see it's almost done, I hope someone can help you finishing it because I really would like to start a new game with the samurai kit!
great job Greener!