Kensai (Character Kit)

== Kensai ==
Description: Kensai, or"sword saint", is the name Oriental cultures have given to a warrior whose life goal is the complete mastery of a particular weapon, usually the sword. The kensai seeks the perfect blend of wielder and weapon, a harmonious balance possible only through constant study and practice with a body and spirit purified by clean living and challenge. The kensai welcomes any ordeal that will enhance this proficiency.
To become a kensai, a character must have at least a 12 Strength, and minimum scores of 14 in both Wisdom and Dexterity. He must be of lawful alignment, although he can be good, neutral, or evil.
Role: Kensai are highly respected by any other type of warrior, as well as by the general populace. High-level kensai are always in demand as teachers. Kensai are often approached by poor villagers who are too lowly for a mighty samurai to notice and lack even the limited funds to hire a bushi, to beg for assistance in ending a threat to their homes. As kensai welcome combat, they usually respond positively to these requests.
Kensai typically belong in an Oriental campaign, but several reasons can be created for their inclusion in a western-type campaign. Perhaps a kensai has traveled to a new land to learn how the natives use a weapon similar to his chosen one, or maybe he is chasing a criminal or monster at the request of peasants.
Secondary Skills:
* Required: Weapon-smithing
Weapon Proficiencies: When a kensai character is first created, he must choose the weapon he wishes to master. He automatically becomes proficient with that weapon, but not specialized. Weapon slots can then be filled as usual.
Nonweapon Proficiencies:
* Bonus: Weapon-smithing (weapon of mastery only).
* Recommended: Artistic ability, Blind-fighting, Endurance.
Equipment: A kensai does not have to buy a weapon of mastery when he begins play; it is assumed he already has one. Also, a kensai cannot wear armor, as it shows a lack of confidence in his fighting ability.
Special Benefits: Being the master of a certain weapon gives the kensai several advantages when using that weapon, First, due to his blocking and parrying skill, the kensai subtracts two from his armor class. Second, the kensai's attack and damage rolls increase by +1 for every three levels attained, to a maximum of +5. Also, his initiative drops by one for every four levels he attains, down to -3. Finally, the kensai can choose to automatically cause maximum damage with a single attack. The player must announce the kensai is using this ability prior to making his attack roll. If he does hit, the weapon automatically causes maximum damage, plus any other damage bonuses the kensai has. The kensai can use this ability a number of times per day equal to his level.
Note that all of the above abilities are usable only when the kensai is using his weapon of mastery; otherwise, he attacks as a fighter of his usual level.
Special Hindrances: A kensai can never use a magical weapon of the type he has chosen to master, since doing so is not a true measure of his skill. If a kensai fights with a weapon other than his weapon of mastery, he gains only one-half of the experience points from the encounter.
Wealth Options: The kensai starts the game with the usual 5d4 X 10 gp.
Races: Any race can become a kensai, although the majority of demihuman kensai will be elves and half-elves.
Category:Character Kit
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