This level 1 Samurai excels at intimidation and powerful strikes using a bastard sword. With Exotic Weapon Proficiency, Dreadful Wrath, and Power Attack, the build focuses on dealing devastating damage and demoralizing foes.
Stat Block Level 1:
Samurai: male, human Samurai 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (human); HD 12; hp 12; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 10, touch 10, flat-footed 10; Base Atk +1; Grp +4; Atk Bastard Sword +4 melee (1d10+3/19-20) or Throw Bastard Sword +4; Full Atk Bastard Sword +4 melee (1d10+3/19-20) or Throw Bastard Sword +4; SA Dreadful Wrath, Power Attack; SQ Daisho Proficiency; AL Any lawful; SV Fort +2, Ref +0, Will +0; Str 16, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 16.
At level 5, this build primarily focuses on mastering the blade and combining powerful offensive strikes with fear tactics to keep opponents on edge. This Samurai handles combat with swift and deadly precision. The skills and abilities aim to optimize intimidation and maximize combat effectiveness.
Stat Block Level 5:
Samurai Blade Master[1]: male, human Samurai 5; CR 5; Medium humanoid; HD 5d10+10; hp 45; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 10, flat-footed 20; Base Atk +5; Grp +8; Atk Bastard Sword +9 melee (1d10+6/19–20) or Wakizashi +9 melee (1d6+6/19-20); Full Atk Bastard Sword +9 melee (1d10+6/19–20) and Wakizashi +9 melee (1d6+6/19-20); SA Kiai Smite 1/Day, Power Attack; SQ Daisho Proficiency, Two Weapons as One, Ancestral Relic, Staredown; AL Lawful Neutral; SV Fort +7, Ref +1, Will +1; Str 16, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 16.
Kiai Smite 1/Day allows for an extra powerful attack once per day; Daisho Proficiency lets the character wield their ancestral daisho proficiently. Staredown provides a bonus to Intimidate checks. Possessions: Bastard Sword, Wakizashi, the best armor affordable at this level, and an ancestral relic weapon.
Possessions: Bastard Sword, Wakizashi, the best armor affordable at this level, and an ancestral relic weapon.
At level 10, this Samurai build excels in close combat with high damage output and demoralizing techniques. Utilizing a combination of Samurai and Exotic Weapon Master classes, the character boasts powerful attacks and can throw their weapon as part of their combat strategy.
Stat Block Level 10:
Unnamed Samurai: male, Human Samurai 10/Exotic Weapon Master 3/Sohei 1/Anointed Knight 6; CR 10; Medium humanoid; HD 10d10+20; hp 75; Init +4; Spd 30 ft.; AC 18, touch 10, flat-footed 18; Base Atk +10; Grp +13; Atk +16 melee (Bastard Sword +1) or +14 thrown (Bastard Sword); Full Atk +16/+11 melee (Bastard Sword +1) or +14/+9 thrown (Bastard Sword); SA Kiai Smite 2/Day, Intimidating Rage; SQ Daisho Proficiency, Two Weapons as One, Kiai Smite, Show Off, Uncanny Blow, Throw Exotic Weapon; AL LG; SV Fort +9, Ref +7, Will +5; Str 16, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 16.
Kiai Smite 2/Day allows for powerful critical strikes, Two Weapons as One enables dual wielding, and Intimidating Rage demoralizes enemies. Show Off and Throw Exotic Weapon enhance combat versatility. Possessions: Daisho (Free), the best armor available.
Possessions: Daisho (Free), the best armor available.
This build focuses on superior damage output, fear effects, and powerful sword techniques. Key strategies include using a Bastard Sword with improved critical hits and dealing heavy blows through Leap Attack and Shock Trooper. The build masters intimidation tactics and exploits Ancestral Relic to enhance their weaponry.
Stat Block Level 15:
Unnamed Samurai: male, Human Samurai 10/Exotic Weapon Master 3/Sohei 1/Anointed Knight 1; CR 15; Medium humanoid (human); HD 15d10+30; hp 123; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 21, touch 11, flat-footed 20; Base Atk +15; Grp +18; Atk Bastard Sword +20 melee (1d10+6/17-20) or Throwing Bastard Sword +17 ranged (1d10+6); Full Atk Bastard Sword +20/+15/+10 melee (1d10+6/17-20) or Throwing Bastard Sword +17 ranged (1d10+6); SA Intimidating Rage, Kiai Smite 2/day, Leap Attack, Shock Trooper; SQ Ancestral Weapon, Daisho Proficiency, Two Weapons as One, Staredown, Mass Staredown, KiFrenzy 1/day, DR 3/-; AL LG; SV Fort +14, Ref +10, Will +8; Str 16, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 16.
Intimidating Rage allows the character to demoralize enemies as a free action when using rage, Kiai Smite adds Charisma modifier to attack rolls once per day per use, Leap Attack enhances Power Attack damage when jumping, and Shock Trooper provides tactical options for charging attacks. Possessions: Masterwork Daisho, the best armor available, various magic items to enhance combat effectiveness and survivability.
Possessions: Masterwork Daisho, the best armor available, various magic items to enhance combat effectiveness and survivability.
This Samurai – Blade Master[1] build excels in high damage output, with proficiency in fear effects to demoralize enemies. The build focuses on the use of a Bastard Sword in tandem with techniques such as Iaijutsu Master and throwing exotic weapons. A high Charisma score enhances various abilities, while Imperious Command and Dreadful Wrath maximize fear effects.
Stat Block Level 20:
Samurai Blade Master[1]: male, human Samurai 10/Exotic Weapon Master 3/Sohei 1/Anointed Knight 6; CR 20; Medium humanoid (human); HD 20d10+40; hp 161; Init +4; Spd 30 ft.; AC 24, touch 14, flat-footed 20; Base Atk +20; Grp +23; Atk +31 melee (1d10+11/17-20, +3 Ancestral Bastard Sword) or +22 ranged (1d10+8/19-20); Full Atk +31/+26/+21/+16 melee (1d10+11/17-20, +3 Ancestral Bastard Sword) or +22 ranged (1d10+8/19-20); SA Kiai Smite 2/day, Throw Exotic Weapon, Sanctify Martial Strike; SQ Daisho Proficiency, Two Weapons as One, Ancestral Relic, Staredown, Mass Staredown, Unicorn’s Blood, Sentience; AL LG; SV Fort +17, Ref +12, Will +11; Str 16, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 20.
Daisho Proficiency allows the use of two swords as if they were one; Ancestral Relic permits the conversion of magic items to enhance the sword; Staredown and Mass Staredown demoralize opponents in combat; Unicorn’s Blood provides a +1 Cha bonus every four levels; Sentience allows the sword to have its own consciousness with unique abilities. Possessions: +3 Ancestral Bastard Sword, best possible armor available, miscellaneous magic items enhancing combat abilities and survivability.
Possessions: +3 Ancestral Bastard Sword, best possible armor available, miscellaneous magic items enhancing combat abilities and survivability.
Milestones Of Character Development
Levels 1-5: You start as a Samurai, gaining crucial abilities like Two Weapons as One and Kiai Smite. Ancestral Relic helps craft your unique weapon, while Dreadful Wrath and Power Attack provide early combat boosts.
Levels 6-10: Transitioning into Sohei and Exotic Weapon Master, you gain Weapon Focus, Ki Frenzy, and Show Off. Imperious Command and Intimidating Rage enhance your fear tactics, making you a formidable foe.
Levels 11-15: Your Samurai skills are further refined with abilities like Improved Initiative and Mass Staredown. At the same time, entering Anointed Knight grants critical improvements like DR and Improved Critical.
Levels 16-20: Fully embracing your role as Anointed Knight, you gain powerful abilities like Shock Trooper and Sanctify Martial Strike. Sentience and additional Charisma bonuses mark your mastery and completion of the Blade Master[1] path.
Core Abilities & Features of the Blade Master
Ancestral Daisho: Honorable Armament
The build centers on the Samurai’s Daisho proficiency. At the onset, the character gains Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Bastard Sword), allowing for versatile combat options between one- and two-handed techniques. The daisho serves as a badge of honor and a deadly weapon, frequently enhanced with magical properties through the Ancestral Relic ability earned at 3rd level. This creates a unique, nostalgia-laden blade that truly represents the warrior’s soul.
Fear as a Weapon: Intimidation and Control
The Blade Master[1] deploys terrifying presence on the battlefield, starting with the Dreadful Wrath feat at level 1, amplifying fear with each strike. Imperious Command at level 6 transforms Even the briefest stare into a tactical advantage. Skills such as Staredown and Mass Staredown (levels 6 and 14 respectively) further leverage fear effects, compelling foes to cower, giving the Samurai control over the battlefield.
Iaijutsu Master: Precision and Power
Rapid unsheathing and striking form the core of Iaijutsu Master, acquired at level 5. This skill combines speed and precision, laying foundation for deadly strikes that leave no room for enemy retaliation. Coupled with the Kiai Smite, gained at levels 3 and 11, the Blade Master[1] converts sheer force of will into overwhelming offensive power, embodying the true essence of a blade master[1].
Exotic Techniques: Unorthodox Strategies
Venturing into Exotic Weapon Master at levels 8-10 unlocks quirky yet deadly maneuvers. Show Off adds flair, Throw Exotic Weapon allows ranged battle readiness, and Uncanny Blow combines both hands on a single strike, wreaking havoc on armor and flesh. Complementary feats like Intimidating Rage ensures fear effects remain while engaging enemies ferociously.
Sohei and Anointed Knight: Buffs and Blessings
Dipping into Sohei at level 7 introduces Ki Frenzy, offering an extra edge when needed. Transitioning into Anointed Knight, starts at level 15, bringing powerful blessings. From Unicorn’s Blood at level 16, augmenting resilience, to Sanctify Martial Strike at level 20, each aspect exudes divine power, ensuring survival and efficacy in combat.
Equipment Progression as a Blade Master
Level Range
Equipment
Details
L1-5
+1 Bastard Sword, +1 Full Plate
Starting with a +1 Bastard Sword allows you to deal consistent damage, while a +1 Full Plate provides essential AC protection in early levels.
L6-10
+2 Ancestral Relic Bastard Sword, +2 Full Plate, Gauntlets of Ogre Power
Enhancing the Bastard Sword to +2 is crucial for increasing damage output. The +2 Full Plate offers better AC, and the Gauntlets add +2 Strength.
L11-15
+3 Ancestral Relic Bastard Sword, +3 Full Plate, Belt of Giant Strength +4
Upgrading the Bastard Sword and armor to +3 significantly enhances both offensive and defensive capabilities. The Belt boosts Strength by +4, crucial for damage and feats.
L16-20
+5 Ancestral Relic Bastard Sword, +5 Full Plate, Belt of Giant Strength +6, Ring of Protection +4
Topping the Bastard Sword and armor at +5 maximizes your combat potential. The Belt offers +6 Strength, essential for high-level combat, while the Ring adds +4 to AC
Combat Scenarios of the Blade Master
Dungeon Crawls:
Utilize the Samurai’s ability to make fearsome attacks through narrow corridors. Take advantage of the Daisho proficiency and Kiai Smite to overwhelm tightly packed enemies.
Open Fields:
Engage foes at medium range through the Throw Exotic Weapon feature. Use Leap Attack combined with Power Attack to cover ground quickly and deliver devastating blows.
Ambushes:
Use Imperious Command and Intimidating Rage to quickly demoralize enemies, making them hesitant or forcing them to flee. This opens up opportunities for surgical strikes with Iaijutsu Master techniques.
Defensive Stands:
Leverage Mass Staredown to control a large number of enemies. Combine this with the Anointed Knight’s DR 3/- for enhanced durability, making you a linchpin in defensive formations.
Urban Encounters:
In narrow alleyways, use KiFrenzy from Sohei to increase attack rate. Utilize your versatile skill set to climb, jump, and navigate the urban terrain effectively for surprise attacks.
Weaknesses & Counters
Weakness
Counter
Low Dexterity
Use items like Gloves of Dexterity to boost Dex.
Limited Spellcasting
Party with spellcasters for support. Items like Potions of Cure Moderate Wounds.
Vulnerable to Will Saves
Increase Wis or use items like Cloak of Resistance to boost saves.
Heavy Armor Reduces Speed
Use enchantments like Mithral to reduce armor weight or Boots of Striding and Springing.
Relies on Fear Effects
Enemies immune to fear can be problematic. Utilize other combat techniques or magic weapons.
Requires High HP Sustain
Use items that grant temporary HP or healing, like Amulet of Health.
Limited Ranged Options
Throw Exotic Weapon ability helps. Consider investing in a longbow or other ranged weapons.
Low Flexibility in Combat Roles
Diversify tactics. Train in additional weapons or adjust combat strategies to fit various encounters
Roleplaying the Blade Master
Sword Mastery and Honor:
As a Blade Master[1], your character’s discipline and honor are paramount. You view your blade as an extension of your soul. Uphold a strict code of honor, refusing to fight those unworthy or without just cause. Imagine a duel against a dishonorable rogue; showing mercy can earn allies among the honorable, despite disdain from more ruthless factions.
Demoralizing Presence:
Your character’s aura of intimidation can be roleplayed by delivering spine-chilling speeches before combat or glaring at enemies to shake their resolve. In a hypothetical tavern brawl, your mere presence might cause lesser thugs to falter, while stronger opponents remain defiant. Use your charisma to dominate social interactions as effectively as you dominate battlefields, ensuring that you remain a daunting, commanding figure both in and out of combat.
The Blade Master[1] combines Samurai prowess with exotic skills. Key abilities include Iaijutsu Master for rapid strikes, and Ancestral Relic to enhance a unique weapon. Fear-based skills like Dreadful Wrath and Mass Staredown control foes. High Charisma amplifies intimidating presence. Techniques from Exotic Weapon Master add versatility.
Ranged combat isn’t the Blade Master[1]’s forte but it can be managed. Abilities like Throw Exotic Weapon enable mid-range attacks. Investing in ranged weapons like a longbow can help. Team synergy with ranged allies is crucial. Use fear effects to keep enemies at bay while you close the gap.
What strategies optimize the Blade Master[1]’s fear effects?
Maximizing Charisma stats is essential for fear tactics. Abilities like Dreadful Wrath and Imperious Command compound fear effects. Use items that boost Cha for enhanced control. Keep enemies demoralized to gain combat advantage. Utilize fear in high-stake scenarios to break enemy morale.
Ki Frenzy, from the Sohei class, adds an extra attack edge. Gained at level 7, it boosts combat effectiveness. Use in high-intensity battles for sustained performance. Timing the frenzy well can change the course of combat. Essential for handling multiple foes quickly.
Blade Masters thrive in diverse party compositions. Spellcasters and ranged allies complement melee prowess. Healers extend survivability in prolonged battles. Their fear effects control crowds, aiding allies. Coordination with team strategies ensures optimal performance.
Writer, Editor, GM, Technologist – Andrew’s been playing TTRPGs since as far back as he can recall… at least sometime in the nineties… or was it the early 2000s?
Two swordsmen stood firm before each other, as their blades were clashed with incredible force. The Lord son’s had already defeated several champions, but the one in front of him was completely different from the others. He truly was a master of the blade, each of his strikes were deadly, and his blade left faint traces of magic behind each motion.
A deadly blade for a deadly master, the young man thought. They were at a complete impasse. The young man’s swing, nor reaction speed were fast enough to land a solid strike, but the champion couldn’t understand how there could be a young pretender that was much stronger with the blade than anyone else he had encountered before.
The Champion smiled, such a dangerous foe would require unorthodox techniques to defeat. So he took his one handed, stabbing stance his entire reputation was built on to ready himself for the change in fighting style.
The young man paused in his tracks. He knew that stance. It meant the champion was getting serious. That meant he would need to put his best foot forward, to bring out his best attack, or else be defeated. He sheathed his blade, took his father’s legendary battojutsu stance. The champion hesitated, he knew that stance. His opponent’s true identity was revealed.
–“You are serious champion, and so am I, do you wish to proceed?” The champion smirked.
–“I am a Samurai, fleeing an enemy in front of me isn’t an option.”
Your blade is your pride, as you can convert magic items to empower it, and you have mastered techniques, like throwing your sword, that makes you a tricky opponent to fight.
You also deal tremendous damage and are a master at using fear effects to demoralize opponents (probably one of the best builds to do such in the game).
Level
Class
HD
Feat
Special
1
Samurai
12
Exotic Weapon Proficiency(Bast ard Sword), Dreadful Wrath, Power Attack
Leave a Reply