Article-At-A-Glance
- The Steel Tempest build focuses on power, fear, and agility for Samurai characters.
- Core abilities include Iaijutsu Focus, Kiai Smite, Fear Effects, and Two-Weapon Fighting.
- Character development milestones enhance smiting power and dual-wielding efficiency.
- Roleplaying tips emphasize honor, inner conflict, and the multifunctional aspect of Samurai life.
Click on the level for more information
This level 1 Samurai build, ‘Steel Tempest’, leverages high Strength for powerful attacks and Constitution for durability. The build focuses on Iaijutsu Focus for executing quick, deadly strikes.
Stat Block Level 1:
[Steel Tempest]: male, human samurai 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d10+6; hp 16; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 18, touch 10, flat-footed 18; Base Atk +1; Grp +5; Atk Daisho +5 melee (1d10/19-20 +4, katana) or Daisho +5 melee (1d6/19-20 +4, wakizashi); Full Atk Daisho +5 melee (1d10/19-20 +4, katana) or Daisho +5 melee (1d6/19-20 +4, wakizashi); SA Iaijutsu Focus; SQ Human traits; AL LN; SV Fort +4, Ref +0, Will +0; Str 18, Dex 10, Con 15, Int 8, Wis 10, Cha 12.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Iaijutsu Focus +5, Intimidate +5; Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Bastard Sword), Cosmopolitan (Iaijutsu Focus), Dreadful Wrath.
Possessions: Daisho (katana and wakizashi), heavy armor.
At level 5, the Samurai gains the Iaijutsu Master ability, making his quick draw attacks deadly. With a combination of high strength and proficiency in the Bastard Sword, he excels in melee combat. Their primary tactics involve using Iaijutsu Focus for swift, devastating strikes, and demoralizing enemies.
Stat Block Level 5:
Samurai: male, human samurai 5; CR 5; Medium humanoid; HD 5d10+15; hp 40; Init +0; Spd 20 ft.; AC 18, touch 10, flat-footed 18; Base Atk +5; Grp +9; Atk Bastard Sword +9 melee (1d10+6/19-20) or Wakizashi +9 melee (1d6+4/18-20); Full Atk Bastard Sword +9 melee (1d10+6/19-20) and Wakizashi +9 melee (1d6+4/18-20); SA Kiai Smite 1/day; SQ Two Swords as One, Iaijutsu Focus, Stand Still; AL Any lawful; SV Fort +7, Ref +1, Will +1; Str 18, Dex 10, Con 15, Int 8, Wis 10, Cha 12.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Iaijutsu Focus +9; Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Bastard Sword), Cosmopolitan (Iaijutsu Focus), Dreadful Wrath, Stand Still. Special Attacks and Qualities: Kiai Smite (1/day): Adds Cha bonus to attack roll and samurai level to damage.
Possessions: Daisho (Bastard Sword + Wakizashi), best armor purchased with available gold.
At level 10, this Samurai specializes in delivering powerful strikes with his Daisho through abilities like Iaijutsu Focus and Kiai Smite. His imposing presence demoralizes foes while his full plate armor makes him nearly impervious to attacks. This build is a formidable combatant with abilities geared towards both offense and psychological warfare.
Stat Block Level 10:
Unnamed Samurai: male, Human Samurai 10; CR 10; Medium Humanoid; HD 10d10+30; hp 85; Init +4; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 10, flat-footed 20; Base Atk +10; Grp +14; Atk +15 melee (1d10+6/19-20, Bastard Sword) or +15 melee (1d6+4/19-20, Wakizashi); Full Atk +15/+10 melee (1d10+6/19-20, Bastard Sword) and +15 melee (1d6+4/19-20, Wakizashi); SA Kiai Smite 3/day, Demoralize, Iaijutsu Focus; SQ Two Swords as One, Improved Initiative, Mass Staredown; AL LN; SV Fort +10, Ref +5, Will +5; Str 20, Dex 10, Con 17, Int 8, Wis 10, Cha 12.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Iaijutsu Focus +10, Intimidate +13; Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Bastard Sword), Cosmopolitan (Iaijutsu Focus), Dreadful Wrath, Stand Still, Weapon Focus (Bastard Sword), Improved Initiative, Imperious Command. Special Attacks and Qualities: Two Swords as One (Ability to use two swords as a single weapon effectively), Mass Staredown (Demoralize multiple foes as a standard action), Kiai Smite 3/day (Extra damage and intimidates opponents), Iaijutsu Focus (Bonus damage when attacking a flat-footed opponent), Improved Initiative (Bonus to initiative rolls).
Possessions: Daisho (Bastard Sword and Wakizashi), full plate armor.
This Samurai build is designed for durability and fear effects. At level 15, the character wields a Daisho for high burst damage and can demoralize enemies using Iaijutsu Focus and Kiai Smite. Wearing full plate armor, he is extremely tough and can induce fear in enemies.
Stat Block Level 15:
Samurai Steel Tempest: male, human Samurai 15; CR 15; Medium humanoid (human); HD 15d10+45; hp 137; Init +4; Spd 30 ft.; AC 23, touch 10, flat-footed 23; Base Atk +15; Grp +19; Atk +22 melee (1d10+7, bastard sword) or +20 melee (1d6+7, wakizashi); Full Atk +22/+17/+12 melee (1d10+7, bastard sword) and +20 melee (1d6+7, wakizashi); SA Iaijutsu Focus +24, Kiai Smite 4/day; SQ Daisho Proficiency, Two Swords as One, Stand Still, Iaijutsu Master, Staredown, Mass Staredown, Improved Two Swords as One, Improved Staredown; AL LN; SV Fort +13, Ref +8, Will +9; Str 20, Dex 10, Con 16, Int 8, Wis 10, Cha 12.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Iaijutsu Focus +24; Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Bastard Sword), Cosmopolitan (Iaijutsu Focus), Dreadful Wrath, Stand Still, Weapon Focus (Bastard Sword), Improved Initiative, Imperious Command, Improved Toughness, Extra Smite, Power Attack. Special Attacks and Qualities: Iaijutsu Master grants additional damage on draws; Kiai Smite adds Charisma to attack rolls; Staredown abilities cause panic.
Possessions: Daisho (bastard sword and wakizashi), full plate armor, various other equipment as affordable.
At level 20, the Samurai Steel Tempest build stands as a formidable warrior capable of immense damage bursts through Daisho Two Weapons Fighting, Iaijutsu Focus, and Kiai Smites. The character excels at demoralizing and sending enemies into panic by drawing their swords and taking a Full Attack Action.
Stat Block Level 20:
Steel Tempest: male, human samurai 20; CR 20; Medium humanoid (human); HD 20d10+60; hp 170; Init +4; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 10, flat-footed 20; Base Atk +20; Grp +24; Atk +24/+19/+14/+9 (1d10+4/19-20, bastard sword) or +22/+17/+12/+7 (1d10+4/19-20, katana); Full Atk +22/+22/+17/+12/+7 (1d10+4/19-20, bastard sword) and +22/+22/+17/+12/+7 (1d10+4/19-20, katana); SA Kiai Smite 5/day, Iaijutsu Focus, Dreadful Wrath; SQ Two Swords as One, Improved Two Swords as One, Greater Two Swords as One, Staredown, Mass Staredown, Improved Staredown, Frightful Presence; AL LG; SV Fort +15, Ref +10, Will +6; Str 22, Dex 10, Con 16, Int 8, Wis 10, Cha 12.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Iaijutsu Focus 23 ranks; Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Bastard Sword), Cosmopolitan (Iaijutsu Focus), Dreadful Wrath, Stand Still, Weapon Focus (Bastard Sword), Improved Initiative, Imperious Command, Extra Smite, Improved Toughness, Power Attack. Special Attacks and Qualities: Two Swords as One – Treat two samurai weapons as a single weapon for purposes of feats like Weapon Focus; Improved Two Swords as One – Full attack with both weapons without penalty; Greater Two Swords as One – Forms one deadly attack sequence; Staredown – Demoralize more enemies as a free action; Mass Staredown – Affects all within 30 feet.; Improved Staredown – Affects all opponents within 30 feet; Frightful Presence – Causes enemies to become shaken.
Possessions: Daisho, full plate armor, any additional items as desired.
Milestones Of Character Development
- Levels 1-5: Gain proficiency with the daisho, become adept at Iaijutsu Focus, and start demoralizing foes with Dreadful Wrath.
- Levels 6-10: Enhance fear tactics with Staredown and Mass Staredown, increase smiting power with more Kiai Smites.
- Levels 11-15: Improve dual wielding with Improved Two Swords as One, enhance toughness, and gain Extra Smite for more burst damage.
- Levels 16-20: Perfect dual-wielding with Greater Two Swords as One, unlock Frightful Presence, and reach peak power with 5 daily Kiai Smites.
Core Abilities & Features of the Steel Tempest
Iaijutsu Focus
Iaijutsu Focus is the heart of this samurai. When facing opponents unaware of his readiness, he can unleash devastating damage bursts. By focusing on quick draws, the samurai maximizes the surprise element. This skill makes each initial strike potentially lethal.
Kiai Smite
The Kiai Smite ability significantly amplifies the samurai’s offensive power. Initially usable once per day, the samurai can smite foes with increased precision and force. At higher levels, this becomes even more formidable, up to five times a day, ensuring enemies tremble in fear.
Fear Effects
Fear is a weapon for the Steel Tempest. Dreadful Wrath, Staredown, Mass Staredown, Improved Staredown, and ultimately Frightful Presence turn the samurai into a walking nightmare. These abilities can cause enemies to panic and flee,”sometimes even without the samurai needing to draw his blades.
Two Weapon Fighting
The “Two Swords as One” ability allows seamless dual-wielding of the daisho. As the samurai progresses, this becomes Improved and then Greater, minimizing the penalties usually associated with two-weapon fighting. This enables continuous and relentless attacks.
Survivability
Samurais are tough. This build focuses on staying power with a high Constitution, full plate armor, and abilities like Improved Toughness. This ensures the samurai can take hits as well as he dishes them out. He becomes a bulwark on the battlefield, nearly impossible to break down.
Exotic Weapon Proficiency
Proficiency with the bastard sword provides versatility, granting the samurai options in combat. The ability to switch between one-handed and two-handed grips adds a tactical edge, allowing adaptation to different battle scenarios.
Equipment Progression of the Steel Tempest
| Level Range | Equipment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| L1-5 | Kusari-Gama + Masterwork Full Plate | Kusari-Gama gives reach and trip options. Masterwork Full Plate maximizes your initial AC. |
| L6-10 | +1 Dancing Katana + Ring of Protection +2 | The Dancing Katana allows additional attacks, and the ring boosts AC. |
| L11-15 | +2 Iuz’s Blood Dagger + Amulet of Health +4 | Increased damage and enhanced Constitution for survivability. |
| L16-20 | +3 Vorpal Nodachi + Cloak of Displacement | Vorpal effect for instant kills on critical hits, while the cloak provides a miss chance. |
Combat Scenarios
- Dungeon Crawls:
- Utilize Iaijutsu Focus during the initial surprise round. Sneak attacks with your daisho can yield massive burst damage, especially effective against unsuspecting enemies.
- Stay at the front lines in narrow passages. Your Armor Class and hit points make you an effective tank, capable of absorbing hits meant for less armored party members.
- Open Fields:
- Position yourself at the center of the formation to maximize the benefits of Mass Staredown. Demoralizing opponents en masse weakens entire groups and can turn the tide early.
- Kiai Smite is invaluable here. Charges and mounted combats benefit greatly from these power strikes, allowing you to take down powerful enemies swiftly.
- Ambushes:
- Imperious Command is crucial in ambush scenarios. Instilling fear into the attackers can break their formation and strategy.
- Rapidly drawing your swords with Iaijutsu Focus can deliver surprising bursts of damage, often turning the ambush in your favor before enemies can exploit their initial advantage.
- Defensive Stands:
- Stand Still feat is vital. Prevent enemies from advancing on critical areas by halting their movement, buying time for reinforcements or retreat.
- Frightful Presence from the 20th level can be a game-changer. The sheer terror it invokes can disrupt enemy plans and reduce aggressors’ morale significantly.
- Urban Encounters:
- Urban environments are ideal for exploiting Frightful Presence to create mass panic. Crowds and confined spaces amplify the effect, causing chaos among enemies.
- Iaijutsu Mastery combined with the Daisho’s enchantments allows swift and deadly strikes, crucial in tight urban skirmishes where speed can mean victory.
Weaknesses & Counters as a Steel Tempest
| Weakness | Counter |
|---|---|
| Low Dexterity | Consider Gauntlets of Dexterity (+2 Dexterity). Also, use spells or allies that can provide temporary Dexterity boosts. |
| Low Wisdom | Equip a Periapt of Wisdom (increases Wisdom by +2 or more). Alternatively, rely on party members for Wisdom-based skill checks and saves. |
| Mediocre Charisma | Wear a Cloak of Charisma (+2 Charisma) to boost social interactions and leadership abilities. Additionally, utilize charisma-based magic items or potions. |
| Low Reflex Saves | Imbibe a Potion of Cat’s Grace (increases Dexterity by +4). An ally casting spells like ‘Resist Energy’ or ‘Protection from Elements’ can also compensate. |
| Magic Dependency | Balance magical reliance with physical damage items such as Adamantine weapons. Cloak of Resistance helps improve all saving throws. |
| Limited Mobility | Boots of Striding and Springing (enhance movement) or an item granting ‘Expeditious Retreat’ can mitigate this. |
| Vulnerability to Mind-Affecting Effects | Equip a Ring of Mind Shielding to avoid being affected by mind-control spells. Enlist spellcasters to regularly use ‘Protection from Evil’ spells. |
Roleplaying the Steel Tempest
As a Samurai following the Steel Tempest path, embody the unwavering resolve and fearsome presence of your character. Picture a scene where you walk onto a battlefield with calm confidence, despite being outnumbered. Your very demeanor should instill fear and respect in allies and enemies alike. Channel the spirit of Bushido, emphasizing honor, duty, and loyalty above all.
Personalize your Samurai with inner conflicts. Perhaps your character is haunted by the loss of comrades or the bloodshed they’ve caused. Make decisions driven by a desire for redemption, or a need to protect the weak. This adds depth and relatability, making your character more than just a warrior with a sword.
Your Samurai’s prowess can incite fear. Describe how enemies falter when they see you draw your daisho. Roleplay the psychological warfare aspect of your character, using fear effects to control the battlefield and protect allies. Emphasize the combination of your martial
Your Samurai isn’t just about combat. When interacting with other NPCs, show respect to elders and mentors, but consider being stern or even intimidating towards those you see as dishonorable or cowardly. This duality can create memorable encounters and help you stand out during non-combat scenes skill and fearsome reputation.
Seek out opportunities for duels to prove your might. But remember, it’s not about killing, it’s about honor. Challenge worthy opponents and let them live if they show true spirit. This aligns with your character’s cultural background and can create dynamic storylines.
FAQ
What makes the Steel Tempest unique compared to other Samurai builds?
The Steel Tempest excels at offensive power, agility, and fear tactics. With Iaijutsu Focus, its initial strikes can be devastating. Furthermore, abilities like Kiai Smite and Frightful Presence amplify its battlefield impact, making foes quiver before even fighting.
How do you maximize the effectiveness of Iaijutsu Focus?
Iaijutsu Focus is best used in surprise rounds. Ensure you’re positioned to take advantage of this by sneaking up on enemies or using ambush tactics. Being aware of your surroundings and staying hidden till the right moment can maximize your initial burst damage.
How do fear effects enhance the Steel Tempest’s combat strategy?
Fear abilities such as Staredown and Frightful Presence can force enemies to flee, breaking their formations. This allows you to control the battlefield and reduce the number of foes ready to attack. Strategic use of fear makes battles shorter and more manageable.
How does Two-Weapon Fighting fit into the Steel Tempest build?
Two-Weapon Fighting is key for continuous and relentless attacks. The ability “Two Swords as One” and its later improvements minimize penalties, allowing smoother dual-wielding. This ensures you remain a fierce threat in close combat.
What’s the best approach to roleplaying a Steel Tempest Samurai?
Embody the traits of unwavering resolve and a fearsome presence. Engage in battles with calm confidence, emphasizing honor and loyalty. Portray inner conflicts to add depth, like being haunted by past battles or losses. This balance of strength and vulnerability enhances your character.
Join us at Stellar Dragons!
Why not try a Steel Tempest Samurai in your next game? Do you think the Steel Tempest could be the best build in D&D 3.5? Join the discussion on the Stellar Dragons Discord server at https://discord.gg/uAPvgEq6Z7.
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