Article-At-A-Glance
- The Samurai[1] inspires unique builds with strength through the use of Dextrous combat techniques.
- Explores an application Pathfinder 1E Cavalier Builds for character creation and development.
- Offers strategic insights for optimal use of skills and resources for Samurai characters.
- Details specific abilities and feats with focused recommendations for enhancing gameplay experience.
Click on the level for more information
This level 1 Samurai is a dexterity-focused character utilizing stealth and keen perception derived from its Elven race. With Weapon Finesse, it emphasizes agility over strength, and it engages enemies with a Wakisashi, either in melee combat or at range thanks to Point-Blank Shot. Despite low hit points, its high dexterity boosts its AC and initiative, making it reactive in combat.
Stat Block Level 1:
Samurai: elf samurai 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (elf); HD 1d10; hp 9; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 15, touch 12, flat-footed 13; Base Atk +1; Grp +1; Atk Wakisashi +5 (1d6+4/18-20) or longbow +4 (1d8/x3); Full Atk Wakisashi +5 (1d6+4/18-20) or longbow +4 (1d8/x3); SA none; SQ Elven Immunities; AL lawful; SV Fort +2, Ref +6, Will +2; Str 10, Dex 18, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 12.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Perception +4, Stealth +4, Ride +4, Intimidate +5; Weapon Finesse.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Elven Immunities make them immune to sleep effects, +2 against enchantment spells and effects.
Possessions: Wakisashi, longbow, chain shirt, saddle for horse.
The Level 5 Samurai build focuses on dexterity, wielding a pair of Wakizashis using Two-Weapon Fighting and Weapon Finesse for Precision. The Elf Samurai is highly mobile and can effectively engage both in melee and at range, leaving enemies surprised with his stealth and perceptiveness. With Mounted Combat and a trained horse, he’s ready for mounted encounters. Despite being a Dexterity focused melee combatant, he’s equally potent at range with a longbow, thanks to feats like Point-Blank Shot.
Stat Block Level 5:
Elf Samurai 5: elf, elf samurai 5; CR 5; Medium humanoid (elf); HD 5; hp 41; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 18, touch 14, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +5; Grp +5; Atk Wakizashi +9 (1d6+3/18-20/x2) or Longbow +8 (1d8/x3); Full Atk Wakizashi +9 (1d6+3/18-20/x2) or Longbow +8 (1d8/x3); SA Order of the Warrior (once per day auto crit threat); SQ Fey Thoughts (Stealth, Perception), Creepy Alt Racial Features, Resolve; AL Lawful Neutral; SV Fort +4, Ref +6, Will +2; Str 10, Dex 18, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 12.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Perception +9, Stealth +10, Ride +9, Intimidation +9; Weapon Finesse, Two Weapons Fighting, Mounted Combat. Order of the Warrior: Provides tactical advantages for crits.
Possessions: Wakisashi, Longbow, Chain Shirt, Saddle.
This Level 10 Elf Samurai build focuses on dexterity for both melee and ranged attacks. With a blend of Two-Weapon Fighting using Wakisashis and ranged support, this build excels at being versatile in combat. The Elven Reflexes trait enhances initiative, making it quicker in combat. The Samurai[1]’s Order of the Warrior provides powerful critical abilities, and its Mounted Archery further supports ranged attack versatility. The build also incorporates high intimidation tactics and the Samurai[1]’s Resolve ability for resisting conditions.
Stat Block Level 10:
Elf Samurai 10: male, elf samurai 10; CR 10; Medium humanoid (elf); HD 10d10+10; hp 82; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 19, touch 14, flat-footed 15; Base Atk +10; Grp +12; Atk Wakisashi +14 (1d6+5/18-20) or Longbow +14 (1d8+5); Full Atk 2 Wakisashis +12/+12 (1d6+5/18-20) or Longbow +12/+12 (1d8+5); SA order of the warrior abilities, challenge; SQ elven immunities, resolve, way of the samurai[1]; AL LG; SV Fort +8, Ref +11, Will +6; Str 10, Dex 20, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 14.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Perception +15, Stealth +15, Ride +11, Intimidation +14; Weapon Finesse, Two-Weapon Fighting, Mounted Combat, Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Slashing Grace, Rapid Shot, Deadly Aim, Improved Two-Weapon Fighting.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Resolve allows you to negate conditions, Challenge increases damage output against foes.
Possessions: Pair of masterwork Wakisashis, masterwork composite longbow (+2 Str bonus), chain shirt, saddle, potion of cure moderate wounds x2.
A highly mobile and stealthy Samurai elf utilizing dexterity for melee and ranged attacks, specializing in Wakisashis through improved critical hits, mounted combat prowess, and combat versatility. The build allows extensive exploitation of crits and bypasses damage reduction once per day due to the Order of the Warrior’s powerful ability.
Stat Block Level 15:
Katsuro: male, elf samurai 15; CR 14; Medium humanoid (elf); HD 15d10; hp 112; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 22, touch 14, flat-footed 18; Base Atk +15; Grp +18; Atk Wakizashi +21 melee (1d6+5/15–20) or Longbow +20 ranged (1d8+4/×3); Full Atk Wakizashi +21/+16/+11 melee (1d6+5/15–20) or Longbow +20/+15/+10 ranged (1d8+4/×3); SA Critical Threat; SQ Mounted Archery, Resolve, Order of the Warrior abilities; AL lawful; SV Fort +14, Ref +15, Will +9; Str 10, Dex 20, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 14.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Perception +20, Stealth +20, Ride +18, Intimidation +17; Weapon Finesse, Two-Weapon Fighting, Mounted Combat, Piranha Strike, Weapon Focus (Wakizashi), Slashing Grace, Rapid Shot, Deadly Aim, Improved Critical (Wakizashi), Greater Two-Weapon Fighting.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Resolve allows resistance to certain conditions; Order of the Warrior boosts combat.
Possessions: Wakizashi x2, Longbow, Chain Shirt, Saddle, future goal: Celestial Chainmail.
This Elf Samurai at Level 20 is a master of two-weapon combat, particularly with Wakisashis. With high Dexterity, this build excels at both melee and ranged attacks. It is built for mobility with a focus on skills like Stealth and Perception. The build uses the Order of the Warrior to improve critical hits and damage output. High initiative and evasive skills make this Samurai both a frontline and skirmish fighter.
Stat Block Level 20:
Elf Samurai 20: male, elf samurai 20; CR 20; Medium humanoid (elf); HD 20d10; hp 180; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 27, touch 17, flat-footed 25; Base Atk +20; Grp +25; Atk Wakisashi +28 (+5 Wakisashi, +7 Dexterity, +3 Enhancement bonus, +3 Weapon Focus) or Longbow +25; Full Atk 2 Wakisashis +28/+23/+18 or Longbow +25/+20/+15; SA Improved Critical (Wakisashi), Mounted Archery; SQ elf traits, Order of the Warrior abilities, Samurai Resolve; AL Lawful Neutral; SV Fort +15, Ref +17, Will +10; Str 10, Dex 20, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 14.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Stealth +30, Perception +30, Ride +25, Intimidation +25; Weapon Finesse, Two-Weapon Fighting, Mounted Combat, Point-Blank Shot, Piranha Strike, Weapon Focus (Wakisashi), Slashing Grace, Precise Shot, Improved Two-Weapon Fighting, Rapid Shot, Deadly Aim, Improved Critical (Wakisashi), Greater Two-Weapon Fighting.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Order of the Warrior ability for critical hit enhancement and damage reduction bypass. Possessions: Keen Wakisashis, Longbow, Celestial Chainmail, Masterwork Saddle.
Milestones Of Character Development
- Levels 1-5: Develop foundational combat skills with Weapon Finesse for agility and Two-Weapon Fighting for versatility. Build up mounted capabilities with Mounted Combat, enhancing both defense and offense while riding into battle.
- Levels 6-10: Enhance ranged combat with Point-Blank Shot and Precise Shot, improving your accuracy and damage. Embrace stealth and deception with Piranha Strike, combining it with Slashing Grace for deadly efficiency in melee combat.
- Levels 11-15: Achieve remarkable combat prowess with Rapid Shot and Deadly Aim, allowing for more devastating ranged attacks. Utilize your Order’s level 15 ability for an automatic critical threat, bypassing damage reduction for superior impact.
- Levels 16-20: Reach peak efficiency with Improved Critical and Greater Two-Weapon Fighting, maximizing your wakizashi’s potential for critical hits. Cultivate your mastery, combining weapon finesse and mounted archery to dominate on any battlefield.
Core Abilities & Features
The Samurai[1] is a thrilling alternative class to the Cavalier, embodying honor and precision. At its core, the Samurai[1] boasts incredible versatility from its focus on Dexterity. This build channels Dexterity through feats like Weapon Finesse and Piranha Strike, ensuring agility on the battlefield. Combining this with the Two-Weapons Fighting chain, this build grants prowess with dual Wakisashis, capitalizing on precision while maximizing damage.
The Samurai[1]’s choice of Order of the Warrior unveils a game-changer at level 15: an automatic critical threat that unleashes maximum damage and bypasses enemy damage reduction. This feature alone can singlehandedly turn the tide of battle, making the Samurai[1] not only a menace up close but also a powerful ranged fighter with feats like Deadly Aim and Rapid Shot. This dual capacity for melee and range emphasizes the switch-hitter nature of the build, offering flexibility in any combat scenario.
Part of what sets this build apart is the synergy with an Elf’s racial traits, such as Fey Thoughts, enhancing skills like Stealth and Perception. Partnered with Elven Reflexes, boosts to initiative ensure the Samurai[1] strikes swiftly. Don’t overlook the dexterity-based evasiveness offered by a Chain Shirt and the ultimate protection aimed for with Celestial Chainmail. This gear, combined with a loyal mounted companion through Mounted Combat, makes the Samurai[1] build a resilient, adaptable force.
Equipment Progression
| Level Range | Equipment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| L1-5 | Chain Shirt, Pair of Wakizashi | Start with a Chain Shirt for decent AC and flexibility. Dual-wield Wakizashis for melee with Weapon Finesse. A Longbow for ranged attacks. |
| L6-10 | Masterwork Chain Shirt, Masterwork Wakizashi | Upgrade to Masterwork variants for reduced armor penalties and better attack rolls. A Masterwork Longbow for precision shots. |
| L11-15 | +1 Celestial Chainmail, +1 Wakizashi, Efficient Quiver | Get Celestial Chainmail for elemental resistances and better protection. Add bonuses to Wakizashis for increased damage. Efficient Quiver for infinite arrows. |
| L16-20 | +3 Celestial Chainmail, +3 Wakizashi, Bracers of Archery | Upgrade to top-level gear with Celestial Chainmail and Wakizashis at +3 for maximum combat efficiency. Bracers to enhance your ranged attacks. |
Combat Scenarios
- Dungeon Crawls:
- In tight corridors, use Stealth to avoid initial detection. The Elven Reflexes combined with Weapon Finesse allows quick, precise strikes with the Wakizashi pair, exploiting surprise attacks and thin corridors to control enemy flow.
- Open Fields:
- Leverage the mounted combat capabilities with superior mobility. Use the horse for flanking, taking advantage of the Samurai[1]’s range with the Longbow, then closing in quickly with Two-Weapon Fighting when the enemy is distracted.
- Ambushes:
- With high Perception, detect incoming threats before they fully deploy. Use Intimidation to demoralize attackers and create openings. The Order of the Warrior’s crit prowess can be decisive in early confrontation stages.
- Defensive Stands:
- In a defensive position, brace with your mount. Use Deadly Aim and Rapid Shot to lay down debilitating fire, forcing ranged combatants into melee, where you can switch to slashing with enhanced dual-wield skills.
- Urban Encounters:
- Use Stealth and Ride to navigate city terrain, engaging with short-range Wakizashis and using buildings for cover. The Samurai[1]’s Resolve can negate hostile conditions common in close-quarters, urban fights.
Weaknesses & Counters
| Weakness | Counter |
|---|---|
| Low Hit Points | Consistently choose the Favored Class Bonus for HP increase; Equip Celestial Chainmail for an enhanced AC; Utilize Cure Light Wounds potions for quick in-combat healing. |
| Limited Strength | Focus on feats that substitute Dexterity for Strength, like Weapon Finesse and Slashing Grace; Choose a Belt of Dexterity for a bonus to Dex-based checks. |
| Vulnerability to Magic | Acquire a Cloak of Resistance to boost saving throws; Seek out allies capable of casting spells like Protection from Evil or Dispel Magic to mitigate magical threats. |
| Difficulty with High AC Opponents | Use Improved Critical (Wakisashi) to increase critical hit chances; Employ the Order of the Warrior’s level 15 ability to bypass Damage Reduction; Get magic enhancements like Keen on your Wakisashis. |
| Low Skill Points | Prioritize high-impact skills like Perception and Stealth; Use items like Headband of Vast Intelligence to augment Intelligence temporarily, increasing skill points. |
Roleplaying Your Samurai
The Samurai[1], an Elf wielding both elegance and lethality, presents a fascinating roleplay opportunity. Think of your character as a disciplined warrior, bound by a personal code of honor. This adds depth and direction to interactions. Perhaps your Samurai adheres to a strict personal code, or they may struggle with maintaining the family’s honor while adventuring with diverse allies. This internal conflict creates rich, spontaneous drama in roleplaying scenarios.
Your high dexterity and stealth open avenues for portraying a character who merges into shadows with the grace of a forest spirit. Picture your Elf Samurai observing a potential threat, calculating before making a swift, precise maneuver. This dexterous prowess can be showcased in your character’s movements and the choice of words. When speaking, be succinct and careful, resembling your fighting style. When engaged in social interactions, leverage your high Charisma by influencing others without overt aggression, winning duels of words as you do in battle.
Opportunities & Themes
Consider themes of tradition versus change. As a Samurai, your character might face cultural differences in diverse lands. This offers a roleplaying chance to show growth or conflict as they adapt or resist the evolving world. Maybe your character carries a family heirloom, each battle engraining a new chapter. Such an item can act as a physical and emotional anchor, leading you to explore its history, intertwining with your adventures.
Embrace the Samurai[1]’s resolve ability to portray steady determination. In situations rife with danger, your character could display an almost supernatural calm, reflecting their ability to resist tempests, both literal and metaphorical. Their expertise in both mounted and ground combat suggests versatility. Imagine moments where they must decide between wielding Wakisashis in close quarters or executing a tactical retreat on their horse, adding nuance and complexity to combat roleplay. This duality highlights the balance your Samurai seeks in their martial pursuits and personal journey.
FAQ
How essential is the Order of Warrior’s code to a Samurai’s role?
Very essential! The Order of the Warrior grants abilities that enhance combat prowess. It allows Samurai to gain special abilities at critical levels. Choosing this Order reflects on your combat decisions and your character’s personal code. It’s not just about fighting; it’s about honor in battle. Align your strategy with these principles for optimal gameplay.
What abilities should a Samurai focus on developing first?
Concentrate on Strength and Dexterity, as these affect your combat effectiveness. Early-game priorities also include building Constitution for survivability. As levels increase, focus on abilities that enhance your mobility and precision. Another focus is on Charisma, which will bolster class features and help with role-playing interactions. Timing these enhancements can sway the tide of any battle.
How do the Samurai[1] skills translate into role-playing scenarios?
Samurai skills emphasize honor and precision, shaping role-play opportunities. Engage in conflicts where diplomacy and valor are crucial. Stand firmly by allies, representing a code of conduct, even in chaotic situations. Each interaction can explore the depths of the Samurai[1] creed. Let your decisions reflect strength, loyalty, and the honor of being a Samurai. Align your role-play through the Samurai[1]’s disciplined mindset.
Why choose the Samurai[1] over other Cavalier archetypes?
The Samurai[1] offers a unique blend of combat and role-play elements. It provides a rich backstory rooted in discipline and honor. Unlike other Cavaliers, Samurai have a distinct connection to their weapon mastery. The elegance lies in balancing a sharp performance in melee with rich character narrative. Samurai offer a dynamic playstyle and strategic nuances customary to its class.
What feats should a Samurai prioritize at early levels?
Focus on Power Attack for increased damage output early on. Improved Initiative can ensure you strike first in engagements. Combating high defense foes? Weapon Focus is crucial for accuracy. Maintain a strong defensive stance with Iron Will, bolstering saves against will-based attacks. These feats offer a balance of offense and defense, refining the Samurai[1]’s prowess.
Join us at Stellar Dragons with the Samurai!
Try incorporating a Samurai in your next Pathfinder 1E game! Do you think the Samurai[1] could be the best build in Pathfinder 1E? Join the discussion on our Stellar Dragons Discord server. Dive into strategies, share experiences, and exchange ideas at https://discord.gg/uAPvgEq6Z7.
Authors
Terms definitions
1. ↑ Cavalier – The Samurai – Pathfinder 1E ( The Samurai )
The Samurai
The Samurai is one of three Alternative Classes that presents a variant to a base class, namely the Antipaladin for the Paladin, the Ninja for the Rogue, and the Samurai for the Cavalier. We are going to be using this variant class for this build.
Class
Samurai 20
Race
Elf, now, I can already hear you asking but why tho?. You will see why in a moment, for now, just take note that we are taking the Fey Thoughts and the Creepy Alternative Racial Features. For Fey Thoughts, we will be choosing Stealth and Perception for Skills.
Ability Scores
Put all your points in Dex and don’t look back.
15Point-Buy
Str 10/Dex 18/Con 12/Int 10/Wis 10/Cha 12
20Point-Buy
Str 10/Dex 18/Con 12/Int 12/Wis 10/Cha 14
25Point-Buy
Str 10/Dex 20/Con 12/Int 10/Wis 10/Cha 14
Traits
Get Elven Reflexes for a beautiful +2 to Initiative, and Armor Master for a reduction in Armor penalty.
Favored Class Bonus
Your HP will be low for a melee character. Therefore HP it is.
Skills
Perception and Stealth, followed by Ride and Intimidation are your four skills. If you can spare a few points, namely after the first few points in Ride as the highest DC will be like 20, put it in Handle Animal.
Order
We are taking the Order of the Warrior for a long term plan here, namely it’s lvl 15 ability which allows us to auto Crit Threat once per day and both max damage and automatically bypass any Damage Reduction, which is crazy good.
Feats by Level
1-Weapon Finesse
3-Two Weapons Fighting
5-Mounted Combat
Bonus Feat 6-Point-Blank Shot
7-Piranha Strike
9-Weapon Focus(Wakisashi)
11-Slashing Grace
Bonus Feat 12-Precise Shot
13-Improved Two Weapons Fighting
15-Rapid Shot
17-Deadly Aim
Bonus Feat 18-Improved Critical(Wakisashi)
19-Greater Two-Weapons Fighting
If those feats don’t sell what this build is all about, we are doing a Dex only switch-hitter build that uses the Two-Weapons Fighting feat chain with Weapon Finesse, Piranha Strike and Slashing Grace to focus on a pair of Wakisashis (which will eventually Crit threat on a 15-20 via Improved Critical) for surprisingly high damage, yet support ourselves at ranged with Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Shot and Deadly Aim. As we get a Mount, and the Samurai’s ability of Mounted Archery, we also take Mounted Combat to allow some us to fight incredibly well both mounted and unmounted.
Mount
We will get ourselves a horse, and will use the same horse build as the first build we made, the Base Cavalier.
Equipment
A pair of Wakisashi, a Longbow and a Chain Shirt, with a Saddle for your horse. Eventually we are aiming at a Celestial Chainmail
Final Thoughts on the Build
So. Even though we are a melee dex build mainly, we are still more than capable at range and mounted, we are stealthy, mobile, and a threat to everything with some surprisingly high damage while both in melee and in ranged. We also have a high Intimidation to demoralize opponents before the fight breaks out, and we have the Samurai’s special Resolve, making us say “No” to a bunch of nasty conditions, including eventually death itself. Because Samurai.
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