Kensai

​Kensai, or “sword saint,” is the name 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.

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. Some Kensai are practitioners of Dragon Spirit Kung Fu and are regarded as living saints.​

Distinctive Appearance

None

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.​

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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. ​

Class

Fighter ​

Attribute Requirements

​12 Strength and 14 in both Wisdom and Dexterity. ​

Barred Beliefs

​He must be of lawful alignment, although he can be good, neutral, or evil. ​

Race Requirement

None

Bonus Weapon Proficiencies

Proficiency in the weapon chosen to master. Specialization requires additional proficiency.​

Required Weapon Proficiencies

​None ​

Recommended Weapon Proficiencies

None

Barred Weapon Proficiencies

None

Bonus Non-Weapon Proficiencies

Weaponsmithing (weapon of mastery only). ​

Recommended Non-Weapon Proficiencies

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. ​

Wealth Options

5d4 X 10 gp. ​

Homeland Terrain

None

Economic System

​None​