Shukenja

Shukenja are humble priests from the Shao Yan who have taken up lives of hardship and poverty in order to serve their communities. To become an impartial judge and servant to all communities, the shukenja has cut all ties to family and home. A shukenja’s life is a hard one, wandering the land giving aid and comfort with only a few possessions carried along, but he accepts this with dedication and good cheer. Typically pacifists, shukenja can be roused into becoming fearsome opponents when protecting their charges. This kit cannot be abandoned.

Role

Although shukenja are priests, they rarely serve a particular order; all religions are respected. Practices and beliefs of one religion are often intermingled with another. Unlike Sohei, shukenja do not build temples. Instead, as they wander the land giving aid and instruction to those who need it, they show their religious beliefs and dedication by their daily living. Shukenja are much more visible and accessible to the general public than the martial sohei in their fortress-like temples. Shukenja fulfill the need of the common man for religious instruction and ceremonies.

Distinctive Appearance

None

Special Benefits

Before beginning their wanderings, shukenja receive training in three rituals that translate into these benefits:

First, a shukenja has a 5% chance per level of lifting curses on any person, place, or item.

Second, the shukenja learns to meditate. By entering this state of intense concentration, the priest regains his internal energy levels. While meditating, the shukenja is oblivious to hunger, thirst, heat, or cold. He is, however, still conscious of his surroundings. One hour of meditation is as good as two hours of sleep. This state cannot be maintained for more than four hours at a time.

Finally, a shukenja can focus his internal energies to improve any saving throw by +3. He can do this a number of times per day equal to his level.

Special Hindrances

As stated before, a shukenja cannot wear armor or own more than he can carry on his back.

In addition, a shukenja must live by certain religious rules. He cannot eat meat and must avoid excessive eating and drinking.

A shukenja must also avoid violence whenever possible.

Breaking any of these restrictions results in a special punishment to be determined by the DM. ​

Class

Priest

Attribute Requirements

Wisdom 12, Constitution 9

Barred Beliefs

He must also be of good alignment, although he can be lawful, neutral, or chaotic. Priests following Al-Vingaar may not become Shukenja.

Race Requirement

The majority of shukenja are human.

Bonus Weapon Proficiencies

None

Bonus Weapon Proficiencies

All shukenja have 1 basic unarmed combat styles (Weapon Proficiency).

Recommended Weapon Proficiencies

Some recommended weapons are bo stick, chain, nunchaku, staff, and tetsubo.

Barred Weapon Proficiencies

None

Bonus Non-Weapon Proficiencies

Religion

Recommended Non-Weapon Proficiencies

Artistic Ability, Direction Sense, Etiquette, Healing, Herbalism, Reading/Writing, Spellcraft, Weather Sense

Equipment

This priest may not wear armor. Also, shukenja are limited to the amount of equipment they can comfortably carry with them.

Wealth Options

The shukenja gets the usual 3d6 x 10 gp at the game’s start.

Homeland Terrain

None

Economic System

None