Yakuza Bushi

Every oyabun, sooner or later, finds himself wanting to employ professional warriors, or bushi. Bushi are used as private guards, keigo, frontline warriors in gang conflicts, and even as koroshiya. When possible, these fighters are brought into the “family,” but if necessary, traveling mercenaries can find themselves making good money working for the yakuza during times of turmoil and violence.

The yakuza bushi is an archetype of the fighter class.

Class Skills

The yakuza-bushi’s class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Appraise (Int), Climb (Str), Craft (Int), Handle Animal (Cha), Intimidate (Cha), Knowledge (local), Perception (Wis), Profession (Wis), Ride (Dex), Survival (Wis), and Swim (Str).

Skill Ranks per Level

The yakuza-bushi’s receives 4 + Int modifier skill ranks per level.

Weapon and Armor Proficiency

A yakuza-bushi is proficient with all simple and martial weapons, the katana and the wakizashi. He is also proficient with light and medium armors but not with shields.

Quick Response

At 2nd level, the yakuza-bushi learns to react more quickly to threats. He gains a +2 bonus to initiative. This bonus increases by +1 for every four levels beyond 2nd.

This ability replaces bravery.

Swift

At 3rd level, the yakuza-bushi’s speed increases by 10 feet and he gains a +2 bonus to Acrobatic checks.

This ability replaces armor training 1.

Leaping Attack

At 5th level, when a yakuza-bushi moves at least 5 feet prior to attacking, he gains a +1 bonus on attack and damage rolls. This bonus increases by +1 for every four levels beyond 5th.

This ability replaces weapon training 1.

Section 15: Copyright Notice

The Way of the Yakuza Copyright 2011, Steven D. Russell and Michael Tumey, all rights reserved; Author Jonathan McAnulty.

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