Wandering Swordsman (Samurai Archetype)

Wandering swordsmen are men and women of honor, bound to high ideals and iron discipline. Whether they wander in service to a master or higher calling, or simply to hone their formidable martial skills, these warriors are highly sought after whether as house guests, mercenaries, bodyguards, or even as leaders for groups that lack the will to lead themselves.

Armor and Weapon Proficiencies

Wandering swordsmen are proficient with simple weapons, as well as light armor and bucklers. In addition, if this is this character’s first level in any class, they may select a martial tradition of their choice.

This modifies weapon and armor proficiencies.

Combat Training (Ex)

A wandering swordsman is considered a proficient practitioner, gaining spheres and talents as appropriate. Wandering swordsmen use Wisdom as their practitioner modifier.

Ronin Arts (Ex)

The wandering swordsman gains the Duelist sphere and the Guardian sphere (challenge) package as bonus talents at 1st level. If the wandering swordsman already possesses one or both of the selected talents, he may instead select any talent he qualifies for from the corresponding sphere or spheres.

This replaces the challenge and mount class features.

Swordsman’s Challenge (Ex)

Any abilities the wandering swordsman possesses that reference his use of challenge (such as the demanding challenge class feature or the challenge ability for his order) apply to any use of the challenge ability provided by the Guardian sphere.

Shogun (Ex)

At 20th level the wandering swordsman is unmatched in his sheer presence and power, both on and off the battlefield. The wandering swordsman may make an Intimidate check to improve a creature’s attitude towards him as a move action, and whenever he makes a successful Intimidate check to improve a target’s attitude, he improves their attitude by 1 additional step. In addition, whenever the wandering swordsman reduces the hit points of an opponent within 30 ft. to 25% or less of their normal maximum, he can demand they submit as a free action that can be taken even when it’s not the wandering swordsman’s turn, forcing them to make a Will save (DC 10 + 1/2 his samurai level + his Charisma modifier) or drop whatever weapons they are holding and surrender. Creatures who have surrendered will not attempt to attack the wandering swordsman or his allies, nor will they attempt to flee the battlefield as long as the wandering swordsman is conscious and within line of sight. This is a mind-affecting fear effect.

This ability replaces last stand.

Section 15: Copyright Notice

Spheres of Might, © 2017, Drop Dead Studios LLC; Authors: Adam Meyers, Michael Sayre, Andrew Stoeckle, N. Jolly

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