*Few warriors are more dedicated to honor and the code of the warrior than the samurai. Trained from an early age in the art of war and sworn to the service of a lord, the samurai holds a position of power and respect in many lands, often serving as the voice and justice of the local noble. The samurai takes on his training with zeal, learning the way of the blade (typically a katana), the bow, and the horse. Some even learn how to effectively use firearms, if they are available. The samurai is often the most trusted soldier in his lord’s employ. In him, the common folk see honor and sacrifice. He is an honorable warrior, dedicated to the realm and the leaders that guide it.* ![[Pasted image 20241226115338.png]] **Role:** While typically sworn to the service of a lord, a samurai is usually given free reign as to how he performs that service. As such, samurai can sometimes be found with other adventurers, taking the fight to the enemies of their masters. Other samurai become ronin, striving to serve an ideal without paying fealty to a lord. In either case, samurai make powerful allies, capable of withstanding nearly any harm while dispatching their foes with deadly precision. **Unleashed**: Further departure from the mirroring of the Cavalier. Attempted to give a samurai a more social flare with the introduction of vigilante talents. **Alignment**: Any Lawful **Hit Die:** d10. **Starting Wealth:** 5d6 × 10 gp (average 175gp.) In addition, each character begins play with an outfit worth 10 gp or less and armor worth 200gp or less. ### Class Skills The samurai’s class skills are [Bluff](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/bluff) ([Cha](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/ability-scores#TOC-Charisma-Cha-)), [Climb](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/climb) ([Str](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/ability-scores#TOC-Strength-Str-)), [Craft](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/craft) ([Int](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/ability-scores#TOC-Intelligence-Int-)), [Diplomacy](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/diplomacy) ([Cha](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/ability-scores#TOC-Charisma-Cha-)), [Handle Animal](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/handle-animal) ([Cha](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/ability-scores#TOC-Charisma-Cha-)), [Intimidate](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/intimidate) ([Cha](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/ability-scores#TOC-Charisma-Cha-)), [Profession](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/profession) ([Wis](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/ability-scores#TOC-Wisdom-Wis-)), [Ride](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/ride) ([Dex](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/ability-scores#TOC-Dexterity-Dex-)), [Sense Motive](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/sense-motive) ([Wis](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/ability-scores#TOC-Wisdom-Wis-)), and [Swim](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/swim) ([Str](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/ability-scores#TOC-Strength-Str-)). **Skill Ranks Per Level:** 4 + Int modifier | Level | Base Attack Bonus | Fort Save | Ref Save | Will Save | Special | | ----- | ----------------- | --------- | -------- | --------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | 1st | +1 | +2 | +0 | +0 | [Challenge](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/alternate-classes/Samurai/#TOC-Challenge-Ex-) 1/day, Vigilante Talent, [order](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/alternate-classes/Samurai/#TOC-Order-Ex-), [resolve](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/alternate-classes/Samurai/#TOC-Resolve-Ex-) | | 2nd | +2 | +3 | +0 | +0 | [Order ability](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/alternate-classes/Samurai/#TOC-Order-Ex-), | | 3rd | +3 | +3 | +1 | +1 | [Weapon expertise](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/alternate-classes/Samurai/#TOC-Weapon-Expertise-Ex-), Samurai's Renown | | 4th | +4 | +4 | +1 | +1 | [Challenge](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/alternate-classes/Samurai/#TOC-Challenge-Ex-) 2/day, Vigilante Talent | | 5th | +5 | +4 | +1 | +1 | [Banner](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/alternate-classes/Samurai/#TOC-Banner-Ex-), | | 6th | +6/+1 | +5 | +2 | +2 | [Bonus feat](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/alternate-classes/Samurai/#TOC-Bonus-Feat), Social Talent | | 7th | +7/+2 | +5 | +2 | +2 | [Challenge](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/alternate-classes/Samurai/#TOC-Challenge-Ex-) 3/day, Vigilante Talent | | 8th | +8/+3 | +6 | +2 | +2 | [Order ability](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/alternate-classes/Samurai/#TOC-Order-Ex-), | | 9th | +9/+4 | +6 | +3 | +3 | [Greater resolve](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/alternate-classes/Samurai/#TOC-Greater-Resolve-Ex-), Social Talent | | 10th | +10/+5 | +7 | +3 | +3 | [Challenge](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/alternate-classes/Samurai/#TOC-Challenge-Ex-) 4/day, Vigilante Talent | | 11th | +11/+6/+1 | +7 | +3 | +3 | [Honorable stand](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/alternate-classes/Samurai/#TOC-Honorable-Stand-Ex-) | | 12th | +12/+7/+2 | +8 | +4 | +4 | [Bonus feat](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/alternate-classes/Samurai/#TOC-Bonus-Feat), [demanding challenge](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/alternate-classes/Samurai/#TOC-Demanding-Challenge-Ex-), Social Talent | | 13th | +13/+8/+3 | +8 | +4 | +4 | [Challenge](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/alternate-classes/Samurai/#TOC-Challenge-Ex-) 5/day, Vigilante Talent | | 14th | +14/+9/+4 | +9 | +4 | +4 | [Greater banner](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/alternate-classes/Samurai/#TOC-Greater-Banner-Ex-), | | 15th | +15/+10/+5 | +9 | +5 | +5 | [Order ability](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/alternate-classes/Samurai/#TOC-Order-Ex-), Shogun's Renown | | 16th | +16/+11/+6/+1 | +10 | +5 | +5 | [Challenge](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/alternate-classes/Samurai/#TOC-Challenge-Ex-) 6/day, Vigilante Feat | | 17th | +17/+12/+7/+2 | +10 | +5 | +5 | [True resolve](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/alternate-classes/Samurai/#TOC-True-Resolve-Ex-), | | 18th | +18/+13/+8/+3 | +11 | +6 | +6 | [Bonus feat](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/alternate-classes/Samurai/#TOC-Bonus-Feat), Social Talent | | 19th | +19/+14/+9/+4 | +11 | +6 | +6 | [Challenge](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/alternate-classes/Samurai/#TOC-Challenge-Ex-) 7/day, Vigilante Talent | | 20th | +20/+15/+10/+5 | +12 | +6 | +6 | [Last stand](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/alternate-classes/Samurai/#TOC-Last-Stand-Ex-) | ### Class Features #### Resolve (Ex) Starting at 1st level, the samurai gains resolve that he can call upon to perform feats of wonder. A samurai begins the day with no resolve, but can gain resolve in the following ways: - Whenever the samurai enters into combat they gain 1 resolve point. - Whenever a samurai defeats the target of his challenge, he regains 2 points. Defeating the target of his challenge usually involves reducing the target to 0 [hit points](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Hit-Points) or fewer, but the GM might rule that an enemy who surrenders or flees the battle is also defeated. He can use this resolve in a number of ways. - A samurai gains 1 resolve point for defeating an enemy of his HD or lower, or 2 points for defeating an enemy of a higher HD. - Whenever the samurai passes a saving throw from an enemy in combat he regains 1 resolve point. A samurai cannot gain more resolve then their charisma modifier, any additional points of resolve gained in a round turn to temporary hitpoints that last until the end of the next round. A samurai can only use their charisma modifier of resolve in a day for the abilities listed below. If a samurai spends 1 minute or longer outside of combat, they lose all spirit they possess. A samurai can spend their resolve in the following ways: - _Determined_: As a [standard action](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Standard-Actions), the samurai can spend 1 point of his resolve to remove the [fatigued](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/conditions#TOC-Fatigued), [shaken](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/conditions#TOC-Shaken), or [sickened](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/conditions#TOC-Sickened) condition. If the samurai is at least 8th level, he can alternatively remove the [exhausted](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/conditions#TOC-Exhausted), [frightened](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/conditions#TOC-Frightened), [nauseated](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/conditions#TOC-Nauseated), or [staggered](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/conditions#TOC-Staggered) condition. If the condition has a duration longer than 1 hour or is permanent, this ability removes the condition for 1 hour, at which time the condition returns. - _Resolute_: Whenever the samurai is required to make a [Fortitude](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Fortitude) or [Will](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Will) save, he can spend 1 point of his resolve as an [immediate action](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Immediate-Actions) to roll twice and take the better result. He must decide to use this ability before he rolls the saving throw. - _Unstoppable_: When the samurai is reduced to fewer than 0 [hit points](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Hit-Points) but not slain, he can spend one point of his resolve as an [immediate action](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Immediate-Actions) to instantly stabilize and remain conscious. He is [staggered](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/conditions#TOC-Staggered), but he does not fall [unconscious](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/conditions#TOC-Unconscious) and begin [dying](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/conditions#TOC-Dying) if he takes a [standard action](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Standard-Actions). He does fall [unconscious](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/conditions#TOC-Unconscious) if he takes additional damage from any source. - _Undeniable_: When the samurai lands a strike with a weapon he can spend 1 point of resolve to do max damage with the weapon. The samurai can spend an additional point of resolve to use 1.5x his strength modifier if one handed or 2x his strength modifier if two handed. - _Warrior's Code_: As a standard action, the samurai can spend 2 points of his resolve and use his challenge ability an additional time a day. #### Vigilante Talent Starting at 1st level, and every 3 levels thereafter, a samurai gains a vigilante talent. Unless otherwise noted, a talent can be selected only once. Some talents require the samurai to meet other prerequisites before they can be chosen, such as having another social talent or attaining a minimum vigilante level. Once a talent has been chosen, it cannot be changed. For the purposes of this class feature, the samurai does not have a vigilante identity and is always considered to be in their social identity. #### Weapon Expertise (Ex) At 3rd level, a samurai gains an unparalleled expertise with his chosen weapons. At 3rd level, the samurai selects an exotic weapon or one from an eastern tradition. The samurai can draw the selected weapon as a [free action](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Free-Actions) as if he had the [Quick Draw](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/combat-feats/quick-draw-combat) feat. In addition, whenever he threatens a [critical hit](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Critical-Hits) with the selected weapon, he gains a +2 bonus on the confirmation roll. Finally, his samurai levels count as fighter levels and stack. #### Social Talent A samurai gains a social talent. Unless otherwise noted, a talent can be selected only once. Some talents require the vigilante to meet prerequisites before they can be chosen, such as possessing another social talent, possessing a particular specialization, or attaining a minimum level. Once a talent has been selected, it can’t be changed. The vigilante talent applies to his social identity as if it was his vigilante. #### Samurai's Renown (Ex) At 3rd level, a samurai becomes well known in a specific community in which they gain the benefits of renown. They gain the renown vigilante social talent, treating their samurai level as their vigilante level for this ability. This community can be an entire settlement or portions of a settlement (such as a particular district or neighborhood), depending on the population as allowed by the renown social talent. For the purposes of this class feature, the samurai does not have a vigilante identity and is always considered to be in their social identity. Use a GM discretion to determine the definition of well known. #### Greater Resolve (Ex) At 9th level, a samurai can spend resolve to negate some of his most grievous wounds. After a [critical hit](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Critical-Hits) is confirmed against him, the samurai can spend two points of his resolve as an [immediate action](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Immediate-Actions) to treat that [critical hit](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Critical-Hits) as a normal hit. Effects that only trigger on a [critical hit](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Critical-Hits) do not trigger when the samurai uses this ability. #### Shogun's Renown (Ex) At 14th level, a samurai gains the incredible renown vigilante talent.