Finally! Someone mentioned that samurai is not just subclass for weebs, but for all who wants to play a noble. I'm always playing some sort of knight in my RPG games, and samurai is perfect for me. Mix it with paladin - you get a proper knight, mix with rogue - a dArtagnan. Great video, keep up a good work!
Honestly another RP opportunity for Samurai is to lean into some Monk elements. The sort of person who trained their mind along with their body. To not just weild a blade, but a pen. Strong in body and spirit - hence, Fighting Spirit and Elgant Courtier. Perhaps they even trained in a monastry too, but that's less likely.
@duncanharrell5009 kensei Monk with a couple of levels in fighter for the fighting style and action surge. Take a third level into Samurai if you want the 3 Advantages a day. This let's you portray the more mythical idea of the unarmored Samurai, which realistically was used more for duels of honor, but would allow you to, say, portray Samurai Jack.
My Samurai is basically a Cowboy. Many online have pointed out them to be literary similar. But i always introduce my character as a Bounty Hunter first.
i was thinking about samurai for my gunslinger but battle master seems to win out, being able to give yourself advantage is pretty good, and with my sharpshooter feat it would cancel out that -5, but you can only do it 3 times/ long rest, while precision shot can be done 4 times / short rest and can give up to +8, combine with bless and you have up to +12 with an average of +7 more than making up for the -5. also if you fight in the dark a lot and have goggles of night you can shoot from outside their darkvision range giving advantage on the attack (if they have
After you're done with these amazing fighter subclasses, go sorcerer please! Or honestly any other class I just really enjoy your analysis and recommendations and explaintions! 🥳🥳
That's the plan! It might be awhile before a do sorcerer just because I haven't played / DMed for a Lunar Sorcery or Draconic Bloodline sorcerer yet. Likely Paladin is next on my list
My first character was based on “ Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon” I don’t think they are going to judge me more than they already are
As mentioned, many parties don't get into the higher levels. If they did, the Samurai would be the perfect base class for a 2-level dip. Sure, the additional attack at level 20 is nice, but to me, having 2 levels in Rogue or Ranger is better because it would add more versatility. Especially the Ranger with Hunter's Mark added to every attack. Even a dip into Cleric works since the Wisdom requirements don't clash and Clerics are very front-loaded.
When I first decided to start experimenting with frontline fighting (specialized in rangers and rogues, though more so rangers) I opted to go with a samurai fighter after reviewing the abilities. I became so enamored with it that I did so again with another character and am still very much loving this subclass. I get a ton out of it and it allows my party to have a frontliner that isn’t a paladin but still has a lot of strength with charisma AND wisdom. My party I joined the second time I chose this class….really needed it lol. To outline, it was a wizard, an artificer, a ranger, a monk, and a cleric. As you can see, this is not a strong wis party and definitely isn’t a strong cha party. Most aren’t even frontliners or should not be lone frontliners. The group needed a more dedicated tank, mechanically speaking (the rest I took care of too in terms of social dynamics and storytelling, no biggie). But yeah, I did excellently I like to think and my party adores this character. They fit right in and the monk and my samurai clicked instantly as friends, which makes them an unstoppable duo. This allowed our artificer and cleric to return to the back lines and support (armorer artificer) and gave our wizard and ranger more cover to lean on back there. Anyway! I just think it’s amazing and that wis save proficiency has saved my life (in game) soooo many times already, especially since one of the first enemies the party encountered when I joined (later addition is why) had charm abilities….yeah I was so glad for that wis save, you don’t understand lol. It helped me basically keep this enemy pinned while my party did their thing. I would love to be able to combine it with some battlemaster moves and I’m heavily considering picking up the feat for it. Even a few dice for that would make this a major upgrade while not diminishing its potential. I do agree though. The name samurai holds back the subclass. I think it conveys some of the sophisticated feel of it but also slots it into a social niche that have it passed over by those who would thrive in this subclass if only they could see past it. But yeah. For me I had my character take the sage background and since I was playing in the Exandria world, has them join the Cobalt Soul, basically cool librarians/researchers. The backstory I gave this character was they were part of a merchant family and then joined the cobalt soul. I would go into detail but basically it comes down to the magic sword they got and getting the notice of a god during said god’s festival. They joined the cobalt soul so they had the protection of the faction and the freedom to research and learn. They were even given a mentor by the faction. Anyway, yeah so that all put my character into contact with the party as 1) there is already a cobalt soul member there (researcher), and 2) my character was participating in a local excavation as a linguistics consultant/expert who was capable of holding their own in the dangerous environment there. Anyway, safe to say, the party and my join up when a mutual friend disappears and turns up kidnapped. I lean into the well off background of my character (successful merchant family) and also the advantage of being given over amble opportunities for education and also being educated in manners and other social skills (merchant family once again) which allow the charisma skills to make sense in story. Well that’s all. I just wanted to rave about the class a bit. Thanks for the video!
Honestly tho. Having extra proficiencies relating to politicking and ᵉˡᵉᵍᵃⁿᵗ ᶜᵒᵘʳᵗⁱᵉʳ really can make for an interesting and dynamic character. Works well as a particularly loyal and devoted knight too!
Barbarian-samurai multiclass works like a charm, it's a bit high-end oriented, but it still could work, the 15th level ability works magnificently for a barbarian reckless attack, the proficiency in wisdom saves is mostly perfect for a barbarian, plus you get action surge, you could be a zealot barbarian samurai if your really want to blast your opponent and become IMMORTAL! Yes you heard me right, revivify costs nothing, you can still get the 17th level feature, rage fits well with temp hp, it looks like a perfect match! I'd say to go about 7 levels in samurai then 3 in barbarian, then complete with samurai. I call this subclass the Jarl,or the Oni (depending on what vibe you want), you're more persuasive, strong, and survivable, only that you'd be going around with medium armor. What do you practically get from this Multiclass per level? 1-7/8: basic fighter/samurai stuff, I'd suggest to stop at this level to then go for the 3 barbarian levels. 7-10/8-11: 3 barbarian levels, I highly suggest either totem (bear or wolf mainly), zealot or beast path, hey give magnificent abilities for your combo, the first one I made was the zealot. 10/11-20 go fighter for the remainder, you'll get indomitable, the 3rd attack, 3 feats or ASI, more action surges, all the subclass abilities. Substantially you get to have 3 attacks at advantage, one of which becomes simply another attack, all raging, you deal relatively high damage per round, have a high armor class, are essentially immortal, proficiency in all the main saves (Constitution and wisdom, plus you can take Resilient in Dexterity). This is a strength build, therefore you can develop also into grapples and shoves, I'd request having expertise in Athletics by some means. For racial options there are no necessary standouts, maybe variant human or custom Lineage because… free feat, maybe a flying race because… flight is strong and it lies in the idea of the Oni. You can go sword & board, heavy weapon, polearm and you'd be still viable. And Great-weapon-master basically thrives also in this build… sadly.
Samurai is indeed surprisingly strong. At first glance it doesn't seem so because Fighting Spirit uses are so limited. But I love how each subclass feature are cool and exciting to get. This subclass has no ribbon feature and is worth getting to level 18! Level 7 - Huge defense boost! Level 10 - Quality of Life improvement Level 15 - DPR increase that builds on 3rd level feature Level 18 - Epic feature with epic flavor
I just started playing the vecna eve of ruin and I got to start at level 10 and I am playing a minatour samurai and I am loving it my DM finally let me play as a minatour and I am loving it. We don't I don't have any good loot yet but I did get the windfan as random as my common magic item.
Currently playing a half elf Fey wanderer ranger. Elven accuracy as a feat at 4th level, misty step at 5th level. A dip into samurai fighter for the auto crits and the added social skills just makes sense.
I'm thinking about making a succubus samurai. the better persuasion is connected to her being a succubus, the better wisdom saves is her sheer will power to not be controlled, and her combat abilities is just a result of her really focusing on training.
Question: When you trigger strength before death, you take a whole turn to yourself, yes? Action surge can only be used once per turn iirc... So, technically... You can deal 4 attacks... Action surge... Deal 4 attacks... then on the next initiative the monster takes you down to 0 hp... you immediately can do 4 attacks... And because it's a "new turn" you can use another action surge... and deal another 4 attacks... All before your next party member can do anything. 16 attacks in less than 5-6 seconds...? That's some epic anime stuff if that works.
Samurai is awesome! Be an elf of any kind. Put 17 into Dex. Take elven accuracy (+1 Dex) at Level 4 so you are at 18 Dex and get super advantage with fighting spirit. Take sharpshooter at Level 6. With archery fighting style and power attack from sharpshooter you are at +4 to hit and 1d8 + 14 dmg with a longbow. Turn one pop fighting spirit and action surge and you‘ll destroy almost every enemie at this level. After this you could take 4 levels in ranger/gloom stalker and the turn one nova dmg is even stronger. I absolutely love this subclass!
I played an Ixalan Orc Samurai Fighter in a Campaign. His story is basically Kratos from the new GoW games. He spent the campaign trying to talk enemies and people from any physical conflict because he has seen too much bloodshed and the consequences of Wars. But he also was the one to win any battle he found himself in. I remember taking down a bandit leader in 1 turn at level 5 and then convincing the rest of the bandits to drop their arms as no other blood needth be spilled more. Those bandits now have honest jobs on the retired party's estate as guardsmen.
In my Dnd Campaign i'm playing in now, I am playing an Elvish Samurai (ronin technically) who's family served A human Lord, before the Human Lord they served under was overthrown. my character took the heir of the family and fled. I'm still new to Dungeons and Dragons, so i'm looking for tips to build the character properly. this video helped me to understand the class a bit more, so thanks! I'm glad I haven't gotten a to the level to multiclass yet, because I think I'll choose to go full samurai! Edit: I do have one thing to say about your rating on defense though, because I feel like it can be bumped up a bit higher in points if you take certain feats. sure, I might not have the defensive capabilities as one of my other party members (with an armor and shield the guy has a an AC of 19 or 20, I forget which, but it's crazy), But my role isn't to defend MYSEFLF, but my PARTY. if you take Gift of the Metallic dragon, which can let you make a shield for yourself or others that raises your AC, and then another feat which I forget the name of but essentially lets you defend a member of your party (that you're near) from an attack as a reaction, letting you reduce the damage they take and possibly saving their life. I've used them a few times and it makes me feel like a guardian protecting my party members from danger.
For the second one, you might want to look into the Interception and Protection fighting styles. You can take either of them as your 1st level Fighting Style (Interception came from Tasha's and is technically optional) and take the other with the Fighting Initiate feat. Protection requires you have a shield, but imposes Disadvantage on the attack against your teammate, while Interception requires either a shield or weapon, and allows you to reduce the incoming damage by 1d10+PB. Other good defensive feats to add to your own survivability are: Defensive Duelist: If you're wielding a Finesse weapon, you can use your reaction to add your PB to your AC against a melee attack. Medium Armor Master: Gets rid of Stealth disadvantage in Medium Armors, and allows you to add up to +3 from your Dex modifier to your AC instead of just 2. Heavy Armor Master: Gives you +1 Strength, and negates 3 damage from nonmagical Bludgeoning, Slashing, or Piercing damage while wearing Heavy Armor. Edit: Another good fighting style you can take is Superior Technique (also from Tasha's) that gives you a d6 Superiority Die and one Battle Master maneuver to use it with, among which are fun choices like Bait and Switch, which allows you to trade places with a creature and add that d6 to either your AC or theirs. Brace lets you use your reaction to make an attack against a creature that moves into your reach, adding that d6 to the damage. Feinting Attack lets you choose a creature within 5 feet of you, as a Bonus Action you give yourself advantage on your next attack against them, and add the die to the damage. And Goading Attack basically lets you taunt your target. They have to make a Wisdom save, if they fail, they have disadvantage on all attacks against targets other than you until the end of your next turn.
I'm currently playing a satyr bard like samurai fighter. I have noticed I don't use fighting spirit as often as I thought I would but it has come in and won the day a few times.
I wonder of this subclasses main issue would be fixed with it moving to being short rest based or maybe getting uses based off PB like a lot of modern ones
Awesome video! I have really been researching doing a Kensei monk/Samurai fighter/Gloomstalker ranger for a ninja take that focuses on using a bow for ranged attacking. Loved how your multiclassing included both of these other classes
I'm one of THOSE guys that's always trying to do a dual wielding build... and now I'm thinking dual wielding samurai elf with Elven Accuracy sounds very nice.
The only problem with dual wielding Samurai is you can't do your bonus action attack on the same turn you use Fighting Spirit. The OneDnD weapon masteries fix this though.
i think 1 level (maybe 2) in warcleric can pair very nicely, shadar-kai, sharpshooter, 16 wis, archery, bless, fighting spirit, elven accuracy... if only i was not the forever dm D:
I played my 10th level samurai as more of a ronian wandering warrior type that served no one but themselves and fought only to protect the weak no matter the cost without all the honor talk
Lots me multiclassing with kensei monk with the mounted combatant feat. I am hear to kill stuff near and far. We are playing in a setting where samurai are the norm and I'm messing thing up.
Magic initiate samurai with hex and booming blade at level 15 you can attack 9 times - 9D6 damage from hex+ 9D8 damage from booming blade+ 9d8 damag from your weapon. Its broken op.
I'm playing my first real game of DND soon, and I'm planning to play a martial character based off of Aztec warriors -- light armour, shield and their iconic Macuahuitl (a mace with shards of obsidian) - and I've been thinking of using the Samurai. For RP reasons, I've yet to ask my DM about, I also want the 3rd level Path of Zeal Barbarian feature, so do you think that makes sense? I was thinking either 3, just for the raising from death feature, or 4 levels in the PoZB and then the rest into Samurai. I'd love some feedback on this one guys, I've considered a Druid who shapeshifts into a Jaguar, a Warlock -- to be more occult, like we often see Aztec priests and magic -- or just go Cleric or Paladin. Basically... I'm having a hard time deciding. Cheers for the videos! :)
Barbarian is one of the easiest classes for a new player to pick up (imo). You really cannot go wrong with Path of the Zealot or Samurai. I'd steer you away from Druid as, while it is my favorite class, it is the most technically complex. Good luck on your first real game!
@@enterthedungeon Thanks, sir! I think I've decided to go down the Zealot, to start with at least, and probably stick with it 'til the end - unless something happens RP wise. I like to think this guy considers his Rage to be him being fueled by his War God's fervor.
I’ve run many players playing a samurai, have run DMPCs and my own PCs. The vast majority of them are not analogous to historical Japanese aristocratic warriors IRL. They have been played with a variety of D&D races and backgrounds and backstories - just like all other subclasses at our table. I have never experienced a name being such a negative bias in how one plays or designs the character. Strange.
If you mean noble as in Samurai being aristocratic, sure. But, not honorable. Not in the way modern society thinks honorable is. What we call Ninja were a form of Samurai. The Ranger could be Samurai as there were Samurai Archers who used bows called Yumi bows. A samurai could also be a Wizard, Warlock or Sorcerer. They could be born from a bloodline who practiced magic or possessed magical weapons. They could also be cursed samurai. Oni (Demon) Samurai etc. The possibility is endless.
Any homebrew tips to buff samurai? Please reply below Personally think Fighting Spirit uses should either be equal or double the proficiency modifier. And regained upon a short rest. And Bows are considered Finesse. Rapid Strike should probably be bumped earlier to 7th level along with Elegant Courtier. 10th level Tireless Spirit buffed so you regain Fighting Spirit uses via d4 roll for each encounter. Gain dual wielder feat or any other weapon use feat (ie. Sharpshooter, Polearm Master, Great Weapon master, etc.) 15th level: Blind Sight up to 30ft, no stealth penalty wearing heavy armor, all weapons except heavy weapons are considered Finesse. Base extra attacks get doubled. 18th: Strength before death, Double Fighting Spirit Uses, All Weapons gain Crusher, Piercer, and Slasher feats. I could only give free feats to Samurai as a “buff”. Since they’re refined noble warriors. Maybe give them extra RP proficiencies like Intimidation, Deception, Investigation, etc. for each Subclass tier.
I like your videos but you way over rated this subclass. If Fighting Spirit recharged on a short rest or it’s uses scaled prior to level 10 it’d easily be a top tier subclass. Unfortunately, 3 uses per long rest means that most of the adventuring day all you’re getting from your subclass is a single skill proficiency. To get perspective on just how bad that is, the DMG tells DMs the average average adventuring party should expect to face 6-8 combat encounters per day. That means a Samurai doesn’t get to use their subclass at all in more than half of the fights they get into in a given day. In your Arcane Archer video you rightly pointed out that the limit on Arcane Shots ruins the subclass. With a single short rest the Arcane Archer gets more uses of Arcane Shot than the Samurai’s Fighting Spirit, give them 2 short rests and the Arcane Archer gets to use their special ability twice as often as the Samurai. If an Arcane Archer is weak with 4-6 shorts then the Samurai’s static 3 is absolutely anemic. This subclass is an absolute flop.
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Finally! Someone mentioned that samurai is not just subclass for weebs, but for all who wants to play a noble. I'm always playing some sort of knight in my RPG games, and samurai is perfect for me. Mix it with paladin - you get a proper knight, mix with rogue - a dArtagnan. Great video, keep up a good work!
I use it for Knights in a more Eurocentric style gameworld.
Can we define "weeb"?
@@jacksonabroad japanese culture obsessed person?
@@jacksonabroad Person who likes anime.
I love the samurai. They make amazing archers with fighting spirit and sharpshooter.
Better than archers than Arcane Archers
Add in Elven Accuracy to that and its a crazy hit chance
Would Samurai subclass mix well with gunner feat assuming DM allows guns?
Honestly another RP opportunity for Samurai is to lean into some Monk elements. The sort of person who trained their mind along with their body. To not just weild a blade, but a pen. Strong in body and spirit - hence, Fighting Spirit and Elgant Courtier. Perhaps they even trained in a monastry too, but that's less likely.
What would be a good way to multiclass this, since it sounds like this is being mixed with Kensei Monk.
@duncanharrell5009 kensei Monk with a couple of levels in fighter for the fighting style and action surge. Take a third level into Samurai if you want the 3 Advantages a day. This let's you portray the more mythical idea of the unarmored Samurai, which realistically was used more for duels of honor, but would allow you to, say, portray Samurai Jack.
My Samurai is basically a Cowboy. Many online have pointed out them to be literary similar. But i always introduce my character as a Bounty Hunter first.
SAme!
i was thinking about samurai for my gunslinger but battle master seems to win out, being able to give yourself advantage is pretty good, and with my sharpshooter feat it would cancel out that -5, but you can only do it 3 times/ long rest, while precision shot can be done 4 times / short rest and can give up to +8, combine with bless and you have up to +12 with an average of +7 more than making up for the -5.
also if you fight in the dark a lot and have goggles of night you can shoot from outside their darkvision range giving advantage on the attack (if they have
After you're done with these amazing fighter subclasses, go sorcerer please! Or honestly any other class I just really enjoy your analysis and recommendations and explaintions! 🥳🥳
That's the plan! It might be awhile before a do sorcerer just because I haven't played / DMed for a Lunar Sorcery or Draconic Bloodline sorcerer yet. Likely Paladin is next on my list
Came here to say the same thing! Sorcerer would be amazing!
@@enterthedungeon🎉🎉
My first character was based on “ Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon” I don’t think they are going to judge me more than they already are
you weren't playing the vending machine were you?
As mentioned, many parties don't get into the higher levels. If they did, the Samurai would be the perfect base class for a 2-level dip. Sure, the additional attack at level 20 is nice, but to me, having 2 levels in Rogue or Ranger is better because it would add more versatility. Especially the Ranger with Hunter's Mark added to every attack. Even a dip into Cleric works since the Wisdom requirements don't clash and Clerics are very front-loaded.
Blessed weapon could be pretty good. Or even just bless.
When I first decided to start experimenting with frontline fighting (specialized in rangers and rogues, though more so rangers) I opted to go with a samurai fighter after reviewing the abilities. I became so enamored with it that I did so again with another character and am still very much loving this subclass. I get a ton out of it and it allows my party to have a frontliner that isn’t a paladin but still has a lot of strength with charisma AND wisdom. My party I joined the second time I chose this class….really needed it lol. To outline, it was a wizard, an artificer, a ranger, a monk, and a cleric. As you can see, this is not a strong wis party and definitely isn’t a strong cha party. Most aren’t even frontliners or should not be lone frontliners. The group needed a more dedicated tank, mechanically speaking (the rest I took care of too in terms of social dynamics and storytelling, no biggie). But yeah, I did excellently I like to think and my party adores this character. They fit right in and the monk and my samurai clicked instantly as friends, which makes them an unstoppable duo. This allowed our artificer and cleric to return to the back lines and support (armorer artificer) and gave our wizard and ranger more cover to lean on back there. Anyway! I just think it’s amazing and that wis save proficiency has saved my life (in game) soooo many times already, especially since one of the first enemies the party encountered when I joined (later addition is why) had charm abilities….yeah I was so glad for that wis save, you don’t understand lol. It helped me basically keep this enemy pinned while my party did their thing. I would love to be able to combine it with some battlemaster moves and I’m heavily considering picking up the feat for it. Even a few dice for that would make this a major upgrade while not diminishing its potential. I do agree though. The name samurai holds back the subclass. I think it conveys some of the sophisticated feel of it but also slots it into a social niche that have it passed over by those who would thrive in this subclass if only they could see past it. But yeah.
For me I had my character take the sage background and since I was playing in the Exandria world, has them join the Cobalt Soul, basically cool librarians/researchers. The backstory I gave this character was they were part of a merchant family and then joined the cobalt soul. I would go into detail but basically it comes down to the magic sword they got and getting the notice of a god during said god’s festival. They joined the cobalt soul so they had the protection of the faction and the freedom to research and learn. They were even given a mentor by the faction. Anyway, yeah so that all put my character into contact with the party as 1) there is already a cobalt soul member there (researcher), and 2) my character was participating in a local excavation as a linguistics consultant/expert who was capable of holding their own in the dangerous environment there. Anyway, safe to say, the party and my join up when a mutual friend disappears and turns up kidnapped.
I lean into the well off background of my character (successful merchant family) and also the advantage of being given over amble opportunities for education and also being educated in manners and other social skills (merchant family once again) which allow the charisma skills to make sense in story.
Well that’s all. I just wanted to rave about the class a bit. Thanks for the video!
Honestly tho. Having extra proficiencies relating to politicking and ᵉˡᵉᵍᵃⁿᵗ ᶜᵒᵘʳᵗⁱᵉʳ really can make for an interesting and dynamic character. Works well as a particularly loyal and devoted knight too!
Barbarian-samurai multiclass works like a charm, it's a bit high-end oriented, but it still could work, the 15th level ability works magnificently for a barbarian reckless attack, the proficiency in wisdom saves is mostly perfect for a barbarian, plus you get action surge, you could be a zealot barbarian samurai if your really want to blast your opponent and become IMMORTAL! Yes you heard me right, revivify costs nothing, you can still get the 17th level feature, rage fits well with temp hp, it looks like a perfect match! I'd say to go about 7 levels in samurai then 3 in barbarian, then complete with samurai.
I call this subclass the Jarl,or the Oni (depending on what vibe you want), you're more persuasive, strong, and survivable, only that you'd be going around with medium armor.
What do you practically get from this Multiclass per level?
1-7/8: basic fighter/samurai stuff, I'd suggest to stop at this level to then go for the 3 barbarian levels.
7-10/8-11: 3 barbarian levels, I highly suggest either totem (bear or wolf mainly), zealot or beast path, hey give magnificent abilities for your combo, the first one I made was the zealot.
10/11-20 go fighter for the remainder, you'll get indomitable, the 3rd attack, 3 feats or ASI, more action surges, all the subclass abilities.
Substantially you get to have 3 attacks at advantage, one of which becomes simply another attack, all raging, you deal relatively high damage per round, have a high armor class, are essentially immortal, proficiency in all the main saves (Constitution and wisdom, plus you can take Resilient in Dexterity).
This is a strength build, therefore you can develop also into grapples and shoves, I'd request having expertise in Athletics by some means.
For racial options there are no necessary standouts, maybe variant human or custom Lineage because… free feat, maybe a flying race because… flight is strong and it lies in the idea of the Oni.
You can go sword & board, heavy weapon, polearm and you'd be still viable.
And Great-weapon-master basically thrives also in this build… sadly.
Samurai is indeed surprisingly strong.
At first glance it doesn't seem so because Fighting Spirit uses are so limited. But I love how each subclass feature are cool and exciting to get. This subclass has no ribbon feature and is worth getting to level 18!
Level 7 - Huge defense boost!
Level 10 - Quality of Life improvement
Level 15 - DPR increase that builds on 3rd level feature
Level 18 - Epic feature with epic flavor
I just started playing the vecna eve of ruin and I got to start at level 10 and I am playing a minatour samurai and I am loving it my DM finally let me play as a minatour and I am loving it. We don't I don't have any good loot yet but I did get the windfan as random as my common magic item.
Currently playing a half elf Fey wanderer ranger. Elven accuracy as a feat at 4th level, misty step at 5th level. A dip into samurai fighter for the auto crits and the added social skills just makes sense.
my first fighter was a samurai, and he was so fun to play (dragonborn fighter)
I play that today funny but the god of the dices attack me , i batel y can hit one or twice the whole batttle
I'm thinking about making a succubus samurai. the better persuasion is connected to her being a succubus, the better wisdom saves is her sheer will power to not be controlled, and her combat abilities is just a result of her really focusing on training.
Question: When you trigger strength before death, you take a whole turn to yourself, yes? Action surge can only be used once per turn iirc... So, technically... You can deal 4 attacks... Action surge... Deal 4 attacks... then on the next initiative the monster takes you down to 0 hp... you immediately can do 4 attacks... And because it's a "new turn" you can use another action surge... and deal another 4 attacks... All before your next party member can do anything. 16 attacks in less than 5-6 seconds...? That's some epic anime stuff if that works.
Correct! It is a powerful combo. Especially since you get 2 action surges by this level. That ancient dragon won't know what hit them
I'm looking forward to seeing why you should play a Cavalier fighter
It is uploaded to RUclips and waiting to release!
@@enterthedungeon awesome
Samurai is awesome!
Be an elf of any kind.
Put 17 into Dex. Take elven accuracy (+1 Dex) at Level 4 so you are at 18 Dex and get super advantage with fighting spirit.
Take sharpshooter at Level 6.
With archery fighting style and power attack from sharpshooter you are at +4 to hit and 1d8 + 14 dmg with a longbow.
Turn one pop fighting spirit and action surge and you‘ll destroy almost every enemie at this level.
After this you could take 4 levels in ranger/gloom stalker and the turn one nova dmg is even stronger.
I absolutely love this subclass!
I played an Ixalan Orc Samurai Fighter in a Campaign. His story is basically Kratos from the new GoW games. He spent the campaign trying to talk enemies and people from any physical conflict because he has seen too much bloodshed and the consequences of Wars. But he also was the one to win any battle he found himself in. I remember taking down a bandit leader in 1 turn at level 5 and then convincing the rest of the bandits to drop their arms as no other blood needth be spilled more. Those bandits now have honest jobs on the retired party's estate as guardsmen.
In my Dnd Campaign i'm playing in now, I am playing an Elvish Samurai (ronin technically) who's family served A human Lord, before the Human Lord they served under was overthrown. my character took the heir of the family and fled. I'm still new to Dungeons and Dragons, so i'm looking for tips to build the character properly. this video helped me to understand the class a bit more, so thanks! I'm glad I haven't gotten a to the level to multiclass yet, because I think I'll choose to go full samurai!
Edit: I do have one thing to say about your rating on defense though, because I feel like it can be bumped up a bit higher in points if you take certain feats. sure, I might not have the defensive capabilities as one of my other party members (with an armor and shield the guy has a an AC of 19 or 20, I forget which, but it's crazy), But my role isn't to defend MYSEFLF, but my PARTY. if you take Gift of the Metallic dragon, which can let you make a shield for yourself or others that raises your AC, and then another feat which I forget the name of but essentially lets you defend a member of your party (that you're near) from an attack as a reaction, letting you reduce the damage they take and possibly saving their life. I've used them a few times and it makes me feel like a guardian protecting my party members from danger.
For the second one, you might want to look into the Interception and Protection fighting styles. You can take either of them as your 1st level Fighting Style (Interception came from Tasha's and is technically optional) and take the other with the Fighting Initiate feat. Protection requires you have a shield, but imposes Disadvantage on the attack against your teammate, while Interception requires either a shield or weapon, and allows you to reduce the incoming damage by 1d10+PB.
Other good defensive feats to add to your own survivability are:
Defensive Duelist: If you're wielding a Finesse weapon, you can use your reaction to add your PB to your AC against a melee attack.
Medium Armor Master: Gets rid of Stealth disadvantage in Medium Armors, and allows you to add up to +3 from your Dex modifier to your AC instead of just 2.
Heavy Armor Master: Gives you +1 Strength, and negates 3 damage from nonmagical Bludgeoning, Slashing, or Piercing damage while wearing Heavy Armor.
Edit: Another good fighting style you can take is Superior Technique (also from Tasha's) that gives you a d6 Superiority Die and one Battle Master maneuver to use it with, among which are fun choices like Bait and Switch, which allows you to trade places with a creature and add that d6 to either your AC or theirs. Brace lets you use your reaction to make an attack against a creature that moves into your reach, adding that d6 to the damage. Feinting Attack lets you choose a creature within 5 feet of you, as a Bonus Action you give yourself advantage on your next attack against them, and add the die to the damage. And Goading Attack basically lets you taunt your target. They have to make a Wisdom save, if they fail, they have disadvantage on all attacks against targets other than you until the end of your next turn.
Love this subclass. My Samurai Fighter is actually just a cowboy who has the Gunner feat, such fun.
I'm currently playing a satyr bard like samurai fighter. I have noticed I don't use fighting spirit as often as I thought I would but it has come in and won the day a few times.
What is the movie from the scenes playing in the background where it's medieval but it's got some martial artsy flare to it? Thanks.
Wow I was looking at this subclass yesterday for a character I was making.
I wonder of this subclasses main issue would be fixed with it moving to being short rest based or maybe getting uses based off PB like a lot of modern ones
This made me rethink the Samurai for sure
Love these videos!
Awesome video! I have really been researching doing a Kensei monk/Samurai fighter/Gloomstalker ranger for a ninja take that focuses on using a bow for ranged attacking. Loved how your multiclassing included both of these other classes
I'm one of THOSE guys that's always trying to do a dual wielding build... and now I'm thinking dual wielding samurai elf with Elven Accuracy sounds very nice.
The only problem with dual wielding Samurai is you can't do your bonus action attack on the same turn you use Fighting Spirit.
The OneDnD weapon masteries fix this though.
Half elf samurai with elven accuracy feat 👍🏻
Tiefling samurai fighter moon druid is so fun to play
i think 1 level (maybe 2) in warcleric can pair very nicely, shadar-kai, sharpshooter, 16 wis, archery, bless, fighting spirit, elven accuracy... if only i was not the forever dm D:
I played my 10th level samurai as more of a ronian wandering warrior type that served no one but themselves and fought only to protect the weak no matter the cost without all the honor talk
Rapid strike forgoes adv on one roll which means that the second atk that you gets adv still.
Lots me multiclassing with kensei monk with the mounted combatant feat. I am hear to kill stuff near and far. We are playing in a setting where samurai are the norm and I'm messing thing up.
I need some help, If i create a half orc samurai, how strength before death and relentless endurance Will work If my char goes to 0 lifepoints? Thx
Magic initiate samurai with hex and booming blade at level 15 you can attack 9 times - 9D6 damage from hex+ 9D8 damage from booming blade+ 9d8 damag from your weapon. Its broken op.
I'm playing my first real game of DND soon, and I'm planning to play a martial character based off of Aztec warriors -- light armour, shield and their iconic Macuahuitl (a mace with shards of obsidian) - and I've been thinking of using the Samurai. For RP reasons, I've yet to ask my DM about, I also want the 3rd level Path of Zeal Barbarian feature, so do you think that makes sense? I was thinking either 3, just for the raising from death feature, or 4 levels in the PoZB and then the rest into Samurai.
I'd love some feedback on this one guys, I've considered a Druid who shapeshifts into a Jaguar, a Warlock -- to be more occult, like we often see Aztec priests and magic -- or just go Cleric or Paladin. Basically... I'm having a hard time deciding.
Cheers for the videos! :)
Barbarian is one of the easiest classes for a new player to pick up (imo). You really cannot go wrong with Path of the Zealot or Samurai. I'd steer you away from Druid as, while it is my favorite class, it is the most technically complex. Good luck on your first real game!
@@enterthedungeon Thanks, sir! I think I've decided to go down the Zealot, to start with at least, and probably stick with it 'til the end - unless something happens RP wise. I like to think this guy considers his Rage to be him being fueled by his War God's fervor.
I’ve run many players playing a samurai, have run DMPCs and my own PCs. The vast majority of them are not analogous to historical Japanese aristocratic warriors IRL. They have been played with a variety of D&D races and backgrounds and backstories - just like all other subclasses at our table. I have never experienced a name being such a negative bias in how one plays or designs the character. Strange.
The fighter is a good class. The samurai needs more. Maybe a re charge on a 4 or 5 or 6. Few more Fighting Styles. Let him have 3 or 4
Hey, is there a Ronin and/or Yojimbo subclass?
If you mean noble as in Samurai being aristocratic, sure. But, not honorable. Not in the way modern society thinks honorable is.
What we call Ninja were a form of Samurai. The Ranger could be Samurai as there were Samurai Archers who used bows called Yumi bows.
A samurai could also be a Wizard, Warlock or Sorcerer. They could be born from a bloodline who practiced magic or possessed magical weapons. They could also be cursed samurai. Oni (Demon) Samurai etc.
The possibility is endless.
Unless you added one more point without stating it was actually 78/100
another little fact that makes ranger a good multi for samurai is that in reality samurai were horse archers for most of their history
fie on players who cannot go the distance. a mix of Life(tm) and too-high expectations, is my guess.
Technically this class isn't samuraj but warrior who polished his skill to maximum
How can Kensei+Samurai be good? Both has bonus action key features. If you are use one u are wasting the other.
Using this build for a antihero character my players will run into soon. Possibly ten strikes in one turn. They might cry.
Any homebrew tips to buff samurai? Please reply below
Personally think Fighting Spirit uses should either be equal or double the proficiency modifier. And regained upon a short rest. And Bows are considered Finesse.
Rapid Strike should probably be bumped earlier to 7th level along with Elegant Courtier.
10th level Tireless Spirit buffed so you regain Fighting Spirit uses via d4 roll for each encounter. Gain dual wielder feat or any other weapon use feat (ie. Sharpshooter, Polearm Master, Great Weapon master, etc.)
15th level: Blind Sight up to 30ft, no stealth penalty wearing heavy armor, all weapons except heavy weapons are considered Finesse. Base extra attacks get doubled.
18th: Strength before death, Double Fighting Spirit Uses, All Weapons gain Crusher, Piercer, and Slasher feats.
I could only give free feats to Samurai as a “buff”. Since they’re refined noble warriors. Maybe give them extra RP proficiencies like Intimidation, Deception, Investigation, etc. for each Subclass tier.
I like to rp as kensei from for honor
What movie is this in 0:15
I think it's 47 Ronin
I'm making an orc samurai
I decide to flavor this class as more as a vagabond kind of mindset
Fighting spirit is 5thp until level 10. Not 5 per level
yeah 15hp at level 3 sounded so crazy. i was like why is he making extra 5hp like its something amazing? sure its good but not that good.
you might be mixing utility and roleplaying alltogether
For an alternative name to Samurai how does the name “Warrior” sound or is that too corny?
In Russian, the whole class is basically already called Warrior
The Shogun series will create more Japanese historical interest in the RPG community.
I like your videos but you way over rated this subclass. If Fighting Spirit recharged on a short rest or it’s uses scaled prior to level 10 it’d easily be a top tier subclass. Unfortunately, 3 uses per long rest means that most of the adventuring day all you’re getting from your subclass is a single skill proficiency. To get perspective on just how bad that is, the DMG tells DMs the average average adventuring party should expect to face 6-8 combat encounters per day. That means a Samurai doesn’t get to use their subclass at all in more than half of the fights they get into in a given day. In your Arcane Archer video you rightly pointed out that the limit on Arcane Shots ruins the subclass. With a single short rest the Arcane Archer gets more uses of Arcane Shot than the Samurai’s Fighting Spirit, give them 2 short rests and the Arcane Archer gets to use their special ability twice as often as the Samurai. If an Arcane Archer is weak with 4-6 shorts then the Samurai’s static 3 is absolutely anemic. This subclass is an absolute flop.
This sounds overpowered with bladesinging
Lol weeb.
Somebody had to do it.
Samurai is my first attempt at a crit fishing build. So much advantage.
Most of these guides might as well stop covering the classes after about level 12 lmao. Haven't been in a single campaign that's gone beyond that.