Shinsengumi
Originally, this group was called the Rōshigumi (浪士組, the ronin squad), and its primary purpose was to serve as the Shogun’s private bodyguard. Later, the organization was reformed by the government, transforming into a powerful police force.
Code
The Shinsengumi code, famous among samurai, consists of a small set of rules that organization members must obey, under the penalty of Seppuku (ritual suicide).
These rules include five prohibitions, which forbid the following behaviors:
- Deviating from Bushido (samurai code);
- Leaving the Shinsengumi;
- Raising money privately;
- Taking part in litigations;
- Engaging in private fights.
Members
The organization comprises hundreds of members. Most of them have been samurai since birth, training in their art even before reaching adulthood. Members of this class often join the organization due to parental influence and recommendation.
Additionally, there are also former farmers or traders who have entered the group to embrace the samurai lifestyle and engage in political matters.
Among its notable members, we find: Serizawa Kamo (First Commander), Kondou Isami (Second Commander), Yamanami Keisuke (General Commander), Hijikata Toshizou (Vice-commander), Itou Kashitarou (Military Advisor), Okita Souji (Captain of the first unit), Nagakura Shinpachi (Captain of the second unit) and Saitou Hajime (Captain of the third unit).
Uniform
Shinsengumi members are highly visible on the battlefield. They wear standardized uniforms, consisting of light blue kimonos with white details at the edges. Despite the long appearance of these garments, they are made from lightweight materials that do not hinder joint movement.
What few people know is that the uniforms are actually magical items that can enhance the wearer's existing abilities. However, the magical version of the uniform is only given to those who are already trusted in the organization, not to anyone who joins.
Activity
While the organization’s primary professional activity revolves around investigative work and crime resolution, during times of war, Shinsengumi members can operate both on the battlefield and in espionage.
Although lethal force is not commonly used, when necessary or when innocent lives are at stake, they do not hesitate to swiftly neutralize the enemy.
Roguish Archetype: Shinsengumi
When the public interest cries out for a more lethal solution, we are the ones they call. We cannot get involved in petty fights; we must follow the code of honor and the laws of the organization strictly. Efficiency calls us, speed we use, their vital points we hit; the contact between their neck and our cold blade will be the last thing they will feel before going to hell.
Natural Insight
Starting at level 3, your experience in battle has made you develop a kind of 6th sense, something natural that makes you alert to possible dangers. You cannot be surprised.
Shinsengumi
Your training with the organization was responsible for improving your combat capabilities, guaranteeing the following benefits at the 3rd level:
Longsword Maestry. You have been trained to use the longsword with mastery, being agile and precise with the weapon, hitting the vital points with speed. The longsword is considered a Finesse weapon for you.
Reduced Earth. Using a combination of breathing, movement and walking, you can reduce the distance between yourself and the enemy quickly, to strike. Your speed increases by 10 feet; at 9th level, it increases by 20 feet; and at 17th level, it increases by 30 feet.
Lightless. With three steps you distorts space; Fast and deadly, it defines you. When you use Cunning Action to Dash, you can use it in a better version. When you use this feature in this way, you become invisible while moving. You can use Uncanny Action in this way a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, regaining all uses when you finish a long rest.
Eye of the Mind
When you reach the 9th level, your technique becomes more lethal. When you use the Lightless feature, your speed is tripled instead of doubled.
In addition, your vision get more resistant. You add your proficiency (if it is not already being applied) and have advantage on saving throws to resist blindness.
Two-Stage Thrust
At level 13, you can be even faster than before, giving attacks in the blink of an eye. When you use the Lightless feature and then perform the Attack action, you can make two attack rolls instead of one.
Three-Stage Thrust
When you reach level 17, your speed and ability to assassinate become much more deadly than before, allowing you to reach enemies that are long distances and shoot them down with ease. When you use Lightless and then perform the Attack action, you can make 3 attacks now. On top of that, when you use Lightless this way and attack an enemy that is surprised, the first attack roll made on the turn that you hit is considered critical.
Coat of Oaths
Wondrous item (clothes), rare (requires attunement by a member of Shinsengumi)
This uniform is typical of the Shinsengumi forces. Only a limited number of members possess the magical version of the garment, which is responsible for enhancing the wearer's abilities. Some members know the step-by-step process of creating these items, but generally the task of production is delegated to certain trusted people whom the organization knows well.
Ranked Up. While wearing the item, you have +1 damage and attack rolls with any weapon and +1 AC, in addition to the amount you already have. You can wear armor while wearing the item.
Credits
- Page design inspired by lucifer1389.
- Ideas and Inspiration from "Okita Souji" page of Type-Moon wiki fandom. Link: https://typemoon.fandom.com/wiki/Okita_Souji
- Art by Chaccco Hoshiruski, link to portfolio: https://www.pixiv.net/en/users/18746826; **Art by Gabiran**, link to portfolio: https://www.pixiv.net/en/users/2003931.
A special thanks to Dichotomy Games for the help with balance and fixes.