The Bushi is a [martial class template](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/path-of-war/classes/martial-class-templates/bushi-template/) modified for the [Samurai](https://www.aonprd.com/ClassDisplay.aspx?ItemName=Samurai) class. This design features new abilities as well as maneuvers from the [Path of War](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/path-of-war/) supplement. This archetype should not be considered for newer players or inexperienced GMs that are unfamiliar with the [Systems and Use](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/path-of-war/systems-and-use/) of Path of War. Check with your GM before bringing the Bushi to your table! This archetype design references rules available in the [Unchained Action Economy](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/other-rules/unchained-rules/unchained-action-economy/). It is otherwise compatible with the default combat system of 1st edition. \columnbreak
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*Bushi are honorable warriors who specialize in Iaijutsu, the art of the draw cut. With a single swing of his katana, a bushi can cleave through armor, bones and organs as easily as straw. Typical bushi follow the code of bushido and exemplify the virtues of righteousness, courage, benevolence, respect, honesty, honor and loyalty. Others have stolen the techniques and twisted the code into what suits their own or their feudal lord’s agenda. The amount of discipline required to abide by the code, however, remains the same.* ### Converting your Samurai to a Bushi:
The bushi is a [class template](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/path-of-war/classes/martial-class-templates/bushi-template/) suitable for use with the Samurai class. When converting a character to a bushi, the character loses or changes the following class features: ##### Samurai * The Samurai gives up the [Mount](https://www.aonprd.com/ClassDisplay.aspx?ItemName=Samurai) class feature. * The Samurai alters the [Weapon Expertise](https://www.aonprd.com/ClassDisplay.aspx?ItemName=Samurai) class feature. * The Samurai gives up the [Mounted Archer](https://www.aonprd.com/ClassDisplay.aspx?ItemName=Samurai) class feature. * The Samurai gives up the [Banner](https://www.aonprd.com/ClassDisplay.aspx?ItemName=Samurai) and [Greater Banner](https://www.aonprd.com/ClassDisplay.aspx?ItemName=Samurai) class features. * The Samurai gives up the [Honorable Stand](https://www.aonprd.com/ClassDisplay.aspx?ItemName=Samurai) class feature. * The Samurai gives up the [Demanding Challenge](https://www.aonprd.com/ClassDisplay.aspx?ItemName=Samurai) class feature. ## Class Features The following are class features of the Bushi. ##### Alignment
Any **Lawful**. ##### Code of Conduct:
A Samurai Bushi must be of **Lawful** alignment. A Samurai bushi who becomes non-lawful cannot gain new levels as a Samurai Bushi but retains all Bushi abilities. A Samurai Bushi’s code of ethics requires that he respect legitimate authority, act with honor, help those within his community or Order (provided they do not use the help for **chaotic** ends), and punish those who harm or threaten innocent members of his community or **Order**. ##### Class Skills:
A Bushi adds his disciplines’ associated skills as class skills, including if he gains access to a new discipline. ##### Weapon and Armor Proficiency
Bushi are proficient with all simple and martial weapons, plus the katana, naginata, tetsubo, and wakizashi. Samurai bushi are proficient with all types of armor (heavy, light, and medium) and shields (except tower shields). ### Maneuvers A Samurai Bushi begins his career with knowledge of three martial maneuvers. The disciplines available to him are [Broken Blade](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/path-of-war/disciplines-and-maneuvers/broken-blade-maneuvers/), [Golden Lion](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/path-of-war/disciplines-and-maneuvers/golden-lion-maneuvers/), [Mithral Current](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/path-of-war/disciplines-and-maneuvers/mithral-current-maneuvers/) and [Scarlet Throne](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/path-of-war/disciplines-and-maneuvers/scarlet-throne-maneuvers/). Once the Bushi knows a maneuver, he must ready it before he can use it (see Maneuvers Readied, below). A maneuver usable by Bushis is considered an extraordinary ability unless otherwise noted in it or its discipline’s description. A Bushi’s maneuvers are not affected by spell resistance, and he does not provoke attacks of opportunity when he initiates one. The Bushi learns additional maneuvers at higher levels, as indicated on **Table: Archetype Maneuver Progression**. The maximum level of maneuvers gained through Bushi levels is limited by those listed in that table as well, although this restriction does not apply to maneuvers added to his maneuvers known through other methods, such as prestige classes or the Advanced Study feat. A Bushi must meet a maneuver’s prerequisite to learn it. See Systems and Use for more details on how maneuvers are used. Upon reaching 4th level, and at every even numbered initiator level thereafter (6th, 8th, 10th, and so on), the Bushi can choose to learn a new maneuver in place of one he already knows. In effect, he loses the old maneuver in exchange for the new one. He can choose a new maneuver of any level he likes, as long as he observes the restriction on the highest-level maneuvers he knows; the Bushi need not replace the old maneuver with a maneuver of the same level. He can swap only a single maneuver at any given level. A Bushi’s **initiation modifier** is **Intelligence**, and each Bushi level is counted as a full initiator level. \pagebreakNum ##### Archetype Maneuver Progression | Class Level | Maximum Maneuver Level | Maneuvers Known | Maneuvers Readied | Stances Known | |:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:| | 1st |1|3|3|1| | 2nd |1|4|3|1| | 3rd |1|5|3|1| | 4th |2|6|4|2| | 5th |2|6|4|2| | 6th |2|6|4|2| | 7th |3|7|4|3| | 8th |3|7|4|3| | 9th |4|8|4|3| | 10th |4|8|5|3| | 11th |5|9|5|4| | 12th |5|9|5|4| | 13th |6|10|5|5| | 14th |6|11|5|5| | 15th |6|11|6|5| | 16th |6|12|6|5| | 17th |6|13|6|5| | 18th |6|14|6|5| | 19th |6|14|6|5| | 20th |6|15|7|5|
### Maneuvers Readied
A Bushi can ready all three of his maneuvers known at 1st level, and as he advances in level and learns more maneuvers, he is able to ready more, but must still choose which maneuvers to ready. A Bushi must always ready his maximum number of maneuvers readied. He readies his maneuvers by performing weapon drills for ten minutes. The maneuvers he chooses remain readied until he decides to practice again and change them. The Bushi does not need to sleep or rest for any long period of time in order to ready his maneuvers; any time he spends ten minutes practicing, he can change his readied maneuvers. A Bushi begins an encounter with all his readied maneuvers unexpended, regardless of how many times he might have already used them since he chose them. When he initiates a maneuver, he expends it for the current encounter, so each of his readied maneuvers can be used once per encounter (unless he recovers them, as described below).
In order for the Bushi to recover maneuvers, he must reassert his opponent as a **full-round action** ([3 acts](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/other-rules/unchained-rules/unchained-action-economy/)), ensuring that no motion is wasted in his next attack. When he does so, he recovers a number of maneuvers equal to his Bushi **initiation modifier** (minimum 2). During this time, he may select one opponent he can see and observe, and declare an oath of victory against that opponent. His next attack against the opponent deals maximum damage (including extra damage dice from a **Strike**, [Magic Weapon Special Abilities](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic-items/magic-weapons/magic-weapon-special-abilities/flaming-burst/), and so on). If the Samurai reduces the target of this oath to 0 or fewer hit points before the end of his next turn, he regains 1 point of **Resolve**. (In the case of [Diehard](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/general-feats/diehard/) or [Ferocity](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/rules-for-monsters/universal-monster-rules/#Ferocity_Ex), the Bushi must kill or accept defeat from his target). ### Stances
A Bushi begins his career with knowledge of one stance from any discipline open to Bushis. At 4th, 7th, 11th, and 13th levels, he can select an additional stance to learn. The maximum level of stances gained through Bushi levels is limited by those listed in Table: Archetype Maneuver Progression. Unlike maneuvers, stances are not expended and the Bushi does not have to ready them. All the stances he knows are available to him at all times, and he can change the stance he is currently maintaining as a **swift action** ([1 act](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/other-rules/unchained-rules/unchained-action-economy/)). A stance is an extraordinary ability unless otherwise stated in the stance or discipline description. Unlike with maneuvers, a Bushi cannot learn a new stance at higher levels in place of one he already knows. \pagebreakNum ### Iaido (Ex)
In addition to his normal maneuver recovery, a Bushi can recover his maneuvers by sheathing his blade and taking a brief moment of quiet contemplation. When he sheathes a weapon, normally a **move action** [1 act](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/other-rules/unchained-rules/unchained-action-economy/), he recovers one maneuver. He cannot recover more than one maneuver per round this way, no matter how many weapons he sheathes or how many times he sheathes an individual weapon per round, nor can he use a maneuver in the same round it is recovered in this way. A Bushi cannot use this ability to recover a maneuver in the same round in which it was initiated. ### Quick Draw (Ex)
At 1st level, a Bushi gains [Quick Draw](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/combat-feats/quick-draw-combat/) as a bonus feat, even if he does not meet the prerequisites. In addition, the Bushi may sheathe his weapon without provoking attacks of opportunity. ### Bushido
As a Bushi grows in power, he gains access to abilities through the refinement of his spirit and his weapon by adhering to the principles of **Bushido**. He selects one of the following abilities to learn at 2nd level, and gains another ability at 5th level and every three levels thereafter. Unless otherwise noted, a **Bushido** can only be selected once. ***Benevolence (Su):*** The Bushi’s kindness and concern for his allies takes on a supernatural quality. The Bushi can spend a **swift action** ([1 act](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/other-rules/unchained-rules/unchained-action-economy/)) to grant all allies within 30 feet a number of temporary hit points equal to the Bushi’s initiator level. These temporary hit points do not stack with other temporary hit points, and last for one minute or until depleted. ***Courage (Su):*** The Bushi becomes immune to non-magical fear effects. In addition, he gains a +4 bonus on saves against fear effects, and can grant this bonus to his allies within 60 feet for a number of rounds equal to his Bushi **initiation modifier** as a swift action (1 act).
***Daisho (Ex):*** The Bushi honors tradition by wearing a decorative pair of swords, but is also aware of their potential rather than for just formal attire. The bushi adds [Thrashing Dragon](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/path-of-war/disciplines-and-maneuvers/thrashing-dragon-maneuvers/) to his list of available disciplines, and adds one maneuver from the discipline to his list of maneuvers known. In addition, the Bushi is treated to have selected both the Katana and Wakizashi for the **Weapon Expertise** class feature at 3rd level. ***Discipline (Ex):*** The Bushi’s respect for authority, strict diet, or other formal regimen hones the weapon that is his very being. The Bushi can use his [Resolve](https://www.aonprd.com/ClassDisplay.aspx?ItemName=Samurai) ability two additional times each day. ***Grace (Ex):*** The Bushi understands that combat is an art form, and the display of such performance must always be perfect. When wearing no armor and not using a shield, the Bushi gains a bonus to Armor Class equal to her Charisma bonus (to a maximum of her Bushi level). A Bushi loses this bonus while flat-footed or otherwise denied his Dexterity bonus. In addition, the Bushi uses his **Charisma** modifier as his **initiation modifier**. ***Honesty (Sp):*** The Universal Truth speaks to the Bushi, allowing him to detect falsehood wherever it may hide. The bushi can use [*discern lies*](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/d/discern-lies) as a spell-like ability with a caster level equal to his initiator level. He can use this ability for a number of rounds per day equal to his **initiation modifier**, although these rounds need not be consecutive. ***Honor (Ex):*** The Bushi knows that honorable combat is the only true test of a warrior, and that the most honorable combat is a one-on-one duel. Whenever the Bushi hits a creature with an attack, he gains a +1 bonus on attack and damage rolls against that creature until the end of his next turn. This bonus increases by +1 for every four initiator levels the Bushi possesses. A Bushi does not get an additional benefit from attacking a creature multiple times, although he loses the bonus if he does not attack the creature for one round. ***Honorable Stand (Ex):*** The Bushi gains the [Honorable Stand](https://www.aonprd.com/ClassDisplay.aspx?ItemName=Samurai) ability. The Bushi must be at least 11th level to select this Bushido. ***Humble (Ex):*** The Bushi understands his place in the world, and can offer sage-like advice to those who have no path to follow. As an **immediate action** ([reaction](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/other-rules/unchained-rules/unchained-action-economy/)), the Bushi can spend one daily use of **Resolve** to grant another ally within 30 feet a +3 bonus on a single saving throw or attack roll, before the result of the roll is known. In addition, the Bushi uses his **Wisdom** modifier as his **initiation modifier**. The Bushi must be non-evil to select this Bushido. ***Kyudo (Ex):*** The Bushi hones his archery skills to better serve his Order. The Bushi adds [Solar Wind](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/path-of-war/disciplines-and-maneuvers/solar-wind-maneuvers/) to his list of available disciplines, and adds one maneuver from the discipline to his list of maneuvers known. In addition, when wielding a longbow, the Bushi gains use of the [Precise Shot](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/combat-feats/precise-shot-combat/) feat. (This ability can substitute for prerequisites requiring Precise Shot.) ***Loyalty (Su):*** The Bushi’s strong sense of loyalty to allies allows him to instinctively know when they are in danger. As a **standard action** ([2 acts](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/other-rules/unchained-rules/unchained-action-economy/)), the Bushi can mark an ally, allowing him to know the relative position and general condition of the marked allies as if they were under the effects of both a [*deathwatch*](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/d/deathwatch) and a [*status*](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/s/status) spell. This mark lasts for a number of hours equal to the Bushi’s initiator level, and functions as long as both the Bushi and the target are on the same plane. The Bushi can activate this ability a number of times per day equal to his Bushi **initiation modifier** (minimum 1). \pagebreakNum ***Onimusha:*** The Bushi is acquainted with the presence of Yokai, Oni, Kami, and evil spirits both in the material realm and the spirit world. The Bushi gains new ways to interact with these beings, based on his alignment. The Bushi must be at least 5th level to select this Bushido. * *Lawful Good (Su):* The Bushi can expend one use of his **Challenge** ability as a **swift action** ([1 act](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/other-rules/unchained-rules/unchained-action-economy/)) to imbue his wielded weapon with one of the following magic weapon special abilities: [Bane (Evil Outsider)](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic-items/magic-weapons/magic-weapon-special-abilities/bane/), [Bane (Chaotic Outsider)](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic-items/magic-weapons/magic-weapon-special-abilities/bane/), [Bane (Oni)](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic-items/magic-weapons/magic-weapon-special-abilities/bane/), [Ghost Touch](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic-items/magic-weapons/magic-weapon-special-abilities/ghost-touch/), or [Summon Bane](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic-items/magic-weapons/magic-weapon-special-abilities/summon-bane/). This effect lasts a number of rounds equal to the Bushi’s **initiation modifier**. * *Lawful Neutral (Sp):* The Bushi can expend one use of his **Challenge** ability to project his honor and authority upon spirits and beings from outside the material realm, forcing them to omit further hostility. This acts as a [*hold monster*](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/h/hold-monster/) or [*halt undead*](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/h/halt-undead/) spell, using the Bushi’s initiator level as his caster level. This ability can only be used against Outsiders, Undead, or creatures with the Oni subtype. (The save DC to resist this effect is equal to 10 + 1/2 the Bushi’s class level + his **initiation modifier**.) * *Lawful Evil (Sp or Su):* The Bushi can expend one use of his **Challenge** ability to call forth evil spirits to aid him. This acts as a [*summon monster*](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/s/summon-monster) spell of a spell level equal to half of the Bushi’s class level (rounded down). Creatures summoned this way must be of **evil** alignment (typically fiendish). The Bushi’s caster level is equal to his initiator level. Alternatively, the Bushi can strip away the shadow of anyone crossing to the afterlife. The Bushi can use this ability while adjacent to a dying or dead creature (dead for no less than 1 minute), and gain command over a [shadow](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/monster-listings/undead/shadow/). If the Bushi is at least 11th level, he can gain command over a [wraith](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/monster-listings/undead/wraith/) instead. These undead lack the create spawn ability, and remain under the Bushi’s control for a number of minutes equal to his **initiation modifier**, vanishing afterward. ***Perserverance (Ex):*** The Bushi’s loyalty to his code matches the warrior’s determination in battle. He gains an additional way to use his **Resolve** class feature: * *Inexorable*: The Bushi refocuses and reminds himself what he is fighting for. As a **move action** ([1 act](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/other-rules/unchained-rules/unchained-action-economy/)), the Bushi can spend one point of his **Resolve** to refill his [Stamina Pool](https://aonprd.com/Rules.aspx?ID=1902). Doing so heals the Bushi a number of hit points equal to twice his initiator level, and ends any bleed effects. ***Polearm Shogun (Ex):*** The Bushi commands great power with the naginata and nodachi, traditional wartime instruments of legionary samurai. When wielding a naginata, the Bushi gains use of the [Haft Strike](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/path-of-war/feats/haft-strike-combat/) combat feat. In addition the Bushi gains a bonus on attack rolls equal to his **initiation modifier** against the target of his **Challenge** when wielding a naginata or nodachi. The Bushi must be at least 5th level to select this Bushido.
***Powerful Resolve (Ex):*** The Bushi is able to push himself to new limits through sheer determination. He can remove the [dazed](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/Gamemastering/conditions/#Dazed), [panicked](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/Gamemastering/conditions/#Dazed), [paralyzed](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/Gamemastering/conditions/#Dazed), or [stunned](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/Gamemastering/conditions/#Dazed) condition when using **Resolve** as a **standard action** ([2 acts](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/other-rules/unchained-rules/unchained-action-economy/)), even though he would normally be unable to do so. The Bushi must be 11th level to select this Bushido. ***Respect (Ex):*** The Bushi respects all life, and knows that the strength of his allies support his own strength. Whenever the Bushi uses the aid another action, he uses his Bushi **initiation modifier** (minimum +2) instead of the normal aid another bonus granted to his allies. ***Renown (Ex):*** The Bushi’s deeds in battle often speak for themselves, to which the neighboring realms, local political figures, and common man may have heard of. He can spend a daily use of his **Resolve** ability to influence others in one of the following ways: * *Imperial Favor:* The Bushi can call upon an allied NPC or a member of his **Order** for a favor. Examples include access to private resources (such as a wizard’s library), unhindered passage through certain territory (such as getting an official to write you a letter of passage), or an audience with an important person (such as a high priest or city governor). He can use this ability once per week. * *Loan:* The Bushi can request an NPC ally or a member of his Order to loan him something of value. The loan must be in the form of wealth or a single item, and cannot have a value greater than 1,000 gp per class level of the Bushi. The GM may rule that an NPC refuses to give away a particularly rare or expensive item. The item must be something the NPC can actually grant—the Bushi can’t ask a peasant for a suit of armor or a ronin for the emperor’s personal sword. A loan lasts 1 day per Bushi level, after which the Bushi must return the item or repay the loan. Failure to do so is considered a dishonorable act. The Bushi can only have one loan at any given time. * *Skill Bonus:* The Bushi chooses Diplomacy or Intimidate. The Bushi gains a +5 circumstance bonus on checks for that skill for 1 hour. \pagebreakNum
***Scrutiny (Sp):*** The Bushi gains the ability to use [detect chaos](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/d/detect-chaos), [detect evil](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/d/detect-evil), [detect good](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/d/detect-good), and [detect law](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/d/detect-law) as spell-like abilities at-will, with a caster level equal to his initiator level. ***Unity (Ex):*** The Bushi understands loyalty to his clansmen, and loyalty repaid is a bond that can help defeat the greatest of opponents. The Bushi can expend two uses of his **Challenge** ability to grant the ability to **Challenge** to all allies within 10 feet, using his bonuses (including effects from his Order). Allies must use this **Challenge** ability by the start of the Bushi’s next turn and the bonuses last for 1 minute. Using this ability is a **free action**. A Samurai Bushi must be 11th level to select this Bushido. ***Yojimbo (Ex):*** The Bushi lives to serve loyal masters by becoming a noble protector to the causes they serve. The Bushi adds [Eternal Guardian](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/path-of-war/disciplines-and-maneuvers/eternal-guardian-maneuvers/) to his list of available disciplines, and adds one maneuver from the discipline to his list of maneuvers known. In addition, when the Samurai declares a **Challenge**, he can select one adjacent ally as a **free action**. That ally gains a morale bonus to her armor class equal to the Bushi’s **initiation modifier** as long as the two characters are adjacent. The Bushi can select a different adjacent ally to defend as a **free action** on his turn for as long as the **Challenge** lasts. \columnbreak ### Weapon Expert (Ex)
At 3rd level, the Bushi gains unparalleled expertise with his chosen weapons. At 3rd level, the samurai selects either the katana, longbow, naginata, nodachi, tetsubo, or wakizashi. Whenever he threatens a critical hit with the selected weapon, he gains a +2 bonus on the confirmation roll. Additionally, his samurai levels count as fighter levels and stack. ### Mixed Combat (Ex)
At 6th level, the Bushi gains [Mixed Combat](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/path-of-war/feats/mixed-combat-combat/) as a bonus feat, even if he does not meet the prerequisites. In addition, the Bushi is considered to be threatening all adjacent squares even if his weapon is sheathed, and can draw his weapon when making any attack (including attacks of opportunity). \pagebreakNum # About the GM