Asian Adventures

I am working on a supplement for Swords & Wizardry rules using the ideas I had earlier for a Samurai version of OD&D. This new work is using the S&W rule-set as a base and adding new classes and monsters. So far I have completed 4 classes, one of which is the Bushi which I detail below.

This project is not so much about depicting a historical Japanese setting, but more about "what if Gary had been playing a Samurai wargame when D&D was created" much like Mazes & Minotaurs is for the classic Greek setting. So you will not find any rules for Honor or Family History. You will find Bushi, Samurai, Yamabushi, Shugenja adventuring in weird underground settings searching for adventure and gold. So watch some Kurosawa flicks and get ready to play.

THE BUSHI

Bushi are wandering warriors with no tie to a lord, temple, or monastery. They can often be found in the service of some noble Samurai or serving themselves as a brigand or bandit. Most are warriors from poor families looking to make a name for themselves and escape a life of poverty.


THE BUSHI
Hit Die Type 1d6+2
Armor Permitted Any
Weapons Permitted Any
Prime Attribute (5% xp bonus) Strength 13+

Nimble: As a Bushi is sometimes too poor to afford armor, they learn to be quick on their feet. In addition to any Dexterity adjustment to their Armor Class, a Bushi gains a +1 to his Armor Class for each 5 levels of experience he has. This bonus applies regardless of any armor worn.

Establish Stronghold (9th): At ninth level, a Bushi may establish a stronghold and attract a body of loyal bushi who will swear fealty to him. Most likely, the protection of a castle will attract villagers, and the Bushi will become a feudal lord (Samurai) or even a Daimyo (baron).

Scrounge: A life of poverty has made the Bushi a master at finding “loose” items. A Bushi has a chance of finding a common piece of equipment in any settlement as depicted in the chart below.


BUSHI SCROUNGE TABLE
Settlement d20 chance
Small Sized Village 4 in 20
Medium Sized Village 5 in 20
Large Sized Village 6 in 20
Small Sized Town 8 in 20
Large Sized Town 12 in 20
Any City 18 in 20