Kensai

You have devoted your life to the mastery of a single weapon. You may have known war, and likely have known battle, but though you may be a deadly warrior, your martial skills are ultimately the ephemera of a spiritual practice, in which you seek enlightenment and purity through personal discipline and the pursuit of perfection.

Kensai are typically peripatetic, not out of conventional restlessness or wanderlust, but due to the restless quest for new knowledge, and because their service to a lord or a cause will always, and proverbially, be a temporary or secondary attachment, compared to their first loyalty, which is to the perfection of their own skills.

 

 

Skill Proficiencies: Perception, Insight

Tool Proficiencies: Smith's tools and one of the following: Calligrapher's Supplies, Chess Set, Vehicles (Land)

Equipment: A set of well-made but unadorned clothes, a single simple or martial weapon, a bedroll, and a purse containing 5 gp

Suggested Characteristics

Kensai have chosen a life of service to an ideal of perfection they will never attain. Many are humbled by this, but as with any great power, their skills sometimes make kensai arrogant. Good kensai believe that purity of art and purity of thought and deed go hand in hand; evil ones believe their skills make them superior in worth, and care for nothing but that which enhances their skill -- which finally devolves to the pursuit of fame and power for its own sake.

Kensai may be solemn or, confident in their own skill, and not needing to impress others, may be playful and lighthearted. Although they may find themselves in positions of leadership, and once there will seek excellence, as in all their endeavors, kensai generally to not aspire to lead men, seeing it as a distraction from their calling. They are typically more comfortable either operating alone or following the lead of a trusted friend.

d8	Personality Trait
1	My gentle demeanor belies ferocious concentration.
2	The common folk love me for my kindness and generosity.
3	I can hardly conceal my disdain for those who chase wealth or power rather than the perfection of oneself.
4	I enjoy the finer things in life, and am untroubled if people mistake me for a sensualist. If necessary, I will forgo luxury in a heartbeat.
5	I never draw my weapon causually or as a bluff or a demonstration. When my steel leaves its scabbard, someone or something is about to die.
6	I'm uncomfortable with luxury, and happiest living a stoic life of simple clothes, plain food, and a bedroll under the stars.
7	My favor, once lost, is lost forever.
8	You can mock my family, abuse my manners, or slander my family, but impune my honor or my skill, and it will be the last thing you do.

d6	Ideal
1	Respect. Respect is due to me because of my calling, but all people regardless of station deserve to be treated with dignity. (Good)
2	Responsibility. It is my duty to honor my master, protect and nuture my students, and use my skills responsibily. (Lawful)
3	Independence. I belong to no one but myself, and I need nothing but my sword. (Chaotic)
4	Power. I hold the power of life and death in my hands. To rule others and take what I want is my destiny and my right.(Evil)
5	Excellence. I strive for perfection in all I do. (Any)
6	Noble Obligation. My skills are not for my own enrichment, but meant to be used to protect the weak and liberate the oppressed.(Good)

d6	Bond
1	I will face any challenge to win the approval of my family.
2	My house’s alliance with another noble family must be sustained at all costs.
3	Nothing is more important than the other members of my family.
4	I am in love with the heir of a family that my family despises.
5	My loyalty to my sovereign is unwavering.
6	The common folk must see me as a hero of the people.

d6	Flaw
1	I secretly believe that everyone is beneath me.
2	I had a life before devoting myself to martial perfection. I'm still haunted by the things I did.
3	I too often hear veiled insults and threats in every word addressed to me, and I’m quick to anger.
4	My skills have made me arrogant.
5	Eager to test myself, I am prone to seek combat without recourse to diplomacy…or tactical caution.
6	I fear I will never be goo enough.