I am a returning player who started out playing D&D many years ago with the 1st edition books and dungeons. My Step dad was the one who got me into D&D and it changed my life. My mother was a talented painter and she used to paint our miniatures and even made decent money selling pre-painted sets to the local gaming stores. People loved her work and I completely concider her an OG miniature painter who took the art to a higher level than the vast majority of people did back then. I later played through 2nd edition and some of the 3rd edition. But then I left home to go off to join the Army and for 15 yrs my life was anything BUT D&D. I recently found Critical Role on YouTube and through them I began to remember the MANY hours I spent in High school and even Junior High avoiding girls being reclusive and only going out for Football. But through D&D I made allot of great friends and many fond memories of gaming with a few different groups. The last group being led by a man who greatly resembles Mat Mercer from Critical Role in the dedication to the game and how he ensured his players had an amazing experience through creation of a custom 2 tier table (the top tier having hex paper and laminate over it so markers and terrain could easily be laid out as well as miniatures and spell radius items. His GM or DM seat was a raised platform at the head of the table that gave him a clear view of our movements on the table but also provided him with secrecy from prying eyes. I find myself missing the incredible moments we used to have and wanting to reconnect with those times. I am now a disabled veteran with few things left working correctly as they used to except for my imagination and a some what sharp mind depending on the task lol. I was going over the classes offered and I did see Monk described and I figured Ninja and Samurai must also be out there as well with new updated skills and such. But I am not seeing anything so far. If 5th addition has these classes where are they laid out and if not why? Are they coming soon (TM)? I played a Samurai back in the day that was very much like one from The 13 Assasins. Or even Shogun (old school TV mini series that was dope as hell back then). I enjoyed the hell out of playing a Samurai and I would like to see them return as well as Ninjas as I have played them as well to a great deal of enjoyment. Any word on if this is a future deal would be greatly appreciated. Anyways thanks for your time and hearing my (BACK IN MY DAY). Blackfoot.
Samurai are available as a subclass of fighter in xanathars guide to everything. There is no specific Ninja class anymore, though a shadow Monk with a dip into rogue works just as well.
Thank you for letting me know about the Samurai's. The part about Ninja's not being a actual class of itself is disappointing. Any time you have to bastardize classes to create the fantasy of what should be another whole class/subclass rarely lives up to the fantasy that should be felt if the class was made properly.
The monk subclass "Way of the Shadow" is often mentioned as being the closest to a Ninja. If you want to play up the assassin side of things, then the Rogue subclass "Assassin" might be closer.
Monks are called Monks for a reason. They don't fit the assassin profile correctly. And they definitely do not fit the thieves motif either. When you think of Ninjas you do get a feeling of mystical influences through dark spirits or maybe gods that grant the Ninja's special powers and abilities. In return the Ninja's sacrifice a great deal to gain access to these powers. Monks on the other hand simply do not fill the fantasy aspect of Ninja's in any capacity. And thieves may skim across some of the Ninja's mystic through the assassin path. They truly do not fill in the blanks cleanly to create the Ninja's mystique and mystery. Yes Ninja's are assassins. But to just say "Well just make an assassin and give it Japanese weapons and then BOOM Ninja!". That is a definitely western approach to blandly creating something that deserves allot more depth and development. In my mind Ninja's should be the masters of disguise, infiltration, assassination through multiple means. Weapons masters in chosen styles (say 2 specific weapons exam: Blow darts and Nonjato's). But trained in all weapons (Ninjitsu) related for basic proficiency in them. Ninja's should be proficient in basic poisons with option to be experts. Ninja's draw power from demons or Oni they make a bargain with or maybe these demons or Oni are beings that have provided power to the Ninja's clan or family for generations. There is allot of resources to draw upon to create a truly incredible character that comes with a different role playing flavor than just the normal fantasy assassin. It's disappointing to see Ninja's not be a class upon itself. But to also see a kinda lack luster amount of information dealing with Asian themes other than Monks. I guess Homebrew is something that is my only option.
I feel like “Monk” is being forced into a box here. There’s nothing inherently good, wise, or kind about a monk. This would all be based on the monastery the character was raised/trained in, and who the character is as a fictional person. Maybe they follow Evil Buddha? Additionally, monks aren’t strictly a part of Eastern culture. Friar Tuck was a monk, amirite? There’s nothing stopping any player or DM from interpreting a game mechanic in a way that better fits their vision. The books are suggestions, these aren’t inflexible rules. Change the lore as you need to, or Homebrew what you need. I know players that have a “monk” character because they wanna punch and kick stuff. No higher purpose or moral codes. I consider my character ZuZu’s Class to be “John Woo Angel of Death,” But the character sheet says “Rogue/Assassin.”
I am not here to BASH anyone who is using Monk to try and create a Ninja. I understand that D&D at this time really has no official take on what the subclass is or would be. But to me a Ninja should be to a Monk as a Necromancer is to a Paladin lol. In my mind a Ninja is more akin to a Warlock. They make a pact with a dark spirit or force. Or Chaotic beings if you will. But through this pact the Ninja gains access to powers that allow them to perform their special abilities. Ninjas should obviously have focus on physical abilities and enhancing their bodies natural strengths. But their "Powers" are gained through making a contract with a being willing to grant them dark gifts to enhance their bodies. minds. and perform their special abilities. Of course the way D&D is layed out in 5th edition you need to dip your toes in multiple classes to create a Ninja tailored to your personal choice. I just don't uhhhh feeeeeeel Monks should be part of that equation thematically. I would like to see an alternate path opened to make Ninja creation. Possibly Ranger would be a better initial path to creation of a Ninja. And then Warriors, Rogues, and one of the Arcane specs. With Warlock being mixed in to work in the "Pact" aspect if you will.
I feel the problem here is more a style/flavor one more than a mechanical one...
Japanese stories (especially in recent decades) are full of dark version of righteous traditions or corrupted paths to illumination. Being a Monk does not necessarily mean you are part of a Lawful Good monastery/dojo, that limitation does not exist anymore (as it ¡did exist in 3.x). You could just as easily be part of a less-than-goody-good sect or group.
Mechanically as well, what you would like the Ninja to be is not so distant from what the Way of Shadows already is, as you get spells and spell-like abilities that can be easily flavored as to be granted by an otherworldly being. If I may be so bold as to suggest a possible "build", I would say that a mix of Monk (Way of Shadows) and Rogue (Assassin) is more than enough to give you a Ninja extremely close to the traditional version of the archetype, and if you really want to push on the "dark pact" part, you can always take the Magic Initiate feat and choose Warlock as the reference spellcasting class, adding to it a Patron granting you these powers.
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Born in Italy, moved a bunch, living in Spain, my heart always belonged to Roleplaying Games
While Homebrew does allow us to create subclasses on our own. It kinda feels like Wizards is dropping the ball here. They made Samurai's a legit subclass. But outside of previous editions of D&D having confliction ideas of what a Ninja is. Some throw out Ki and others use Rogue assets. And I know for a fact you can find Ninja builds created in Dragon Magazine depending on the edition out at the time. But to me using Monk to create a Ninja just doesn't sit right. Just because Monk has flavor text that you could bend towards saying "This is a Ninja". That doesn't exactly mean its right for everyone. I have read everyone's comments and I want to say that I am exceedingly thrilled to see interest in this subject no matter how it is directed. I am not saying my way of thinking is the right way for everyone. But for me I would like to see Wizards step up and acknowledge this problem and maybe give us a official word or even better yet lay down a official subclass and flesh it out so there's a common ground idea of what Ninja's are. To say a Ninja is just an assassin is akin to saying Rangers are just Warriors but with a green thumb and deer skinning skills. I find the Warlock idea more and more intriguing the more I think about it. And how you could create some very twisted back stories from that path to creation of a Ninja.
5e is not done yet, there's more to come. Xanathar's introduced the Samurai, and was only released last year. There are more sourcebooks coming, and one may certainly contain a subclass that is more in line with what you would like to play.
You may be disappointed that they never do however, as WotC already did make a ninja subclass and it doesn't seem to be what you were looking for. The Monk Way of Shadow is the ninja. It's not just called Ninja because it could also not be, it's ambiguous enough that people can play that archetype in a number of different ways. But it specifically calls out ninjas as one of those ways.
"Monks of the Way of Shadow follow a tradition that values stealth and subterfuge. These monks might be called ninjas or shadowdancers, and they serve as spies and assassins. Sometimes the members of a ninja monastery are family members, forming a clan sworn to secrecy about their arts and missions. Other monasteries are more like thieves’ guilds, hiring out their services to nobles, rich merchants, or anyone else who can pay their fees. Regardless of their methods, the heads of these monasteries expect the unquestioning obedience of their students."
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I am a returning player who started out playing D&D many years ago with the 1st edition books and dungeons. My Step dad was the one who got me into D&D and it changed my life. My mother was a talented painter and she used to paint our miniatures and even made decent money selling pre-painted sets to the local gaming stores. People loved her work and I completely concider her an OG miniature painter who took the art to a higher level than the vast majority of people did back then. I later played through 2nd edition and some of the 3rd edition. But then I left home to go off to join the Army and for 15 yrs my life was anything BUT D&D. I recently found Critical Role on YouTube and through them I began to remember the MANY hours I spent in High school and even Junior High avoiding girls being reclusive and only going out for Football. But through D&D I made allot of great friends and many fond memories of gaming with a few different groups. The last group being led by a man who greatly resembles Mat Mercer from Critical Role in the dedication to the game and how he ensured his players had an amazing experience through creation of a custom 2 tier table (the top tier having hex paper and laminate over it so markers and terrain could easily be laid out as well as miniatures and spell radius items. His GM or DM seat was a raised platform at the head of the table that gave him a clear view of our movements on the table but also provided him with secrecy from prying eyes. I find myself missing the incredible moments we used to have and wanting to reconnect with those times. I am now a disabled veteran with few things left working correctly as they used to except for my imagination and a some what sharp mind depending on the task lol.
I was going over the classes offered and I did see Monk described and I figured Ninja and Samurai must also be out there as well with new updated skills and such. But I am not seeing anything so far. If 5th addition has these classes where are they laid out and if not why? Are they coming soon (TM)? I played a Samurai back in the day that was very much like one from The 13 Assasins. Or even Shogun (old school TV mini series that was dope as hell back then). I enjoyed the hell out of playing a Samurai and I would like to see them return as well as Ninjas as I have played them as well to a great deal of enjoyment. Any word on if this is a future deal would be greatly appreciated.
Anyways thanks for your time and hearing my (BACK IN MY DAY).
Blackfoot.
Samurai are available as a subclass of fighter in xanathars guide to everything. There is no specific Ninja class anymore, though a shadow Monk with a dip into rogue works just as well.
Thank you for letting me know about the Samurai's. The part about Ninja's not being a actual class of itself is disappointing. Any time you have to bastardize classes to create the fantasy of what should be another whole class/subclass rarely lives up to the fantasy that should be felt if the class was made properly.
Again thank you.
The monk subclass "Way of the Shadow" is often mentioned as being the closest to a Ninja. If you want to play up the assassin side of things, then the Rogue subclass "Assassin" might be closer.
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Monks are called Monks for a reason. They don't fit the assassin profile correctly. And they definitely do not fit the thieves motif either. When you think of Ninjas you do get a feeling of mystical influences through dark spirits or maybe gods that grant the Ninja's special powers and abilities. In return the Ninja's sacrifice a great deal to gain access to these powers. Monks on the other hand simply do not fill the fantasy aspect of Ninja's in any capacity. And thieves may skim across some of the Ninja's mystic through the assassin path. They truly do not fill in the blanks cleanly to create the Ninja's mystique and mystery. Yes Ninja's are assassins. But to just say "Well just make an assassin and give it Japanese weapons and then BOOM Ninja!". That is a definitely western approach to blandly creating something that deserves allot more depth and development. In my mind Ninja's should be the masters of disguise, infiltration, assassination through multiple means. Weapons masters in chosen styles (say 2 specific weapons exam: Blow darts and Nonjato's). But trained in all weapons (Ninjitsu) related for basic proficiency in them. Ninja's should be proficient in basic poisons with option to be experts. Ninja's draw power from demons or Oni they make a bargain with or maybe these demons or Oni are beings that have provided power to the Ninja's clan or family for generations. There is allot of resources to draw upon to create a truly incredible character that comes with a different role playing flavor than just the normal fantasy assassin. It's disappointing to see Ninja's not be a class upon itself. But to also see a kinda lack luster amount of information dealing with Asian themes other than Monks. I guess Homebrew is something that is my only option.
I feel like “Monk” is being forced into a box here. There’s nothing inherently good, wise, or kind about a monk. This would all be based on the monastery the character was raised/trained in, and who the character is as a fictional person. Maybe they follow Evil Buddha? Additionally, monks aren’t strictly a part of Eastern culture. Friar Tuck was a monk, amirite? There’s nothing stopping any player or DM from interpreting a game mechanic in a way that better fits their vision. The books are suggestions, these aren’t inflexible rules. Change the lore as you need to, or Homebrew what you need. I know players that have a “monk” character because they wanna punch and kick stuff. No higher purpose or moral codes. I consider my character ZuZu’s Class to be “John Woo Angel of Death,” But the character sheet says “Rogue/Assassin.”
I am not here to BASH anyone who is using Monk to try and create a Ninja. I understand that D&D at this time really has no official take on what the subclass is or would be. But to me a Ninja should be to a Monk as a Necromancer is to a Paladin lol. In my mind a Ninja is more akin to a Warlock. They make a pact with a dark spirit or force. Or Chaotic beings if you will. But through this pact the Ninja gains access to powers that allow them to perform their special abilities. Ninjas should obviously have focus on physical abilities and enhancing their bodies natural strengths. But their "Powers" are gained through making a contract with a being willing to grant them dark gifts to enhance their bodies. minds. and perform their special abilities. Of course the way D&D is layed out in 5th edition you need to dip your toes in multiple classes to create a Ninja tailored to your personal choice. I just don't uhhhh feeeeeeel Monks should be part of that equation thematically. I would like to see an alternate path opened to make Ninja creation. Possibly Ranger would be a better initial path to creation of a Ninja. And then Warriors, Rogues, and one of the Arcane specs. With Warlock being mixed in to work in the "Pact" aspect if you will.
I feel the problem here is more a style/flavor one more than a mechanical one...
Japanese stories (especially in recent decades) are full of dark version of righteous traditions or corrupted paths to illumination. Being a Monk does not necessarily mean you are part of a Lawful Good monastery/dojo, that limitation does not exist anymore (as it ¡did exist in 3.x). You could just as easily be part of a less-than-goody-good sect or group.
Mechanically as well, what you would like the Ninja to be is not so distant from what the Way of Shadows already is, as you get spells and spell-like abilities that can be easily flavored as to be granted by an otherworldly being.
If I may be so bold as to suggest a possible "build", I would say that a mix of Monk (Way of Shadows) and Rogue (Assassin) is more than enough to give you a Ninja extremely close to the traditional version of the archetype, and if you really want to push on the "dark pact" part, you can always take the Magic Initiate feat and choose Warlock as the reference spellcasting class, adding to it a Patron granting you these powers.
Born in Italy, moved a bunch, living in Spain, my heart always belonged to Roleplaying Games
While Homebrew does allow us to create subclasses on our own. It kinda feels like Wizards is dropping the ball here. They made Samurai's a legit subclass. But outside of previous editions of D&D having confliction ideas of what a Ninja is. Some throw out Ki and others use Rogue assets. And I know for a fact you can find Ninja builds created in Dragon Magazine depending on the edition out at the time. But to me using Monk to create a Ninja just doesn't sit right. Just because Monk has flavor text that you could bend towards saying "This is a Ninja". That doesn't exactly mean its right for everyone. I have read everyone's comments and I want to say that I am exceedingly thrilled to see interest in this subject no matter how it is directed. I am not saying my way of thinking is the right way for everyone. But for me I would like to see Wizards step up and acknowledge this problem and maybe give us a official word or even better yet lay down a official subclass and flesh it out so there's a common ground idea of what Ninja's are. To say a Ninja is just an assassin is akin to saying Rangers are just Warriors but with a green thumb and deer skinning skills. I find the Warlock idea more and more intriguing the more I think about it. And how you could create some very twisted back stories from that path to creation of a Ninja.
5e is not done yet, there's more to come. Xanathar's introduced the Samurai, and was only released last year. There are more sourcebooks coming, and one may certainly contain a subclass that is more in line with what you would like to play.
You may be disappointed that they never do however, as WotC already did make a ninja subclass and it doesn't seem to be what you were looking for. The Monk Way of Shadow is the ninja. It's not just called Ninja because it could also not be, it's ambiguous enough that people can play that archetype in a number of different ways. But it specifically calls out ninjas as one of those ways.
"Monks of the Way of Shadow follow a tradition that values stealth and subterfuge. These monks might be called ninjas or shadowdancers, and they serve as spies and assassins. Sometimes the members of a ninja monastery are family members, forming a clan sworn to secrecy about their arts and missions. Other monasteries are more like thieves’ guilds, hiring out their services to nobles, rich merchants, or anyone else who can pay their fees. Regardless of their methods, the heads of these monasteries expect the unquestioning obedience of their students."