I’m going to be joining a campaign based off of feudal Japan, but I’m not sure what kind of character I should play. Since I've never played in this kind of setting before, I was wondering what kind of ideas you guys would have, and/or advice on creating a character based on a specific type of setting. Thanks!
Well, if you don't mind me being a stupid western explaining a foreign culture, .... many Westerners misunderstand/underestimate "Face" in Feudal Asian culture. Face is about Reputation, NOT Honor. A Feudal Japanese warrior will, if there is a rumor that a peasant disrespected them, not just kill them but brag about doing it. So everyone knows how tough they are, even if the peasant did not in fact disrespect them.
You also should pay very close attention to the caste system in feudal Japan. In many ways it was way not strict than the caste system in feudal Europe.
at the risk of being obvious...... the samurai fighter might be a good option? or the assassin rogue if you prefer ninja style characters. other than that? maybe a wizard or monk? they seem to fit well with the Japanese feel. especially the Kensei monk
For starters the fighter/samurai and monks are just give mes'. Rogue-assassin what also be a common choice but I think for your setting would be a little role play heavy.
If you wanted to go more ninja I think your best bet would be as a rogue-thief for the increased mobility. Although Monk/way of the shadow would also be a good fit for ninja because of shadow arts and shadows step.
If you're looking more for caster playing something like any you Tiefling/Dragonborn sorcerer or warlock as a kind of half-yokai it could be interesting.
We're if you're looking for straight wizard… most every school could work if you flavor it correctly, though abjuration, conjuration, and evocation would likely fit the best. And now that I think about it divination also fits well in Japanese culture.
From my perspective bards, paladins, and rangers would be an unusual fit or what take some extra flavoring to make them fit. But if they are where are your interests lean then I would discuss it with the GM and see what they say.
As an island nation, swashbuckler or other sailor-related classes might fit, depending on how connected they are to the rest of the world via commerce.
There are a million anime, manga, and movies you can sift through for ideas, from Yojimbo to Fullmetal Alchemist. “Feudal” Japan describes a state of affairs where a warlord rules with varying degrees of input from the Emperor and it can mean anything from 1100 or so to 1860-something. So unless your DM is pretty specific, you can make pretty much anything you want.
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I’m going to be joining a campaign based off of feudal Japan, but I’m not sure what kind of character I should play. Since I've never played in this kind of setting before, I was wondering what kind of ideas you guys would have, and/or advice on creating a character based on a specific type of setting. Thanks!
Well, if you don't mind me being a stupid western explaining a foreign culture, .... many Westerners misunderstand/underestimate "Face" in Feudal Asian culture. Face is about Reputation, NOT Honor. A Feudal Japanese warrior will, if there is a rumor that a peasant disrespected them, not just kill them but brag about doing it. So everyone knows how tough they are, even if the peasant did not in fact disrespect them.
You also should pay very close attention to the caste system in feudal Japan. In many ways it was way not strict than the caste system in feudal Europe.
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at the risk of being obvious...... the samurai fighter might be a good option? or the assassin rogue if you prefer ninja style characters. other than that? maybe a wizard or monk? they seem to fit well with the Japanese feel. especially the Kensei monk
“I will take responsibility for what I have done. [...] If must fall, I will rise each time a better man.” ― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
For starters the fighter/samurai and monks are just give mes'. Rogue-assassin what also be a common choice but I think for your setting would be a little role play heavy.
If you wanted to go more ninja I think your best bet would be as a rogue-thief for the increased mobility. Although Monk/way of the shadow would also be a good fit for ninja because of shadow arts and shadows step.
If you're looking more for caster playing something like any you Tiefling/Dragonborn sorcerer or warlock as a kind of half-yokai it could be interesting.
We're if you're looking for straight wizard… most every school could work if you flavor it correctly, though abjuration, conjuration, and evocation would likely fit the best. And now that I think about it divination also fits well in Japanese culture.
From my perspective bards, paladins, and rangers would be an unusual fit or what take some extra flavoring to make them fit. But if they are where are your interests lean then I would discuss it with the GM and see what they say.
Draconic Bloodline Sorcerer would also be a gimme for a feudal Asian themed campaign.
Cavalier and Battle Master Fighter would be very fitting as well.
Undying Warlocks would fit well too.
Thief, Assassin, and Mastermind Rogues.
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
As an island nation, swashbuckler or other sailor-related classes might fit, depending on how connected they are to the rest of the world via commerce.
There are a million anime, manga, and movies you can sift through for ideas, from Yojimbo to Fullmetal Alchemist. “Feudal” Japan describes a state of affairs where a warlord rules with varying degrees of input from the Emperor and it can mean anything from 1100 or so to 1860-something. So unless your DM is pretty specific, you can make pretty much anything you want.