Ninja (3.5e Class)

The Ninja

A ninja is one who refines stealth, intellegence gathering, powerful combat techniques, and mysticism into a deadly science and sophisticated techniques of warfare. When the odds are unfavorable and dishonor threatens, the ninja can be hired to bring victory and restore harmony of society through espionage and assassination.

Making a Ninja

The ninja are like the rogue in the fact they rely on quickness and stealth to take out their enemies. However, the ninja go about it in a much different way. Harnessing the power of their inner spirits, the ninja obtain the ability to disappear from an enemy's sight completely. Combine this with various abilities that border on otherworldly, and people will see how the rogue and ninja seperate themselves.

Abilities: Dexterity and Wisdom are the chief skills among ninja. Dexterity allows them to get the drop on the enemy, while Wisdom allows them greater ability in harnessing the power of their ki. Despite their bountiful skill points, a high Intelligence can give even more skill points, something no ninja can have too few of.

Races: Ninja are mostly human, but they are not hesitant to welcome new blood. Elves are rare, but those that join are revered and feared, being viewed as great masters of legend. Half-elves, halflings, and warforged are also accepted. Some clans even see the occasional shifter or changeling. Half-orcs, with their lack of emotional control, and dwarves, with their desire for money and regard for family, never become ninja, though they are not unwelcome.

Alignment: A ninja’s life is quite various and thus they can be of any alignment. Of course, since the dictates of their clan (and clanmates) come before their personal interests or others, ninja are more commonly neutral. Neutral ninja are most common, but there are plenty of good and evil ninja as well. Though lawful ninja are more frequent than chaotic ones, the chaotic ninja are still disciplined. They simply have a lower regard for rules than others, making them a bit more reckless, but nonetheless devoted.

Starting Gold: 4d4×10 gp

Starting Age: As a ranger.

Table: The Ninja

Hit Die: d6

Level	Base Attack Bonus	Saving Throws			Special	AC Bonus	Ki Will Bonus	Unarmored Speed Bonus
		Fort	Ref	Will
1st	+0	+0	+2	+0	Ki power, stealthy strike +1d6, trapfinding	+0	+2	+0ft
2nd	+1	+0	+3	+0	Ghost step, Fast Movement	+0	+2	+0ft
3rd	+2	+1	+3	+1	Stealthy strike +2d6, the path I walk (Ex)	+0	+2	+10ft
4th	+3	+1	+4	+1	Evasion, Poison Use, Uncanny Dodge	+0	+2	+10ft
5th	+3	+1	+4	+1	Stealthy strike +3d6	+1	+2	+10ft
6th	+4	+2	+5	+2	Ki dodge, the path I walk (Su)	+1	+2	+20ft
7th	+5	+2	+5	+2	Ki Sense, Stealthy strike +4d6	+1	+2	+20ft
8th	+6/+1	+2	+6	+2	Improved Uncanny Dodge	+1	+3	+20ft
9th	+6/+1	+3	+6	+3	Stealthy strike +5d6, the path I walk	+1	+3	+30ft
10th	+7/+2	+3	+7	+3	Ghost step (ethereal), improved poison use	+2	+3	+30ft
11th	+8/+3	+3	+7	+3	Stealthy strike +6d6	+2	+3	+30ft
12th	+9/+4	+4	+8	+4	The path I walk	+2	+3	+40ft
13th	+9/+4	+4	+8	+4	Stealthy strike +7d6	+2	+3	+40ft
14th	+10/+5	+4	+9	+4	Hundred faces	+2	+3	+40ft
15th	+11/+6/+1	+5	+9	+5	Stealthy strike +8d6, the path I walk	+3	+3	+50ft
16th	+12/+7/+2	+5	+10	+5	Meditation	+3	+4	+50ft
17th	+12/+7/+2	+5	+10	+5	Stealthy strike +9d6	+3	+4	+50ft
18th	+13/+8/+3	+6	+11	+6	The path I walk	+3	+4	+60ft
19th	+14/+9/+4	+6	+11	+6	Stealthy strike +10d6	+3	+4	+60ft
20th	+15/+10/+5	+6	+12	+6	Ghost walk	+4	+5	+60ft
Class Skills (6 + Int modifier per level, ×4 at 1st level) Balance (Dex), Bluff (Cha), Climb (Str), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Disable Device (Int), Disguise (Cha), Escape Artist (Dex), Gather Information (Cha), Hide (Dex), Jump (Str), Knowledge (Geography) (Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Open Lock (Dex), Search (Int), Sense Motive (Wis), Sleight of Hand (Dex), Spot (Wis), Survival (Wis), Swim (Str), Tumble (Dex)

Class Features

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: The ninja is proficient with simple weapons, as well as the hand crossbow, sai, shuriken, kama, nunchaku, shortbow, ninja-to (short sword),katana(bastard sword), kodachi (broadblade short sword), foot spike, and shuko (hand claws). If the ninja uses the foot spikes and shuko for Climb checks, this is treated as a climber's kit.
The ninja is not proficient with armor or shields.

AC Bonus (Ex): During training, all ninja unlock the sixth sense, an ability that warns of an attack just before it occurs.

As long as he is unarmored and unencumbered, the ninja applies his Wisdom bonus (if any) to AC. This does not stack with the monk's AC bonus. The ninja gets an additional +1 to AC at 5th Level and every five ninja levels after. The AC bonus is applied to all forms of attack, but not when immobilized or helpless.

Stealthy Strike (Ex): This only works on opponents who are denied their Dex bonus. This extra damage increases by 1d6 for every two levels thereafter, if the ninja can catch an enemy off-guard, he can strike a vital spot for extra damage.

When the ninja strikes an enemy that is denied its Dexterity bonus (if any) to AC, he can deal an extra +1d6 damage. The ninja can use stealthy strike for ranged attacks as long as the target is within 30 feet. If the ninja makes a critical hit while making a stealthy strike, this extra damage is not multiplied.

The ninja can use stealthy strike against a flanked enemy, but he uses d4's instead of d6's.

With a sap (blackjack) or an unarmed strike, a ninja can make a stealthy strike that deals nonlethal damage instead of lethal damage. He cannot use a weapon that deals lethal damage to deal nonlethal damage in a stealthy strike, not even with the usual -4 penalty.

Stealthy strike can only be use against creatures with discernible anatomies-constructs, undead, plants, oozes, and incorporeal creatures are immune to stealthy strike. Stealthy strike cannot be used against creatures immune to critical hits or against creatures with concealment or whose vitals are out of reach.

Stealthy strike counts as sneak attack for the purpose of qualifying for feats, prestige classes, or anything requiring a minimum amount of sneak attack damage dice.

The bonus damage from stealthy strike and sneak attack stack if they apply to the same target and all other conditions are met.

Ki Power (Su): All ninja have control over a pool of spirit energy called ki. Starting at 1st level, all ninja have 1/2 ninja level (Min 1) + Wisdom modifier uses of ki per day, and as long as the ninja has one use left, he gets a +2 bonus on Will saves. can only gain 1 ki per level

The ninja cannot use his ki power if he wears any armor, carries a shield, or carries a medium or heavier load.

Trapfinding (Ex): At 1st level, a ninja is able to use Search to find traps with a DC 20 or higher. The DC to find a magic trap is 25 + spell’s level. The ninja can also use the Disable Device skill to disarm traps.

Ghost Step (Su): At 2nd level, by using his inner ki, the ninja can fade from sight for a brief time. The ninja can become invisible for 1 round by expending one daily use of his ki power. Using this ability is a swift action that does not provoke an attack of opportunity.

Fast Movement: At 3rd level, a The Ninja gains an enhancement bonus to his speed, as shown on the Table: The Ninja. A ninja in armor (even light armor) or carrying a medium or heavy load loses this extra speed.


The Path I Walk: Starting at 3rd level, and every three levels after, the ninja can select an ability from a list of supernatural and extraordinary abilities. The ninja selects an (Ex) ability at 3rd level.

Extraordinary (Ex) Abilities

Armor-Ki Synergy: The ninja must spend 1 ki point to activate Armor-Ki Synergy till the beginning of the ninja next round. This is considered a swift action that does not provoke attacks of opportunity. The ninja retains the use of all class features in armor and is able to apply his "Ki Will Bonus" to his AC. The ninja still loses the noted class features if he wears any armor that has an armor check penalty greater than 0, carries a shield, or carries a medium or heavier load. To apply this for the entire day a ninja must sacrifice half of his total daily Ki.

Great Leap: The ninja can make all Jump checks as if he already had a running start and the Run Feat, effectively gaining a +4 bonus to his jumps.

Improved Evasion: If the ninja makes a Reflex save against an attack that would deal half damage, he still takes no damage. However, if the save fails, he takes only half damage. The ninja cannot use improved evasion if he wears any armor, carries a shield, or carries more than a light load. A helpless ninja does not gain the benefit of improved evasion.

• The ninja must have the evasion class feature and three path I walk abilities in order to take improved evasion.

Instinct: The ninja’s instincts and his sixth sense share a stronger connection. The ninja can now apply his Wisdom bonus (if any) to his initiative.

Speed Climb: A ninja can climb up walls at his base land speed as a move action. This ability requires one free hand, and the ninja must begin and end the climb on a horizontal surface.

Bonus Feat: The ninja can select a bonus feat instead of one of these abilities.

The ninja cannot select a bonus feat unless he has one (Ex) path I walk abilities.

Evasion (Ex): Starting at 4th level, when a ninja succeeds on a Reflex save that would deal 1/2 damage (such as a fireball spell), he takes no damage instead, so long as he wears no armor, carries no shield, and does not carry more than a light load. A helpless ninja does not gain the benefit of evasion.

Uncanny Dodge (Ex): Starting at 4th level, a Ninja can react to danger before his senses would normally allow him to do so. He retains his Dexterity bonus to AC (if any) even if he is caught flat-footed or struck by an invisible attacker. However, hhe still loses her Dexterity bonus to AC if immobilized. If a Ninja already has uncanny dodge from a different class, he automatically gains improved uncanny dodge instead.

Poison Use (Ex): Beginning at 4th level, the ninja becomes proficient at applying poison to his weapons.

The ninja never risks injuring himself while applying poison to a weapon.

Ki Dodge (Su): At 6th level and higher, a ninja can spend one daily use of her ki power to cause an attack against her to miss when it might otherwise hit. When a ninja activates this ability, her outline shifts and wavers, granting her concealment against all attacks for one round. Using this ability is a swift action that does not provoke attacks of opportunity.

true seeing negates the miss chance.

Ki Sense (Su): Ki flows through and around all things and a ninja can sense this flow.At 7th level as a free action the ninja can focus his senses and is capable of noticing all beings within 30 feet, just as if it possessed the blindsight ability. It also senses the strength of someone's Ki (life force) as if it cast deathwatch. One daily Ki use is required to use this for the day.

• Each time the ninja activates this ability to succeed he must make a concentration check (DC20) otherwise the ability is inactive for that round. This check must be made for every round of continuous use.

• At 10th level the range is increased to 60ft

• At 16th level The Ninja can sense even beings hidden on the ethereal plane.

• At 20th level the range is increased to 90ft.

Improved Uncanny Dodge (Ex): A Ninja of 8th level or higher can no longer be flanked; he can react to opponents on opposite sides of him as easily as he can react to a single attacker. This defense denies another Ninja or Rogue the ability to sneak attack the character by flanking him, unless the attacker has at least four more Ninja or Rogue levels than the target does. If a character already has uncanny dodge from a second class, the character automatically gains improved uncanny dodge instead, and the levels from the classes that grant uncanny dodge stack to determine the minimum Ninja level required to flank the character.

Improved Poison Use (Ex): When the ninja reaches 10th level, he can use poison with near inhuman quickness.

The ninja can apply poison to a weapon as a move action (instead of as a standard action).

Hundred Faces (Su): Beginning at 14th level, the ninja may expend one use of his ki power to transform himself as if under the effect of a disguise self spell for 1 minute. Using hundred faces counts as a swift action that does provoke an attack of opportunity.

Meditation (Ex): Beginning at 16th level, the ninja uses the comforts and blessings of meditation to bring greater clarity and focus.

Once per day, the ninja can spend 1 minute in a meditative state. If he does, he regains a number of uses of his ki power equal to one-half his Wisdom bonus (min 1). This ability cannot be used to increase the maximum number of uses the ninja can have.

Ghost Walk (Su): When the ninja reaches 20th level, his control over his ki becomes more refined, allowing him to remain ethereal for extended periods.

By expending two uses of his ki power, the ninja becomes ethereal, as if under the effect of the ethereal jaunt spell. The ninja's caster level is equal to his class level. Using ghost walk is considered a swift action that does not provoke attacks of opportunity.

Epic Ninja

Table: The Epic Ninja

Hit Die: d8

Level	Special	AC Bonus	Ki Will Bonus	Unarmored Speed Bonus
21st	Stealthy strike +11d6	+4	+5	+70ft
22nd	Bonus feat	+4	+5	+70ft
23rd	Stealthy strike +12d6	+4	+5	+70ft
24th		+4	+6	+80ft
25th	Stealthy strike +13d6	+5	+6	+80ft
26th	Bonus feat	+5	+6	+80ft
27th	Stealthy strike +14d6	+5	+6	+90ft
28th		+5	+6	+90ft
29th	Stealthy strike +15d6	+5	+6	+90ft
30th	Bonus feat, ghost sense	+6	+6	+100ft
8 + Int modifier skill points per level.

AC Bonus (Ex): The epic ninja continues to gain a +1 bonus to AC every 5 levels above 20th.

Will Save Bonus (Su): The epic ninja gets a +5 bonus to Will saves, as long as he has one use of ki remaining, every 8 levels after 16th.

Stealthy Strike (Ex): The epic ninja's stealthy strike increases by +1d6 at every odd-numbered level.

The Path I Walk: The ninja does not recieve additional path I walk abilities after 20th level.

Ghost Sense (Ex): When the epic ninja reaches 30th level, his sixth sense achieves a point unimagined. He is able to truly see danger before it occurs, obtaining an almost supernatural clarity of his surroundings.

The ninja is always considered to be under the effect of the foresight spell, so long as he is unarmored and unencumbered.

Bonus Feats: The epic ninja gains a bonus feat (selected from the list of epic ninja bonus feats) at 22nd level and every 4 levels after.

Epic Ninja Bonus Feat List: Blinding Speed, Distant Shot, Epic Reflexes, Epic Skill Focus, Epic Will, Extended Life Span, Great Dexterity, Great Wisdom, Improved Stealthy Strike, Legendary Climber, Legendary Leaper, Self-Concealment, Sneak Attack of Opportunity

Ninja Starting Package

Weapons: Poison Dagger (1d6, crit 18-20/x2, 2 lbs, light, piercing)

10 Shuriken (1d2, crit x2, range inc. 10 ft., 1 lb., piercing)

Skill Selection: Pick a number of skills equal to 9 + Int modifier.

Skill	Ranks	Ability	Armor Check Penalty
Balance	4	Dex	+0
Climb	4	Str	+0
Diable Device	4	Int	—
Escape Artist	4	Dex	+0
Hide	4	Dex	+0
Jump	4	Str	+0
Listen	4	Wis	—
Move Silently	4	Dex	+0
Open Lock	4	Dex	—
Search	4	Int	—
Spot	4	Wis	—
Tumble	4	Dex	+0

Feat: Combat Expertise

Bonus Feat: Combat Reflexes

Gear: Waterskin, pouch belt with thieves' tools, flint and steel, and trail rations.

Gold: 2d4 gp.

Playing a Ninja

Religion and Class Structure: Ninja are a secretive people, so it is uncertain just what gods they worship. Rumors from centuries ago whispered of a goddess who actually gave birth to the first shadow. Another told of a cloaked figure who wore an outfit that was dyed in the blood of his enemies. Whether this is true or not is anyone’s guess, as no one has seen a ninja in decades, let alone a ninja worship.

Most ninja operate in clans, but there have been historical instances of lone ninja, trained by elders and retired shadow warriors, being part of ninja legend. Such ninja are uncommon, but not overly rare. Such ninja do not have knowledge to the ninja’s alleged secret gods, but lone ninja, if they do have a patron deity, tend to worship Olidammara.

Other Classes: Being secretive, ninjas have difficulty dealing with other classes, seeing as how they need to keep their secrets secret. However, lone or unaffiliated ninja tend to form minor relations with monks and clerics, and sometimes rangers and rogues. They tend to avoid paladins because of their contrasting natures, and they try staying away from barbarians, viewing them as fools who think two steps behind.

Combat: The ninja's role in the party varies from situation to situation. In combat, they function primarily as mystical strikers, using their amazing powers of stealth and subtlety to make an opportune strike against a foe. Their hefty skill points also allow them to fulfill the rogue's role as a skill-monkey very effectively, even though the ninja has a slightly smaller skill list. The ninja can also function as a mysterious wild card if the occassion calls for it.

Advancement: Most ninja have families that have lived as part of a clan for several generations. Some of these ninja will often feel a strong sense of duty, believing the precepts of the clan override any personal objective. Of course, not every ninja was born into a clan. Some in fact, were born in poverty, finding a clan through fate, though some may say sheer coincidence. Others still were taught by those who fled their clan, earning the eternal ire of anyone these missing ninja have trained.

Ninjas in the World

“	If you want family, find your parents. If you want love, get married and have children. If you want friendship, find a bum lying in the street and confide in him. If you want forgiveness, find a priest and confess your sins. If you want warmth and comfort, grab a blanket and sit by the fire. We cannot offer you such things. However, if you need a reason, a way, then follow us, and we will show you one.	”
—Unknown Ninja

The ninja is a class that can fit in many worlds. Their eastern origins and exotic flavor make them appealing to anyone who likes the mysteries of the Orient. In fact, it is possible to apply the ninja to the many medieval realms via the use of cultural diffusion. Remember: Nothing is impossible, especially for a ninja.

Daily Life: The life of a ninja can be quite diverse. Though most are devoted to their clan, they are not with their fellow clansman very often. Usually, they will roam the shadows, blending into the environments of the areas they must become a part of. Their missions force them to adapt, improvise, and blend. Any time a ninja is not off on a mission, they likely spend their time in meditation or training, using the time to strengthen their minds and bodies. Ninja who are not affiliated with a clan sometimes work as hidden mercenaries or bodyguards, becoming a valuable asset for a noble fearing for his life. For them, having their own knife in the dark means the other blades will quickly drop.

Notables: One of the most famous ninja was a rat-man originally born with no name. Born in Telflamm without a name to call his own, the rat-man slept in the streets, abandoned by the parents he would never know.

When he was in his teens, he met Ulysses Farlon, who trained the young rat-man in guerilla warfare. In time, he served under Ulysses as a military scout. When his officer was killed, the nameless rat-man was discharged. He eventually took ship to the eastern realms of Kara-Tur, hoping to make a new life.

In time, the nameless rat-man caught the attention of the Kuroyaiba ninja clan, a small clan devoted to the destruction of the Nine Golden Swords. Viewing a potential ally against the evil yakuza, the clan took in the rat-man. Training him in the ways of mystical silence, the nameless one became a strong ninja in his own right. Combined with his tactical abilities from his scouting days, the rat-man ninja became a bane of the Golden Swords, destroying shipments, slaying family members, and sabotaging the yakuza's various operations. During his days with the clan, the rat-man was taught the value of life, being taught never to kill unless necessary. In time, he was finally given a name: Nezumi Tatsujin, meaning "rat master".

After ten years of service to the clan, a rugged and hardened Nezumi learned of the Nine Golden Swords' operation to extend their influence in Faerun. Seeing Telflamm as the easiest place to strike from, Nezumi departed the clan with their blessing. Returning to the city he grew up, he saw the eastern influences of Kara-Tur had blended into many areas of Telflamm. Setting up a small base of operations, Nezumi took up a secret crusade to destroy the Golden Swords from within. However, the actual exploits of Nezumi are unknown as various guilds and groups have taken credit for many anti-yakuza attacks.

Organizations: The Kuroyaiba and Akaryu ninja clans have been sworn enemies for over 200 years, but the Kuroyaiba are the younger (and smaller) clan.

It all began when the Kuroyaiba, originally a band of courageous samurai, were defeated by the yakuza. After learning the location of their secret locations, the samurai, disguised as Akaryu ninja, infiltrated the Akaryu clan's temple in the mountains of Kozakura and stole the clan's Scroll of Secrets. Within the Scroll contained the skills and mystical powers the Akaryu obtained over several generations. Using the scroll as a baseline, the samurai eventually instilled in their children the power of surprise and subtlety. Eventually, the Kuroyaiba became like the Akaryu in all ways but one: Where the Akaryu served the Nine Golden Swords and killed all who got in their way, the Kuroyaiba clan opposed them and killed those who would slay the innocent.

Now, the clans still wage their secret war in Kozakura. Since few in the region are willing to stand against the Nine Golden Swords, the Kuroyaiba clan has far fewer members than the Akaryu. Nevertheless, the Kuroyaiba continues to fight to see the end of the yakuza, and 200 years of combat has not wavered their courage or convictions.

NPC Reactions: The perceptions people have of the ninja have normally come from storytellers, soldiers, and scholars, and these perceptions are often less than educated. These people usually view the ninja as silent cutthroats, willing to kill for money and power. In reality, the ninja are far more complicated.

Though some of them have this attitude, many ninja are also scouts and bodyguards. Some others work as thieves and saboteurs for military organizations. Others still will protect the innocent. Unfortunately, these truths do not ease the tension and hesitation people have about the ninja, so most will approach them with caution.

Ninja Lore

Characters with ranks in Knowledge (history) can research the ninja to learn more about them. When a character makes a skill check, read or paraphrase the following, including information from lower DCs.

Knowledge (history)

DC	Result
10	The ninja are a silent lot, believed to be ruthless assassins and thieves.
15	The ninja are a group of exotic origin, said to have mysterious powers of stealth.
20	Ninja harness the power of their inner spirits, becoming able to disappear completely.
30	Any PC who succeeds on this check can learn info about a specific ninja clan.

Ninja in the Game

The ninja can fulfill the role of a rogue well, but they do it differently. While the rogue uses extraordinary skill, the ninja use supernatural abilities to fight their enemy. Nevertheless, the ninja still fight in much the same way as the rogue, waiting for the best moment to strike down an enemy. Despite a shorter list of skills, the ninja are still a versatile and flexible group with a variety of useful abilities.

Adaptation: The easiest substitute for the ninja is, of course, the rogue. Since their sneak attack does more damage overall than the ninja's stealthy strike, so they can do the ninja's job well. Taking out the rogue special abilities and putting in the path I walk abilites that don't rely on ki power can make a good substitute to the ninja. Additionally, a beguiler with a medium base attack bonus works fairly well, too.

Sample Encounter: Even though they are not the hardiest combatants one would meet, the ninja are still a group that requires caution. Their knack for causing confusion and disruption, combined with their mystical abilities, make them formidible enemies. The element of surprise is a powerful weapon, one the ninja can use with deadly effect, whether it be to kill a target, steal a valuable diamond, or guard a just lord from the blackness of the dark.

EL 6: The ninja named Talon Galron was recently promoted to full membership status within the Koumori ninja clan. After years of taking small missions, Talon now works primarily in the outside world, protecting the interests of the clan he has devoted his life to.

Talon

CR 6

	Male human ninja 6
	LN Medium humanoid
Init/Senses	+4/Listen +8, Spot +8
Languages	Common, Sylvan
AC	22, touch 18, flat-footed 18 (+1 armor, +4 Dex, +6 Wis, +1 ninja)
hp	37 (6 HD)
Resist	evasion
Fort/Ref/Will	+4/+9/+6 (+7 when ki pool isn't empty)
Speed	30 ft. (6 squares)
Melee	+1 ninja-to +9 (1d6+1/19–20) or
Melee	mwk dagger +9 (1d4/19–20)
Ranged	shuriken +8 (1d2/×2)
Base Atk/Grp	+6/+1/+8
Atk Options	stealthy strike +3d6
Combat Gear	2 potions of cure moderate wounds
Abilities	Str 10, Dex 18, Con 12, Int 13, Wis 16, Cha 11
SQ	ghost mind, ghost step, ki dodge, ki power, poison use, speed climb, trapfinding
Feats	Combat Reflexes, Expanded Ki Pool, Quick Draw, Weapon Finesse
Skills	Balance +10, Climb +6, Disable Device +10, Escape Artist +9, Hide +13, Jump +5, Listen +8, Move Silently +13, Open Lock +13, Search +8, Spot +8, Tumble +13
Possessions	combat gear plus +1 ninja-to, 10 shuriken, ring of sustenance, goggles of night, masterwork dagger, masterwork thieves' tools

Talon had the following ability scores before ability score increases: Str 15, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 14, Wis 18, Cha 14.

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