Kensei
Prestige Class: A sword saint whose mastery comes from discipline, timing and complete familiarity with one chosen blade.
At a Glance
Role: Elite duelist and sword specialist
Typical Entry: 6th level or later
Hit Die: d10
BAB: Full
Good Saves: Reflex and Will
Skills: 4 + Intelligence modifier
Spellcasting: None
Signature: Chosen Sword
In this campaign, Kensei is a martial title earned by exceptional sword practitioners. The class is tied to disciplined sword traditions rather than a generic caricature of the East, and should be placed within appropriate regional schools, clans and masters.
Kensei — D&D 3.5e
Requirements
- BAB: +5
- Skills: Balance 5 ranks; Concentration 5 ranks; Sense Motive 5 ranks
- Feats: Weapon Focus with a sword; Combat Expertise or Quick Draw
- Special: Must defeat or be recognised by a respected sword master in a serious formal test
Progression
| Level | BAB | Fort | Ref | Will | Special |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | +1 | +0 | +2 | +2 | Chosen Sword, Still Centre |
| 2nd | +2 | +0 | +3 | +3 | Perfect Draw |
| 3rd | +3 | +1 | +3 | +3 | Duelist’s Measure |
| 4th | +4 | +1 | +4 | +4 | Unbroken Form |
| 5th | +5 | +1 | +4 | +4 | One Cut |
Chosen Sword (Ex)
Select one sword for which you have Weapon Focus. While wielding a weapon of that type, gain +1 insight on attack rolls. At 3rd level this becomes +2. This does not stack with another insight bonus to attack rolls.
Still Centre (Ex)
While wielding the Chosen Sword and wearing light or no armour, add Wisdom modifier, maximum class level, as a dodge bonus to AC against attacks of opportunity provoked by movement.
Perfect Draw (Ex)
At 2nd level, draw the Chosen Sword as a free action. In the first round of combat, gain +2 initiative while the sword is sheathed at the start of the encounter.
Duelist’s Measure (Ex)
At 3rd level, as a swift action choose one opponent you can see within 30 feet. Until the start of your next turn, gain +2 dodge AC against that opponent and +2 on Sense Motive checks against it. Use once per round.
Unbroken Form (Ex)
At 4th level, once per encounter when you miss with the Chosen Sword, reroll the attack. The second result must be accepted.
One Cut (Ex)
At 5th level, once per encounter as a standard action, make one attack with the Chosen Sword. If it hits, add class level to damage and the target cannot make attacks of opportunity until the start of its next turn. This is precision of timing, not supernatural instant death.
Kensei — Pathfinder 1e
Use the same five-level progression. Replace Balance with Acrobatics. Still Centre functions as written; Duelist’s Measure and One Cut use Pathfinder swift/standard actions. Prestige levels do not receive favored-class bonuses.
Sources and Rules Provenance
The former page credited a Wizards Community forum contributor. This rebuilt Kensei is original campaign material and does not reproduce that forum class’s text or mechanics.