Iaidoka

Iaidoka hail from lands where samurai are prevalent, and are often ronin who wander the world seeking new challenges to perfect their intricate style of swordplay called iaido. The following benefits apply only when an iaidoka is using a sword and carrying nothing in his other hand.

Iai Strike (Ex)

An iaidoka can perform a lightning quick iai strike against the target of his challenge to inflict devastating wounds while drawing his sword. After the iaidoka has challenged a foe but before he has attacked the target of his challenge, he may choose to use his iai strike as a full-round action, making an attack roll with his weapon as normal. In order to use this ability, the iaidoka's weapon must be sheathed at the start of his turn. If he successfully hits his opponent with an iai strike, his attack deals an additional 1d6 points of damage. This bonus damage increases by an additional 1d6 at 3rd level and every two levels thereafter to a maximum of 10d6 damage at 19th level. Any extra damage as a result of a successful iai strike is not multiplied by a critical hit.

As part of his iai strike, the iaidoka can move up to his speed. This movement does not provoke attacks of opportunity. The iai strike can be made at any point during this movement.

After making an iai strike, an iaidoka takes a –2 penalty to his AC until his next turn, but his weapon is now drawn and he may continually to fight normally. Once he hits an opponent with an iai strike, an iaidoka cannot use this ability on the same foe again that day.

This ability can be used on a surprise round where the iaidoka is able to act, but he may only move up to half his speed.

At 10th level, an iaidoka learns to focus faster and is able to make an iai strike as a standard action. If he uses this ability on a surprise round, he may move his full speed

This ability replaces a samurai’s mount.

Brutal Slash (Ex)

At 3rd level, an iaidoka’s iai strike becomes even more deadly. If an iaidoka threatens a critical hit with his iai strike, he adds a bonus equal to 1/2 his samurai level to the attack roll to confirm a critical hit.

This ability replaces mounted archer.

Terrifying Iaido (Ex)

At 5th level, an iaidoka's iai strike devastates the morale of foes that witness it. When an iaidoka successfully hits with an iai strike, all foes within 30 feet must succeed at a Will save (DC 10 + 1/2 samurai level + Cha modifier) or become shaken for 1d4+1 rounds. This ability does not stack with itself or with the Demoralize usage of the Intimidate skill.

This ability replaces banner.

Perfect Iaido (Ex)

At 14th level, an iaidoka’s iai strike can strike his foes down in an instant. When the samurai hits with an iai strike, the samurai may declare that he is performing a perfect iai strike. The subject must make a Fortitude save (DC 10+1/2 samurai level+Cha mod).

If they fail this save, they are doomed to die. This death is not instantaneous; the target is able to act normally on their next turn, and is unaware of the extent of the damage they just suffered. At the end of their turn, they instantly perish from the wound; this is a death effect.

If they succeed on the saving throw, they still take damage as though from a normal iai strike.

Once a target fails their save against this ability, the samurai cannot use it again for 24 hours.

This ability replaces greater banner.