Bushi

Berserker/Bushi:

((Note: Beserker and Bushi differ only in backstory and weapon proficiencies. Also note that Ashigaru should probably take their levels here))

Many barbarians exist in the northern regions, and many non-Bushido following warriors throughout the land fight with the same style as a berserker would. The best description of many Bushi is also a "berserker". This class relies on a combination of agility, strength and stamina. As such, they have the following abilities:

Enhanced Abilities: At level 1, 3, 5 and every odd level thereafter, a Berserker/Bushi may enhance their abilities in strength, agility, and stamina by means of a “Berserker Point”. The number of points awarded vary from level to level, with more points awarded at the higher levels. More Berserker Points allow a character to perform feats of extraordinary ability and can be used as a method for raising their attack power, strength, stamina and frenzy duration. The character writes in his signature, or profile, the number of points achieved and the abilities that have been enhanced. A DM should keep these in mind during campaigns.

Frenzy: The staple ability of this class is that of the frenzy. When a character is created, that character will get one relevant key situations. If these situations are met, the berserker enters a frenzy. They need not be extremely precise scenarios, like "if a goblin on July 7th steals 12 gold from my daughter", but they cannot be too general. Examples include "when a thief steals", "when or "when I am hit in the torso". Simply "being attacked" will not work. Each level they get a new situation that would make sense for that character's story.

The berserker automatically rages, forcing him to attack the nearest opponent (if he tries to use skills, his post will be changed and the DM will control his actions), and even allies if the opponents are destroyed and the 3 rounds are not over. In a frenzy, a berserker's strength retroactively increases depending on the number of berserker points they spend, as if they spent them to increase a single stat. A frenzy lasts 1 turn, plus 1 turn per level, plus another 1 turn per stamina increase (Stamina may be increased by means of Berserker Points). They may only successfully frenzy once per day per class level, and may do so without the scenario being met on their turn. If the scenario is met before their post or during a monster’s attack, they automatically enter a state of rage, on their next turn. If the scenario occurs (or if they want to for whatever reason) and they already frenzied to their limit that adventure, this class enters a state of frenzy without the bonus of increased abilities, but with the exhaustion still in effect. After this frenzy, the berserker becomes dramatically depleted of their energy and must rest for at least 2 turns. They are considered to have lost 1 point of their stamina for that particular encounter. Stamina may be regained at the end of battle or by use of certain enchantments or items.

Breaker Chaos: The Berserker/Bushi have an attack specifically designed for their immense speed and strength. This skill, known as Breaker Chaos, involves a large amount of stamina expenditure yet may result in massive damage, to both the opponent and the surrounding area. The user spins his/her body at incredible speeds, blasting through crowds or obstacles as would a whirlwind or gale, ravaging the land as they move about. This series of rapid, high speed attacks, while fairly inaccurate, may hit the opponent numerous times, and will shred any surrounding terrain with the sheer force of the berserker’s energy. At higher strengths, even rock may be caught in the berserker’s destruction, easily crumbling to pieces beneath their might. The name Breaker Chaos comes from its offensive/defensive ability to break an opponent’s guard or attack due to the high velocity of rotation. Beginning at level 2 with one attack use, and continuing with each even level after that, a Berserker/Bushi may increase the number of attack usage by 1. (Number of Hits and Attack Power may be increased by means of Berserker Points)

Other Information:
They may times use heavy armor, but most often use light or medium armor so they can get around more easily to smash more foes. In addition to that, this class also has the best range of weapons available to them. Bushi can use nearly any weapon found in the empire. Barbarians can use common weapons found in the empire, like the katana, but can rarely use rare and illegal/dishonorable weapons or peasant weapons. They can, however, use exotic and Gaijin weapons. Berserkers are the best improvised weapon users in the empire, able to throw carts and large rocks.

A samurai is a warrior who lives by bushido, and a bushi is a non-samurai warrior who lives by Bushido.

Prestige:
They have many prestige classes, including:
-Frenzied Berserker: These specialize in "deathless frenzying", i.e. remaining alive when they should be dead or unconscious on the will of hatred alone.
-Gaijin Classes: Several "Gaijin" (foreign) prestige classes exist, unknown to most of the lands of Saiken. These include mounted barbarians from the north and desert nomad frenzying warriors from the west.
-Defenders: A sect of Bushi are known for using their rage to defend their people.