Iaijutsu is the martial art of drawing a weapon (almost always a katana) and attacking with it in the same fluid motion. It is the foundation of some forms of dueling, and its masters are feared and respected throughout lands where iaijutsu is practiced. Iaijutsu masters harness their ki energy to strike with blinding speed and devastating power.

Requirements

Class Features

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Iaijutsu masters are proficient with all simple and martial weapons. Iaijutsu masters do not gain any proficiency with armor or shields, though most have such proficiency from the samurai class.

Weapon Finesse (Ex): At 1st level, an iaijutsu master may use her Dexterity modifier instead of her Strength modifier on attack rolls with her katana. This works like the Weapon Finesse feat, except that it applies to the katana, a weapon to which the feat cannot normally be applied.

Canny Defense (Ex): When not wearing armor, iaijutsu masters add their Intelligence bonus to their Dexterity bonus to modify Armor Class while wielding a katana. As with normal Dexterity AC modifications, positive modifiers are lost when the iaijutsu master is caught flat-footed.

Lightning Blade (Ex): An iaijutsu master of 2nd level or higher adds her Charisma modifier to her initiative checks, as well as her Dexterity modifier.

Bonus Feats: At 4th level, then again at 9th level, the iaijutsu master gets a bonus feat in addition to her normal feat progression. These bonus feats must be drawn from the following list: Dodge (Mobility, Spring Attack), Combat Expertise (Improved Disarm, Improved Trip, Whirlwind Attack), Skill Focus (Iaijutsu Focus), Toughness.

Strike from the Void (Ex): An iaijutsu master of 5th level or higher adds her Charisma modifier to each extra damage die gained from using the Iaijutsu Focus skill.

One Strike, Two Cuts (Ex): At 8th level and above, an iaijutsu master can make two attacks with a katana as a standard action. This means she can strike twice and move in the same round, or attack twice in the strike phase of an iaijutsu duel.

Strike with No Thought (Ex): If an iaijutsu master of 10th level begins combat (not an iaijutsu duel) within melee range of an opponent, she gains a free surprise round, even though her opponents are aware of her presence. The only action the iaijutsu master can take in this surprise round is an attack action using a katana. For example, if the iaijutsu master Kakita Timoshiko and Bayushi Koro are standing on the street hurling insults at each other and the situation erupts into combat, Timoshiko can attack with his katana before Koro even rolls initiative, catching his opponent flat-footed.

This ability reflects the iaijutsu master's ability to apply the principles of the iaijutsu duel in normal melee combat. It does not give the iaijutsu master any additional benefit within an iaijutsu duel.

Advancement