D&D 5E Few questions on how to build a Samurai for this edition

[DiscRover55]

Since Samurai are Fighters, I've a few questions regarding the way the ruleset can apply to their way of fighting (2 handing a Katana which is a Longsword)

1-Now, for the Dueling Fighting Style a Fighter can pick, can that +2 damage bonus apply a versatile weapon? Or is it restricted to only one hand, one weapon?

2-Assuming the DM allows the Human variant trait, I will be using it for my character. What feat would be the most worth picking up? I have my eyes on Great Weapon Master but, since a Long sword isn't a heavy weapon, I can't apply the "Power Attack" bonus to it so that sort of sucks.

 

[ExploderWizard]

I allow the dueling style to apply to versatile weapons. Check with your DM. My reasoning is that they could be using a shield so giving up 2AC to have an extra hand on the weapon isn't a big deal.

Don't forget to take the noble background!

 

[Mephista]

1- ask your GM; rulings are big here in 5e with the way plain language works.
2- generally, yes, its worse than having a greatsword. Going versatile with the longsword means you want to have other options with your off hand when not using it two handed and with your bonus action. Grappling, perhaps. Defensive Duelist is nice feat as well for some extra defense.

 

[DiscRover55]

I allow the dueling style to apply to versatile weapons. Check with your DM. My reasoning is that they could be using a shield so giving up 2AC to have an extra hand on the weapon isn't a big deal.

Don't forget to take the noble background!

Of course, Battlemaster Fighter with Noble background. I just have a bit of trouble finishing up the final touches to this type of character. Combat-wise anyways. But thanks for the response!

 

[Mirtek]

Are you going for the heavily armored samurai or the lightly armored samurai archetype?

If the later, just be a barbarian. Re-fluff away the barbarism and just be a refined, cultivated warrior. Your rage is just a "bushido battle trance" and all class abilities like fast movement, unarmored defense, danger sense fit very nicely

 

[Shiroiken]

Since Samurai are Fighters,

There is little reason why you couldn't be a Paladin or Ranger. Your "mystic" abilities (including spellcasting) would be favors from either your ancestors or the gods. Paladin makes for an excellent samurai, but Ranger can be a bit trickier to do. If you're cool with Fighter, that's awesome, I just wanted to point out a few alternatives.

2-Assuming the DM allows the Human variant trait, I will be using it for my character. What feat would be the most worth picking up? I have my eyes on Great Weapon Master but, since a Long sword isn't a heavy weapon, I can't apply the "Power Attack" bonus to it so that sort of sucks.

Many of the Feats would be good, depending on what kind of character you want.A yojimbo (bodyguard) should take Alertness. You can use the "Niten" (sp?) fighting style, made famous by Musashi, by taking Dual Wielder. A soldier or other military type could take Inspiring Leader. Martial Adept wouldn't be bad, because you can get started on Battle Master a bit early, showing yourself as a tactician. As originally samurai were horse archers, you could take Mounted Combatant.

This is in addition to the plethora of generally useful feats (Lucky, Heavy Armor Mastery, Resilience, etc.)

 

[The Grassy Gnoll]

Think about TWF with long and short sword (katana and wakizashi)

 

[Sword of Spirit]

I allow the dueling style to apply to versatile weapons. Check with your DM. My reasoning is that they could be using a shield so giving up 2AC to have an extra hand on the weapon isn't a big deal.

Don't forget to take the noble background!

There is a problem with that in that you will be doing more damage with a versatile weapon than with a greataxe.

 

[ExploderWizard]

There is a problem with that in that you will be doing more damage with a versatile weapon than with a greataxe.

Not an appreciable amount, and quite a bit less considering the great axe is usable with the great weapon master feat and the long sword isn't. Yeah you would have a slight edge in minimum damage, IF there wasn't a great weapon style that let you re-roll 1's and 2's.

 

[DiscRover55]

Think about TWF with long and short sword (katana and wakizashi)

I've already tried dual-wielding before but, I found it to be more just an ordinary fighter. I want the Samurai to feel more unique. Plus, Samurai weren't known for their dual-wielding. My character is Katana-focused although I am considering to have a nodachi in my inventory so I can utilize the Power Attack portion of the Great Weapon Master feat if I ever swap weapons in battle.