NLWS: Prestige Classes

Force Ronin
There are few called to the path of the Jedi and fewer that having walked that path would choose to turn and walk away from it without falling into shadow. These master less force users rarely refer to themselves as Jedi, for they are no longer. Many describe them as Jedi Outcasts or Pariahs, or even Exiles, but most refer to themselves by the ancient word ‘Ronin’, for that best describes them.

As a hero without clearly defined goals, the Ronin tends to go where the force tells her she's needed most. She has a tendency to show up at out of the way places and planets, where the Republic does not or cannot make a showing of force. Her reputation quickly builds as a 'hero’ outside the system. As a 'tragic hero', her exploits may become that of popular legend or the subject of whispered fear.

The path of the Ronin is a lonely path. Without the support of the Jedi Order nor the approval of the populace at large. The Ronin will often be forced to live by her own wits and her skill with the force. A Ronin nominally walks the path of the light side of the force, but by their nature they are no longer bound by the codes of the Jedi, as a result they tend to exist in twilight on a tight rope between light and dark.

Era Notes: Ronin are appropriate for the Rise of the Empire period and earlier. In the rebellion era, there are not enough jedi galaxy wide to warrant the class. Though at least one is known to exist during the time of the New Republic.

The Force Ronin

Level	Base Attack Bonus	Fort Save	Ref Save	Will Save	Special	Defence Bonus	Reputation
1st	+1	+2	+2	+1	Code of Conduct, Infamous, Learn from the Force	+2	+1
2nd	+2	+3	+3	+2	Increased Lightsaber Damage	+2	+1
3rd	+3	+3	+3	+2	Deflect (Defence +1)	+3	+1
4th	+4	+4	+4	+3	Learn from the Force	+3	+1
5th	+5	+4	+4	+3	Increased Lightsaber Damage	+4	+1
6th	+6	+5	+5	+4	Deflect (Defence +2)	+4	+1
7th	+7	+5	+5	+4	Deflect (Attack)	+5	+1
8th	+8	+6	+6	+5	Increased Lightsaber Damage	+5	+1
9th	+9	+6	+6	+5	Learn from the Force	+6	+1
10th	+10	+7	+7	+6	Force Secret	+6	+1

Requirements: To qualify to become a Force Ronin, a character must fulfil all the following criteria:
Base Attack Bonus: +7
Skills: 30 Ranks of Force Skills, at least one of which must have 10+ ranks
Feats: Alter, Control, Force Sensitive, Sense
Special: To become a Force Ronin, a character must have either been cast out or quit the Jedi Order after achieving the minimum rank of Jedi Knight. She may have left voluntarily or after some sort of crisis of faith that warranted resignation. She, whether through stubbornness or a deeper commitment, continues to serve the will of the force in her own way.

Game Rule Information
Vitality: 1d10 per level, the characters Consitution bonus applies

Class Skills
The Ronin class skills are Balance (Dex), Climb (Str), Computer Use (Int), Craft (Int), Gather Information (Cha), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Knowledge (Int), Pilot (Dex), Profession (Wis), Survival (Wis), Tumble (Dex). In addition, the Ronin will, by virtue of her feats, have all of the force skills as class skills.
Skills Points: 4 + Int modifier

Code of Conduct
The Ronin has abandoned the traditional jedi code, instead following the calling of her own heart. The character must develop her code upon achieving first level as a Ronin. This grants no in game bonus; instead, it helps to define the character's own code. This code need not deviate from the traditional Jedi code. Many an outcast jedi has continued to follow the code of the order.

Infamous
Those who forsake the path of the Jedi have historically done so in turning to the dark side. While the Ronin is not of the dark side, she does suffer for the sins of the fallen. The Ronin’s status immediately moves from 'famous' to 'infamous'.

Learn form the Force
At first, fourth, and ninth level the Ronin recieves a bonus feat. This feat must be chosen from Acrobatic, Ambidexterity, Blind-Fight, Combat Reflexes, Improved Critical, Improved Initiative, Power Attack, Quickness, Knight Speed, Master Speed, Knight Defense, Master Defense, High Force Mastery, Knight Mind, and Master Mind. The character must meet all prerequisites for the feat chosen.

Deflect (Defence)
As Jedi Guardian, page 61. This bonus stacks with the character's former class bonus, if applicable.

Deflect (Attack)
As Jedi Guardian, page 61. This lowers the penalty for Deflect (Attack) by one. This bonus stacks with the character's former class bonus, if applicable.