Book of Nine Swords

The Book of Nine Swords is a martial arts-focused supplement for the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game. It introduces three new character classes and nine distinct sword-fighting disciplines that blend combat prowess with supernatural abilities. The book presents detailed combat maneuvers and stances for each discipline, ranging from Desert Wind's fire-based techniques to Shadow Hand's stealth-focused strikes. The three new character classes - Crusader, Swordsage, and Warblade - each access different combinations of these disciplines, allowing players to create specialized martial artists. Players can integrate these systems into existing campaigns through both mechanical rules and narrative elements tied to fictional martial arts schools. The book includes background information on the Nine Swords themselves and the traditions that grew around them. The supplement represents an exploration of how martial combat can match the supernatural power of magic users in fantasy settings. Its systems blur the line between physical and mystical power, suggesting that dedication to martial arts can lead to abilities beyond normal human limits.

Readers value the book's martial maneuver system that gives fighter-type characters more tactical options in combat. Fans appreciate how it brings "anime-style" martial arts to D&D and helps non-magical classes feel more dynamic. Common praise points: - Balanced power level compared to spellcasters - Creative combat options beyond "I attack" - Unique flavor for each martial discipline - Clear rules presentation Main criticisms: - Too "over the top" or "anime" for traditional fantasy - Makes regular fighters obsolete - Some maneuvers feel repetitive - System adds complexity to combat Reviews from forums and RPG sites show a 70-80% positive reception, with frequent mentions that it works best in specific campaign styles. RPG.net forum reviews average 4/5 stars across 200+ posts. DriveThruRPG shows 4.5/5 stars from 32 reviews. One RPG.net reviewer noted: "It finally gives martial characters the mechanical depth they deserve without breaking the game."

Tome of Battle by Richard Baker, Matt Sernett This sourcebook presents martial combat styles and maneuvers for warriors in a fantasy roleplaying setting.

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The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi The text presents sword fighting techniques and martial strategy from a master samurai's perspective.

Warriors of Medieval Japan by Stephen Turnbull The book examines the combat methods and martial traditions of samurai, monks, and warriors in medieval Japanese society.

🗡️ The Book of Nine Swords introduced three new martial disciplines - Desert Wind, Stone Dragon, and Setting Sun - each with unique combat maneuvers inspired by fantasy martial arts and anime-style combat. ⚔️ The book's martial maneuvers system later influenced the design of 4th Edition Dungeons & Dragons, particularly in how combat abilities were structured and presented. 🎮 Co-author Richard Baker was also a lead designer for the Forgotten Realms campaign setting and worked on numerous video games, including Planescape: Torment and Baldur's Gate. 📚 The tome is often referred to as "Tome of Battle" by D&D players, and it aimed to give martial characters the same level of tactical options that spellcasters enjoyed. 🐉 The book's mechanics were partially inspired by wuxia films and Eastern martial arts traditions, marking one of D&D's first major attempts to incorporate these influences into its core combat system.