Swordmaster (Bushido)

Explore the Swordmaster (Bushido) job abilities in bravely default, including Counter (60% chance to counter single-target physical attacks).

Aptitudes:

• Katana: S
• Swords and Daggers: B
• All other weapons: E~D
• Shields, Helms and Armor: A

Specialty: Counter

When the user is hit by a single-target physical attack, there’s a 60% chance they’ll counter attack the enemy.

Level 1: Nothing Ventured

If the user is hit by a physical attack (single or multiple-hitting), they’ll take half the damage and counter attack to do twice the normal damage to the enemy. This ability is good for reducing the damage taken, while dishing out impressive damage yourself.

Level 2: Abate Earth

Reduces damage taken from earth-based attacks (doesn’t stack with equipment). Helps your character survive sudden earthquakes and whatnot.

Level 3: Katana Lore

Raises the arms aptitude for Katanas to S. Now your character can gain the highest Attack bonus for Katanas in any job.

Level 4: Squeaky Wheel

Reduces one enemy’s BP by 1; against bosses, the chance of success is 30%. Sacrifice two of your turns to keep the enemy one turn behind.

Level 5: Multitask

When using normal attacks (via the Attack command), there’s a 25% chance of performing an additional attack. Not totally reliable and a bit costly, but if you need an extra attack, you have this option.

Level 6: Counter

When the user is hit by a single-target physical attack, there’s a 60% chance they’ll counter attack the enemy. More reliable than Multitask, but requires your character to be hit.

Level 7: Confuse Immunity

Gives your character immunity to Confuse. A massive help, since Confuse makes your characters ignore you and use random commands instead, which can totally mess up your battle plans.

Level 8: Before Swine

If the user is hit by a magic attack (single or multiple-hitting), they will take half the damage and counter attack to do triple the normal damage to the enemy. Doesn’t work against magic that is reflected. A more powerful version of Nothing Ventured for magic attacks; it’s ace against magic users.

Level 9: Counter Amp

Increases the damage of your counter attacks by 1.5 times; applies for counter attacks other than the Swordmaster’s. Makes abilities like Nothing Ventured, Counter and the Ninja’s Transience hurt harder; extra sweet considering its low cost.

Level 10: Know Thine Enemy

If the user is hit by a single-target physical attack from a selected enemy, they will counter attack to do four times the normal attack to that enemy. Works better against single enemies, such as bosses, and when you use abilities to make the enemy target your Swordmaster, such as the Pirate’s Provoke, Performer‘s Catch Me or Ninja’s Kairai. Just note that you take full damage from the enemy.

Level 11: Redoubled Effort

The higher your BP, the stronger your physical attacks.

• 0 BP or less: No effect
• 1 BP: 1.1 times stronger
• 2 BP: 1.21 times stronger
• 3 BP: 1.33 times stronger
• 4 BP: 1.46 times stronger

To use this ability well, you have to forsake spending BP. Not a problem if you’re using one counter ability per turn.

Level 12: The Worm Turns

If the user is hit by an attack (single or multiple-hitting) when they have less than 20% HP, they will counter attack to do 7.5 times damage to the enemy. Doesn’t work for reflected magic. Normally, when you have 20% HP, you’re unlikely to survive an extra hit, making this ability very risky. Could be combined with the Freelancer’s Stand Ground for safer results.

Level 13: Slow and Steady

After the character uses Default, their Speed is raised to 150% for two turns. This ability is good for situations where you’ll often be using Default. For instance, you could Default, then next turn Brave to heal twice with increased Speed.

Level 14: Free Lunch

Set MP cost to zero for two turns. It doesn’t take much thinking to realize this ability is amazing. Technically, it’s a waste of a turn, but who cares when you can dish out a string of Amped Strikes or Meteors without a care in the world?

To maximize Free Lunch, you’ll want to gather 3 BP first before Braving three times to use it and three lots of a high-cost ability in one turn. Then on the next turn–the last turn Free Lunch works–unleash four more high-cost abilities. This will leave you well in the red, but the result is usually worth it.