The d20 Modern Ninja

So, the big criticism of d20 Modern that I've seen is that you can't create a Ninja character in it. Or, rather, that you can't begin play as a Ninja. Those making the accusation have a list of characteristics that a Ninja character would have to have, and have clearly shown that a 1st level character cannot fulfil all of them.

This is absolutely true. You can't create a 1st level character who is credible as a Ninja.

Then again, one has to ask whether you should be able to create such a character. The Ninja that those people want is an elite warrior, the sort of character who would be played by Jet Li in the film. The thing is, these elite characters also have one more characteristic not found in 1st level characters - they aren't first level.

As the group recently discovered, 1st level d20 Modern characters suck. They are about half as powerful as 1st level D&D characters. It's not until higher levels that they become somewhat competent. Indeed, the average competent adult is thought to be about 4th level or so.

Once you get to higher levels, building a competent Ninja is clearly possible. And starting with such a character is also possible, provided you can persuade your GM to start at higher than 1st level.