Class Description
In a world with heavily armored knights on huge, galloping chargers and powerful mages wielding mind-churning spells, there's no place for the daring swashbuckler who relies on his wits and reflexes to survive, right? Wrong. The duelist proves that precision and skill are viable alternatives to massive weapons and agility is a viable alternative to heavy armor.
The duelist is a nimble, intelligent fighter trained in making precise attacks with light weapons, such as the rapier. Also known as the swashbuckler, the duelist always takes full advantage of his quick reflexes and wits in a fight. Rather than wearing bulky armor, duelists feel the best way to protect themselves is to not get hit at all.
Duelists are most often fighters or rangers, but almost as often are rogues or bards. Wizards, sorcerers and monks make surprisingly good duelists due to the lack of the class's reliance on armor. They benefit greatly from the weapon skill the duelist offers. Paladins and barbarians who deviate a good deal from their archetypes become duelists. Elves are more likely to become duelists than dwarves, and halfling and gnome duelists are not uncommon. Half-orc duelists are very rare.
Duelists are usually loners looking for adventure or a get-rich-quick scheme. Occasionally they work in very small, tight-knit groups, fighting with team-based tactics.
Requirements
Base Attack Bonus: +6
Feats: Dodge, Mobility, Weapon finesse
Skills: Acrobatics 5 ranks, Parry 5 ranks
Class Features
Hit Die: d10
Base Attack Bonus: High.
High Saves: Reflex.
Weapon Proficiencies: simple, martial.
Skill Points: 4 + Int modifier.
Class Skills: Acrobatics, Athletics, Bluff, Escape Artist, Listen, Lore: Local, Parry, Perform, Sense Motive, Spot.
Class Abilities
|
Level |
Features Gained |
|---|---|
| 1 | Canny defense |
| 2 | Improved reaction x1 |
| 3 | Enhanced mobility |
| 4 | Improved reaction x2, Grace |
| 5 | Precise strike +1d6 |
| 6 | Improved reaction x3, Flourish |
| 7 | Elaborate parry |
| 8 | Improved reaction x4 |
| 9 | Deflect arrows |
| 10 | Improved reaction x5, precise strike +2d6 |
Canny Defense
When not wearing armor or using a shield, the duelist adds his intelligence bonus to his AC, max bonus equal to his Duelist level. This does not stack with Unfettered Defense from the Invisible Blade.
Improved Reaction
At 2nd level, the duelist can improve his speed and reaction time, triggering the equivalent of the haste spell as if cast by a sorcerer of the duelist’s class level. This ability can be used once per day at 2nd level, two times per day at 4th level, three times per day at 6th level, four times per day at 8th level, and five times per day at 10th level.
Enhanced Mobility
At 3rd level, when not wearing armor or using a shield, the duelist gains an additional +4 dodge bonus to AC against attacks of opportunity provoked by movement. This bonus stacks with that granted by the Mobility feat.
Grace
At 4th level, the duelist gains a +2 bonus on Reflex saves.
Precise Strike
At 5th level, the duelist gains the ability to strike precisely with a piercing weapon, gaining 1d6 piercing damage. This damage is not multiplied on a critical hit. This damage is applied to enemies who are immune to critical hits. Precise Strike does not work when the duelist has an off-hand weapon or shield equipped, but it does work with two-handed weapons. At 10th level, the damage increases to 2d6. The damage from Precise Strike is automatically applied. This Feat will not work with weapons that have dual damage Types, such as Piercing & Slashing (Scythe, Halberd).
Flourish
At 6th-level, Duelists can make an impressive, flashy attack with a piercing weapon that catches their foe off guard. This attack deals 2d6 additional points of piercing damage. There is no limit to the number of times per day the duelist may use this ability, but has a 12-second “cool down” between uses.
Elaborate Parry
At 7th level, the duelist masters the art of defense with his blade. The duelist adds his class level to Parry checks.
Elaborate Parry no longer gives extra deflection AC per 6 ranks of Parry. It now gives a dodge bonus to AC equal to HALF the number of levels the character has in Duelist when using Fighting Defensively or Parry (max +5 AC (type: Dodge) that stacks with Fighting Defensively +2 AC for total of +7 AC) 18-Nov-2022.
Deflect Arrows
A 9th-level duelist gains deflect arrows as a bonus feat.