Duelist Base Class

[Chronologist]

Okay, so full attack bonus and d10 it dice seems to be the consensus. I think that, to compensate, the Challenge ability should be removed and the class be given good Will saves. By doing so, the Duelist has more freedom in attacking and does not have a problem with engaging multiple enemies in battle. They should still lose their Parry ability if they attack helpless enemies or gain flanking bonuses, though. That seems reasonable.

To compensate for the dead levels, how does a bonus fighter feat at level 1, 5, 9, 13, and 17 sound?

My current working models for duelists are a level 3 charisma Duelist ex-soldier who adventures for fun and profit with his greatsword, and a level 15 intelligence duelist who defends her liege-lord from assassins with her twin longswords and defensive combat style. So far, they both seem about balanced .The level 3 Duelist is about Paladin-strength and about the same AC as well. The level 15 Duelist is to compare to a Fighter/Duelist PrC build, and my character takes significantly less damage and puts out significantly more damage, about 8d6+5 on a successful Riposte.

 

[Dandu]

I'd keep the Challenge ability in, just rewrite it so that you can switch targets more easily.

The level 15 Duelist is to compare to a Fighter/Duelist PrC build, and my character takes significantly less damage and puts out significantly more damage, about 8d6+5 on a successful Riposte.

I don't know how much they changed it in Pathfinder, but a Fighter/Duelist in 3.5 was actually weaker than a straight fighter. I'd calibrate using something else.

 

[Chronologist]

I'm wary about keeping the Challenge ability, since it essentially would give the class +25 attack bonus.

The class also performed as good as a straight Pathfinder Paladin when I tested it yesterday. Paladins are very good in pathfinder, so it works for me.

 

[Dandu]

I'm wary about keeping the Challenge ability, since it essentially would give the class +25 attack bonus.

Barbarians get Rage, Paladins get Smite, Fighters get Weapon Spec.

 

[Chronologist]

Barbarians get Rage, Paladins get Smite, Fighters get Weapon Spec.

All of those abilities are either uses per day or rounds per day, or else feat uses.

I'd be okay with challenge if it was for a number of rounds per day equal to 3 + primary mental stat, +2 rounds per day per Duelist level beyond 1st. You could take a feat to get 8 more rounds, like pathfinder rage and bardic music.

This is looking pretty good.