Duelist -- Doesn't work as advertised?

[Rashak Mani]

-> a duelist adds 1 point of Intelligence bonus (if any) per duelist class level <-

Whoa !! I got that from the SRD... is that correct ? So a Duelist with 14 INT at 4th lvl of Duelist would gain +8 AC bonus ?!

A 16 INT Duelist would get +12 AC instead ?

 

[astralpwka]

We are playing epic, and I went Tiefling, Rogue5, Assassin5, Monk1, Duelist9. He doesn't wear armor at all, and all funds are in magic items that increase AC. He's almost untouchable, except by spells (darned will saves...).

 

[Particle_Man]

-> a duelist adds 1 point of Intelligence bonus (if any) per duelist class level <-

Whoa !! I got that from the SRD... is that correct ? So a Duelist with 14 INT at 4th lvl of Duelist would gain +8 AC bonus ?!

A 16 INT Duelist would get +12 AC instead ?

Alas, no. The example in the DMG makes it clear that they mean that you face a maximum AC bonus of either your INT bonus or your duelist level, whichever is lower. It does not multiply. If it did, then the duelist would be far too powerful. If only there was something in between...

 

[Plane Sailing]

Is this a 3.5 dualist?

It was a 3.0 duellist, just converted to 3.5 (so there has been a 1 pt drop in AC since she can only get 2 out of her 16Int at the current duellist level).

Cheers

 

[Angcuru]

Looking at the possible combinations for multi-classing, I think that perhaps multi-classing a bit would be the best bet to get yourself a good duelist. IF you ignore those *cough*killjoy*cough* EXP penalties. Start out with a Level in fighter aiming to work towards the Duellist. Then take a level in monk, so you get yourself some nice unarmed damage in case you get disarmed, a little extra speed, some good saves, and the oh-so-essentail Wisdom AC bonus. Now you have a swift rapier-wielding dude who can hold his own if his gets he sword knocked out of his hands. Then work towards the Duellist, and take it from there. Twinky, yes, but fun.

 

[Felon]

I will check the 3.0 and the 3.5 Duelist again then... so many seem to have good Duelists...

I think what was initially overlooked was the impact of magic items. Bracers of armor make all the difference for the duelist, just as they do for the monk. They make the class way more viable (or "competitive" or what have you) than it otherwise would be.

And also bear in mind that you get to double-dip AC bonuses by wearing an item that provides and enhancement bonus to DEX and another that enhances INT.

 

[reapersaurus]

at 7th level I will become a duelist and my next feat will be improved disarm.

At 8th level, you'll become a Duelist (you said Bard5/Ftr2)

 

[BVB]

Do you think it's possible to balance all classes and PrC's at the ultimate twinked-out extreme? I don't, and I don't think it's worth the trouble to try.

I think making a character concept playable is a reasonable goal, and I think the Duelist, if not optimal, is playable. ...

(nods head in agreement)

I get a kick out of watching a thread like this develop into a battle between munchkin gaming math professors.

 

[Sanackranib]

At 8th level, you'll become a Duelist (you said Bard5/Ftr2)

Ya I just realizd the Basrian dancer and bard both advance at the rogues BAB rate GRRRRR!!!!