How to design a Dual(?) Dagger-Wielding Melee-Type?

[Angcuru]

Ok, I ask because I've seen and seen again the Movie versions of Frank Herbert's Dune, and now I feel like playing a character who fights like a Fremen. Good ol' dagger fighting. The drawback, however, is that I don't think 3rd edition is designed in a way that it can suitably accomodate this style of fighting. One can, however, come close.

I'm thinking that your average Fremen has no small number of levels, and these would be a balance between Fighter and Rogue. Fighter for the feats and HP(simulating being hard to kill), and Rogue for Sneak Attack damage. yet, for the Dagger combat style to be effective, the tiny 1d4 damage has to be compensated for with extra crit range, which can only be increased feat-wise once one reaches 8th level to take the Improved Critical feat. Also, one would end up having to dual-wield for the same reason. BUT, why use a dagger when you could use a Short Sword? The only real difference between the two is that a Dagger can be easily thrown, and a Short sword can not.

Just some thoughts on my part. If you have your own ideas on how to effectively design this type of character, or have already done so, your input would be appreciated.

 

[MerricB]

Play a Swashbuckler.

Weapon Finesse as a bonus feat at first level, and an Intelligence modifier to damage at higher levels.

Cheers!

 

[Ankh-Morpork Guard]

Hmm...the dagger works well in Dune because of more cultural reasons. In D&D, bigger is just better. So you'll be lower on damage dealing..I'd definatly suggest Rogue levels for that Sneak Attack. Maybe something like Fighter/Rogue/Swashbuckler. Or just Fighter/Rogue.

 

[ergeheilalt]

go all rogue and take flick of the wrist (or the new version from CW). You need quick draw and a high dex, in return you can draw a secret dagger once per combat and add your sneak attack dice. Hope that helps,

Erge

 

[Zoatebix]

Beyond Monks: The Art of the Fight by Chainmail Bikini and published by Goodman Games (I think) had a dagger-fighting specific prestige class that was rather well done, as I recall. I don't remember any specifics right now... Let's howp someone else picks up the slack before I find the book and post again in the morning.
-z

 

[Matafuego]

Where is the Swashbuckler?

 

[Gort]

Complete Warrior. It's a nice class.

If you don't go that route, I'd suggest less rogue and more fighter, at least until 12th level - the extra damage from greater specialisation is very useful for a dagger fighter.

 

[Campbell]

It looks like the Invisible Blade prestige class from Complete Warrior would be right up this character's alley. The creator of the PrC has detailed a full 10 level progression for the class that can be found here.

 

[thullgrim]

from swashbuckling adventures there are a couple of prestige classes:
Boucher Dagger Fighter, Cappuntina Knife Fighter, Mortis Assassin, The Rilasciare, Necare Assassins, Marikk Katat Fighter. These are all 5 level PRC that involve knife/dagger fighting as the primary weapon. Most of them are based on two-weapon fighting and throwing the dagger. many of the abilities could be taken out of the classes and turned into Feats without much trouble.

Thullgrim

 

[Telperion]

Nine-Stings Master.
Player's Guide to Fighters and Barbarians.
Recommend.