Rary the Traitor
First Post
Howdy.
This Swashbuckler prestige class shares some features with some of the other custom Swashbuckler PrCs and core classes that have been posted on this forum. The two main things that set it apart are that it's meant to be a PrC for Rogues, not Fighters (unlike the Duelist PrC), and Susceptibility to Ridicule, which is a penalty that (I think) adds a bit of flavor, and might create some role-playing opportunities.
Anyway, I'd like to see what more experienced players think of it. It's probably overpowered, but I wouldn't mind making a few changes.
Enjoy!
SWASHBUCKLER
Hit Die: d6.
Requirements
To qualify to become a Swashbuckler, a character must fulfill all the following criteria.
Base Attack Bonus: +5.
Skills: Perform 2 ranks, Tumble 8 ranks, Jump 5 ranks, Bluff 8 ranks, Balance 2 ranks.
Feats: Dodge, Mobility, Weapon Finesse.
Special Abilities: Uncanny Dodge, Sneak Attack +3d6.
Class Skills:
The Swashbuckler’s class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Balance (Dex), Bluff (Cha), Climb (Str), Craft (Int), Disguise (Cha), Escape Artist (Dex), Gather Information (Cha), Hide (Dex),), Innuendo (Wis) Jump (Str), Knowledge (local) (Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Perform (Cha), Pick Pocket (Dex), Profession (Wis), Search (Int), Sense Motive (Wis), Spot (Wis), Swim (Str), Tumble (Dex), and Use Magic Device (Cha).
Skill Points at Each Level: 6 + Int modifier.
Base Attack Bonus: As fighter (+1/level)
Saves
Fortitude Save: Low
Reflex Save: High
Will Save: Low
Table: The Swashbuckler
Level 1: Bravado, Sneak Attack +1d6
Level 2: Improved Reaction +2
Level 3: Witty Repartee, Susceptibility to Ridicule
Level 4: Sneak Attack +2d6
Level 5: Audacious Stunt
Level 6: Elaborate Parry
Level 7: Sneak Attack +3d6
Level 8: Fencing Expertise, Vulnerability to Ridicule
Level 9: Improved Reaction +4
Level 10: Sneak Attack +4d6, Flair for the Flamboyant
Class Features
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: The Swashbuckler is proficient with all simple and martial weapons, but no type of armor or shield except a buckler.
N.B.: Wearing any kind of armor or carrying a heavy load makes the Swashbuckler temporarily lose the following abilities: Bravado, Improved Reaction, Audacious Stunt, and Elaborate Parry.
Bravado (Ex): When not wearing armor or using a shield, a Swashbuckler adds her Charisma modifier (if any) to her Armor Class. If a Swashbuckler is caught flat-footed or otherwise denied her Dexterity bonus, she also loses this bonus.
Sneak Attack (Ex): As per the Rogue ability.
Improved Reaction (Ex): At 2nd level, a Swashbuckler gains a +2 bonus on initiative checks. At 9th level, the bonus increases to +4. This bonus stacks with the benefit provided by the Improved Initiative feat.
Witty Repartee (Ex): At 3rd level, as a move-equivalent action, a Swashbuckler becomes able to use her Bluff skill to taunt one or more creatures into a murdering frenzy (directed at the Swashbuckler, of course). If the taunted creature(s) fails a Sense Motive check (opposed by the Swashbuckler’s Bluff check), and a Will save against DC 10 + Swashbuckler level + Charisma modifier + Circumstance modifier – (number of targets - 1), it or they will be forced to use their most powerful spell or ability to directly wound or kill the Swashbuckler; if the taunted creature does not have such a spell or ability available to it, it will simply attempt to strike the Swashbuckler with a weapon or natural weapon; if the creature is somehow prevented from directly wounding or killing the Swashbuckler, it will lose its action for the round. If the target(s) is faced with a situation that would obviously put its life in danger, it will be granted a second Will save; however, the target(s) will lose their action for the round even if it doesn’t fail the second save.
Circumstance............................................................................Modifier
Target(s) has seen the Swashbuckler being humiliated*.................... - 2
Swashbuckler communicates by using gestures and/or noises**......... -4
Target(s) is predisposed to being angered...................................... +2
Taunt is well formulated and/or particularly original........................... +2
Taunt touches the target(s)’s sore subject***................................ +4
*See Susceptibility to Ridicule below.
**If the target can’t understand or hear the Swashbuckler’s Taunt.
*** Such as a particularly humiliating defeat that’s haunted the target for the last ten years of his life, or the latest act of adultery committed by the target’s wife, etc.
N.B.: All modifiers stack (one way or the other).
Example: Bob, a level 7 swashbuckler with a charisma of 16 attempts to taunt 8 hobgoblins into attacking him (and ignoring his wizard companion). He takes full advantage of his knowledge that the hobgoblins have recently been driven out of their fortress by a band of jermalines, but unfortunately the hobgoblins have seen him fumble a few minutes earlier. The Witty Repartee’s DC is: 10 + 7 + 3 -2 + 4 – (8 – 1) = 15
The hobgoblins who fail their save will move and attack Bob, except for the level 7 hobgoblin sorcerer who’ll immediately cast a Lightning Bolt at Bob, instead of Hold Person, as he had previously planned to do.
Susceptibility to Ridicule (Ex): At 3rd level, whenever the Swashbuckler is humiliated, she suffers a morale penalty of -1 to hit rolls, skill checks, ability checks, saves, and AC, and loses the following abilities for the next 1d4+1 rounds: Bravado, Witty Repartee, Audacious Stunt, Flair for the Flamboyant.
Humiliation occurs when one or more intelligent beings see the Swashbuckler when she…
- Gets a 1 on a To Hit roll.
- Fails a Tumble, Jump, or Balance check.
- Falls prone (including when she fails her Audacious Stunt check).
- Is charmed, dominated, or otherwise controlled (and the effects of that control are apparent)
- Fails her save against another Swashbuckler’s Witty Repartee ability.
- Is placed in any humiliating situation (tripping, unintentionally falling in a pool of water, being the victim of Otto’s Irresistible Dance, etc).
Audacious Stunt (Ex): Starting at 5th level, the Swashbuckler may use her Tumble skill to add a chosen distance (in feet) to her standard move distance if she succeeds at a Tumble check against DC 10 + added distance (in feet). If the Swashbuckler fails her skill check, she falls on the ground, prone until the next round, after having moved her normal distance.
Elaborate Parry (Ex): At 6th level and higher, if a Swashbuckler chooses to fight defensively or use total defense in melee combat, she gains an additional +1 dodge bonus to AC for each level of Swashbuckler she has.
Fencing Expertise (Ex): At 8th level the Swashbuckler gains one of the following feats if she fulfills the requirements: Combat Reflexes, Spring Attack, Expertise, Improved Disarm, Improved Trip, Improved Initiative, Quick Draw, and Weapon Focus.
Vulnerability to Ridicule (Ex): At 8th level, the Swashbuckler’s susceptibility to ridicule markedly increases. The penalty to hit rolls, skill checks, ability checks, saves, and AC becomes -3, and all effects of humiliation last 2d4+1 rounds.
Flair for the Flamboyant (Ex): At 10th level, the Swashbuckler’s affinity for grandiose deeds reaches its pinnacle. Once per day she may add a +10 bonus to any saving throw, to hit roll, skill check, or initiative check, but she must declare her intention to do so before the roll is made.
Comments, criticisms, and flames appreciated.
This Swashbuckler prestige class shares some features with some of the other custom Swashbuckler PrCs and core classes that have been posted on this forum. The two main things that set it apart are that it's meant to be a PrC for Rogues, not Fighters (unlike the Duelist PrC), and Susceptibility to Ridicule, which is a penalty that (I think) adds a bit of flavor, and might create some role-playing opportunities.
Anyway, I'd like to see what more experienced players think of it. It's probably overpowered, but I wouldn't mind making a few changes.
Enjoy!
SWASHBUCKLER
Hit Die: d6.
Requirements
To qualify to become a Swashbuckler, a character must fulfill all the following criteria.
Base Attack Bonus: +5.
Skills: Perform 2 ranks, Tumble 8 ranks, Jump 5 ranks, Bluff 8 ranks, Balance 2 ranks.
Feats: Dodge, Mobility, Weapon Finesse.
Special Abilities: Uncanny Dodge, Sneak Attack +3d6.
Class Skills:
The Swashbuckler’s class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Balance (Dex), Bluff (Cha), Climb (Str), Craft (Int), Disguise (Cha), Escape Artist (Dex), Gather Information (Cha), Hide (Dex),), Innuendo (Wis) Jump (Str), Knowledge (local) (Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Perform (Cha), Pick Pocket (Dex), Profession (Wis), Search (Int), Sense Motive (Wis), Spot (Wis), Swim (Str), Tumble (Dex), and Use Magic Device (Cha).
Skill Points at Each Level: 6 + Int modifier.
Base Attack Bonus: As fighter (+1/level)
Saves
Fortitude Save: Low
Reflex Save: High
Will Save: Low
Table: The Swashbuckler
Level 1: Bravado, Sneak Attack +1d6
Level 2: Improved Reaction +2
Level 3: Witty Repartee, Susceptibility to Ridicule
Level 4: Sneak Attack +2d6
Level 5: Audacious Stunt
Level 6: Elaborate Parry
Level 7: Sneak Attack +3d6
Level 8: Fencing Expertise, Vulnerability to Ridicule
Level 9: Improved Reaction +4
Level 10: Sneak Attack +4d6, Flair for the Flamboyant
Class Features
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: The Swashbuckler is proficient with all simple and martial weapons, but no type of armor or shield except a buckler.
N.B.: Wearing any kind of armor or carrying a heavy load makes the Swashbuckler temporarily lose the following abilities: Bravado, Improved Reaction, Audacious Stunt, and Elaborate Parry.
Bravado (Ex): When not wearing armor or using a shield, a Swashbuckler adds her Charisma modifier (if any) to her Armor Class. If a Swashbuckler is caught flat-footed or otherwise denied her Dexterity bonus, she also loses this bonus.
Sneak Attack (Ex): As per the Rogue ability.
Improved Reaction (Ex): At 2nd level, a Swashbuckler gains a +2 bonus on initiative checks. At 9th level, the bonus increases to +4. This bonus stacks with the benefit provided by the Improved Initiative feat.
Witty Repartee (Ex): At 3rd level, as a move-equivalent action, a Swashbuckler becomes able to use her Bluff skill to taunt one or more creatures into a murdering frenzy (directed at the Swashbuckler, of course). If the taunted creature(s) fails a Sense Motive check (opposed by the Swashbuckler’s Bluff check), and a Will save against DC 10 + Swashbuckler level + Charisma modifier + Circumstance modifier – (number of targets - 1), it or they will be forced to use their most powerful spell or ability to directly wound or kill the Swashbuckler; if the taunted creature does not have such a spell or ability available to it, it will simply attempt to strike the Swashbuckler with a weapon or natural weapon; if the creature is somehow prevented from directly wounding or killing the Swashbuckler, it will lose its action for the round. If the target(s) is faced with a situation that would obviously put its life in danger, it will be granted a second Will save; however, the target(s) will lose their action for the round even if it doesn’t fail the second save.
Circumstance............................................................................Modifier
Target(s) has seen the Swashbuckler being humiliated*.................... - 2
Swashbuckler communicates by using gestures and/or noises**......... -4
Target(s) is predisposed to being angered...................................... +2
Taunt is well formulated and/or particularly original........................... +2
Taunt touches the target(s)’s sore subject***................................ +4
*See Susceptibility to Ridicule below.
**If the target can’t understand or hear the Swashbuckler’s Taunt.
*** Such as a particularly humiliating defeat that’s haunted the target for the last ten years of his life, or the latest act of adultery committed by the target’s wife, etc.
N.B.: All modifiers stack (one way or the other).
Example: Bob, a level 7 swashbuckler with a charisma of 16 attempts to taunt 8 hobgoblins into attacking him (and ignoring his wizard companion). He takes full advantage of his knowledge that the hobgoblins have recently been driven out of their fortress by a band of jermalines, but unfortunately the hobgoblins have seen him fumble a few minutes earlier. The Witty Repartee’s DC is: 10 + 7 + 3 -2 + 4 – (8 – 1) = 15
The hobgoblins who fail their save will move and attack Bob, except for the level 7 hobgoblin sorcerer who’ll immediately cast a Lightning Bolt at Bob, instead of Hold Person, as he had previously planned to do.
Susceptibility to Ridicule (Ex): At 3rd level, whenever the Swashbuckler is humiliated, she suffers a morale penalty of -1 to hit rolls, skill checks, ability checks, saves, and AC, and loses the following abilities for the next 1d4+1 rounds: Bravado, Witty Repartee, Audacious Stunt, Flair for the Flamboyant.
Humiliation occurs when one or more intelligent beings see the Swashbuckler when she…
- Gets a 1 on a To Hit roll.
- Fails a Tumble, Jump, or Balance check.
- Falls prone (including when she fails her Audacious Stunt check).
- Is charmed, dominated, or otherwise controlled (and the effects of that control are apparent)
- Fails her save against another Swashbuckler’s Witty Repartee ability.
- Is placed in any humiliating situation (tripping, unintentionally falling in a pool of water, being the victim of Otto’s Irresistible Dance, etc).
Audacious Stunt (Ex): Starting at 5th level, the Swashbuckler may use her Tumble skill to add a chosen distance (in feet) to her standard move distance if she succeeds at a Tumble check against DC 10 + added distance (in feet). If the Swashbuckler fails her skill check, she falls on the ground, prone until the next round, after having moved her normal distance.
Elaborate Parry (Ex): At 6th level and higher, if a Swashbuckler chooses to fight defensively or use total defense in melee combat, she gains an additional +1 dodge bonus to AC for each level of Swashbuckler she has.
Fencing Expertise (Ex): At 8th level the Swashbuckler gains one of the following feats if she fulfills the requirements: Combat Reflexes, Spring Attack, Expertise, Improved Disarm, Improved Trip, Improved Initiative, Quick Draw, and Weapon Focus.
Vulnerability to Ridicule (Ex): At 8th level, the Swashbuckler’s susceptibility to ridicule markedly increases. The penalty to hit rolls, skill checks, ability checks, saves, and AC becomes -3, and all effects of humiliation last 2d4+1 rounds.
Flair for the Flamboyant (Ex): At 10th level, the Swashbuckler’s affinity for grandiose deeds reaches its pinnacle. Once per day she may add a +10 bonus to any saving throw, to hit roll, skill check, or initiative check, but she must declare her intention to do so before the roll is made.
Comments, criticisms, and flames appreciated.
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