Duelist
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 that the best way to protect themselves is to not get hit at all.
Class Type: Prestige class.
Hit Die: d10.
Proficiencies: A Duelist is proficient with all simple and martial weapons, but does not gain any armor or shield proficiencies.
Skill Points: 4 + Int Modifier.
Class Skills: Bluff, Discipline, Listen, Parry, Perform, Spot, Tumble.
Primary Saving Throw(s): Ref.
Base Attack Bonus: +1/level.
Primary Ability: Dexterity.
Maximum Level: None.
Spellcasting: None.
Requirements
Base Attack Bonus: +6
Skills: Tumble 5 ranks. Parry 3 ranks.
Feats: Dodge, Weapon Finesse, Mobility.
Special: a book of Duelist is required to unlock the class.
Level Progression
| Level | Base Attack Bonus | Fort Save | Ref Save | Will Save | Class Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | +1 | +0 | +2 | +0 | Canny Defense |
| 2 | +2 | +0 | +3 | +0 | Improved Reaction +2 |
| 3 | +3 | +1 | +3 | +1 | Spring Attack |
| 4 | +4 | +1 | +4 | +1 | Grace |
| 5 | +5 | +1 | +4 | +1 | Precise Strike +1d6 |
| 6 | +6 | +2 | +5 | +2 | |
| 7 | +7 | +2 | +5 | +2 | Elaborate Parry |
| 8 | +8 | +2 | +6 | +2 | Improved Reaction +4 |
| 9 | +9 | +3 | +6 | +3 | Deflect Arrows |
| 10 | +10 | +3 | +7 | +3 | Precise Strike +2d6 |
Class Features
| Feature | Level(s) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Canny Defense | 1 | When not wearing armor or using a shield, a duelist adds 1 point of Intelligence bonus (if any) per duelist class level to her Dexterity bonus to modify Armor Class while wielding a melee weapon. If a duelist is caught flat-footed or otherwise denied her Dexterity bonus, she also loses this bonus. Use: Automatic. |
| Improved Reaction | 2, 8 | Grants a competence bonus to initiative. The current bonus is shown in the level progression. Use: Automatic. |
| Spring Attack | 3 | Allows movement during combat without provoking attacks of opportunity from the selected target. Use: Automatic. |
| Grace | 4 | Grants a bonus on Reflex saves while wearing light armor or clothing and while unencumbered. The current bonus is shown in the level progression. Use: Automatic. |
| Precise Strike | 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 | Deals additional damage while fighting with an eligible piercing weapon and without a shield or off-hand weapon. The damage bonus is shown in the level progression. Use: Automatic. |
| Elaborate Parry | 7 | The character gains a bonus to their armor class equal to their class level plus 2 (maximum +12.) At the same time, the character suffers a -4 attack penalty while this mode is active. Use: Selected. |
| Deflect Arrows | 9 | May negate one incoming ranged weapon attack per round when the feat's conditions are met. Use: Automatic. |
Epic Duelist
You have become the epitome of graceful, precise lethality. In your hands, a light piercing weapon transforms into a glittering blur of razor sharp steel able to turn any blow and strike past any defense.
Hit Die: d10
Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 4 + Int modifier
Precise Strike: Every five levels above 10th, the extra damage inflicted by the epic duelist’s precise strike increases by +1d6.
Bonus Feats: The epic duelist gains a bonus feat every three levels after 10th.
Epic Duelist Bonus Feats List:
Blinding Speed, Epic Prowess, Epic Reflexes, Epic Reputation, Epic Skill Focus, Epic Weapon Focus (rapier, shortsword, dagger), Great Dexterity, Improved Whirlwind Attack, Infinite Deflection, Perfect Two-Weapon Fighting, Superior Initiative.
Epic Feature Progression
| Class Level | Class Features |
|---|---|
| 11 | Epic Duelist |
| 15 | Precise Strike +3d6 |
| 20 | Precise Strike +4d6 |
| 25 | Precise Strike +5d6 |
| 30 | Precise Strike +6d6 |