Duelist

Duelist

PRESTIGE CLASS: This class is not available at character creation and must be unlocked by meeting special requirements, listed below.

The duelist is a nimble, intelligent fighter trained in making precise attacks with light weapons, such as the rapier. They always take full advantage of their quick reflexes and wits in a fight. Rather than wearing bulky armor, a duelist feels the best way to protect themselves is not to get hit at all. Duelists are most often fighters or rangers, but almost as often rogues or bards. Wizards, sorcerers, and monks make surprisingly good duelists due to those classes’ lack of reliance on armor.

Requirements

To qualify to become an Duelist, a character must fulfill all the following criteria.

• Base Attack Bonus: +6
• Skills: Parry 5 Ranks, Tumble 5 Ranks
• Feats: Dodge, Mobility, Weapon Finesse

Class Skills

The class skills of the Duelist are:

• Bluff
• Craft Weapon
• Listen
• Parry
• Spot
• Taunt
• Tumble

Class Features

Base Attack Bonus Progression: High

Skill Points at Each Level: 4 + Int modifier.

Hit Dice: D10

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: The Duelist is proficient with all simple and martial weapons.

Canny Defense: When not wearing armor or using a shield, the duelist adds their intelligence bonus to their AC, with a maximum bonus equal to their Duelist level. This does not stack with Unfettered Defense from the Invisible Blade.

Improved Reaction: At 2nd level, the duelist can improve their speed and reaction time, triggering the equivalent of the haste spell as if cast by a sorcerer of the duelist’s class level. This ability can be used once per day at 2nd level, two times per day at 4th level, three times per day at 6th level, four times per day at 8th level, and five times per day at 10th level.

Enhanced Mobility: At 3rd level, the duelist gains an additional +4 dodge bonus to AC against attacks of opportunity provoked by movement. This bonus stacks with that granted by the Mobility feat.

Grace: At 4th level, the duelist gains a +2 bonus on Reflex saves.

Precise Strike: At 5th level, the duelist gains the ability to strike precisely with a light or one-handed piercing weapon, gaining 1d6 piercing damage. This only works against enemies vulnerable to critical hits. Precise Strike is automatically in effect when the duelist has no off-hand weapon or shield. At 10th level, the damage increases to 2d6.

Flourish: At 6th-level, Duelists can make an impressive, flashy attack with a light or one-handed piercing weapon that catches their foe off guard. This attack deals 2d6 additional points of piercing damage. There is no limit to the number of times per day the duelist may use this ability, but has a 30-second “cool down” between uses.

Elaborate Parry: At 7th level, the duelist masters the art of defense with their blade. Whenever they wield a light or one-handed piercing weapon, they add their duelist level to Parry checks.

Deflect Arrows: A 9th-level duelist gains deflect arrows as a bonus feat.