View source for Swashbuckler, Codex (3.5e Class)

{{author
|author_name=Leziad
|contributors=Eiji-kun
|date_created=August 4, 2012
|status=Finished 
|balance=High
}}{{3.5e Class Data
|summary=Bring the swashbuckler to the High Balance range, fill dead levels and allow better compatibility with [[Tome of Prowess (3.5e Sourcebook)|Tome of Prowess]]. Compress it to a 12 level class.
|length=12
|minlevel=1
|bab=Good
|fort=Good
|ref=Good
|will=Poor
|ability=Other
|progression=Full
|align=lg, ng, cg, ln, n, cn, le, ne, ce
}}

==Codex Swashbuckler==

A 'fix' for the swashbuckler. I still recommend going with daring outlaw, although this class stands alright on its own too.

===Making a Swashbuckler===

{{ToP Compliant}}'''Abilities:''' Dexterity is best and Constitution is always a sound investment. Intelligence is right next to Dexterity, granting more damage and increasing skill points. Charisma is also a good choice since it improves social interaction checks and some class features.

'''Races:''' Any race with some Dexterity make good swashbucklers. Sometimes other races join in as well.

'''Alignment:''' Swashbucklers are usually chaotic but anything goes really.

'''Starting Gold:''' 5d4 × 10 (125 gp).

'''[[SRD:Race Descriptions#Starting Age|Starting Age]]:''' As [[rogue]].

{| class="zebra d20"
|+
<div>{{Anchor|Table: The Swashbuckler}}</div>
Hit Die: d10
|-
! rowspan="2" | Level
! rowspan="2" | [[BAB|Base<br/>Attack Bonus]]
! colspan="3" | [[SRD:Saving Throw|Saving Throws]]
! rowspan="2" | Special
|-
! [[SRD:Saving Throw#Fortitude|Fort]] || [[SRD:Saving Throw#Reflex|Ref]] || [[SRD:Saving Throw#Will|Will]]
|-
|1st||class="left" | +1 || +2 || +2 || +0
| class="left" | [[#Fighting Style|Fighting Style]], [[#Goad|Goad]], [[#Parry|Parry]], [[#Weapon Finesse|Weapon Finesse]] 
|-
|2nd||class="left" | +2 || +3 || +3 || +0
| class="left" | [[#Buckler Mastery|Buckler Mastery]], [[#Cheater|Cheater]], [[#Seduction|Seduction]]
|-
|3rd||class="left" | +3 || +3 || +3 || +1
| class="left" | [[#Insightful Strike|Insightful Strike]], [[#Grace|Grace]] +1
|-
|4th||class="left" | +4 || +4 || +4 || +1
| class="left" | [[#Fighting Style|Fighting Style]], [[#Lucky|Lucky]] (1/day), [[#Rogue Trick|Rogue Trick]]
|-
|5th||class="left" | +5 || +4 || +4 || +1
| class="left" | [[#Heroic Surge|Heroic Surge]], [[#Improved Insightful Strike|Improved Insightful Strike]], 
|-
|6th||class="left" | +6/+1 || +5 || +5 || +2
| class="left" | [[#Grace|Grace]] +2, [[#Rogue Trick|Rogue Trick]], [[#Slippery Mind|Slippery Mind]]
|-
|7th||class="left" | +7/+2 || +5 || +5 || +2
| class="left" | [[#Acrobatic Charge|Acrobatic Charge]]
|-
|8th||class="left" | +8/+3 || +6 || +6 || +2
| class="left" | [[#Fighting Style|Fighting Style]], [[#Improved Flanking|Improved Flanking]], [[#Lucky|Lucky]] (2/day), [[#Rogue Trick|Rogue Trick]]
|-
|9th||class="left" | +9/+4 || +6 || +6 || +3
| class="left" | [[#Grace|Grace]] +3, [[#Masterful Acrobat|Masterful Acrobat]], [[#Weakening Critical|Weakening Critical]]
|-
|10th||class="left" | +10/+5 || +7 || +7 || +3
| class="left" | [[#Masterful Parrying|Masterful Parrying]], [[#Rogue Trick|Rogue Trick]]
|-
|11th||class="left" | +11/+6/+1 || +7 || +7 || +3
| class="left" | [[#Wounding Critical|Wounding Critical]]
|-
|12th||class="left" | +12/+7/+2 || +8 || +8 || +4
| class="left" |  [[#Grace|Grace]] +4. [[#Lucky|Lucky]] (3/day), [[#Fighting Style|Fighting Style]], [[#Horrific Critical|Horrific Critical]], [[#Rogue Trick|Rogue Trick]]
|-
|- class="noalt"
| colspan="42" class="skill" |
'''Class Skills ([[Skill Points::6]] + [[SRD:Intelligence|Int]] modifier per level, &times;4 at 1st level)'''<br/>
{{3.5e Skills|Appraise, 
Balance, 
Bluff, 
Climb, 
Craft, 
Diplomacy, 
Disguise, 
Escape Artist, 
Hide,
Intimidate,
Jump, 
Listen,
Move Silently,
Profession, 
Sense Motive, 
Sleight of Hand,
Spot,
Swim, 
Perform,
Tumble, 
Use Rope}}
|- class="noalt"
| colspan="42" class="skill" |
'''Class Skills, Tome of Prowess Variant (10 per level, ×4 at 1st level)'''<br/>
{{ToP Skill|Arcana}}, {{ToP Skill|Acrobatics}}, {{ToP Skill|Affability}}, {{ToP Skill|Appraisal}}, {{ToP Skill|Athletics}}, {{ToP Skill|Bluff}}, {{ToP Skill|Escape Artistry}}, {{ToP Skill|Cultures}}, {{ToP Skill|Legerdemain}}, {{ToP Skill|Jump}}, {{ToP Skill|Perception}}, {{ToP Skill|Psychology}}, {{ToP Skill|Transformation}}.
|}

'''Weapon and Armor Proficiency:''' Swashbucklers are proficient with all [[SRD:Simple Weapon Proficiency|simple weapons]], [[SRD:Martial Weapon Proficiency|martial weapons]] and one [[SRD:Exotic Weapon Proficiency|exotic weapon]] of her choice. Swashbucklers are proficient with [[SRD:Armor Proficiency (Light)|light armor]] and [[SRD:Buckler|bucklers]].

'''{{Anchor|Fighting Style}} {{Ex}}:''' A 1st level swashbuckler may gain one of the following feats as a bonus feat; she does not need to meet the prerequisites of the feat: [[Broad Practice (3.5e Feat)|Broad Practice]], [[SRD:Combat Reflexes|Combat Reflexes]], [[Double Weapon Art (3.5e Feat)|Double Weapon Arts]], [[Double Weapon Specialist (3.5e Feat)|Double Weapon Specialist]], [[Einhander (3.5e Feat)|Einhander]], [[Improved Combat Trick (3.5e Feat)|Improved Combat Trick]], [[SRD:Improved Initiative|Improved Initiative]], [[Intuitive Initiative (3.5e Feat)|Intuitive Initiative]], [[SRD:Improved Unarmed Strike|Improved Unarmed Strike]], [[Inherent Initiator (3.5e Feat)|Inherent Initiator]], [[SRD:Quick Draw|Quick Draw]], [[Two-Weapon Fighting, MS Variant (3.5e Feat)|Two-Weapon Fighting]], [[Two-Weapon Wall (3.5e Feat)|Two-Weapon Wall]], [[Weapon Focus, MS Variant (3.5e Feat)|Weapon Focus]] or [[SRD:Whirlwind Attack|Whirlwind Attack]]. Alternatively she may select a feat which affect her ability to fight with light or one-handed weapons, however she must meet the prerequisites.

At 4th level and each 4 level thereafter she gain another fighting style feat.

'''{{Anchor|Goad}} {{Ex}}:''' As a move action you can take time to make terrible puns, taunt your opponent, assert your superiority, or otherwise aggravate the enemy.  Choose a target within 90 feet who can see or hear you, and make either a [[SRD:Bluff Skill|Bluff]] or [[SRD:Intimidate Skill|Intimidate]] check against the DC 10 + the enemy's CR + [[Wisdom]] modifier + modifiers against fear or compulsion.  If you make a successful Bluff check, you belittle an opponent so their rage is focused on you.  They take a penalty on attack rolls equal to 1/2 your class level against any creature they attack except for you (minimum -1).  On a successful Intimidate check, you assert your superiority against the enemy, lowering their AC against your attacks by 1/2 your class level (minimum -1).

Both effects last for 1 round.  This is a mind-affecting language-dependent compulsion effect.  You can still goad creatures which do not speak your language through pantomime, but they gain a +4 bonus to the DC you must make.

If you possess [[Maneuver-Like Abilities (3.5e Creature Ability)|maneuver-like abilities]], you may recover them if you successfully goad a creature.

'''{{Anchor|Parry}} {{Ex}}:''' Swashbucklers often focus on single strikes, parrying away blows to depend themselves.  You may choose to conserve one or more of your attacks granted by your BAB in this round.  If you do and you are subsequently attacked, you may parry the blow.  Roll 1d20 + your conserved attack, this is your new AC which may cause the attack to miss.  You may parry after the enemy's attack is made but before damage is rolled.  Parrying is a free action, and you may parry up to as many attacks as you possess (up to a maximum of 4 at BAB 16 and over).  For example, a 18th level swashbuckler has four attacks at +30/+25/+20/+15.  He makes two attacks on his turn (+30 and +15) and saves two attacks.  During the rest of the round he is attacked with two claws and a bite.  He chooses to parry the claws with the +25 and +20 rolls, and cannot parry the bite.

If you possess at least a +2 magic weapon, you may parry ray attacks as well.

'''{{Anchor|Weapon Finesse}}:''' A 1st level swashbuckler gains [[SRD:Weapon Finesse|Weapon Finesse]] as a bonus feat even if she does not meet the requirement. If you already possess this feat, you gain a bonus feat you meet the prerequisites for. 

'''{{Anchor|Buckler Mastery}} {{Ex}}:''' A 2nd level swashbuckler is an expert at using the [[SRD:Buckler|buckler]]. For you, bucklers do not have an armor check penalty. You may use the arm which has the buckler without penalty. If the arm in which you hold the buckler is free, you may turn the buckler shield bonus into a dodge bonus as a swift action (with another swift action to return it to a shield bonus).

'''{{Anchor|Cheater}} {{Ex}}:''' At 2nd level, a swashbuckler's time in taverns and gambling hall has allowed her to pick up a few tricks. She can take a standard action to recall some of the tricks she has learned, coming under the effect of the ''cheat<sup><small>[[Draconomicon|Dra]]</small></sup>'' spell as if her caster level were her character level. This ability can be used at will.

'''{{Anchor|Seduction}} {{Ex}}:''' At 2nd level a swashbuckler gains [http://archive.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/cwc/20070227x ''seduce to learn''] (although the codex swashbuckler gains it one level earlier than the source indicates).  

:'''ToP''': The 2nd level swashbuckler gains a new untrained use for [[Tome of Prowess (3.5e Sourcebook)/Bluff|bluff]], [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/cwc/20070227x ''seduce to learn'']. The DCs for this ability are half the listed amounts, +5.

'''{{Anchor|Grace}} {{Ex}}:''' At 3rd level Swashbuckler gain a +1 Dodge bonus to AC and Reflex save. This bonus increase by 1 at 6th level and each 3 level thereafter.

'''{{Anchor|Insightful Strike}} {{Ex}}:''' A 3rd level Swashbuckler may add her [[SRD:Intelligence|Intelligence]] modifier to her damage rolls in addition to her Strength and any other source. This is precision damage.

'''{{Anchor|Lucky}}:''' Once per round, a 4th level Swasbuckler can declare a lucky reroll on any roll she make as a nonaction, this can be done even after she know the result. However she must accept the second result even if it worse.  She may use Lucky once per day at 4th and one additional time per day at 8th and 12th.

Whenever she roll a natural 1 on a d20 in combat and do not reroll it, she regain one previously expended daily use of Lucky.

'''{{Anchor|Rogue Trick}}:''' At 4th level and each 2 level the swashbuckler gain a single [[Grimoire Rogue (3.5e Alternate Class Feature)#Rogue Trick|Rogue Trick]] as well as Improved Rogue Trick at 10th and above. If she possessed levels in [[Grimoire Rogue (3.5e Alternate Class Feature)|Grimoire Rogue]] she stack both class level together to determine the number and power of rogue trick she possess. She does not gain twice as many, by example a Swashbuckler 6/Grimoire Rogue 4 would gain 4 tricks (access to a single Improved trick). 

'''{{Anchor|Heroic Surge}} {{Ex}}:''' A 5th level Swashbuckler sometime manage through even the harshest circumstances, she gain [[Perfect Save (3.5e Feat)|Perfect Save]] as a bonus feat as well as one of the following: [[Fortitude Surge (3.5e Feat)|Fortitude Surge]], [[Reflex Surge (3.5e Feat)|Reflex Surge]] or [[Will Surge (3.5e Feat)|Will Surge]]. She do not need to meet the prerequisites of any of those feats. 

'''{{Anchor|Improved Insightful Strike}} {{Ex}}:''' A 5th level swashbuckler may deal extra damage granted by insightful strike to creatures immune to critical hits and she may use her [[SRD:Intelligence|Intelligence]] or [[SRD:Dexterity|Dexterity]] (whichever is higher) instead of Strength for special maneuver like trip, disarm, bullrush or overrun. 

'''{{Anchor|Slippery Mind}}:''' This ability represents the swashbuckler’s ability to wriggle free from magical effects that would otherwise control or [[SRD:Compulsion Subschool|compel]] her. If a swashbuckler with slippery mind is affected by an enchantment spell or effect and fails her [[SRD:Saving Throw|saving throw]], she can attempt it again 1 [[SRD:Round|round]] later at the same [[SRD:DC|DC]]. She gets only this one extra chance to succeed on her [[SRD:Saving Throw|saving throw]].

'''{{Anchor|Acrobatic Charge}}:''' A swashbuckler of 7th level or higher can charge in situations where others cannot. She may charge over difficult terrain that normally slows movement or allies blocking her path. This ability enables her to run down steep stairs, leap down from a balcony, or to tumble over tables to get to her target. Depending on the circumstance, she may still need to make appropriate checks to successfully move over the terrain. Additionally, she need not move in a straight line to charge, nor must she charge the closest available space. She still may not move back on herself during a charge, and her charge move still ends as soon as she threatens her target.

'''{{Anchor|Improved Flanking}}:''' When an 8th level swashbuckler flanks, she gain an additional +2 bonus to attack and damage. Additionally, any creatures and allies attacked during the last round are considered flanked by the swashbuckler if she attacks them. 

'''{{Anchor|Masterful Acrobat}}:''' A 9th level swashbuckler is such a good acrobat she may take 10 on her [[SRD:Jump Skill|Jump]] and [[SRD:Tumble Skill|Tumble]] skill checks. 

:'''ToP''':  A 9th level swashbuckler is such a good acrobat she may take 10 on her [[Tome of Prowess (3.5e Sourcebook)/Acrobatics|Acrobatics]] and [[Tome of Prowess (3.5e Sourcebook)/Jump|Jump]] checks with any abilities that she has acquired. With abilities that she exceeds the minimum ranks by 4 or more, she may take 15 without any increase in time.

'''{{Anchor|Weakening Critical}}:''' If a level 9th swashbuckler confirm a critical hit on a creature she may also deal 2 points of [[SRD:Strength|Strength]] damages to that creature.

'''{{Anchor|Masterful Parrying}} {{Ex}}:''' A 10th level swashbuckler may now fight defensively without taking any penalties to attack rolls. Additionally whenever you are missed in combat you may take an attack of opportunity against the foe who missed you, if it missed you because of your Parry ability it is flat-footed against your attack of opportunity.

'''{{Anchor|Wounding Critical}}:'''  If an level 11th swashbuckler confirms a critical hit on a creature, she may also deal 2 points of [[SRD:Constitution|Constitution]] damage to that creature.

'''{{Anchor|Horrific Critical}}:''' A 12th level swashbuckler knows how to deal horrific damage with her critical strike.  Ability damage dealt by [[#Weakening Critical|Weakening Critical]] and [[#Wounding Critical|Wounding Critical]] are made as [[SRD:Ability Burn|ability burn]].

===Alternate Class Features===

While the codex swashbuckler replaces most class features and/or rearranges them, some players may wish to combine it with other ACFs. Now, Grace is worth much more than in the original version, and some abilities that would be replaced do not exist anymore. Therefore, here is a list of alternate class features from WotC and some completely original to further customize the class.

'''Aggressive Swashbuckler''': You lose Parry but gain [[SRD:Quick Draw|Quick Draw]] as a bonus feat.

'''Arcane Stunt''' ([[CM|Complete Mage]]): You may trade the [[#Goad|Goad]] or [[#Parry|Parry]] ability with the ability to use minor spell-like abilities: choose a personal 1st level spell from the cleric, druid or sorcerer/wizard spell list, you are able use this spell as a spell-like ability a number of time per day equal to 1 + your [[Intelligence]] modifier as a swift action. You gain an additional spell-like ability at 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th which draw from the same number of uses. At 3rd level you may select up to 2nd level spells (or a 1st level spell with any range) and at 9th up to 3rd level spells (or a 2nd level spell with any range). You must pay any expensive component or XP component associated with the spell.

'''Brawny Swashbuckler''': Replaces Weapon Finesse at 1st level. You gain [[Endurance, Grimoire (3.5e Feat)|Grimoire Endurance]] as a bonus feat.

'''Charming Strike''': Change Insightful Strike, Grace and Improved Insightful Strike at 3rd, 4th and 5th level. The bonus damage from Insightful Strike and Improved Insightful Strike is now based on [[SRD:Charisma|Charisma]] instead of [[SRD:Intelligence|Intelligence]] and is no longer precision damage. Mindless creatures are not subject to this bonus damage. The bonus to AC granted by Grace is now based on your [[Intelligence]] modifier.

'''Ranged Swashbuckler''': Replace Weapon Finesse at 1st level. Change Fighting Style at 2nd level. You gain [[Sharpshooter (3.5e Feat)|Sharpshooter]] as a bonus feat at 1st level. 

Instead of the normal feat selection in fighting style your choices become: [[Broad Practice (3.5e Feat)|Broad Practice]], [[SRD:Combat Reflexes|Combat Reflexes]], [[Double Weapon Art (3.5e Feat)|Double Weapon Arts]], [[SRD:Improved Initiative|Improved Initiative]], [[Intuitive Initiative (3.5e Feat)|Intuitive Initiative]], [[SRD:Far Shot|Far Shot]], [[Fixed Aim (3.5e Feat)|Fixed Aim]], [[SRD:Quick Draw|Quick Draw]], [[Ranged Feint (3.5e Feat)|Ranged Feint]], [[Ranged Flanking (3.5e Feat)|Ranged Flanking]], [[SRD:Rapid Shot|Rapid Shot]], [[SRD:Rapid Reload|Rapid Reload]], [[Trick Reload (3.5e Feat)|Trick Reload]], [[Two-Weapon Fighting, MS Variant (3.5e Feat)|Two-Weapon Fighting]] or [[Weapon Focus, MS Variant (3.5e Feat)|Weapon Focus]]. Alternatively she may select a feat which affect her ability to fight with ranged weapon, however she must meet the prerequisites.

'''Shield of Blades''' ([[Publication:Player's Handbook II|Player Handbook II]]): Now replaces the dodge bonus granted by grace at 3rd level. You gain [[Two-Weapon Wall (3.5e Feat)|Two-Weapon Wall]] as a bonus feat. You also gain 1/3 of your class level as a dodge bonus against any creatures you attacked with at least two light weapons this turn.


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{{3.5e Base Classes Breadcrumb}}
[[Category:3.5e]]
[[Category:User]]
[[Category:Class]]
[[Category:Base Class]]

{{Navboxes}}
Article Balance	High +
Author	Leziad +
Base Attack Bonus Progression	Good +
Class Ability	Other +
Class Ability Progression	Full +
Fortitude Save Progression	Good +
Identifier	3.5e Class +
Length	12 +
Minimum Level	1 +
Rated By	Eiji-kun +
Rating	Rating Pending +
Reflex Save Progression	Good +
Skill	Appraise +, Balance +, Bluff +, Climb +, Craft +, Diplomacy +, Disguise +, Escape Artist +, Jump +, Profession +, Sense Motive +, Swim +, Tumble +, Use Rope +, Intimidate +, Listen +, Sleight of Hand +, Spot +, Hide +, Move Silently + and Perform +
Skill Points	6 +
Summary	Bring the swashbuckler to the High Balance range, fill dead levels and allow better compatibility with Tome of Prowess. Compress it to a 12 level class. +
Title	Swashbuckler, Codex +
ToP Skill	Arcana +, Acrobatics +, Affability +, Appraisal +, Athletics +, Bluff +, Escape Artistry +, Cultures +, Legerdemain +, Jump +, Perception +, Psychology + and Transformation +
Will Save Progression	Poor +