Learned Duelist

Some universities develop a reputation for churning out fearsome duelists. At the end of each academic year, the students all gather together and duel one another with light blades. Each student duels one opponent after another until they are marked on the cheek by an adversary’s blade. These scars are widely recognized as marks of their prowess.

Weapon and Armor Proficiency

A Learned duelist is proficient with all simple and martial weapons and with all light and medium armor and shields (except tower shields). This replaces the Fighter’s normal weapon and armor proficiencies.

Duelist Stance (Ex)

At 1st level, a Learned duelist gains a +1 Dodge Bonus to AC as long as they are wearing no armor or light armor, wield a melee weapon in one hand, and have their other hand empty. This bonus increases by 1 for every 5 levels the duelist possesses to a maximum of +5 at 20th level.

This ability replaces the fighter’s 1st-level bonus feat.

Duelist Training (Ex)

At 5th level, a Learned duelist must select the light blades group for the weapon training class feature. The Learned duelist’s weapon training bonus with light blades increases by 1 on attack and damage rolls for every 4 levels they possess beyond 5th (to a maximum of +4 on attack and damage rolls at 17th level). If they are using their duelist stance, this damage bonus increases by 2. The Learned duelist does not gain weapon training in any other groups as they increase in level.

This ability replaces weapon training 1.

Precise Thrust (Ex)

At 9th level, when using Vital Strike, Improved Vital Strike, or Greater Vital Strike, a Learned duelist adds their Intelligence modifier to damage rolls (this bonus to damage is not multiplied on a critical hit). If the duelist confirms a critical hit while using one of these feats, they automatically deal maximum damage.

This ability replaces weapon training 2.

Science of the Blade (Ex)

At 13th level, a Learned duelist is able to apply their specialized knowledge of anatomy and physiology to their bladework. The duelist can make Dirty Trick, Disarm, and Trip combat maneuvers using any one-handed piercing or slashing weapon.

This ability replaces weapon training 3.

Surgical Strike (Ex)

At 17th level, when a Learned duelist confirms a critical hit with a light or one-handed piercing or slashing weapon, they deal Ability Damage in addition to the normal bonus damage from the critical hit. The duelist chooses which ability is damaged, and deals an amount of damage equal to the critical multiplier of the wielded weapon.

This ability replaces weapon training 4.

Parent Class

Fighter