Swashbuckler

Classes Allowed	Fighter, Ranger
Ability Score Requirements	Strength 9 Dexterity 13 Intelligence 13
Prime Requisites	Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence
Races Allowed	Half-Elf Human Humanoids Felarid
Alignments Allowed	Any

The Swashbuckler is the sophisticated, witty, lightly armed and armored hero in a sophisticated city-based campaign a la The Three Musketeers. He's fully capable of putting on heavy armor, picking up a bastard sword, and soldiering alongside other tank warriors but he shines in comparison when the heroes are adventuring in the city, in light armor and with light weapons.

Role

In a campaign, the Swashbuckler is the happy-go-lucky hero with the ready wit and the flashing rapier. He's happiest when he's in the big city, but can be an imposing warrior anywhere enemies often underestimate him because of his charming manners and don't realize that he can plate on armor and wield heavy weapons as well as anyone else. The Swashbuckler, because he's bright and well-spoken, often becomes party leader...or at least the leader's spokesman.

Advantages

• The Swashbuckler receives two additional weapon proficiency slots.
• When wearing light or no armor (leather or padded at most), he receives a -2 bonus to his AC; he's so nimble that he's very hard to hit.
• The Swashbuckler is such a romantic figure that he always receives a +2 adjustment on his reaction roll from NPC members of the opposite sex.

Disadvantages

• The Swashbuckler must take proficiency in four of the following weapons: belt pistol (flintlock), stiletto, main-gauche, musket (flintlock), rapier, and sabre.
• When wearing heavy armor (chain or better), the Swashbuckler takes a +2 penalty to AC; he cannot be as nimble as he often is in this heavy armor.
• The Swashbuckler cannot gain proficiency in any weapon that deals bludgeoning damage other than firearms. Such weapons are far too brutal and unsophisticated for the Swashbuckler. Additionally, he receives an additional -3 penalty to all attack rolls with such weapons.
• Trouble seeks out the Swashbuckler. This is something that the DM will have to play very carefully if the Swashbuckler is to be as hindered as all the other Warrior Kits. When there's another Swashbuckler around, intent on proving that he's the best swordsman in the world, it's the PC Swashbuckler he settles upon and challenges. When a certain young lady is being pursued by the king's guards, who are intent on stopping her from revealing secrets in her possession, it is the Swashbuckler she stumbles across when fleeing. When a prince is too drunk to attend his own coronation, miraculously he looks just like the Swashbuckler. Life conspires to make things difficult for the Swashbuckler, and the DM should always throw just a little more good-natured bad luck at that Warrior Kit than at any other.

Notable Swashbucklers