Question re: Duelist and the elven curve blade

[Volvogg]

Hi All,

I am finally getting around to putting the finishing touches on a campaign I will be running (ugh its been in the works for a long time now) and have run into a bit of a roadblock. One of my players has been obsessing about the elven curve blade and wants to go with a an elven duelist, however. All of the duelist abilities require a one handed or light weapon to function. So, what I would like to know if there exists a feat, ability, magic property or trait which would allow him to pull this off.

The player is an excellent rpger so instead of having to flat out tell him no I would much prefer to work something out so that he can fulfil his dream of, and I quote, "dashing, unarmoured swordsman extraordinaire."

If all else fails I guess I could just create a feat (requirements would be weapon focus (elven curve blade), dex 15, weapon finesse).

All thoughts and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Cheers
Volf

[MurphysParadox]

Problem is that the curve blade is a two handed weapon. It is basically a flashy finesse-able great sword. People don't tend to duel with a great sword.

Now, the best part about being the GM is that you can do anything you want. Making a feat tax for it is a good option. You can also simply say that, in your world, anything with the "finesse" special weapon feature can work (which encompasses the light one handed melee weapons).

Entirely up to you! The joy (and horror) of being a GM.

[Burrito Al Pastor]

There's some precedent for feats that allow otherwise illegal weapons to be used by a duelist.

Now, to be fair, Aldori Dueling Mastery generally isn't considered to be very good, but it's at least a benchmark. Here's what I'd suggest:

Elven Dueling Mastery(Combat):

Prerequisites: Weapon Proficiency (Elven curve blade), Dodge, Weapon Finesse, Weapon Focus (Elven curve blade).

Benefit: You gain a +2 bonus on Initiative checks as long as you start combat with an elven curve blade in your hand. As long as you wield an elven curve blade in both hands, you do not lose your dodge bonus to AC while flat-footed or denied your Dexterity bonus to AC. Although the dueling sword is a two-handed weapon, you treat it as a weapon being wielded in one hand when determining the effects of duelist class abilities.

Is it too good? Maybe. But if your player is rolling a duelist and doesn't even intend to wear a mithril shirt - well, I wouldn't be too worried.

[Volvogg]

Burrito Al Pastor wrote:

There's some precedent for feats that allow otherwise illegal weapons to be used by a duelist.

Now, to be fair, Aldori Dueling Mastery generally isn't considered to be very good, but it's at least a benchmark. Here's what I'd suggest:

** spoiler omitted **

Is it too good? Maybe. But if your player is rolling a duelist and doesn't even intend to wear a mithril shirt - well, I wouldn't be too worried.

Burrito Al Pastor that feat is freaking ... perfect! Excellent idea in using the Aldori Dueling Mastery feat as a benchmark. I will forward this to my player immediately. I am sure he'll be pumped now that his concept has the "green light".

Thanks
Volf