As the DM, I need to create a 5th level human duelist NPC (with possible upgrade(s) to 6th, 8th and 9th level): a combattant whose primary purpose is to confront his opponent one on one during a formal sword or magic (his opponent's magic, not his own) duel ; but I'd like him to be able to stand his own in a "normal" (with multiple allies and enemies) combat too.
I could build a standard fighter (if such a thing exists ;-), but I was wondering if there exists somewhere an archetype (or prestige class ?) that would fit my need.
Thanks for all the suggestions.
That's all very interesting stuff ! Thank you, Soupturtle !
The fighter is definately the way you want to go, but you might want something a little more flexible. I was actually trying to put together something similar, and I did so with the 3rd party product by super genius games The Talented Fighter.
It will let you mix and max abilities from several archetypes. In particular for this kind of character, I mixed aspects of the free hand fighter and the mobile fighter with a touch of swordlord in there.
That book looks definitely interesting too (I generally like SGG products). Thanks for mentioning it to me !
In the NPC codex they is a couple of duelist style builds, which might help with ideas. Higher lvls spell breaker and disruptive are a must against mages. Feats that rely on mobility and help you from getting hit are a must. Also look at the rules for formal duels as well
Why not try the free hand Fighter.
The free hand fighter specializes in the delicate art of handling a single weapon in one hand while using his free hand to balance, block, tip, and distract his opponents. While not a brawler, his open hand is as much a weapon as a bow or blade. His fighting school benefits only apply when he is using a one-handed weapon and carrying nothing in his other hand.
Deceptive Strike (Ex): At 2nd level, a free hand fighter gains a +1 bonus to CMB and CMD on disarm checks and on Bluff checks to feint or create a diversion to hide. This bonus increases by +1 for every four levels after 2nd. This ability replaces bravery.
Elusive (Ex): At 3rd level, a free hand fighter gains a +1 dodge bonus to AC. This bonus increases by +1 for every four levels after 2nd. This bonus does not apply when wearing medium or heavy armor or carrying a medium or heavier load. This ability replaces armor training 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Singleton (Ex): At 5th level, a free hand fighter gains a +1 bonus on attack and damage rolls when wielding a melee weapon in one hand and leaving his other hand free. This bonus increases by +1 per six levels after 5th. This ability replaces weapon training 1 and 4.
Timely Tip (Ex): At 9th level, a free hand fighter can make a disarm combat maneuver against a target he threatens as a move action to push aside the target's shield. If successful, the target loses its shield bonus to AC against the free hand fighter's next attack. This ability replaces weapon training 2.
Interference (Ex): At 13th level, a free hand fighter can make a disarm or trip combat maneuver against a target he threatens as a move action to push his opponent off balance. If successful, the target becomes flat-footed. This condition lasts until the target takes damage from a melee or ranged attack or until the beginning of the free hand fighter's next turn, whichever comes first. This ability replaces weapon training 3.
Reversal (Ex): At 19th level, a free hand fighter can make a disarm combat maneuver against a creature he threatens as an immediate action when he is the target of a melee attack from another creature. If successful, the attack changes to target the target of the free hand fighter's maneuver instead of the free hand fighter himself. This ability replaces armor mastery.
I think an dawn flower dervish 4 with a 12 cha should do you nicely. At lvl 5 take MoMS and crane style and crane wing. Use your minimal magic to buff and then duel it out.