Swashbuckling.. with a 20 x2 weapon

[deusvult]

Is it worth the bother of building a Swashbuckler that specializes in a trident? What sorts of things would you do to make up for the diminished crit range and resulting slower rate of recharging panache?

I'm not looking for uber-optimized.. obviously. I want something unique that is still "effective enough" for the standard of PFS scenarios. Plus I've got a perfect mini for a trident wielding swashbuckler that would be a crime not to make use of...

[Bigdaddyjug]

You don't need to be terribly optimized for the average PFS scenario. I'm a power-builder, and I usually find myself having to hold back from overpowering a lot of scenarios. Obviously there are certain scenarios that are known for being more difficult, but the easy solution is to just not play your swashbuckler in those.

(When I say I'm a power-gamer, I mean that I'm fairly certain that I've got at least 2 or 3 characters that could have soloed any and all scenarios they've played so far.)

[mechaPoet]

Crits are good for the swashbuckler because it recharges panache, but if you're worried about running out then I think the simplest solution would be to just get more panache. There are several great panache-related magical items in the ACG, and although you won't necessarily use the special named rapiers listed, there are enchantments that give panache and a hat that does the same.

[Zwordsman]

Also.. don't you get panache for killing blows as well? So, if you happen to do a fair bit of damage anyway without crits, you'll still net some panache.

otherwise, yeah gaining more panache is a way.

[Charon's Little Helper]

Bigdaddyjug wrote:

You don't need to be terribly optimized for the average PFS scenario. I'm a power-builder, and I usually find myself having to hold back from overpowering a lot of scenarios.

That's no fun. The fun way to powergame PFS is to powergame odd concepts. Making a concept with a mediocre baseline into an above average build is more fun than making a concept with a solid baseline into a 'kill everything' build and then having to pull your punches.

[deusvult]

I'd like to make sure I understand the bonus damage swashbucklers get.

- Primarily it comes from precise strike, but isn't available until level 3.

- Swashbuckler levels equate to fighter levels for purposes of qualifying for feats, so they can get the weapon specialization feats.

- Weapon training

- Slashing Grace doesn't work with piercing weapons, and isn't relevant to my idea of a trident user (right?)

- Dex in place of Str to damage IS still available via Agile weapon enchant, however

- Pirahna Strike doesn't work with 1-handed weapons, but Power Attack is still hypothetically available

- Crit-fishing, which really won't work with a trident.

That's pretty much it? I'm playing around with the idea of Vital Strike, since Swashbucklers are supposed to move around and only spend a standard action on an attack anyway. Definitely not sold on that idea however.

[Bigdaddyjug]

Charon's Little Helper wrote:

Bigdaddyjug wrote:

You don't need to be terribly optimized for the average PFS scenario. I'm a power-builder, and I usually find myself having to hold back from overpowering a lot of scenarios.

That's no fun. The fun way to powergame PFS is to powergame odd concepts. Making a concept with a mediocre baseline into an above average build is more fun than making a concept with a solid baseline into a 'kill everything' build and then having to pull your punches.

I do both. Sometimes I just want to see how far I can take a certain character concept. Other times I build a character that is already pretty strong and try and cap out an unusual element of it, like my paladin that doesn't really wreck stuff, but has effective HP of over 700 at level 9.

[blackbloodtroll]

Well, you will make good use of the Fighter's Fork.

I actually have been considering a Trident Swashbuckler myself.

I would love to see your build.

[Issac Daneil]

I've also thought about the most unusual weapons a swashbuckler could get away with.

Personally, I wanna try with a Morning Star.

[blackbloodtroll]

The Taiaha is pretty weird.

[Zwordsman]

I wanna make a Kama user. Though, it requires agile for dex todamage. fighting fan is also amusing

Nine-section whip is something I plan to do asap though. With slashin grace you get to enjoy the dex to damage too. and add in precise strike. you get some fun mental images.
and of course Whips, but this isn't usual really.

[blackbloodtroll]

The Taiaha is an One-handed Double weapon, that deals B or P.

[The Shifty Mongoose]

Don't forget the cestus! You can put ranks in Disguise and pretend to be a brawler.

[Splendor]

I like the Spiked Darkwood Shield as my weapon d6 damage and +2 AC! (make sure you take Imp. Shield Bash)

Another one is the Scizore, d10 One hand piercing weapon (+1 AC, but -1 to hit if you attack with it)

Bastard Sword! Exotic Wp Proficiency, Wp Focus & Slashing Grace. Now its a One Handed Slashing Piercing Finesse Weapon that you get d10 + your DEX to damage with!

[blackbloodtroll]

Well, for my weeaboo friends, the Katana is preferred.

[Issac Daneil]

The Scizore could be really interesting looking. I think any gauntlet-like weapon would be cool to see in the hands (sorry), of a Swashbuckler