Like a fair number of people, I found the swashbuckler in Advanced Class Guide to be thoroughly uninspiring, so I made a Swashbuckler of my own. Check it out HERE. I would post the text here as well, but some of it (the leveling-up table) is in jpeg form. Plus my friend did an awesome illustration for it, so you should probably see that too.
I've played as this swashbuckler and had a swashbuckler in another one of my adventures at low levels and it played great, but I'd love some feedback from you guys. Especially if any of you decide to play it in a campaign or something.
This is a very flavorful interpretation of the swashbuckler. I like it.
A few things to consider:
You have no damage option at 1st level. I'd give the swashbuckler duel at 1st level (and I would keep the cavalier's version and/or increase the uses/day). Alternatively, if you want to have a more consistent way to deal damage, allow daring to give some offensive options (and maybe have them evolve as the swashbuckler progresses, like the inquisitor's judgements do).
Cunning Strike is odd, because this class has no other synergy with Int or Charisma. I'd give the swashbuckler an improved version of feint instead and remove the Int to damage option.
Improvised defense fits thematically, but is strictly speaking worse than using a buckler with magical enhancements. There should be some mechanical benefits that make this ability useful.
Also, keep in mind that saving throws are important for defense as well.
The role description imagines the swashbuckler darting in and out, rather than standing still trading blows. However, there's a lack of mechanics to support that style of play.
And why nerf them to medium BAB? You've given it the rogue chassis, but with worse skill points, and roughly equivalent class features.
I think your intention is that the swashbuckler does stunts, and so you give them an acrobatics bonus. But in most games, doing stunts takes an action and denies full attack. Rather than a bonus to doing stunts, I want class features that reward you for succeeding at them.
That is a dang cool illustration though.
I really don't like it. Now only does it seem worse than the rogue, but , more importantly, it lacks gameplay. Most of the class is simply passive, numerical benefits. Even the most flavorful mechanic, the daring charge, bizarrely removes all need for investing in Acrobatics since you automatically avoid obstacles. Say what you will about the ACG Swashbuckler, at least that class had many active abilities for a martial character. If you had a lot of fun with your swashbuckler, that's great. However, I feel like it doesn't bring anything interesting to the table.
Class Skills
Some of it makes sense, some is weird. Why dungeoneering?
Proficiencies
Its pretty harsh to say they lose all class features in medium or heavy armor. Why would he lose Great Reknown?
Medium base attack bonus
WTF? Why would PC swashbuckler be unsuited to go toe to toe with a fighter of equal level? The swashbuckler is a master swordsman, is he not?
Favored Weapon
I think any class feature that wants to lock the PC into a single weapon isn't a good thing. I see the every four levels thing, similar to the retraining allowed by other classes, but I still see it as a punishment if the GM hands out a sweet weapon. Sorry, I picked rapier and all we're getting are these stupid short swords. I'll hold on to it fore few more levels.
Duel
The +1/2 level to damage is nice, but restricting the daring bonus to only that opponent seems like a punishment. The paladin suffers no such restriction. I would add in an AC bonus, and put duel 1/day at 1st level.
Imporovised Defense
Its a good start. Keep working at it.
Uncanny Dodge
Was this supposed to be removed?
Thanks guys, you've given me some very helpful feedback here. It'll probably still be a while before I revise it, because I want to get some playtesting in, but I'm already liking some of your suggestions.
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i made a long post earlier but the internet ate it. here is my take on your concept using the rogue chassis and altering some of your base features to increase interactivity (namely Duel and Cunning), as well as toss out some freebies earlier (Weapon Finesse deluxe), start Vendetta earlier (love it!), and make the progression to the capstone (cool idea!) more streamlined and fierce. cheers.
d20's Swashbuckler
Swashbuckler
HD - d8
BAB - 3/4
Saves - Ref
Skills - 8
Class Skills - as rogue; swap dungeoneering for nobility
1- Duel 1/day, Cunning, Weapon Finesse
2- Rogue Talents, Evasion
3- Uncanny Dodge, Daring +1
4- Rogue Talent, Duel 2/day
5- Improvised Defense
6- Rogue Talent, Improved Uncanny Dodge, Daring +2
7- Daring Charge, Duel 3/day
8- Rogue Talent, Renown
9- Improved Evasion, Daring +3
10- Advanced Talents, Rogue Talent, Duel 4/day
11- Vendetta
12- Rogue Talent, Daring +4
13- Duel 5/day
14- Rogue Talent, Great Renown
15- Daring +5
16- Rogue Talent, Duel 6/day
17- Expanded Vendetta
18- Rogue Talent, Daring +6
19- Duel 7/day
20- Rogue Talent, Fearsome Reputation
Duel
(see Cavalier/Samurai challenge; identical mechanics)
Cunning
the swashbuckler gains prowess as he fights his way to his challenged foe!
upon defeating an ally of a foe whom the swashbuckler has challenged, the swashbuckler gains a +1 morale bonus to attack, AC, and to all saving throws until the end of the challenge. This bonus may go up to +2 at 5th level, +3 at 9th level, +4 at 13th level, and +5 at 17th level.
(this ability does not interact with Vendetta)
Weapon Finesse
gains the feat, and may further use finesse weapons to perform disarm, reposition, steal, sunder, and trip maneuvers without provoking AoAs, using his dexterity modifier in place of his strength modifier on his CMB rolls.
Daring
if repurposed to Acrobatics checks, it doubles - otherwise as you said. notice different progression.
Rogue Talents
the swashbuckler may utilize talents that modify sneak attack against targets of his duel, treating half his swashbuckler level as his number of sneak attack dice.
Renown
swashbuckler adds half his level to Diplomacy and Intimidate checks.
if he has dueled and defeated a person whom the target of his Diplomacy or Intimidate respects/serves/fears, he instead adds his full level to these checks.
Great Renown
as you have written for fearsome reputation.
Fearsome Reputation
instead of shaken, frightened, otherwise the same.