| 3 people marked this as a favorite. |
I've always loved the Swashbuckler class and even released the first Swashbuckler guide back in the days. But I was a bit annoyed by the Remaster and the brand new Bravado trait and decided to let others provide updated guides. I was doubly wrong.
First, after a thorough reading of the remaster Swashbuckler I can safely say it's awesome, in a completely different way than it used to be, but it's awesome (and also balanced, it's now a competitive martial in my opinion).
Also, I've looked at the available content when it comes to remastered guides and they haven't grasped what I consider the essence of the remaster Swashbuckler.
So here's my Remaster Swashbuckler optimization guide
I've called it an "optimization guide" so I can avoid all questions about what a Swashbuckler should look like.
Also, as the difference in effectiveness between optimized and non-optimized is rather low in Pathfinder 2, you can build a satisfying Swashbuckler without following these guidelines. So don't be pissed if you disagree with me.
And finally I haven't described every Swashbuckler feat, mostly because of a lack of time to do so. I may do it in the future, depending on this guide's reception.
|
Fairly robust guide. Little disappointed in no rascal builds. There is a reasonable solution to the attack trait for rascal builds imo.
Rascals can afford some int for investigator dedication. With das, you know when a secondary attack will likely hit or miss, then you go for dastardly dash or a standard tumble through. You can avoid gambling with secondary attack finishers this way. Person of interest being a level 2 feat really helps here.
Worth a consideration for an unconventional build anyways.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
I've added a build around Devise a Stratagem, it's actually a good reason to choose Intelligence as secondary attribute. Thanks for the idea.
But I'm sorry: It's no solution for Rascal.
First, if I want to benefit the most from Dastardly Dash I'd go for a Gymnast, both because Trip is significantly better than Dirty Trick but also because the Exemplary Finisher is excellent. And because we are dealing with unconventional builds, going Strength/Intelligence is not an issue by itself.
And otherwise, there's Tumble Behind which gives a similar bonus to Dirty Trick but with a full Stride, earlier access and without affecting MAP. It's hard to sell Dastardly Dash against Tumble Behind.
I understand that sometimes a player wants to play a specific kind of character even if it's weaker but jumping through hoops just to get the feeling you're playing a Rascal doesn't feel like a solution. I've added a note to encourage GMs to remove the Attack Trait from Dirty Trick if one of their players want to play a Rascal. I think it's a better solution overall, houserule is not an insult :)
|
|
I've added a build around Devise a Stratagem, it's actually a good reason to choose Intelligence as secondary attribute. Thanks for the idea.
But I'm sorry: It's no solution for Rascal.
First, if I want to benefit the most from Dastardly Dash I'd go for a Gymnast, both because Trip is significantly better than Dirty Trick but also because the Exemplary Finisher is excellent. And because we are dealing with unconventional builds, going Strength/Intelligence is not an issue by itself.
And otherwise, there's Tumble Behind which gives a similar bonus to Dirty Trick but with a full Stride, earlier access and without affecting MAP. It's hard to sell Dastardly Dash against Tumble Behind.I understand that sometimes a player wants to play a specific kind of character even if it's weaker but jumping through hoops just to get the feeling you're playing a Rascal doesn't feel like a solution. I've added a note to encourage GMs to remove the Attack Trait from Dirty Trick if one of their players want to play a Rascal. I think it's a better solution overall, houserule is not an insult :)
Sounds like you just don't like rascal but that's no reason to exclude it from the guide. My idea is just one way to optimize it. I'm sure there's more.
a strength/int build doesn't utilize das the best either compared to dex/int since tumble through is your go to when you roll well (but not too well) you're not considering the versatility in panache choices here
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Sounds like you just don't like rascal but that's no reason to exclude it from the guide.
Let's not jump to such conclusions ;)
I'm fine having a debate about Rascal. I'm still not finding a reason to play one from a mechanical point of view.
Also, as I state in "Swashbuckler Styles" chapter: Styles are rather unimpactful. Unless you use a specific combo you can go for whatever Style you want. That's why I don't speak much about Styles, it's not just Rascal, it's also Wit and Fencer and I provide a single Battledancer build (which is more of an oddity).
a strength/int build doesn't utilize das the best either compared to dex/int since tumble through is your go to when you roll well (but not too well) you're not considering the versatility in panache choices here
Tumble Through doesn't do anything in and by itself, it's only useful when you need to move and build Panache simultaneously. So I disagree on it being the "go to", it should be the "run away from".
But I agree you will always need it. Now, as you are aiming for a failure, the only thing you need is to update your Acrobatics item bonus and your Acrobatic proficiency every now and then and you should be fine when it comes to building Panache with Tumble Through. No need for high Dexterity.