From the Dwarven and Human lands of Hesponia these skilled warriors and poets have been known to be both a great asset and a pain in the behind to call a friend. Skilled mostly in the sword and a little in song, these warriors will fight bravely at your side during the day and often find a way to win a free meal or room for you in the night.
Abilities
Taunt: At 1st level, a Hesponian Swashbuckler can taunt one opponent they are currently engaged with. The effects of this induces a minor rage in the opponent causing a -2 to Armor Class, while simultaneously giving the target a +1 to damage. At 6th level, the Swashbuckler has become so skilled at taunting that he or shee will cause their opponent to suffer a -2 to AC and a -2 to hit. This can be perfomed once per day and taunt induced rage last a number of rounds equal to the character's level.
Sing/Tell Tales/Poetry for Favors: At 1st level, a Hesponian Swashbuckler has some artistic talent in telling romantic tales, telling love poems and or playing an instrument and singing (most often a Hesponian Guitar). Using this skill can often lead to the swashbuckler earning favors for him/herself and his/her companions. The base difficulty of using this ability is a CL12 roll, plus Charisma modifier and class level modifier. The final difficulty level is dependent upon circumstances; in a rough and tumble bar filled with pirates and naer do wells telling a romantic tale, poem or song is not apt to bring about the same result as it would in the court of a noble who already enjoys such tales.
The following chart describes suggested results based upon how many points the swashbuckler succeeds by. Failures will result in little more then a piece of rotten fruit being tossed at the character to indifference to the character/party of characters. This ability may only be attempted once per location, per day. A result is assumed to include all previous results. For example, if Hidalgo, the Swashbuckler, beats the CL by 5, not only does he garner a meal for his companions, but also for himself.
A free meal for the Swashbuckler's companions. (Up to 6 party members)
Two Weapon Fighting: This highly agile fighters often train and fight with two weapons, because of this, they do not suffer the same penalties as other characters when wielding two weapons. The rules for this type of fighting are identicle to what is in the Player's Handbook, with the following changes. To be used, the off-hand weapon must be of a shorter length then the primary hand weapon or both blades must be of the "short" variety. For example, a longsword and shortsword, two shortswords, a rapier and a main-gauche, two daggers. At 1st level, the penalty is -2 for the primary weapon and -5 for the secondary weapon. At 5th level, this improves to -1 for the primary weapon and -4 for the secondary weapon.
Block/Deflect Attacks: Using the off-hand weapon, a swashbuckler character can block or deflect incoming attacks, creating an effect as though they are weilding a shield. At 1st level, the off-hand weapon can act as a buckler, at 3rd level acts as a medium shield and at 6th level as a large shield. Until the character reaches 6th level, this ability cannot be used against missile weapons. Once 6th level is reached, the off-hand weapon can be used to block/deflect missile weapons as a large shield. If being used to block/deflect attacks, the off-hand weapon cannot be used to attack. This must be declared at the start of combat.
Mark Target: At 9th level, the character is so skilled with their blade that they are capable of making a called shot as a regular unhindered attack in order to leave a mark upon their opponent. Whether this is a quick pair of slashes forming a crude V shape or a slightly lengthier set of slashes creating the letter E or a similar mark, a succesful hit allows the Hesponian Swashbuckler to leave his/her mark. The player of the swashbuckler is encouraged to think about what their character's mark will be. This can be performed once per opponent, per combat (if the opponent has had a chance to change clothes or otherwise clean up.) Typically, this kind of attack is used as a final fairwell, moments before the swashbuckler makes a convenient escape.
Note: This class might be adjusted in gameplay based upon comparative power level between it and other classes. This could mean nerfing or power boosting the class to align more closely with other classes.
Limitations: Must be either a Human or a Hill Dwarf from the Kingdom of Hesponia.
Prime Attribute: Charisma
Hit Dice: d10
Alignment: Any
Weapons: Any, Typically Favors Rapier, Main-Gauche and other light swords
Armor Allowed: Same as Ranger
Abilities: Taunt, Sing/Tell Tales/Poetry for Favors, Two Weapon Fighting, Block/Deflect Attacks, Mark Target
XP Chart and BtH: