Markoff Chainey
2015-12-12, 03:03 PM
The Dashing Swords(wo)man
My inspiration for this class was at first Elan from the Order of the Stick, but then I remembered an article about an awesome real-life lady, Julie d’Aubigny, whom I read about. (Hence the name of the class.) See here for yourself, this lady is Rock’n Roll: http://www.badassoftheweek.com/lamaupin.html
I tried to incorporate them both as good as possible into a new class, with also a look at the D&D 3.5 Dashing Swordsman: Half-Spellcaster based on bard for utility, applying wits, charm and mockery, mixing martial with social.
Please let me know about balance issues that you might see or if you have some suggestions about mechanics or features.
Without further ado.. The Dashing Swords(wo)man!
The Dashing Swords(wo)man
Level
Proficiency Bonus
Features
Spells Known
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
1st
+2
Mocking the Devil, Derring-Do, Dramatic Entrance I
--
--
--
--
--
--
2nd
+2
Spellcasting, Fighting Style
2
2
--
--
--
--
3rd
+2
Smooth Operator
3
3
--
--
--
--
4th
+2
Ability Score Improvement
3
3
--
--
--
--
5th
+3
Extra Attack
4
4
2
--
--
--
6th
+3
Mocking Dodge
4
4
2
--
--
--
7th
+3
Catch me if you can
5
4
3
--
--
--
8th
+3
Ability Score Improvement
5
4
3
--
--
--
9th
+4
--
6
4
3
2
--
--
10th
+4
Hero’s Luck
6
4
3
2
--
--
11th
+4
Valiant Choice
7
4
3
3
--
--
12th
+4
Ability Score Improvement
7
4
3
3
--
--
13th
+5
--
8
4
3
3
1
--
14th
+5
Magical Secrets
8
4
3
3
1
--
15th
+5
Second Chance
9
4
3
3
2
--
16th
+5
Ability Score Improvement
9
4
3
3
2
--
17th
+6
--
10
4
3
3
3
1
18th
+6
Last Kiss
10
4
3
3
3
1
19th
+6
Ability Score Improvement
11
4
3
3
3
2
20th
+6
Flamboyant Strike
11
4
3
3
3
2
Class Features
As a Dashing Swords(wo)man, you gain the following class features.
Hit Points
Hit Dice: 1d8 per level
Hit Points at 1st Level: 8 + your Constitution modifier
Proficiencies
Armor: Light
Weapons: Improvised weapons, finesse weapons, hand crossbows
Tools: 1 instrument of your choice
Saving Throws: Dexterity, Charisma
Skills: Choose three from Athletics, Deception, History, Insight, Intimidation, Performance and Persuasion
Equipment
You start with the following equipment, in addition the the equipment granted by your background:
(a) a rapier or (b) a hand crossbow and a dagger
(a) an explorer’s pack or (b) a diplomat’s pack
(a) fine noble clothes or (b) a leather armor
an instrument of your choice
Mocking the Devil
You gain the Vicious Mockery Cantrip.
When you cast Vicious Mockery, you may add your CHA modifier to the damage.
Derring-Do
While wearing no armor and use no shield, you may add your CHA modifier to your AC.
Dramatic Entrance I
When you make a dramatic effort to get into combat or a dangerous, daring situation, you gain advantage on all athletics rolls associated with it.
If you make an athletic roll to get into combat, using an dramatic entrance, you may add your proficiency bonus to Initiative on the first turn of combat.
Spellcasting (Bard)
You have learned to use the magical essence of musical spells, much as a bard does. You use the bard spell list for your spells.
Charisma is your spellcasting ability.
Spellcasting focus: You can use a finesse weapon as a spellcasting focus for your bard spells.
Just a suggestion to show ppl who do not know the bard spell list by heart some gems
Lvl1: Fairy Fire, Sleep +2
Lvl2: Suggestion, Silence +1
Lvl3: Hypnotic Pattern +2
Lvl4: Greater Invisibility, Polymorph +1
Lvl5: Hold Monster, Raise Dead
Fighting Style
You may choose from one of the following fighting styles:
- Archery
- Close Quarter Shooter (see at the end of the document)
- Defense
- Dueling
- Two-Weapon Fighting
At Lvl 11, you may choose one special combat ability whose usefulness depends largely on the chosen fighting style.
Archery, Close Quarter Shooter and Two Weapon Fighting - Mockingbirds Song
Defense - Disarming Smile
Dueling - Dance Fight
Smooth Operator
You gain the skills Persuasion and Deception.
Should you have those skills already, your proficiency bonus is doubled for any ability check you make that uses either of the chosen proficiencies.
Additionally, you become proficient with the disguise kit.
ASI
You get an ASI at level 4, 8, 12 and 16 and 19.
Mocking Dodge
You may use your reaction when you are being hit by a weapon attack to cast Vicious Mockery on the attacker. If your spell hits, the attacker must re-roll his attack with disadvantage.
You may use this ability only once per short rest.
Catch me if you can
You may disengage for free from any opponent that was successfully hit this turn by a Vicious Mockery from you and such an opponent cannot target you with an opportunity attack.
When you are engaged by an opponent that was successfully hit by a Vicious Mockery by you this turn before, you may move 10 feet for free, once per turn.
Heros’ Luck
Whenever you make a death save, you may add your CHA modifier to it.
Valiant Choice
You may choose one out of these three abilities
a) Mockingbirds' Song
Once per turn, when you are about to take a bonus action to make a weapon attack, you may cast Vicious Mockery for free on a target of your choice within range.
b) Dance Fight Stance
You may use your bonus action to enter the "Dance Fight Stance". You may take the Doge Action as a bonus action, when you wield a finesse weapon in one hand and no other weapon or shield in the other, exception: Buckler (see at the end of the document).
c) Disarming Smile
As a bonus action, you may make a Disarming-Attack against the an opponent. When the attack hits, it deals no damage, but the target must make a DEX or STR savings throw (target's choice) against your Performance (CHA) check. If the target fails, she is forced to drop one object she is holding in one of her hands of your choice. The object lands at its feet.
Magical Secrets
Choose 2 spells from any class. A spell you choose must be of a level you can cast, as shown on the Bard table, or a cantrip.
The chosen spells count as bard spells for you and are included in the number in the Spells Known column of your level table.
As you get it at lvl 14, you may choose any spell up to spell lvl 4
Some nice options IMO: Bless, Haste, Hex, Aura of Vitality, Staggering Smite, Banishment, Hail of Thorns, Lightning Arrow, ...
Second Chance
After you fail a savings throw, you may try again.
You may use this feature again after a long rest.
Last Kiss
You may use this ability only when you are at or below 0 Hitpoints and there is somebody standing within 5 feet of you.
As a free action before you fall unconscious, you may blow the target a kiss or kiss it on the lips.
By doing that, you cast a Geas on the target as the Spell. The Spell is cast with your Spellcasting DC as if you cast it and the target may avoid the effect with a WIS savings throw.
When the target fails its saving throw, it is commaned to heal you and /or bring you back to life should it become necessary and the spell takes effect, as if being cast using a 5th level spell slot (Duration 30 days).
Against the spell description, it is not necessary that the target can hear you, nor is it necessary that you actually formulate a command as verbal component of the spell.
The target will feel romantically attracted to you for the remaining duration of 30 days, even if the Geas is fulfilled before that time.
You may use this feature only once per long rest.
Flamboyant Strike
Whenever you strike an opponent, you may add your CHA modifier to the damage of a finesse melee weapon.
It is not RAW, but when you want to use it, I strongly suggest to change it as:
The cover rules still apply, this fighting style does not alter them.
Instead of ranged attacks, it applies to “ranged weapon attacks” only.
I missed this and it fits this class very well.
Buckler, counts as a martial weapon (not as a shield)
Martial Weapon, damage: D4, finesse, light, weighs 1 lbs, cost 2 sp
You may add +1 to your AC while wielding it, as you would with a shield; this bonus cannot be combined with a shield or another buckler.
My inspiration for this class was at first Elan from the Order of the Stick, but then I remembered an article about an awesome real-life lady, Julie d’Aubigny, whom I read about. (Hence the name of the class.) See here for yourself, this lady is Rock’n Roll: http://www.badassoftheweek.com/lamaupin.html
I tried to incorporate them both as good as possible into a new class, with also a look at the D&D 3.5 Dashing Swordsman: Half-Spellcaster based on bard for utility, applying wits, charm and mockery, mixing martial with social.
Please let me know about balance issues that you might see or if you have some suggestions about mechanics or features.
Without further ado.. The Dashing Swords(wo)man!
The Dashing Swords(wo)man
Level
Proficiency Bonus
Features
Spells Known
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
1st
+2
Mocking the Devil, Derring-Do, Dramatic Entrance I
--
--
--
--
--
--
2nd
+2
Spellcasting, Fighting Style
2
2
--
--
--
--
3rd
+2
Smooth Operator
3
3
--
--
--
--
4th
+2
Ability Score Improvement
3
3
--
--
--
--
5th
+3
Extra Attack
4
4
2
--
--
--
6th
+3
Mocking Dodge
4
4
2
--
--
--
7th
+3
Catch me if you can
5
4
3
--
--
--
8th
+3
Ability Score Improvement
5
4
3
--
--
--
9th
+4
--
6
4
3
2
--
--
10th
+4
Hero’s Luck
6
4
3
2
--
--
11th
+4
Valiant Choice
7
4
3
3
--
--
12th
+4
Ability Score Improvement
7
4
3
3
--
--
13th
+5
--
8
4
3
3
1
--
14th
+5
Magical Secrets
8
4
3
3
1
--
15th
+5
Second Chance
9
4
3
3
2
--
16th
+5
Ability Score Improvement
9
4
3
3
2
--
17th
+6
--
10
4
3
3
3
1
18th
+6
Last Kiss
10
4
3
3
3
1
19th
+6
Ability Score Improvement
11
4
3
3
3
2
20th
+6
Flamboyant Strike
11
4
3
3
3
2
Class Features
As a Dashing Swords(wo)man, you gain the following class features.
Hit Points
Hit Dice: 1d8 per level
Hit Points at 1st Level: 8 + your Constitution modifier
Proficiencies
Armor: Light
Weapons: Improvised weapons, finesse weapons, hand crossbows
Tools: 1 instrument of your choice
Saving Throws: Dexterity, Charisma
Skills: Choose three from Athletics, Deception, History, Insight, Intimidation, Performance and Persuasion
Equipment
You start with the following equipment, in addition the the equipment granted by your background:
(a) a rapier or (b) a hand crossbow and a dagger
(a) an explorer’s pack or (b) a diplomat’s pack
(a) fine noble clothes or (b) a leather armor
an instrument of your choice
Mocking the Devil
You gain the Vicious Mockery Cantrip.
When you cast Vicious Mockery, you may add your CHA modifier to the damage.
Derring-Do
While wearing no armor and use no shield, you may add your CHA modifier to your AC.
Dramatic Entrance I
When you make a dramatic effort to get into combat or a dangerous, daring situation, you gain advantage on all athletics rolls associated with it.
If you make an athletic roll to get into combat, using an dramatic entrance, you may add your proficiency bonus to Initiative on the first turn of combat.
Spellcasting (Bard)
You have learned to use the magical essence of musical spells, much as a bard does. You use the bard spell list for your spells.
Charisma is your spellcasting ability.
Spellcasting focus: You can use a finesse weapon as a spellcasting focus for your bard spells.
Just a suggestion to show ppl who do not know the bard spell list by heart some gems
Lvl1: Fairy Fire, Sleep +2
Lvl2: Suggestion, Silence +1
Lvl3: Hypnotic Pattern +2
Lvl4: Greater Invisibility, Polymorph +1
Lvl5: Hold Monster, Raise Dead
Fighting Style
You may choose from one of the following fighting styles:
- Archery
- Close Quarter Shooter (see at the end of the document)
- Defense
- Dueling
- Two-Weapon Fighting
At Lvl 11, you may choose one special combat ability whose usefulness depends largely on the chosen fighting style.
Archery, Close Quarter Shooter and Two Weapon Fighting - Mockingbirds Song
Defense - Disarming Smile
Dueling - Dance Fight
Smooth Operator
You gain the skills Persuasion and Deception.
Should you have those skills already, your proficiency bonus is doubled for any ability check you make that uses either of the chosen proficiencies.
Additionally, you become proficient with the disguise kit.
ASI
You get an ASI at level 4, 8, 12 and 16 and 19.
Mocking Dodge
You may use your reaction when you are being hit by a weapon attack to cast Vicious Mockery on the attacker. If your spell hits, the attacker must re-roll his attack with disadvantage.
You may use this ability only once per short rest.
Catch me if you can
You may disengage for free from any opponent that was successfully hit this turn by a Vicious Mockery from you and such an opponent cannot target you with an opportunity attack.
When you are engaged by an opponent that was successfully hit by a Vicious Mockery by you this turn before, you may move 10 feet for free, once per turn.
Heros’ Luck
Whenever you make a death save, you may add your CHA modifier to it.
Valiant Choice
You may choose one out of these three abilities
a) Mockingbirds' Song
Once per turn, when you are about to take a bonus action to make a weapon attack, you may cast Vicious Mockery for free on a target of your choice within range.
b) Dance Fight Stance
You may use your bonus action to enter the "Dance Fight Stance". You may take the Doge Action as a bonus action, when you wield a finesse weapon in one hand and no other weapon or shield in the other, exception: Buckler (see at the end of the document).
c) Disarming Smile
As a bonus action, you may make a Disarming-Attack against the an opponent. When the attack hits, it deals no damage, but the target must make a DEX or STR savings throw (target's choice) against your Performance (CHA) check. If the target fails, she is forced to drop one object she is holding in one of her hands of your choice. The object lands at its feet.
Magical Secrets
Choose 2 spells from any class. A spell you choose must be of a level you can cast, as shown on the Bard table, or a cantrip.
The chosen spells count as bard spells for you and are included in the number in the Spells Known column of your level table.
As you get it at lvl 14, you may choose any spell up to spell lvl 4
Some nice options IMO: Bless, Haste, Hex, Aura of Vitality, Staggering Smite, Banishment, Hail of Thorns, Lightning Arrow, ...
Second Chance
After you fail a savings throw, you may try again.
You may use this feature again after a long rest.
Last Kiss
You may use this ability only when you are at or below 0 Hitpoints and there is somebody standing within 5 feet of you.
As a free action before you fall unconscious, you may blow the target a kiss or kiss it on the lips.
By doing that, you cast a Geas on the target as the Spell. The Spell is cast with your Spellcasting DC as if you cast it and the target may avoid the effect with a WIS savings throw.
When the target fails its saving throw, it is commaned to heal you and /or bring you back to life should it become necessary and the spell takes effect, as if being cast using a 5th level spell slot (Duration 30 days).
Against the spell description, it is not necessary that the target can hear you, nor is it necessary that you actually formulate a command as verbal component of the spell.
The target will feel romantically attracted to you for the remaining duration of 30 days, even if the Geas is fulfilled before that time.
You may use this feature only once per long rest.
Flamboyant Strike
Whenever you strike an opponent, you may add your CHA modifier to the damage of a finesse melee weapon.
It is not RAW, but when you want to use it, I strongly suggest to change it as:
The cover rules still apply, this fighting style does not alter them.
Instead of ranged attacks, it applies to “ranged weapon attacks” only.
I missed this and it fits this class very well.
Buckler, counts as a martial weapon (not as a shield)
Martial Weapon, damage: D4, finesse, light, weighs 1 lbs, cost 2 sp
You may add +1 to your AC while wielding it, as you would with a shield; this bonus cannot be combined with a shield or another buckler.