since1968
2017-04-04, 07:57 AM
Seeking feedback on the Stiletto, a high-risk, high-reward knife fighting rogue.
You pursue the art of close quarters fighting with light weapons. A Stiletto is just as likely to be a scholar or a noble as a soldier. You bring skill, knowledge, and deadly precision to the battlefield.
Disdaining any protection heavier than a gambeson and chamois gloves, Stiletti are often found in service of nobles, who pay Stiletti to duel on their behalf. A Stiletto can also be found training condottieri in the art of one-on-one combat, or gentlemen in the science of street fighting.
Some Stiletti are bookish, preferring to discover their next maneuver in an obscure tome. Others are gregarious and just as likely to learn about pressure points from a Monk as they are to debate a Fighter’s parrying technique. All share the same belief: measure twice, cut once.
Common backgrounds for Stiletti are Noble, Mercenary Veteran, Sage, and Soldier.
Combat Superiority
Your practice of close quarters combat gives you mastery of combat styles using stiletto weapons, which are any weapons that do piercing damage and have the light and finesse property. At 3rd level, you gain a set of abilities that are fueled by special dice called superiority dice.
Maneuvers. You learn three maneuvers of your choice, which are detailed below.
You learn two additional maneuvers of your choice at 9th level, and two more at 13th level. Each time you learn new maneuvers, you can also replace one maneuver you know with a different one.
Superiority Dice. You have four superiority dice, which are d8s. A superiority die is expended when you use it. You regain all of your expended superiority dice when you finish a short or long rest.
You gain another superiority die at 9th level and one more at 13th level.
Saving Throws. Some of your maneuvers require your target to make a saving throw to resist the maneuver’s effects. The saving throw DC is calculated as follows:
Maneuver Save DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Dexterity modifier
Grappler
Starting at 3rd level, you develop the skills necessary to hold your own in close-quarters fighting. You have advantage on attack rolls against a creature you are grappling.
When you make an Attack action with a grapple, you can use a bonus action to attack with a stiletto weapon that you’re holding in the other hand. Other restrictions on Two-Weapon fighting still apply.
Improved Combat Superiority
At 9th level, your superiority dice turn in to d10s. At 17th level, they turn into d12s.
Pitiless Grappler
Starting at 9th level, your understanding of locks and pressure points make you a grappler without parallel. Add your Intelligence modifier to grapple checks.
Your stiletto weapon attacks against a creature you have grappled score a critical hit on a roll of 18-20.
Bloodbath
Starting at 13th level, you become a master of slicing a foe’s artery to inflict a gushing wound. When you score a critical hit against a creature, it must make a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, the creature begins to bleed uncontrollably and falls prone. The creature has disadvantage on Constitution checks and saving throws. In addition, whenever the creature takes damage it is stunned until the end of its next turn. The creature may take an action to stop the bleeding with a successful Wisdom (Medicine) check on its turn, or by casting cure wounds. You must be wielding a stiletto weapon to use this feature.
Strike of Perfect Clarity
Starting at 17th level, your supreme focus and perfect fighting form allow you to make a single, devastating attack. You execute a flawless strike to drop your foe. When you score a critical hit against a creature, double the damage of your attack against the creature. You must be wielding a stiletto weapon to use this feature.
Maneuvers
The maneuvers are presented in alphabetical order. Unless otherwise noted, you must be wielding a stiletto weapon to use a maneuver.
Disarm. You learn to disarm an opponent whether you are attacking or defending.
When you hit a creature with a weapon attack, you can expend one superiority die to attempt to disarm the target, forcing it to drop one item of your choice that it’s holding. You add the superiority die to the attack’s damage roll, and the target must make a Strength saving throw. On a failed save, it drops the object you choose. The object lands at its feet.
When a creature misses you with a melee attack using a weapon with which you are proficient, you can use your reaction and expend one superiority die to attempt to disarm and counter. Make a Grapple check and add the superiority die to the check. On a successful check, the creature is grappled and you are holding the creature’s weapon. You must have at least one hand free to make this maneuver.
Feint. You can expend one superiority die and use a bonus action on your turn to feint, choosing one creature within 5 feet as your target. You have advantage on your next attack roll or grapple check against that creature this turn. Add the superiority die to the attack roll or grapple check.
Go for the Eyes. When you hit a creature with a melee weapon attack, you can expend one superiority die to attempt to blind the creature. You add the superiority die to the attack’s damage roll, and if the target has eyes it must make a Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save the target is blinded until the end of your next turn.
Hamstring. You attempt to hobble your opponent. When you hit a creature with a melee weapon attack, you can expend one superiority die to attempt to injure its legs. Add the superiority die to the attack’s damage roll, and the target must make a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save the target falls prone and its movement is reduced to 0 until the end of your next turn.
Hilt Slam. You brutally slam the hilt of your weapon into your foe’s head, sending the creature staggering. If you take the attack action on your turn, you can expend a superiority die and take a bonus action to attack the same creature with the hilt end of your weapon. The hilt’s damage die for this attack is a d4, and the attack deals bludgeoning damage. If you hit the creature, add the superiority die to the attack’s damage roll, and the target must make a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, the target is stunned until the end of your next turn.
Ligadura Mezana. When a creature up to one size larger than you and within 5 feet of you targets you with a melee attack, you can use your reaction and expend one superiority die to attempt to lock and counter the attack. Add the superiority die to a Grapple ability check, and if you succeed the creature misses you and is grappled. You may then make a weapon attack against the creature as part of the same reaction. You must have one hand free to use this maneuver.
Main Gauche Parry. When you are wielding a weapon in your off hand and another creature hits you with a melee attack, you can use your reaction and expend one superiority die to attempt to parry the attack. You add the superiority die to your AC, including against the triggering attack, until the start of your next turn or until you’re not holding the weapon. This superior AC applies only to melee attacks against you.
Numbing Shot. You know how to strike a nerve, causing your enemy to crumple. When you hit a creature with a melee weapon attack, you can expend one superiority die to attempt to cause great pain to the creature. You add the superiority die to the attack’s damage roll, and the target must make a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save the target falls prone until the end of your next turn.
One-Two Punch. You stab your blade into the back of one opponent and then into the chest of another. When you make a successful melee sneak attack against a creature, you may expend a superiority die to attempt to attack another creature within 5 feet of you, and add your superiority die to the attack roll. If you hit the second creature, you may apply sneak attack damage to it. You must use this maneuver before making the attack roll.
Precision Attack. When you make an attack roll against a creature, you can expend one superiority die to add it to the roll. You can use this maneuver before or after making the attack roll, but before any of the effects of the attack are applied.
Prone Attack. When you make an attack roll against a creature while you are prone, you can expend one superiority die and add it to the roll. If your attack hits, you may regain your feet immediately without incurring any movement. You can use this maneuver before or after making the attack roll, but before any of the effects of the attack are applied.
Riposte. When a creature misses you with a melee attack, you can use your reaction and expend one superiority die to make a melee attack against the creature.
If you hit with the melee weapon attack, you add the superiority die to the attack’s damage roll.
If you attempt a grapple, add the superiority die to the grapple check. If you succeed, the creature is grappled.
Twist the Knife. You have learned to twist the blade sharply before retracting it. When you hit a creature with a melee weapon attack, you can expend one superiority die to cause a bleeding wound. Add the superiority die to the attack’s damage roll. The target takes 1d6 damage on each subsequent round at the end of its turn. The target may stop the bleeding with a Wisdom (Medicine) check, or by casting cure wounds. Damage from multiple wounds is cumulative.
I have play-tested the Stiletto through 9th level. On paper, the archetype appears overpowered, but plays surprisingly well. Its ability to impose unfavorable conditions makes up for its lack of "almost always on" sneak attacks, but the maneuver save DC is low enough (assuming a standard point array) that your opponents will frequently overcome them. To do:
* Play-test beyond 9th level.
* Create more maneuvers based on real dagger maneuvers in Fiore, without re-introducing "called shots" from earlier editions.
* Clean up "Strike of Perfect Clarity." 4e version was +100, which doesn't feel like 5e.
* What about Feint as a bonus action without expending die at 13th level?
You pursue the art of close quarters fighting with light weapons. A Stiletto is just as likely to be a scholar or a noble as a soldier. You bring skill, knowledge, and deadly precision to the battlefield.
Disdaining any protection heavier than a gambeson and chamois gloves, Stiletti are often found in service of nobles, who pay Stiletti to duel on their behalf. A Stiletto can also be found training condottieri in the art of one-on-one combat, or gentlemen in the science of street fighting.
Some Stiletti are bookish, preferring to discover their next maneuver in an obscure tome. Others are gregarious and just as likely to learn about pressure points from a Monk as they are to debate a Fighter’s parrying technique. All share the same belief: measure twice, cut once.
Common backgrounds for Stiletti are Noble, Mercenary Veteran, Sage, and Soldier.
Combat Superiority
Your practice of close quarters combat gives you mastery of combat styles using stiletto weapons, which are any weapons that do piercing damage and have the light and finesse property. At 3rd level, you gain a set of abilities that are fueled by special dice called superiority dice.
Maneuvers. You learn three maneuvers of your choice, which are detailed below.
You learn two additional maneuvers of your choice at 9th level, and two more at 13th level. Each time you learn new maneuvers, you can also replace one maneuver you know with a different one.
Superiority Dice. You have four superiority dice, which are d8s. A superiority die is expended when you use it. You regain all of your expended superiority dice when you finish a short or long rest.
You gain another superiority die at 9th level and one more at 13th level.
Saving Throws. Some of your maneuvers require your target to make a saving throw to resist the maneuver’s effects. The saving throw DC is calculated as follows:
Maneuver Save DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Dexterity modifier
Grappler
Starting at 3rd level, you develop the skills necessary to hold your own in close-quarters fighting. You have advantage on attack rolls against a creature you are grappling.
When you make an Attack action with a grapple, you can use a bonus action to attack with a stiletto weapon that you’re holding in the other hand. Other restrictions on Two-Weapon fighting still apply.
Improved Combat Superiority
At 9th level, your superiority dice turn in to d10s. At 17th level, they turn into d12s.
Pitiless Grappler
Starting at 9th level, your understanding of locks and pressure points make you a grappler without parallel. Add your Intelligence modifier to grapple checks.
Your stiletto weapon attacks against a creature you have grappled score a critical hit on a roll of 18-20.
Bloodbath
Starting at 13th level, you become a master of slicing a foe’s artery to inflict a gushing wound. When you score a critical hit against a creature, it must make a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, the creature begins to bleed uncontrollably and falls prone. The creature has disadvantage on Constitution checks and saving throws. In addition, whenever the creature takes damage it is stunned until the end of its next turn. The creature may take an action to stop the bleeding with a successful Wisdom (Medicine) check on its turn, or by casting cure wounds. You must be wielding a stiletto weapon to use this feature.
Strike of Perfect Clarity
Starting at 17th level, your supreme focus and perfect fighting form allow you to make a single, devastating attack. You execute a flawless strike to drop your foe. When you score a critical hit against a creature, double the damage of your attack against the creature. You must be wielding a stiletto weapon to use this feature.
Maneuvers
The maneuvers are presented in alphabetical order. Unless otherwise noted, you must be wielding a stiletto weapon to use a maneuver.
Disarm. You learn to disarm an opponent whether you are attacking or defending.
When you hit a creature with a weapon attack, you can expend one superiority die to attempt to disarm the target, forcing it to drop one item of your choice that it’s holding. You add the superiority die to the attack’s damage roll, and the target must make a Strength saving throw. On a failed save, it drops the object you choose. The object lands at its feet.
When a creature misses you with a melee attack using a weapon with which you are proficient, you can use your reaction and expend one superiority die to attempt to disarm and counter. Make a Grapple check and add the superiority die to the check. On a successful check, the creature is grappled and you are holding the creature’s weapon. You must have at least one hand free to make this maneuver.
Feint. You can expend one superiority die and use a bonus action on your turn to feint, choosing one creature within 5 feet as your target. You have advantage on your next attack roll or grapple check against that creature this turn. Add the superiority die to the attack roll or grapple check.
Go for the Eyes. When you hit a creature with a melee weapon attack, you can expend one superiority die to attempt to blind the creature. You add the superiority die to the attack’s damage roll, and if the target has eyes it must make a Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save the target is blinded until the end of your next turn.
Hamstring. You attempt to hobble your opponent. When you hit a creature with a melee weapon attack, you can expend one superiority die to attempt to injure its legs. Add the superiority die to the attack’s damage roll, and the target must make a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save the target falls prone and its movement is reduced to 0 until the end of your next turn.
Hilt Slam. You brutally slam the hilt of your weapon into your foe’s head, sending the creature staggering. If you take the attack action on your turn, you can expend a superiority die and take a bonus action to attack the same creature with the hilt end of your weapon. The hilt’s damage die for this attack is a d4, and the attack deals bludgeoning damage. If you hit the creature, add the superiority die to the attack’s damage roll, and the target must make a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, the target is stunned until the end of your next turn.
Ligadura Mezana. When a creature up to one size larger than you and within 5 feet of you targets you with a melee attack, you can use your reaction and expend one superiority die to attempt to lock and counter the attack. Add the superiority die to a Grapple ability check, and if you succeed the creature misses you and is grappled. You may then make a weapon attack against the creature as part of the same reaction. You must have one hand free to use this maneuver.
Main Gauche Parry. When you are wielding a weapon in your off hand and another creature hits you with a melee attack, you can use your reaction and expend one superiority die to attempt to parry the attack. You add the superiority die to your AC, including against the triggering attack, until the start of your next turn or until you’re not holding the weapon. This superior AC applies only to melee attacks against you.
Numbing Shot. You know how to strike a nerve, causing your enemy to crumple. When you hit a creature with a melee weapon attack, you can expend one superiority die to attempt to cause great pain to the creature. You add the superiority die to the attack’s damage roll, and the target must make a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save the target falls prone until the end of your next turn.
One-Two Punch. You stab your blade into the back of one opponent and then into the chest of another. When you make a successful melee sneak attack against a creature, you may expend a superiority die to attempt to attack another creature within 5 feet of you, and add your superiority die to the attack roll. If you hit the second creature, you may apply sneak attack damage to it. You must use this maneuver before making the attack roll.
Precision Attack. When you make an attack roll against a creature, you can expend one superiority die to add it to the roll. You can use this maneuver before or after making the attack roll, but before any of the effects of the attack are applied.
Prone Attack. When you make an attack roll against a creature while you are prone, you can expend one superiority die and add it to the roll. If your attack hits, you may regain your feet immediately without incurring any movement. You can use this maneuver before or after making the attack roll, but before any of the effects of the attack are applied.
Riposte. When a creature misses you with a melee attack, you can use your reaction and expend one superiority die to make a melee attack against the creature.
If you hit with the melee weapon attack, you add the superiority die to the attack’s damage roll.
If you attempt a grapple, add the superiority die to the grapple check. If you succeed, the creature is grappled.
Twist the Knife. You have learned to twist the blade sharply before retracting it. When you hit a creature with a melee weapon attack, you can expend one superiority die to cause a bleeding wound. Add the superiority die to the attack’s damage roll. The target takes 1d6 damage on each subsequent round at the end of its turn. The target may stop the bleeding with a Wisdom (Medicine) check, or by casting cure wounds. Damage from multiple wounds is cumulative.
I have play-tested the Stiletto through 9th level. On paper, the archetype appears overpowered, but plays surprisingly well. Its ability to impose unfavorable conditions makes up for its lack of "almost always on" sneak attacks, but the maneuver save DC is low enough (assuming a standard point array) that your opponents will frequently overcome them. To do:
* Play-test beyond 9th level.
* Create more maneuvers based on real dagger maneuvers in Fiore, without re-introducing "called shots" from earlier editions.
* Clean up "Strike of Perfect Clarity." 4e version was +100, which doesn't feel like 5e.
* What about Feint as a bonus action without expending die at 13th level?