Swashbuckler (FiD)

Starfox's Blades in the Dark fan page

As a swashbuckler, you are an adventurous warrior driven to prove your prowess and earn the respect you deserve. With natural charm and a quick blade, you are a master of style and wit, excelling as a courtier, officer, diplomat, or sea dog.

Only loosely inspired by the Pathfinder class of the same name, the swashbuckler is a fencer and charmer.

Touchstones: Scaramouche (1952), Inigo Montoya (The Princess Bride, 1987), Cyrano de Bergerac (1990), Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), The King's Man (2021).

Special Abilities

1. Daredevil: When you roll a desperate action, gain +1d to your roll.
2. Dashing: When fighting with a cohort, they gain extra effect and 1 armor.
3. Flamboyant: Push yourself on a daring feat to do one of the following: attract attention—have a moment alone with someone—mysteriously disappear.
4. Idol: Push Consort to do one of the following: find a temporary contact—divert attention from an ally—defuse a tense situation.
5. Panache: Expend your special armor to reduce the consequences of an attack or social interaction, or to push yourself in a duel of blades or wit.
6. Renaissance Man: Take 2 stress to roll Finesse for any action.
7. Steady Hand: Gain +1d and improved effect on Finesse rolls for mounts or vehicles.
8. Turn the Tables: When you react to another’s action with blade or wit, gain +2d, using their momentum against them. You may use Consort from a controlled position to provoke them into acting first, setting them up for your counter.

Dangerous Friends

˄ ˅ Ainsley, a swashbuckler.

˄ ˅ Finley, an armorer.

˄ ˅ Leighton, a courtier.

˄ ˅ Rowan, a noble.

˄ ˅ Voss, a domestic.

Inventory

☐ Disguised Weapon

☐ Fine Dueling Weapon

☐, ☐ Fine Bottle of Wine

◯ Fine Clothes & Jewelry [☐ if carried]

◯ Mount

☐ Parrying Instrument

• Disguised Weapon ☐: A concealed weapon like a cane sword, fighting fan, or hairpin dagger. Masterfully hidden yet ready for use.
• Fine Dueling Weapon ☐: A light, elegant weapon like a rapier or smallsword. Often an heirloom or reward, its quality improves effect.
• Fine Bottle of Wine ☐: A rare vintage that impresses and loosens tongues.
• Fine Clothes & Jewelry ◯: Attire that increases your apparent social standing by +2. If carried as a second outfit, it is ☐.
• Mount ◯: A horse or similar trained mount suited for battle.
• Parrying Instrument ☐: An off-hand tool like a buckler, dagger, or cloak that aids in defense and counters multiple opponents.

XP

• Mark xp in an attribute whenever you roll a desperate action.

At the end of each session, mark 1 xp (or 2 xp if multiple times) for:

  - Addressing a challenge using bravado or elegance.  
  - Expressing your beliefs, drives, heritage, or background.  
  - Struggling with issues from your vice or traumas.  

Starting Actions

Consort 1

Finesse 2

4 points by choice, no higher than 2 in any one