Duellists are famous for their fighting prowess. They follow a very precise code of behaviour, and conducting a duel in the correct manner is almost more important than winning it. Duellists tend to be contemptous of lesser mortals, and are always ready to demand satisfaction for any slight or inslut, real or imagined. Many are the sons of noble families who have turned to duelling for excitement. Their activities do not endar them to the authorities, but in the Empire duels are not actually illegal, and Duellists are protected by a number of archaic unrepealed laws.
Requirements
To qualify to become an Imperial Duellist, one must fulfill all the following criteria:
Base Attack Bonus: +5
Feats: Dodge, Mobility, Weapon Finesse, Weapon Focus (fencing sword).
Skills: Diplomacy (4 ranks).
Class Features
All of the following are class features of the Imperial Duellist prestige class.
Hit Die: d10.
Class Skills: The Imperial Duellist's class skills are Balance, Bluff, Diplomacy, Innuendo, Jump, Listen, Peform, Ride, Sense Motive, Spot, and Tumble.
Skill Points: 4 + Int modifier per level.
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: ImperialDuellists are profient with fencing swords, dagger and firearms. Most Duellists in the Empire favour the rapier, but some Ostlanders prefer the Kislevite sabre; both count as fencing sword. They are proficient with light and medium armor, as well as with the buckler. Note that armor check penalties for armor heavier than leather apply to the skills Balance, Climb, Escape Artist, Hide, Jump, Move Silently, Pick Pocket, and Tumble.
| Level | Attack | Fort | Ref | Will | Special |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | +1 | +0 | +2 | +0 | Fighting Panache |
| 2nd | +2 | +0 | +3 | +0 | Precise Strike +1d6, Grace |
| 3rd | +3 | +1 | +3 | +1 | Improved Parry |
| 4th | +4 | +1 | +4 | +1 | Stand and Deliver |
| 5th | +5 | +1 | +4 | +1 | Precise Strike +2d6, Versatile Blade |
Fighting Panache: The Duellist fights with style and grace, keeping foes of balance with keen wit, unexpected moves and stunning displays. The Duellist may add his Charisma bonus to his effective Dexterity bonus when calculating Armor Class. The dexterity bonus limitations of any armor still applies, so most duellist tend to wear light armor.
Grace: The Duellist gains a +2 competence bonus to all Reflex saving throws.
Improved Parry: When not attacking with his off hand, add the Duellist gains a +2 competence bonus to AC. This stacks with AC bonus from buckler or shield. If he attacks with his off hand, he loses this bonus until his next action.
Precise Strike: At 2nd level, the Imperial Duellist gain the extraordinary ability to strike precisely with a fencing weapon, adding +1d6 to his damage roll. This increases to +2d6 at 5th level. When making a precise strike, the Duellist cannot attack with a weapon in her other hand, although he can defend with it or a buckler. Precise Strike does not work against opponets that are immune to critical hits.
Stand and Deliver: When the Duellist is charged, he gets to make an attack of opportunity just before the charge attack is resolved. This ability can only be used with a fencing weapon.
Versatile Blade: The Duellist learns to make more efficient use of the blade, and can make both piercing and slashing attacks.