Base Class: Fighter
The Duelist epitomizes the art of one-on-one combat, excelling in precise strikes and strategic movements. From the moment they pick up a blade, they commit themselves to the pursuit of perfection in battle. With lightning-fast reflexes and unparalleled skill, these warriors thrive in the heart of the fray, parrying blows with ease and delivering decisive counterattacks. This fighting style is favored by nobles and aristocrats, valuing honor and skill over brute strength. Each duel is a test of wit and reflexes, where a single misstep can mean defeat. Their relentless training and dedication forge them into peerless combatants, feared and respected on any battlefield. As Duelists, they master the subtle interplay of offense and defense, turning every encounter into a deadly dance where they always lead.
Parry And Riposte
Beginning when you choose this archetype at 3rd level, you can attempt to parry an attack as a reaction when you are hit. Roll damage as if you had hit with a weapon attack, applying all bonuses to damage. For each shield or dagger you are wielding, add an additional weapon damage die to this calculation. Reduce the damage of the incoming attack by the total rolled. If the damage is reduced to 0, the attack is considered a miss, and any on-hit effects do not activate. If an attack is successfully parried in this way, you can riposte the creature that attacked you, making a weapon attack against the same creature or casting a spell with a casting time of one reaction as part of this same reaction.
Cunning Action
Starting at 7th level, your quick thinking and agility allow you to move and act quickly. You can take a bonus action on each of your turns in combat. This action can be used only to take the Dash, Disengage, or Hide action.
Masterstroke
At 10th level, your presence commands the fear and respect of a master duelist. You gain the ability to replicate certain spell-like effects through your overwhelming skill. You can use the features granted by Masterstroke a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus per long rest. Any damage dealt directly by these effects is converted to the type of damage dealt by your weapon. Additionally, all Masterstrokes can be used as a reaction to a creature targeting you with an attack and must target that creature. Masterstroke save DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your strength or dexterity modifier.
The effects you can replicate are:
Focused Assault
Starting at 15th level, your relentless attacks wear down your enemies, leaving them vulnerable to greater wounds. For every consecutive attack against the same creature, increase your critical hit range by one. This bonus resets on a successful critical hit.
Coup De Grâce
At 18th level, you attain the pinnacle of precision in combat. When you hit a creature with your riposte, and that creature is at or below 25% of its maximum hit points, you kill it outright.
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