Iajutsu Duelist

Iaijutsu, or "fast draw", is a dueling technique where a weapon (usually a sword) is drawn from the scabbard in a lightning-fast single cut. Duelists trained in this style focus their energy while trying to deescalate a fight, striking just before their opponent's attack if such negotiations are unsuccessful. Once their blade is drawn, the duelist's aim is to end their opponent's ability to fight in a single strike.

Words of Advice

A duelist's most important skill is their ability to deescalate a conflict before weapons are drawn. When using your Cunning Action feature, you may choose the Influence action.

Iajutsu Cut

The Iajutsu Cut is the discipline's signature technique - a single, devastating cut executed while drawing the blade from its scabbard. As such, the duelist must carefully bide their time, maintaining awareness of danger while waiting for the correct moment to strike. You gain the following abilities:

• You gain proficiency with Longswords, and may use them as though they had the Finesse property.
• When you take the Dodge action, you may sheathe one weapon you are holding as part of that action.
• Whenever you draw a weapon as part of an attack, that attack has Advantage, and can score a Critical Hit on a roll of 19 or 20 on the d20.

 

Act Before Thought

Rigorous training has enabled you to act reflexively in a split-second. You add your proficiency bonus to Initiative rolls, and treat a roll of 9 or lower on the d20 as a 10.

(Note: This ability does not work well with the Alert feat. If your character has both, remember to add the bonus manually.)

Instantaneous Reprisal

Your bladework has reached the pinnacle of speed - you can draw your weapon and strike your opponent the moment they show intent to harm you.

When an enemy makes an attack roll against you, if that attack does not have Advantage, you may use your Reaction to make an immediate melee attack against them. This Reaction takes place before the triggering attack, and you may draw one weapon as part of the attack.

Improved Iajutsu Cut

Your deadly technique now flows as naturally as water, your cut effortlessly maximizing the efficiency of your blade.

Your Iajutsu Cut can now score a critical hit on a roll of 17 to 20 on the d20.