I, along with many other players, eagerly await an updated version of the Swashbuckler to be brought to the 2024 rule set. I have been molding over mechanics and ideas from other rogue subclasses--along with the other official 2024 releases--which could be utilized and modified in creating a version on the Swashbuckler that would keep players excited!
Below are my opinions on what I think could be a rework for the Swashbuckler:
3RD LEVEL: RAKISH AUDACITY - When you roll Initiative, you can give yourself a bonus to the roll equal to your Charisma modifier. - You also gain proficiency in one of the following skills of your choice: Acrobatics, Intimidation, Performance, or Persuasion.
3RD LEVEL: PANACHE - Your charm becomes extraordinarily beguiling. As an action, a creature of your choice within 30 feet of you must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw (DC 8 plus your Charisma modifier and Proficiency Bonus) or have the Charmed condition. While a Charmed this way, the creature has disadvantage on attack rolls against targets other than you and can’t make opportunity attacks against targets other than you. This effect lasts for 1 minute, until one of your companions attacks the target or affects it with a spell, or until you and the target are more than 60 feet apart. You can use this feature a number of times equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum of once), and you regain all expended uses when you finish a Long Rest.
9TH LEVEL: DEFENSIVE STANCE - You gain the following Cunning Strike option. Stealth Attack (Cost: 1d6). Add the roll of your sneak attack die as a bonus to your AC until the end of your next turn.
13TH LEVEL: COUNTER STRIKE - When you use your Steady Aim feature, you take on a battle stance and prepare to counter. Until the end of your next turn, when a creature misses you with a melee attack roll, you can take a Reaction to make a melee attack against the creature.
17TH LEVEL: MASTER DUELIST - Gain Extra Attack.
These options create a very Charisma focused subclass early on, and evolve into a powerful front line combatant. At high level play, this means the Swashbuckler should reliably deal 2d8+10d6+10 damage (assuming a rapier)--which averages to 49 DPR. This value is doubled on the condition that the reaction attack is made and meets criteria to allow Sneak Attack--averages to 93.5 DPR. There are many popular ways for the rogue to gain advantage for this reaction (i.e. Vex Weapon Mastery, Lucky or Heroic Inspiration).
I would love to know what others think of this design for an updated Swashbuckler!
I, along with many other players, eagerly await an updated version of the Swashbuckler to be brought to the 2024 rule set. I have been molding over mechanics and ideas from other rogue subclasses--along with the other official 2024 releases--which could be utilized and modified in creating a version on the Swashbuckler that would keep players excited!
Below are my opinions on what I think could be a rework for the Swashbuckler:
3RD LEVEL: RAKISH AUDACITY
- When you roll Initiative, you can give yourself a bonus to the roll equal to your Charisma modifier.
- You also gain proficiency in one of the following skills of your choice: Acrobatics, Intimidation, Performance, or Persuasion.
3RD LEVEL: PANACHE
- Your charm becomes extraordinarily beguiling. As an action, a creature of your choice within 30 feet of you must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw (DC 8 plus your Charisma modifier and Proficiency Bonus) or have the Charmed condition. While a Charmed this way, the creature has disadvantage on attack rolls against targets other than you and can’t make opportunity attacks against targets other than you. This effect lasts for 1 minute, until one of your companions attacks the target or affects it with a spell, or until you and the target are more than 60 feet apart. You can use this feature a number of times equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum of once), and you regain all expended uses when you finish a Long Rest.
9TH LEVEL: DEFENSIVE STANCE
- You gain the following Cunning Strike option.
Stealth Attack (Cost: 1d6). Add the roll of your sneak attack die as a bonus to your AC until the end of your next turn.
13TH LEVEL: COUNTER STRIKE
- When you use your Steady Aim feature, you take on a battle stance and prepare to counter. Until the end of your next turn, when a creature misses you with a melee attack roll, you can take a Reaction to make a melee attack against the creature.
17TH LEVEL: MASTER DUELIST
- Gain Extra Attack.
These options create a very Charisma focused subclass early on, and evolve into a powerful front line combatant. At high level play, this means the Swashbuckler should reliably deal 2d8+10d6+10 damage (assuming a rapier)--which averages to 49 DPR. This value is doubled on the condition that the reaction attack is made and meets criteria to allow Sneak Attack--averages to 93.5 DPR. There are many popular ways for the rogue to gain advantage for this reaction (i.e. Vex Weapon Mastery, Lucky or Heroic Inspiration).
I would love to know what others think of this design for an updated Swashbuckler!