Here is a character concept i've been toying with ...
So ... from my concept ... pardon the crappy art .... his left arm is heavily armor and thus does not hold a weapon .... I want to make this effectively a shield (+2 to AC) and allow him to block melee attacks (for role play purposes) ....
do you think i could "Reflavor" a shield to do this ... or do you think i would have to call it home brew?
he will wield a rapier and probably have some javelins to throw (not pictured) ... First three levels will be Rogue (Swashbuckler) and then it will be fighter the next 17 levels.
It is almost always better to reflavor rather than create custom rules whenever possible. Your description doesn't do anything that can't be done with a shield. You will get proficiency in shields with your first level of fighter, so you'll have it by fourth level. Or you could take a level of fighter at second to get your shield, before finishing up as a rogue.
A shield has to be wielded, and consumes that hand's use for things such as using items and spellcasting. If this 'shield arm' leaves the hand free and still gives the entire benefit of a shield, than it's a more powerful homebrew rather than just a reflavor.
For roleplay purposes, an arm is also thinner than any shield, which would make it very hard to give you any AC benefit against spells or projectiles (arrows etc).
To keep it simple, you could just say the hand is also armored and is highly restricted in its movements. It doesn't make a lot of sense to really stop arrows with it (without being a monk), but if you stick to the restrictions of a shield then it's no more powerful for gameplay purposes. An alternative may be to keep the hand fully usable, but only take a +1 to AC akin to the Dual Wielder feat (and this is closer to dual wielding than using a shield, in my opinion), or say the +2 AC is only against melee attacks (alas, this begins to complicate AC, and I'd personally not use this suggestion, but it is an option).
I was thinking about having a smith build the armor piece as part of the rp... and yes it would be a shield for all purposes except it might be difficult to explain the fact he doesn’t put it down....
HeroMachine.com isn't crappy art, it's a great tool for visualising characters when you lack artistic skills yourself. I highly recommend it.
Anyway, "re-flavouring" is still technically homebrew. You are creating something that doesn't actually exist. However, homebrew always works best if you are taking something that does exist and modifying it to suit your needs. Making an alternative of the Shield as a single form mix of the rerebrace which protects shoulder down to elbow and a vambrace which protected shoulder down forearm is quite good and certainly fits thematically.
You would need to come up with a reason for why a weapon cannot be held in that arm though since technically it doesn't stop you holding a weapon and if it doesn't stop you holding a weapon then it wouldn't stop you just having one each arm and still dual wielding. I would therefore think it would better serve as a light armour type rather a shield alternative.
Click ✨ HERE ✨ For My Youtube Videos featuring Guides, Tips & Tricks for using D&D Beyond. Need help with Homebrew? Check out ✨ thisFAQ/Guide thread ✨ by IamSposta.
What I would do is have an armor-smith create the arm thing to wear over leather armor, and use the studded leather armor as the new AC as it is now a set of that level of armor. In this way you still get the look of what you wanted, but not having to change rules or work around role-playing problems.
Another way of doing it is buying an upgrade to a +1 armor of the type you want. Using this new upgrade as your new arm armor.
However, if you want it at level 1, just role-playing your light armor as if it is only that left shoulder-wrist armor is also an option.
as a dex build ... he will be a half elf ... noble .... born as the illegitimate son to a powerful human noble and an elf servant girl ... he is a young reckless noble with a strong code of honor and a lot to prove..... In combat he will always use a rapier and his off hand will usually be empty..... he will not use the dual wield concept... instead i plan on taking the Defensive Duelist Feat as well as the Shield master Feat. ... by mid game he will use javelins as his primary ranged weapon ... as a rogue ... i think he starts with a short bow ... so this might be problematic ... but i dont think he will use it much ....
If you wanted, there is a way to make the arm shield work very much like a shield.
When you need your hand put the shield away, flavor it as if your are keeping your arm behind your back, and call it " Holding Back Stance".
When you need your +2 AC from your shield, pull it out as your Use an object action, flavor it as if your finally putting in effort with your left hand in defense, and call this move your " Worthy opponent Stance".
well the only real issue i see would be using something like a bow or cross bow .... how would a character with a shield normally handle this? would putting the shield down and drawing the bow be am action? bonus action? multiple actions?
during any other time i would basically call the armor a shield .... no dual weapons ... no heavy weapons ... no versatile weapon stances ... once im able to buy a few javelins i wont need the bow ... i dont really intend to be a ranged fighter i intend to be striker ... but it is just foolish to not have any ranged weapons.
If the intent is truly for 'Flavor'[sic] then just imagine the shield on your character sheet as an armoured arm, and ask the DM to describe events accordingly.
Want a flaming sword, just for flavour? That's easy; just imagine your longsword is on fire..or made of ice, or poison, or hateful thoughts - as long as you don't try to change mechanics, and keep it in your own imagination, nobody will care. Flavour is fun.
I would say the chances are high that your character will eventually find a magic item that does just what you want...reality reflecting art and all that.
im planning on starting a swashbuckling rogue for the first few levels (mostly to explain the rapier fighting, and to get some of the early skill perks) ... but i was planning on to multi-classing into fighter ... but now im wondering if Paladin might be a better choice for a very "Knight" like character. Maybe a combination of both? generally i avoid the idea of a triple class ... but you never know ...
what are your thoughts for this character development?
The Cavalier fighter fits the "knight" very effectively and all you need is 13 Str and Dex for multi-classing with a rogue. Since the Rogue already generally has max Dex this isn't too much of an issue.
Paladin is good, but its already MAD with a need for 13 Str, 13 Dex, and 13 Cha for multi-classing with a rogue.
And to answer your question about the shield in your earlier post. I believe it would take an action to take the shield off, and put it back on. I didn't realize you couldn't just drop the shield if needed.
The Cavalier subclass is one of the best tanks in the game. The extra crits from Champion usually aren't worth everything you give up from the other subclasses.
Sorry if this repeats comments above. I'm a bit short if time and wanted ti be sure I didn't miss this.
There are elements in this that I have a special appreciation for as a fencer (yes, I can honestly boast "IRL-proficiency" with longsword, rapier, spear, etc.). First, the idea of creating a shield-replacing piece of armor. Second, the compromise between armor and utility (hand use). Finally, adding realistic mechanics to your design to enhance the RP flare rather than create more rulesets.
To the First point, why do we use shields? Simple answer: to block and deflect. Why was armor never developed (successfully) to completely replace shields with beefy arms? Blunt-force trauma. To cite a fictional example: In Song of Ice and Fire (Game of Thrones, first book), Bron, a sellsword, volunteers as a champion in a trial by combat. During the fight narration (which is very good, mind you), he lands a resounding blow that cripples his opponent's arm by striking the elbow. Now, it also says blood pools out of the armor from this area, which is a lie unless the armor bent and sliced an artery due to the speed of soaking the gambeson and leaking out. However, the joints in plate armor must be allowed to move. As such, there was plating on the sides and, to an extent, over the outside of the elbow (opposite the bend), but chain was what filled the crook of the elbow. Striking the upper or forearm areas may ring the metal, but striking the joints, even with a longsword - a cutting weapon with very little blunt force - can cause much more damage. For that reason, shields are separate entities because they can receive and disperse shock across the surface without transferring much to the wielder's arm. By making the armor thicker/further from the limb to replace a shield or making the hand a dead-stop instrument, it is what we affectionately call "Iron Hand" wherein you will stop the weapon, but how much are you REALLY stopping?
Now the second point: A rapier is an often-underestimated war weapon and your concept art depicts it beautifully. It is not the slender little strip that everyone assumes. It is a meaty blade meant for impaling people and weighs the same as a Longsword (which is actually just a bit bigger than a bastard sword, just smaller than a two-hander). Rapier fencing has many accompanying weapons: buckler, dagger, cloak, and open hand to name a few. These all serve the same purpose: connect with and offset the enemy weapon. A shield is useful, do not let me disuade from that point. A buckler preferred with rapier because it acts as a constant, wide metal fist (bind, parry, manipulate, punch). The hand, however, can grab the blade, grapple the opponent, communicate, and do all the things a shield can without the sturdy shock-absorption. For that reason, I love the metal sleeve design as long as it ends with a fully metal gauntlet. It may not serve as well as a shield, but it is a static, constant defense that also allows for fine manipulations that a shield would prevent, such as grabbing a horn or potion from your belt.
Now the last point: how do we make all the stuff abve into workable mechanics without bogging down gameplay or throwing it out as aesthetic flare for RP sake? I believe it would have to come down to an equipment stat compromise, class feature(s), and feat(s). For the stat compromise, this is far beyond "Light" armor, but it still retains much of the mobility. As such, I would consider it Light with an extra 1-2 points of AC for your character only as it is basically a custom (signature) set for your fighting style. Alternatively, I assume you are DEX-focused, so I may also consider it Medium with a +3/4 limit to DEX mod. For class features, I would definitely take the Dueling Fighting Style as it works with a 1-handed weapon and free off-hand. Feats can be very interesting for this. There is a UA for weapon and tool feats already. The sword-specific feat (Blade Mastery) gives a flat +1 to attack rolls, you can assume a parrying stance as a reaction which gives +1 AC until the start of your next turn, and advantage to opportunity attacks. This feat is amazing for rogues as it gives powerful offensive and defensive possibilities. I would also take Defensive Duelist, but this takes a reaction to use just like Blade Mastery. DD gives a higher AC bonus, but BM gives more bonuses across the board. There is also homebrew feat options as well. I would consult your DM to come up with one that grants a bonus to attack and defense due to using an armored off-hand instead of a shield, and maybe even the ability to try grappling the opponent or their weapon as a reaction with DC check.
Sorry for the excessively long post. I hope I didn't flood you with too much at once. There have been many times that I've wanted to build a character like this. However, feats, features, and gear all dictate a lvl 10+ character when realistically, you may need "lvl 5 IRL experience".
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Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
Sorry if this repeats comments above. I'm a bit short if time and wanted ti be sure I didn't miss this.
I look forward to your full answer when you have more time. :)
Speaking as a long standing fencing instructor (and student of other martial arts) I have to say I think you nailed that answer. The only thing I want to say is in relation to Bron's attack on his opponent that caused blood to flow. This actually happened. We don't know why, but it is a fact of the fiction that it did. However unlikely.
You have to allow a certain amount of suspension of disbelief when playing D&D. I have no trouble with massive dragons and scheming beholders, flying cities and Gods amongst us, but damaging somebody with a whip? Preposterous! Ever been hit hard with a sabre (the fencing type)? A layer of cotton fencing jacket takes 95+% of the sting out. Even on a bare arm that 'cutting' attack barely raises a welt! (A blunt blade, but it's still fairly rigid and metal.)
So while in reality, I believe an armoured arm would be as much use as a chocolate teapot (except against a whip or fencing weapon), I have to admit the concept is pretty cool. I thought the concept art in the OP was pretty good too. Definitely served it's purpose.
I (the character creator) spent my high school and college years fencing with the USFA and was actually certified as a coach ... which is why i have always wanted to but never have done a rapier based character (even though i prefer saber to foil or epee) ...
but that not here nor there really ....
I plan on taking the DD perk as well as the Shield Master perk. The shield master perk allows the character to do a shield bash ... or in this case a shove ... that pushes an enemy (im assuming medium or smaller) back i think 5-10 feet.... i'm picturing this as binding the enemy blade ... and then a sturn open hand strike to the chest with the armored arm.
Im choosing the swashbuckler to make it feel more organic (and to help explain his rapier skill) even though the assassin class tends to be my favorite flavor of rogue.
But im still struggling with the fighter archetype. I still think i want to do champion so i gain a crit on 19 or 20 ... and flavor it like the blade of rapier goes in between the enemies armor plates ... and get a second fighting style ... Defense and Dueling....
I would absolutely go for Dueling and Defensive Styles.
I hadn't considered the Shield Master perk, but that will be up to your DM to consider the armor enough of a shield for the feat. Another option could be to combine Sentinel with Mobile. Most look at Sentinel as a Tank feat, but here's a thought: You take opportunity attacks against opponents more often, your OAs lock them down, and melee attacks (not sure if OA is considered one as well or not) keep them from throwing AOs at you. It allows you to act as a melee-range controller instead of the typical stab-and-disengage rogue.
For some IRL advice, start with YouTube channels that focus on Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA). In particular, I would highly recommend Blood & Iron HEMA and Scholagladatoria to start as they demonstrate a lot of rapier work. If saber is more of your apeal, Matt Easton of Scholagladatoria puts a good amount of focus on both rapier and 17-18th century military saber.
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
Sentinel might be good ..., but the swash buckler abilities are the same as the mobile feet ... so I would only gain 10 feet of movement by sacrificing something better ....
Instead of fighter levels, take monk and follow the kensei path with rapier as kensei weapon. The Champion sub class is definitely the closest to a 'classical' duelist, but a Westernised kensei comes close.
Or just stick with Rogue to level 20. (Or whenever the TPK destroys all your hopes and dreams....)
@Cporter : "(even though i prefer saber to foil or epee) ..." - who doesn't? :)
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Roleplaying since Runequest.
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Here is a character concept i've been toying with ...
So ... from my concept ... pardon the crappy art .... his left arm is heavily armor and thus does not hold a weapon .... I want to make this effectively a shield (+2 to AC) and allow him to block melee attacks (for role play purposes) ....
do you think i could "Reflavor" a shield to do this ... or do you think i would have to call it home brew?
he will wield a rapier and probably have some javelins to throw (not pictured) ... First three levels will be Rogue (Swashbuckler) and then it will be fighter the next 17 levels.
It is almost always better to reflavor rather than create custom rules whenever possible. Your description doesn't do anything that can't be done with a shield. You will get proficiency in shields with your first level of fighter, so you'll have it by fourth level. Or you could take a level of fighter at second to get your shield, before finishing up as a rogue.
A shield has to be wielded, and consumes that hand's use for things such as using items and spellcasting. If this 'shield arm' leaves the hand free and still gives the entire benefit of a shield, than it's a more powerful homebrew rather than just a reflavor.
For roleplay purposes, an arm is also thinner than any shield, which would make it very hard to give you any AC benefit against spells or projectiles (arrows etc).
To keep it simple, you could just say the hand is also armored and is highly restricted in its movements. It doesn't make a lot of sense to really stop arrows with it (without being a monk), but if you stick to the restrictions of a shield then it's no more powerful for gameplay purposes. An alternative may be to keep the hand fully usable, but only take a +1 to AC akin to the Dual Wielder feat (and this is closer to dual wielding than using a shield, in my opinion), or say the +2 AC is only against melee attacks (alas, this begins to complicate AC, and I'd personally not use this suggestion, but it is an option).
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My homebrew: [Subclasses] [Races] [Feats] [Discussion Thread]
I was thinking about having a smith build the armor piece as part of the rp... and yes it would be a shield for all purposes except it might be difficult to explain the fact he doesn’t put it down....
Click ✨ HERE ✨ For My Youtube Videos featuring Guides, Tips & Tricks for using D&D Beyond.
Need help with Homebrew? Check out ✨ this FAQ/Guide thread ✨ by IamSposta.
What I would do is have an armor-smith create the arm thing to wear over leather armor, and use the studded leather armor as the new AC as it is now a set of that level of armor. In this way you still get the look of what you wanted, but not having to change rules or work around role-playing problems.
Another way of doing it is buying an upgrade to a +1 armor of the type you want. Using this new upgrade as your new arm armor.
However, if you want it at level 1, just role-playing your light armor as if it is only that left shoulder-wrist armor is also an option.
as a dex build ... he will be a half elf ... noble .... born as the illegitimate son to a powerful human noble and an elf servant girl ... he is a young reckless noble with a strong code of honor and a lot to prove..... In combat he will always use a rapier and his off hand will usually be empty..... he will not use the dual wield concept... instead i plan on taking the Defensive Duelist Feat as well as the Shield master Feat. ... by mid game he will use javelins as his primary ranged weapon ... as a rogue ... i think he starts with a short bow ... so this might be problematic ... but i dont think he will use it much ....
If you wanted, there is a way to make the arm shield work very much like a shield.
When you need your hand put the shield away, flavor it as if your are keeping your arm behind your back, and call it " Holding Back Stance".
When you need your +2 AC from your shield, pull it out as your Use an object action, flavor it as if your finally putting in effort with your left hand in defense, and call this move your " Worthy opponent Stance".
well the only real issue i see would be using something like a bow or cross bow .... how would a character with a shield normally handle this? would putting the shield down and drawing the bow be am action? bonus action? multiple actions?
during any other time i would basically call the armor a shield .... no dual weapons ... no heavy weapons ... no versatile weapon stances ... once im able to buy a few javelins i wont need the bow ... i dont really intend to be a ranged fighter i intend to be striker ... but it is just foolish to not have any ranged weapons.
If the intent is truly for 'Flavor'[sic] then just imagine the shield on your character sheet as an armoured arm, and ask the DM to describe events accordingly.
Want a flaming sword, just for flavour? That's easy; just imagine your longsword is on fire..or made of ice, or poison, or hateful thoughts - as long as you don't try to change mechanics, and keep it in your own imagination, nobody will care. Flavour is fun.
I would say the chances are high that your character will eventually find a magic item that does just what you want...reality reflecting art and all that.
Roleplaying since Runequest.
im planning on starting a swashbuckling rogue for the first few levels (mostly to explain the rapier fighting, and to get some of the early skill perks) ... but i was planning on to multi-classing into fighter ... but now im wondering if Paladin might be a better choice for a very "Knight" like character. Maybe a combination of both? generally i avoid the idea of a triple class ... but you never know ...
what are your thoughts for this character development?
The Cavalier fighter fits the "knight" very effectively and all you need is 13 Str and Dex for multi-classing with a rogue. Since the Rogue already generally has max Dex this isn't too much of an issue.
Paladin is good, but its already MAD with a need for 13 Str, 13 Dex, and 13 Cha for multi-classing with a rogue.
And to answer your question about the shield in your earlier post. I believe it would take an action to take the shield off, and put it back on. I didn't realize you couldn't just drop the shield if needed.
if im not on horseback ... does the Cavalier really do much? i was leaning toward champion to pick up a second fighting style and the better crit ...
The Cavalier subclass is one of the best tanks in the game. The extra crits from Champion usually aren't worth everything you give up from the other subclasses.
The Forum Infestation (TM)
Sorry if this repeats comments above. I'm a bit short if time and wanted ti be sure I didn't miss this.
There are elements in this that I have a special appreciation for as a fencer (yes, I can honestly boast "IRL-proficiency" with longsword, rapier, spear, etc.). First, the idea of creating a shield-replacing piece of armor. Second, the compromise between armor and utility (hand use). Finally, adding realistic mechanics to your design to enhance the RP flare rather than create more rulesets.
To the First point, why do we use shields? Simple answer: to block and deflect. Why was armor never developed (successfully) to completely replace shields with beefy arms? Blunt-force trauma. To cite a fictional example: In Song of Ice and Fire (Game of Thrones, first book), Bron, a sellsword, volunteers as a champion in a trial by combat. During the fight narration (which is very good, mind you), he lands a resounding blow that cripples his opponent's arm by striking the elbow. Now, it also says blood pools out of the armor from this area, which is a lie unless the armor bent and sliced an artery due to the speed of soaking the gambeson and leaking out. However, the joints in plate armor must be allowed to move. As such, there was plating on the sides and, to an extent, over the outside of the elbow (opposite the bend), but chain was what filled the crook of the elbow. Striking the upper or forearm areas may ring the metal, but striking the joints, even with a longsword - a cutting weapon with very little blunt force - can cause much more damage. For that reason, shields are separate entities because they can receive and disperse shock across the surface without transferring much to the wielder's arm. By making the armor thicker/further from the limb to replace a shield or making the hand a dead-stop instrument, it is what we affectionately call "Iron Hand" wherein you will stop the weapon, but how much are you REALLY stopping?
Now the second point: A rapier is an often-underestimated war weapon and your concept art depicts it beautifully. It is not the slender little strip that everyone assumes. It is a meaty blade meant for impaling people and weighs the same as a Longsword (which is actually just a bit bigger than a bastard sword, just smaller than a two-hander). Rapier fencing has many accompanying weapons: buckler, dagger, cloak, and open hand to name a few. These all serve the same purpose: connect with and offset the enemy weapon. A shield is useful, do not let me disuade from that point. A buckler preferred with rapier because it acts as a constant, wide metal fist (bind, parry, manipulate, punch). The hand, however, can grab the blade, grapple the opponent, communicate, and do all the things a shield can without the sturdy shock-absorption. For that reason, I love the metal sleeve design as long as it ends with a fully metal gauntlet. It may not serve as well as a shield, but it is a static, constant defense that also allows for fine manipulations that a shield would prevent, such as grabbing a horn or potion from your belt.
Now the last point: how do we make all the stuff abve into workable mechanics without bogging down gameplay or throwing it out as aesthetic flare for RP sake? I believe it would have to come down to an equipment stat compromise, class feature(s), and feat(s). For the stat compromise, this is far beyond "Light" armor, but it still retains much of the mobility. As such, I would consider it Light with an extra 1-2 points of AC for your character only as it is basically a custom (signature) set for your fighting style. Alternatively, I assume you are DEX-focused, so I may also consider it Medium with a +3/4 limit to DEX mod. For class features, I would definitely take the Dueling Fighting Style as it works with a 1-handed weapon and free off-hand. Feats can be very interesting for this. There is a UA for weapon and tool feats already. The sword-specific feat (Blade Mastery) gives a flat +1 to attack rolls, you can assume a parrying stance as a reaction which gives +1 AC until the start of your next turn, and advantage to opportunity attacks. This feat is amazing for rogues as it gives powerful offensive and defensive possibilities. I would also take Defensive Duelist, but this takes a reaction to use just like Blade Mastery. DD gives a higher AC bonus, but BM gives more bonuses across the board. There is also homebrew feat options as well. I would consult your DM to come up with one that grants a bonus to attack and defense due to using an armored off-hand instead of a shield, and maybe even the ability to try grappling the opponent or their weapon as a reaction with DC check.
Sorry for the excessively long post. I hope I didn't flood you with too much at once. There have been many times that I've wanted to build a character like this. However, feats, features, and gear all dictate a lvl 10+ character when realistically, you may need "lvl 5 IRL experience".
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser
Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale
Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
The only thing I want to say is in relation to Bron's attack on his opponent that caused blood to flow. This actually happened. We don't know why, but it is a fact of the fiction that it did. However unlikely.
I thought the concept art in the OP was pretty good too. Definitely served it's purpose.
Roleplaying since Runequest.
I (the character creator) spent my high school and college years fencing with the USFA and was actually certified as a coach ... which is why i have always wanted to but never have done a rapier based character (even though i prefer saber to foil or epee) ...
but that not here nor there really ....
I plan on taking the DD perk as well as the Shield Master perk. The shield master perk allows the character to do a shield bash ... or in this case a shove ... that pushes an enemy (im assuming medium or smaller) back i think 5-10 feet.... i'm picturing this as binding the enemy blade ... and then a sturn open hand strike to the chest with the armored arm.
Im choosing the swashbuckler to make it feel more organic (and to help explain his rapier skill) even though the assassin class tends to be my favorite flavor of rogue.
But im still struggling with the fighter archetype. I still think i want to do champion so i gain a crit on 19 or 20 ... and flavor it like the blade of rapier goes in between the enemies armor plates ... and get a second fighting style ... Defense and Dueling....
Thoughts?
I would absolutely go for Dueling and Defensive Styles.
I hadn't considered the Shield Master perk, but that will be up to your DM to consider the armor enough of a shield for the feat. Another option could be to combine Sentinel with Mobile. Most look at Sentinel as a Tank feat, but here's a thought: You take opportunity attacks against opponents more often, your OAs lock them down, and melee attacks (not sure if OA is considered one as well or not) keep them from throwing AOs at you. It allows you to act as a melee-range controller instead of the typical stab-and-disengage rogue.
For some IRL advice, start with YouTube channels that focus on Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA). In particular, I would highly recommend Blood & Iron HEMA and Scholagladatoria to start as they demonstrate a lot of rapier work. If saber is more of your apeal, Matt Easton of Scholagladatoria puts a good amount of focus on both rapier and 17-18th century military saber.
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser
Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale
Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
Sentinel might be good ..., but the swash buckler abilities are the same as the mobile feet ... so I would only gain 10 feet of movement by sacrificing something better ....
And now for something completely different:
Instead of fighter levels, take monk and follow the kensei path with rapier as kensei weapon.
The Champion sub class is definitely the closest to a 'classical' duelist, but a Westernised kensei comes close.
Or just stick with Rogue to level 20. (Or whenever the TPK destroys all your hopes and dreams....)
@Cporter : "(even though i prefer saber to foil or epee) ..." - who doesn't? :)
Roleplaying since Runequest.