Do Swashbucklers Get All Deeds? A Deep Dive into Pathfinder’s Agile Combatant
The short answer to the question, “Do swashbucklers get all deeds?“, is a resounding no. Swashbucklers, a unique class in Pathfinder, do not gain every deed available. Instead, they receive a specific selection of deeds tied to their class level. A 1st level swashbuckler, for instance, automatically gains the deeds Opportune Parry and Riposte, Derring-Do, and Dodging Panache. These are not chosen, but rather granted based on their initial level. As the swashbuckler gains experience and levels, they unlock additional deeds according to their class progression chart. This means that their access to deeds is predetermined by their character level and is a core part of their class mechanics, not something they get to freely choose from the entire pool of available deeds. The swashbuckler’s progression in deeds is crucial to understanding the class’s identity and its role in a party.
The Swashbuckler’s Core Mechanics
Understanding Deeds
Deeds are special abilities that swashbucklers can perform by spending panache, a limited resource replenished by various actions, like landing a critical hit or making a daring maneuver. These deeds are not just bonuses; they are fundamental to the swashbuckler’s style of fighting. Panache allows them to weave in and out of melee, using their agility and cleverness to outmaneuver their opponents. The deeds enhance both their offensive and defensive capabilities. They typically augment the swashbuckler’s melee attack abilities and include both active abilities and passive effects.
Level-Specific Deeds
The swashbuckler does not pick and choose deeds at level-up. The deeds a swashbuckler gains are tied directly to their class level. You can see a chart of the deeds they get in the class description. Each level grants a set list of these abilities, so you do not have the ability to get every deed by playing a character at a high enough level. It also means that the class is relatively self-contained; it doesn’t need to dip into other classes for special abilities because it has those abilities built into its progression. At 11th level, for example, a Swashbuckler unlocks the Bleeding Wound ability, a significant offensive boost that allows them to inflict extra bleed damage with a piercing melee weapon, costing them one panache point.
Not All Deeds are Created Equal
The deeds granted at early levels, such as Opportune Parry and Riposte, are quite different from those granted later, like Bleeding Wound or Perfect Thrust. This difference highlights how the swashbuckler evolves as they level up. The class is designed to be a powerful melee combatant that is also capable of a wide variety of other actions. The way that their deeds advance as they level up makes them more dangerous and harder to hit as the campaign progresses. Some deeds, such as the level 1 deeds, are used often and define the early gameplay of the class while later-level deeds tend to be special abilities for particular situations. The deeds available at higher levels are meant to complement the earlier levels of deeds, and not necessarily to replace them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Swashbuckler Deeds
Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding swashbuckler deeds in Pathfinder, designed to give a more comprehensive understanding of the class.
1. What is panache, and how does it work?
Panache is the primary resource for a swashbuckler to activate their deeds. It’s gained through daring actions like landing a critical hit or making a successful skill check, and is a limited pool. The Swashbuckler gains a +5-foot status bonus to their Speeds and a +1 circumstance bonus to checks to Tumble Through or to take any actions that give them panache due to their style, while you have panache.
2. Do swashbucklers need Strength?
While traditionally melee characters rely heavily on Strength, swashbucklers can excel with a lower strength score, focusing instead on Dexterity. Dexterity is very important to the swashbuckler because it determines their initiative, their ability to hit with finesse weapons, and helps with a lot of their deeds.
3. What is the best race for a swashbuckler?
Humans are often considered a top choice for swashbucklers, as the extra feat allows early access to Slashing Grace, and their flexible stat bonus can enhance Dexterity. Plus, the human favored class bonus adds to the size of their panache pool.
4. What is the ‘Bleeding Wound’ deed?
At 11th level, the swashbuckler gains Bleeding Wound, allowing them to inflict additional bleed damage with a light or one-handed piercing melee weapon by spending 1 panache point. Bleed damage bypasses Damage Reduction (DR).
5. Does bleed bypass DR?
Yes, bleed damage bypasses Damage Reduction. However, the initial attack must first overcome the target’s DR to land. The attack must deal at least 1 point of damage through the damage reduction.
6. Can fast healing stop bleed?
No, fast healing does not automatically stop bleed damage. Bleed damage continues each round until a successful heal check or magical healing is applied.
7. What stat is best for a swashbuckler?
Dexterity is the most important stat for a swashbuckler because it influences attack rolls, Armor Class, and skills. It is crucial for both offense and defense.
8. Does the swashbuckler’s weapon training count as fighter weapon training?
No, the Swashbuckler weapon training feature does not count as fighter weapon training. The bonuses they provide are untyped and, as such, stack. The swashbuckler and fighter both get weapon training, but for the purpose of feats they are separate abilities.
9. What are the best traits for a swashbuckler?
Dexterity is paramount. Besides the main stat, traits that support combat prowess, such as initiative bonuses or those that offer mobility, are also ideal. Traits are minor bonuses and this decision really boils down to personal preference.
10. Can swashbucklers use shields?
Swashbucklers are proficient with martial weapons and light armor, but not shields. However, this does not mean that they cannot use a buckler. None of the Swashbuckler’s class features require that you don’t use a shield.
11. Do swashbucklers get two-weapon fighting?
Yes, a swashbuckler can effectively use two weapons with the help of their Fancy Footwork ability. This ability lets them attack an enemy, and then leave without provoking attacks of opportunity. The freed up bonus action can be used for two-weapon fighting.
12. What are the best weapons for swashbucklers?
Weapons like rapiers and short swords are popular choices, especially since the class’s deeds interact positively with them. Specific weapons get a competence bonus to their critical profiles including: Dagger, Shortsword, Throwing Dagger, Light Mace, Light Hammer, Kama, Sickle, Dart, Shuriken, Throwing Axe, Throwing Hammer, Kukri, and Rapier.
13. What is the “precise strike” class feature?
The precise strike class feature grants extra precision damage while the swashbuckler has panache. It’s a key part of their damage output, rewarding agility and precision attacks.
14. What is a good multiclass option for swashbucklers?
A single level in the Hexblade Warlock provides spellcasting and the Hex Warrior ability, which allows using Charisma for weapon attacks, opening up more roleplaying opportunities and other mechanical advantages.
15. Who is the iconic swashbuckler in Pathfinder?
The iconic swashbuckler in Pathfinder is Jirelle. She first appeared in the 2014 Free RPG Day adventure, Risen from the Sands.
Conclusion
The swashbuckler is a complex and rewarding class with a unique combat style. They do not get all deeds; instead, they unlock a specific set based on their level. This controlled progression ensures they remain balanced and thematic. Understanding the interplay between panache, deeds, and their level-specific abilities is crucial to playing a swashbuckler effectively. They are not just fighters; they are agile and charismatic combatants who rely on skill, finesse, and a touch of daring to outwit and overcome their foes. Mastering this class involves understanding the limited but powerful set of options they have available. The proper use of panache and your deeds at the correct time is the mark of a skilled and experienced swashbuckler player.