Swashbuckler

Swashbuckler is a base class to be introduced with Storm of Zehir.

Description
Just about everyone is familiar with the classic swashbuckler -- a flashy combatant who lives by her wits and literally dives into combat. But a swashbuckler can be much more than just a character who looks good in a fight. She might be a tireless do-gooder, a fun-loving reveler, a wisecracking vagabond, a rebel, a pugnacious adventurer who won't sit still when insulted, or some combination of these.

Alignment restrictions: None

Weapon Finesse
The swashbuckler begins play with Weapon Finesse as a bonus feat, so she can use her Dexterity bonus for melee attacks -- assuming, of course, that she has the correct weaponry. In addition, she gains a number of other class features as she attains higher levels.

Grace
At 2nd level, she gains the Grace class feature, which gives her a +1 competence bonus on Reflex saves. This bonus increases to +2 at 11th level, and to +3 at 20th level.

Insightful Strike
At 3rd level, the Insightful Strike class feature lets the swashbuckler add her Intelligence bonus (if any) to damage made with any weapon that benefits from Weapon Finesse.

Dodge bonus
At 5th level, the swashbuckler gains a +1 dodge bonus against any single foe in melee combat. This bonus stacks with the bonus from the Dodge feat (if she has it), and increases by +1 every five swashbuckler levels after 5th.

Weakening Critical
At 14th level, the swashbuckler gains the Weakening Critical class feature, which lets her deal Strength damage to her foe with a confirmed critical hit.

Slippery Mind
At 17th level, a swashbuckler gains the Slippery Mind class feature. If she fails a saving throw against an enchantment, she can make a new saving throw 1 round later to throw off the effect.

Wounding Critical
Finally, the Wounding Critical class feature that the swashbuckler gains at 19th level lets her deal Constitution damage to her foe with a confirmed critical hit. This effect is in addition to the Strength damage she deals via the earlier Weakening Critical class feature.

NWN comparison

 * This class did not exist in NWN1.

DnD 3.5 comparison

 * The skills disguise, jump, and profession are not included in NWN2.
 * Lore was used in NWN as a collective version of knowledge and other information skills. NWN2 includes it for the same reasons.