Swashbuckler template question for Dungeon Fantasy

[Varyon]

Originally Posted by scc

This would actually be a problem whenever that Vow is taken but, this means there should probably be an official ruling on the matter.

Indeed. Personally, I'd replace Fast Draw (Knife) with Fast Draw (Potion), then go with Throwing instead of Thrown Weapon (Knife) - the former is always useful to a delver, and the latter will let you use Throwing to throw grenade potions (which I wouldn't say violates your Vow, unless you're trying to brain someone with the bottle) and grapnels, toss useful items to your friends, and chuck rocks to spring traps.

[Dammann]

The Martial Artist has this sort of apparent conflict, as well. Really, it is just that the template allows you to build distinct characters. Is your Martial Artist strictly unarmed? Then don't take Thrown Weapon (Shuriken). Is your Swashbuckler a disciplined specialist in one particular sword, to the exclusion of other weapons? Don't take Thrown Weapon (Knife). If you want a Martial Artist with Tonfas and throwing stars, you must select Disads that support that, and a swashbuckling rogue shouldn't take Disads appropriate to a single-minded duelist. Even with the DF templates, it's a good idea to begin with some sort of concept, and then select traits that fit, rather than allowing character point budgets to dictate traits.

[Varyon]

Originally Posted by Dammann

Is your Swashbuckler a disciplined specialist in one particular sword, to the exclusion of other weapons? Don't take Thrown Weapon (Knife).

The issue isn't so much with Thrown Weapon (Knife) - Throwing is another option, and one that will be usable without violating your Vow. The bigger issue is Fast-Draw (Knife), which is useless* if you have a Vow that prevents you from using such a weapon. Granted, it's only [1], so whatever you do isn't going to break anything, but it's still a minor contradiction.

*Depending on how strictly you interpret "Use only weapon of choice," Fast-Draw (Knife) might still see some use as an aid to Intimidation, to cut oneself free of an entangling net, and so forth.

[Dammann]

... or for parries.

[Varyon]

Originally Posted by Dammann

... or for parries.

Eh, not so much. A character with such a Vow isn't going to have "wasted" points on Main-Gauche, so he's working off of his Knife default of DX-4. Most weapons are at -1 to Parry when wielded with Knife. So, he's at (DX-4)/2-1+3 = DX/2 to Parry with the knife. He's at at least DX/2+3 to Parry unarmed normally, which drops to DX/2 against a swung weapon - meaning the knife is at best equal to Parrying unarmed. Now, there can be special circumstances that change this - spending extra money (and suffering a bit more encumbrance) to use one of the knives that is at +0 to Parry can make the knife marginally better if you're expecting to go up against foes with swung weapons (although most such are heavy enough that your knife isn't likely to survive many Parries).

[InfinitePudding]

We haven't started play yet, I still haven't decided what vow to take instead. I mean it could be almost anything. My swashbuckler is a dashing Nymph as I wanted to be dangerous and look great doing it. It looks like I'll be going it alone with this character too so I don't fancy always letting the bad guys try and hit me before going first, I'm having a hard time thinking of any other vow though.

[chandley]

Originally Posted by West_Winds

We haven't started play yet, I still haven't decided what vow to take instead. I mean it could be almost anything. My swashbuckler is a dashing Nymph as I wanted to be dangerous and look great doing it. It looks like I'll be going it alone with this character too so I don't fancy always letting the bad guys try and hit me before going first, I'm having a hard time thinking of any other vow though.

Well, as a nymph, there is always the obvious route: Vow (Never wear armor) and go down the Bullet Proof Nudity chain of perks... Not technically open to Swashbucklers yet, only Barbarians, but not exactly a stretch either.

Also, put that Charisma to use: Get Rapier Wit. A free chance to stun intelligent opponents. Only weird thing is Swashbucklers dont have public Speaking on their template, so you'll need a quirk point to pick that up. But with a Nymphs Charisma, plus maybe voice... you can really hammer intelligent foes.

[Varyon]

Originally Posted by West_Winds

We haven't started play yet, I still haven't decided what vow to take instead. I mean it could be almost anything. My swashbuckler is a dashing Nymph as I wanted to be dangerous and look great doing it. It looks like I'll be going it alone with this character too so I don't fancy always letting the bad guys try and hit me before going first, I'm having a hard time thinking of any other vow though.

Do note that, worst case scenario, taking Vow (Only Use Chosen Weapon) is forcing you to waste a single character point for Fast Draw (Knife) - as I've already noted, the points spent on Throwing are likely to prove worthwhile, particularly if you don't have allies to back you up. If that Vow still fits your character concept (and you're good with the consequences of it), you'll probably be better off taking it instead of some less-appropriate Vow (note also that having Main-Gauche to let you use that Fast-Drawn weapon drops your skill with your favored weapon).

[evileeyore]

Originally Posted by chandley

Only weird thing is Swashbucklers dont have public Speaking on their template, so you'll need a quirk point to pick that up.

Only if the GM requires it. As per the back of DF2, it could just cost $80 per point being an "out of Guild" skill training.

[chandley]

Originally Posted by evileeyore

Only if the GM requires it. As per the back of DF2, it could just cost $80 per point being an "out of Guild" skill training.

Hrm. Dont think training costs are levied for your initial 250+40+5. I was riffing off the "spend any additional points from quirks or personal disadvantages on whatever you like (subject to GM approval", DF 1 p4. I usually use those 5 points to pick up out of template skills needed for my concept.

Honestly, in the spirit of this thread, Id make Fast-Draw (Knife) an or with Fast-Draw (Potion), and I would add Public Speaking (A) IQ-1 [1]-9 to Background Skills for the Swashbuckler template. It is clear that Public Speaking, at least, got missed when they put Rapier Wit on the template.