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| DUELIST CLASS GUIDE | v1.1
===============================================================================
I have written this not in spite, but to bring the potential of the duelist
class in Neverwinter Nights 2 to the full realization to all. There are
some people who go against this class claiming it is not as good as some
of the other melee classes, when truth is that this class can be amazing
if played right or even used as a great multiclass option.
__________________
| TABLE OF CONTENTS| quick find codes
===============================================================================
0. Table of Contents [you're already there]
1. Introduction [intro]
2. Weapons [weap]
3. Attributes [att]
4. Skills [Skills]
5. Feats [feat]
6. Game play [game]
7. Races [race]
8. Multi-Classing [mc]
9. Sample Builds [builds]
10. FAQ [FAQS]
11. Version History [vers]
12. Copyrite [copy]
{This is more or less the description of the duelist class from the game}
The duelist is a nimble, intelligent fighter trained in making precise
attacks with light weapons, such as the rapier. They always take full
advantage of their quick reflexes and wits in a fight. Rather than
wearing bulky armor, a duelist feels the best way to protect themselves
is not to get hit at all.
Duelists are most often fighters or rangers, but rogues and bards are also
common. Wizards, sorcerers, and monks make surprisingly good duelists
due to those classes’ lack of reliance on armor. They benefit greatly
from the weapon skill the duelist offers. Some paladins and barbarians
who deviate a good deal from their archetypes become duelists.
• Hit Die: d10
• Base Attack Bonus: High
• High Saves: Reflex
• Weapon Proficiencies: Simple and martial weapons
• Armor Proficiencies: None
• Skills Points: 4 + Int modifier
• Class Skills: Bluff, Craft Weapon, Listen, Parry, Spot, Taunt, and Tumble.
Skills
--------
Canny Defense: When not wearing armor or using a shield, the duelist adds
their intelligence bonus or Duelist level (which ever is lower) to their AC,
with a maximum bonus equal to their Duelist level.{ gained at level 1}
Improved Reaction: At 2nd level, the duelist can improve their speed and
reaction time, triggering the equivalent of the haste spell as if cast by
a sorcerer of the duelist's class level. This ability can be used once per
day at 2nd level, three times per day at 4th level, four times per day at
6th level, five times per day at 8th level, and six times per day at 10th
level.
Enhanced Mobility: At 3rd level, the duelist gains an additional +4 dodge
bonus to AC gainst attacks of opportunity provoked by movement. This bonus
stacks with that granted by the Mobility feat.
Grace: At 4th level, the duelist gains a +2 bonus on Reflex saves.
Precise Strike: At 5th level, the duelist's skill and precision allows them
to inflict much more grievous wounds than their weapon might suggest. Whenever
the duelist attacks with a light or one-handed piercing weapon, they adds
1d6 to their damage. This bonus increases to 2d6 at 10th level.
Flourish: A 6th level duelist can make an impressive, flashy attack with a
light or one-handed piercing weapon that catches their foe off guard. This
attack deals 2d6 additional points of piercing damage. There is no limit
to the number of times per day the duelist may use this ability, but a
30-second "cool down" period is required between uses.
Elaborate Parry: At 7th level, the duelist masters the art of defense with
their blade. Whenever they wield a light or one-handed piercing weapon,
they add their duelist level to Parry checks.
Deflect Arrows: A 9th level duelist gains Deflect Arrows as a bonus feat
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The duelist is a prestige class, so you wont be able to choose it until you
have the requirements, and then you need to level up once more.
The descriptions can be a little misleading so just so you know you'll be
using a light or piercing weapon for this class and you cannot wear any
armor, or hold a shield/ offhand weapon. If this doesn’t suit you then I
would suggest you rethink what class you wish to become.
Now I know what you are thinking, how will I win fights missing so much?
That’s the beauty of the duelist class they can really put a hurt on someone
in a 1v1 fight even while lacking soo much.
Deception is a key here and it opens the locked box of the
duelist class.
Here is a list of all the weapons that you can use to make the most out
of the duelist class.
Rapier : probably the best one possible, decent dmg, good size, amazing
crit rating.
You can’t go wrong with it.
Dagger: really undersized, sub-par dmg, average critical rating, not your
best choice but it is YOUR choice at the end of the day.
Short sword: like the dagger but slightly better, still not as good as
the rapier.
Your Bare Hands: yes I know I put it in here; I'll go into details in
the builds section
_____________
| ATTRIBUTES | [att]
===============================================================================
Now as a duelist you’ll need high dex, high int, decent STR and con, with
a low wisdom and cha
This translates into approximately
Beginning stats
str 12
con 14
dex 16
intel 16
wis 10 or 8 if you can stand having a negative modifier
cha 10 or 8 if you can stand having a negative modifier
Of course these are subject to change depending on what you plan to
do with the class.
As for the skill points you gain during the game (by leveling up) dex / int
should be your main area of focus to increase.
Feel free to change things around if you feel it fit, this is just a guide
after all.
________________
| SKILLS | [skills]
===============================================================================
In order to achieve this class you must have a Parry of at least 5, and tumble
of at least 5 These two skills are essential for your survival as a duelist
so keep leveling them up. Aside from those there really isn’t anything needed
for a duelist however in the builds section There are a few multiclass build
latter in the guide and in them I list the other skills needed for success.
_____________
| FEATS | [feat]
===============================================================================
As a duelist you are required to have: Weapon Finesse, Dodge, and Mobility.
Some of the best feats to pick are:
---------------------------------------
Weapon Focus (name your weapon) can’t go wrong with it as long as you pick
the right weapon your set
Improved Crit (name your weapon) same as weapon focus can really
help you out
Improved Parry This is your bread and butter; boost one of your best skills
so take this one for sure. This is by far the most important
skill other than the required ones.
Combat Expertise on its own not so great but it leads to-> feint
Feint amazingly effective if you choose to multiclass with rogue,
assassin or anything with sneak attack. As this feat will get you
a sneak attack when activated during combat and you are attacking
(i.e. not in parry mode)
Other Helpful feats
--------------------------
Toughness extra hit points makes jonny a happy boy {to the reader:
I'm sure people other than jonny will be happy with this,
but feats are a rare thing to come by so pick carefully}
Cleave as good as it is you need POWER ATTACK, and that just aint
the duelist style, feel free though to drop a couple feats
and get this.
Disarm/ Improved disarm can be very useful, but they require a decently
sized weapon (rapier) nice bonus is that with improved
version you get to keep the disarmed weapon and sell
it for gold.
_______________________
| GAMEPLAY/STRATEGIES | [game]
===============================================================================
Now a duelist specializes in 1vs1 combat, so when it comes to the official
campaign there might be a shortage of those. A few good strategies will
be explained in this section to help you get through the swarms of enemies
you’ll encounter on your journey both effectivly and while enjoying yourself.
Strategies
-------------
Tank and Sneak: This strat is a common one for rouges/ assassins, and
it involves you sending in your party to attack first
then you follow of choosing individuals to pick off with
sneak attacks/ attacks of opportunity until the opposing
force is eliminated.
Another variation of this is to go in first in stealth
mode and kill the main enemy with your super sneak attack
then when the other baddies focus on you use parry or
Hide in Plain sight.
If you use parry have the rest of your party flank the
mob while you sit back with drink in hand parry-ing
yourself to victory. And then once the enemies attack you
focus on your allies sneak attack them.
Should you use Hide in Plain sight
and it works, feel free to target the next strongest enemy
and sneak attack them, rinse and repeat ftw.
Parry: This is a true duelist style. You run into the middle of the
opponents, activate your parry mode grab some snacksand let the
counter attack party begin. Beware this style works so much
better if you have a high parry skill, and the improved parry
feat. It will be better to avoid this in the early levels
because your skills will not be high enough to pull it off
without getting hit.
Bow and Arrow: The beauty of this strat is that it makes use of your already
high dexterity. Using a bow you hit the one enemy that you wish
to fight that enemy will charge at you now. Switch to your weapon
and have some fun. Alson really fun in a pvp server when someone
sees you with a bow dressed in clothing thinking easy kill charges
at you then you bust out your sword at teach him the "point" of
your build (pun intended)
Trap and Bow: This is more of a rogue thing to due, but it works out
if you take rogue levels before duelist and get some set
trap skills. First you set a couple traps (while in
stealth mode). Position your self so the traps are
between you and the enemies. Then using a bow attacks
a couple enemies and they will charge at you going into
the traps. Now this one is a little long, but it’s
amusing for a while.
___________
| RACES | [race]
===============================================================================
This section will go through the races you can chose from in the game
and how effective they are at being a duelist.
Human
-----------
As a duelist they do very well. Best advantage is that they don’t have
any disadvantages. Bonus skills points and an extra feat at creation are
good as well.
Tiefling
---------------
One of the better choices for duelist, +2 dex and +2 intel are really helpful.
They do experience a small level penalty, but they get other skills that make
up for it.
Half-Elf
-------------
Good if you are multiclassing, and if you must use them for role-playing
reasons then do so. However I always found they were underpowered by the
game designers.
Half-Orc
----------------
Avoid this one, if you are tempted to be a half orc you’d be better off
choosing barbarian, and then frenzied berserker as your prestige class.
Although i have seen some Half-orc wizard builds that made me laugh
then throw up, and then curse at the computer when i tried them.
Halfings
------------
They are decent if you chose to take rogue or assassin levels, because
they will help with your stealth. Stronghearts get a bonus feat at level one
like humans, and lightfoots get lucky (+1 to all saving throws) but lucky cant
be erased by taking luck of the hero at the 1st level.
Drow
-----------
My personal favorite race, they get a lot of bonus attributes and spells that
can really boost your duelist potential. However they come with a +2 level
penalty and the light sensitivity penalty.
Moon Elf / Sun Elf
-----------------------------
Decent race to choose, but they are better suited to being other classes
Wood Elf
----------------
Not so great, they get +2 dex but -2 int and the negative intelligence will
really hurt you in the AC section.
Deep Gnomes
----------------------
Considered one of the most powerful races in the game, why else would they
have that huge -3 level penalty? There is a build in this guide later on that
will use the deep gnomes to their most.
Other races
---------------
They are not recommended but if you wish to use them do, but you just might
cripple your duelist more than you think.
_________________
| MULTICLASSING | [mc]
===============================================================================
Now as a Prestige class you must use one of the base classes to get the
requirements to be a duelist.This section will explain which classes are
better than others.
Barbarian: Not your best choice because they rely on str and rage to do
well in combat, you on the other hand will be using dex
and intelligence in a fight. No tumble either. Rage will
actually be ok on its own becasue youll be moving/
attacking more.
Bard: If you wish to use the bard class to earn your duelist class be sure
to boost up your charisma as well as put some points into the perform
skill. This option will give you inspirations provided you take enough
bard levels.
Cleric: Does not have tumble as a class skill, so you will be able to reach
duelist through this class but it will take twice as long.
Druid: see cleric.
Fighter: Probably the best to use, in order to gain a combat oriented
prestige class, They get many feats, and have a high BAB, can’t
go wrong here, but they don’t have tumble as a class skill.
Monk: Actually does very well as a duelist, I will post a build using them as
a duelist latter on. Furry of blows + precise strike is too much fun.
Paladin: If you chose to be a paladin you might want to consider going
pure ( ie all paladin) By taking any other class you take away
from your casting abilities, but it is still possible.
Ranger: A rather interesting class to choose, however you must choose between
two weapon fighting or archery style, and neither of these is how the
duelist plays. I mean you could take ranger then switch to duelist but
why waste all those skills you gained for your combat style.
Rogue: Among the better choices, sneak attack + precise strike is devastating,
however you cant dual wield so this takes away from the number of sneak
attack you can land before your enemy turns around.
Sorcerer: A duelist is not a spell casting class, however some spell
casting can be beneficial.They don’t have parry or
tumble as class skills, and they have really low hit points
which is not favorably with a melee class.
Warlock: Taking duelist levels will handicap your Eldritch Blast skill,
so you may want to avoid this choice.
Wizard: You get to summon a fury little bunny, need I say more?...What I do..
Ok well low BAB, no tumble or parry as class skills, and by taking
duelist you will lose some of your more powerful spells. But you'll
end up a decent fighter with some average spells.
That takes care of the base classes now for the prestige classes. And rather
than listing them all I will only put in the ones that are useful.
Assassin: Boost your sneak attack, and makes it stun enemies, very nice.
You get Hide in Plain sight, which is a good skill if you
like to stealth. This is probably best for those who took
rogue as their base class.
Duelist: No wait never mind your already that…
Neverwinter Nine:you must chose the path of good when you reach Neverwinter.
These skills are beautiful when your party isn’t far off.
Pale Master: This is a part of a caster build that I will speak of latter.
Shadowdancer: Many useful skills, including shadow evade, works well as
support to a rogue's stealth, Hide in PLain sight at lv 1.
Shadow thief of Amn: Interesting choice, more sneak attack, and some bonus
feats. Requires you took the evil path when you reach
Neverwinter.
Weapons master: The best choice for those who took fighter as their base class,
continues the high BAB, as well as all the special WM feats
will really boost your damage output.
______________________
| SAMPLE BUILDS | [builds]
===============================================================================
WARNING BEFORE YOU GO ANY FURTHER, the builds section is mainly comprosed of
builds that theoritically will work, i have not tested all of them yet, and
hope to in the near future (hard to find time with school, and i start new
job this week)
Another note is that im not sure if i used all of the skill points availible to
you at character creation, and as such add in any extra points where you see
fit.
Important skills: parry, tumble, and intimidate (4 needed)
Important feats: dodge, mobility, weapon finesse, combat expertise,
spring attack, whirlwind attack, weapon focus rapier
Ability scores Useful items
STR 10 maybe 12 head band of intellect +8
Dex 16 +3 belt of agility +8
Int 16 +2
Con 14
Wis 8
Cha 8
PRO/CON
+ Good hit points - Non versatile
+ Weapon Master Criticals - A lot of feats required,
+ The important Duelist/ WM feats so it is hard to customize
- no spell casting
This build turns you into a front line damage dealer, the weapon master feats
give you better Criticals, and more often. Combine that with the steady damage
of a duelist as well as parry and you’ve got a winning combination.
rogue 4/ fighter 4/ duelist7/shadow theif of amn 5
human
alignment: any
any weapon
important skills (atleast there values): bluff 3, intimidate 3, hide 8 ,
move silently 3, tumble 5, parry 5.
important feats: weapon finesse, dodge, mobility, stealthy, combat expertise,
feint
Ability scores
STR 10 or 12
dex 16 or 17
int 16
con 14 or 12
wis 8
cha 10
This build is an extension of the sneak attack ability, fighter class is in
here to raise your BAB to gain duelist levels. Take Rogue lvls early to get rid
of your required skills and start concentrating on the skills you want. Also
get weapon finesse a.s.a.p. becasue of your low str you need it to deal decent
damage so upon character creation is good.
A variation of this build involes dual weilding at the cost of the Precise
Strike skill.
Ability scores:
STR 10 or 12
INT 16
DEX 16
CON 14
WIS 8
CHA 8
This build brings in a lot of sneak attacking, and is used in an attempt to
bring a rogue into the front lines of combat and get them on the road to
becoming more of an offensive threat. Keep hide/ move silently maxed, as well
as parry to fall back on once you’ve revealed your position.
Hide in Plain sight is amazing for after you've already scored your first sneak
attack. You can just hide again and repeat.
[this build originally written By Snipercon on gamebanshee.com]
Race: Drow or Deep Gnome (Svirfneblin)
History feat: Devout
Level progression: feat(s) to get
1. monk Luck of the Heroes
2. wizard
3. monk Weapon Finesse
4. wizard + DEX
5. monk
6. wizard circle kick
7. monk
8. wizard +DEX
9. monk Dodge
10. wizard Spell Focus Necromancy
11. Pale Master
12. Pale Master Mobility, +WIS
13. Pale Master
14. Duelist
15. Duelist Greater Spell focus Necromancy( or
Improved parry depending on your
playing style)
16. Duelist +WIS
17. Duelist
18. Duelist Toughness
19. Duelist
20. Duelist +DEX
Important Skills: Parry, Tumble, Spell craft, Concentration, Move silently/Hide
diplomacy if you are a Drow.
This build is really fun to use, you get some
nice spells to use from necromancy (pale master), some of the sweet monk skills
and the duelist stuff that you really need. Your bare hands are considered
finesse-able weapons and you should get the extra damage from precise strike
with them. Now a good addition to this build is to get the Ring of Might which
will give you some free feats for powering up your fists.
Feats to get: Dodge, Mobility, weapon finesse, weapon focus,
weapon specialization improved parry,
spring attack, improved critical
Skills: Parry, Tumble (10/20 for +1/+2 ac)
Ability scores
str 12
dex 16
int 16
con 14
wis 8
cha 8
any extra points put into dex/int, unless you want to get rid of the
negative modifiers.
Points you get form leveling up should go into dex/int
Spring attack is really useful when you are running around in combat for
avoiding attacks of opertunity. This build gets a small sneak attack bonus,
a good BAB from from duelist/fighter/neverwinter nine. For this build dont
rely too much one your sneaking abilities becasue only rogue has hide/ move
silently as a class skill.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rogue 4/ Fighter 6/ Duelist 10
Human
Starting stats:
Str - 12
Dex - 16/17
Con – 14/13
Int - 16
Wis - 14
Cha - 10
Class Feats
Ranger 1 - Dodge, Favored Enemy Human (or your choice)
Ranger 2 - 2 Weapon Fighting Style
Ranger 3 - Weapon Finesse
Ranger 4 - Dex +1
Ranger 5 - Favored Enemy Undead
Ranger 6 - Mobility, Greater Two Weapon Fighting (Ranger Feat)
Ranger 8 - Dex +1
Ranger 9 - Two Weapon Defense
Ranger 10 - Favored Enemy Outsiders
Ranger 11 - Improved Two Weapon Fighting (Ranger Feat)
Duelist 1 - Improved Two Weapon Defense, Int +1
Duelist 4 - Improved Parry
Duelist 5 - Int +1
Duelist 7 - Your Choice
Duelist 9 - Int +1 or Dex +1
Final Stats:
Str - 14
Dex - 18
Con - 13
Int - 19
Wis - 14
Cha - 10
Important skills: Parry, Survival, Tumble, listen or spot, Bluff.
This build is pretty good, however since you dual wield you don’t get the
bonus damage from Precise Strike. Some people say that the bonus from Precise
Strike is not worth single wielding, so this is where this build comes in.
Another modification to this build is to make duelist only lv 7, and add in
Rogue lv 2 for sneak attack. If you choose the Archery style its still fun,
you’ll just be a good archer with the ability to fight hand to hand when the
enemy gets close.
Swift tracker is an amazing feat, so keep your survival skill maxed and you'll
know where every enemy is on the minimap.
Important skills: Parry, tumble, Concentration, Spell craft.
feats
dodge, mobility, weapon finesse, two weapon fighting, two weapon defense,
empowered spell, improved two weapon fighting, improved two weapon defense,
greater two weapon fighting, weapon focus.
You get a lot of spells with the ability to fall back on your hand to hand
combat skills should you need it. But it removes the Precise Strike damage.
You could always modifiy it so you dont need dual wielding.Instead of taking:
two weapon fighting, two weapon defense, improved two weapon fighting, improved
weapon defense, and greater two weapon fighting you could take feats like:
improved critical, disarm/ improved disarm, or get luck of the hero at level 1
and push everything back by one.
Another option for this build is to only go to lv 6 eldritch knight, and go to
level 2 figher which ill give you one more feat at the cost of some spells.
________________
| F.A.Q. s | [FAQS]
===============================================================================
Q: Is it true that the duelists class wont work properly I you dual wield
weapons?
A: The class will still work, the only problem would come with the Precise
Strike feat which only works if you are wield a SINGLE one-handed
piercing weapon and no shield.
Q: All of your builds seem kind of the same.
A: That’s not a question, but this is because the duelist class is a combat
class and must use a light piercing weapon. This takes away from their
casting abilities, and restricts the damage output. Feel free to use
your own builds though this is only a guide after all.
Q: Precise Strike or dual wielding?
A: This all comes down to your preference. From a role playing perspective
precise strike with a single handed weapon, but from say a
powergamer’s (a.k.a. statistics whore's)
perspective then dual wielding will win out.
Q: In the race section you put in -3 penalty for Deep Gnomes, and a +2 for Drow
what do they mean?
A: The answer is basically, the races with experience penalties are considered
more powerful, becasue they get either more stat boosting (ie +2 Int)
or Spell like abilities (ie cast darkness). All the experience penalty
is that it will take your character to reach a level than a race with a
lesser penalty, or no penalty at all.
Say you party has A drow, a human, and a deep gnome; if the human is
level 5, then the drow is level 3 and the deep gnome is lv 2.
Q: Do you have any cheats for this game?
A: If you are going to use cheats then you dont need a guide so click back on
your web browser.NO.
Q: I have questions not posted here any help for me?
A: You might want to try the message boards at some NWN 2 sites and if all
else fails google them and you might get your answer.
_________________
| VERSION HISTORY| [vers]
===============================================================================
1.0
The base for this guide was created including all the sections except this one
1.1
Added in the Version section because i relised i had a few mistakes
-fixed weapons choices (morningstar is not finesse-able)
-fixed some gramatical and spelling errors
-some additions/ edits to builds section
-edited shawdow dancer in multiclass section (they dont get S.A.)
-added to FAQs
-added information to race section
Thanks to Gamebanshee.com, and Gamefaqs.com to whom I found my self
referring back to many times to sort something out. And to Snipercon
on the gamebanshee site for his build contribution.
