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Rogue of the Swashbuckler

Tier B

Rogue · Swashbuckler · Halfling · levels [3,21)

Rakish Audacity = sneak attack without ally = solo rogue. Fencer-style, high mobility.

Why this tier

Rakish Audacity = sneak attack on any attack; Panache = social-beatdown cantrip.

Estimated single-target DPR

80/100 — Loremaster estimate, not measured in play

Feat progression

  1. L4Alert — +1 init, advantage on DEX saves
  2. L8Sharpshooter — -5 attack, +10 damage (on ranged)
  3. L12Lucky — 3 luck points

Loremaster’s notes

The Swashbuckler is the "I duel" rogue. Rakish Audacity (level 3) gives you +CHA to initiative (and to the one other "Rakish" feature). More importantly, you can sneak attack a creature on any attack roll if no creature other than your target is within 5 feet of you — solo rogues can sneak attack. Reckless Attack: Lightfoot Halfling + Swashbuckler = Sneak Attack on round 1 even without a rogue ally. The "free Sneak Attack" is a +5 to +10 DPR over a level 1-3 fight. Panache (level 9) is a 1/short rest feature: as a 1-action, target a creature. Make a CHA (Performance) check. If you beat their Insight, they become charmed for 1 minute; or they make a save or are charmed. Mechanically, this is a "social CC" that wastes enemy actions. Master Duelist (level 15) lets you re-roll a failed attack roll or ability check 1/short rest. Not game-changing but a free re-roll.

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