At level 1, the character uses Weapon Finesse and Improved Initiative to strike quickly with finesse weapons. Fast reflexes and the Dreadful Wrath feat instill fear in enemies during combat, making them susceptible to further intimidation tactics.
Stat Block Level 1:
Pirate Lord[1]: male, human swashbuckler 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d10+2; hp 12; Init +7; Spd 30 ft.; AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 13; Base Atk +1; Grp +1; Atk rapier +4 melee (1d6/18-20); Full Atk rapier +4 melee (1d6/18-20); SA Dreadful Wrath; SQ none; AL Chaotic Neutral; SV Fort +2, Ref +5, Will +0; Str 10, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 14.
Dreadful Wrath (cause fear in nearby foes upon attacking or charging).
Possessions: Rapier.
This Level 5 Rogue/Swashbuckler hybrid thrives on agility and cunning. By using a combination of Weapon Finesse and Craven, this character utilizes inflicting significant damage through sneak attacks. The noble’s skill in bluffing enables him to create feints that deceive opponents, facilitating additional surprise attacks.
Stat Block Level 5:
Unnamed Male Noble: male, human Swashbuckler 2/Rogue 3; CR 5; Medium humanoid (human); HD 2d10+2 + 3d6+6; hp 33; Init +7; Spd 30 ft.; AC 15, touch 13, flat-footed 12; Base Atk +4; Grp +4; Atk +7 melee (1d6+1+3, rapier) or +7 ranged (special); Full Atk +7 melee (1d6+1+3, rapier) or +7 ranged (special); SA Sneak Attack +2d6; SQ Evasion, grace +1; AL CN; SV Fort +4, Ref +8, Will +2; Str 10, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 14.
Evasion allows avoidance of damage from certain area effects, and grace enhances reflexive movements.
Possessions: A masterwork rapier, typical sailor’s gear.
At level 10 the Pirate Lord[1] can effectively use Feints in battle to apply the shaken condition on foes and unleash multiple Sneak Attacks. Combat is swashbuckling with a flair of intimidation, supported by a rapier for quick strikes.
Stat Block Level 10:
Unnamed Pirate Lord[1]: male, human Swashbuckler 7/Rogue 3/Scarlet Corsair 10; CR 10; Medium humanoid (human); HD 10d8+10; hp 65; Init +3; Spd 30 ft.; AC 17, touch 13, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +9; Grp +9; Atk rapier +12 melee (1d6/18-20) or dagger +11 ranged (1d4/19-20); Full Atk rapier +12/+7 melee (1d6/18-20) and dagger +11 ranged (1d4/19-20); SA Sneak Attack +4d6; SQ Grace +1, Evasion, Corsair’s Feint, Scourge of the Seas; AL Chaotic Neutral; SV Fort +6, Ref +10, Will +5; Str 10, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 14.
Corsair’s Feint allows this character to apply the shaken condition for 1/2d4 rounds. With Scourge of the Seas, enemies are uniquely vulnerable to his intimidation tactics.
Possessions: Rapier, sailor’s gear, small supply of daggers.
At level 15 his build capitalizes on the Swashbuckler and Scarlet Corsair synergy. You focus on leveraging feints and sneak attacks, coupled with strong intimidation tactics, to control the battlefield. The character can frighten enemies with a single attack and has many options for tactical movement and attack setup.
Stat Block Level 15:
Pirate Lord[1]: male, Human Swashbuckler 7/Rogue 3/Scarlet Corsair 10; CR 15; Medium humanoid (human); HD 15d8+2; hp 97; Init +7; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 16; Base Atk +13; Grp +13; Atk +18 rapier (1d6+2/18-20) or +14 cutlass (1d6+2/18-20); Full Atk +18/+13/+8 rapier (1d6+2/18-20); SA Sneak Attack +5d6, Frightening Lunge; SQ Evasion, Scourge of the Seas, Corsair’s Feint, Sailor’s Step, Grace +1, Improved Feint; AL CN; SV Fort +9, Ref +12, Will +6; Str 10, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 14.
Evasion allows avoidance of effects that target Reflex Saves, Scourge of the Seas grants intimidation in naval encounters, Corsair’s Feint confuses enemies, Sailor’s Step enhances mobility.
Possessions: Rapier, Cutlass, Medium Armor, Pirate Ship.
This Pirate Lord[1] build culminates in a terrifying swashbuckler known for leading daring naval raids. With excellent dexterity for nimble combat, it combines rogue cunning, swashbuckler finesse, and the fearsome presence of a scarlet corsair. Its main strength lies in combining sneak attacks with feat-induced fear effects. Skills emphasize bluffing and intimidation, turning even the stalwart into quaking foes.
Stat Block Level 20:
Pirate Lord[1]: male, human Swashbuckler 7/Rogue 3/Scarlet Corsair 10; CR 20; Medium humanoid (human); HD 20d10+40; hp 150; Init +9; Spd 30 ft.; AC 21, touch 16, flat-footed 21; Base Atk +15; Grp +15; Atk +22 melee (Rapier, 1d6+3/18-20); Full Atk +22/+17/+12 melee (Rapier, 1d6+3/18-20); SA Sneak Attack +8d6, Frightening Lunge, Imperious Command; SQ Evasion, Grace +1, Insightful Strike, Scourge of the Seas, Sailor’s Step +4, Acrobatic Charge; AL Chaotic Neutral; SV Fort +12, Ref +17, Will +7; Str 10, Dex 20, Con 14, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 14.
Corsair’s Feint, enemies become frightened on successful attack.
Possessions: Masterwork Rapier, ship (upon later acquisition).
Milestones Of Character Development
Levels 1-5: The build gains foundational skills with Weapon Finesse and Dreadful Wrath, increasing combat efficiency. Craven enhances damage output, while Sneak Attack begins to stack, complementing Swashbuckler’s initiative and movement.
Levels 6-10: Daring Outlaw merges class abilities, allowing further Sneak Attack progression. Scarlet Corsair adds Corsair’s Feint and Improved Feint, boosting Bluff and setting up devastating attacks. Imperious Command solidifies the intimidancer role.
Levels 11-15: Sneak Attack continues to grow, with Mobility and Frightening Lunge sharpening tactical maneuverability. Sailor’s Step increases, granting greater agility, while the entire combination solidifies the character as a ruthless force.
Levels 16-20: The character culminates with advanced Sneak Attack capabilities, bolstered by Elusive Target and Acrobatic Charge. By maximizing Dodge and Dex adjustments, the build achieves an impressive balance of offense and defense.
Core Abilities & Features
The Pirate Lord[1] build combines the finesse of a swashbuckler with the cunning of a rogue and the fearsome reputation of the scarlet corsair. At its core, this build capitalizes on the dexterous and agile human race, maximizing mobility and speed. The primary ability scores boost Dexterity and Charisma, emphasizing quick strikes and impressive feats of intimidation.
Key abilities for the Pirate Lord[1] include Weapon Finesse, utilizing dexterity over strength for attack rolls, and Dreadful Wrath, allowing fear effects to subtly weaken foes. As they progress, they accumulate sneak attack damage, up to a staggering +8d6, harmonizing with sneak attacks augmented through bluff checks and feints. These tricks keep opponents on edge, opening them up for devastating follow-up attacks.
With Grace and Insightful Strike, the swashbuckler class amplifies defensive capabilities and adds intelligent combat strategies. The Scarlet Corsair prestige class introduces utility through class features like Corsair’s Feint, which incapacitates enemies for crucial rounds. As an intimidancer, the Pirate Lord[1] excels in psychologically controlling the battlefield. This control goes hand-in-hand with vital equipment—starting with the iconic rapier and eventually commanding an entire ship, solidifying their leadership both on and off the sea.
Equipment Progression
Level Range
Equipment
Details
L1-5
+1 Rapier
A perfectly balanced weapon that benefits from your Weapon Finesse feat, enhancing your agility-based attack rolls.
L1-5
Ring of Protection +1
Provides a minor but significant boost to your AC, crucial for surviving early skirmishes.
L6-10
+2 Rapier
Upgrades your primary weapon to fit the rising challenges, enhancing both damage and accuracy.
L6-10
Cloak of Resistance +1
Improves your overall saving throws, vital for resisting disabling effects.
L11-15
+3 Keen Rapier
The increased critical range via Keen is a game-changer for critical hits, maximizing your sneak attack potential.
L11-15
Boots of Elvenkind
Boosts to Movement and Stealth abilities enhances your evasiveness and positioning, aligning with your Scarlet Corsair skills.
L16-20
+5 Rapier of Speed
Near perfect weapon attained, granting additional attack per round thanks to the Speed property.
L16-20
Belt of Giant Strength +4
Enhances your strength beyond natural limitations, increasing your attack and damage capabilities against even the toughest foes.
Combat Scenarios
Dungeon Crawls:
In narrow corridors, leverage Sneak Attack bonuses by using Improved Feint to catch enemies off guard before a strike. Use light armor to maintain high Dexterity and move swiftly through traps.
Open Fields:
Exploit Acrobatic Charge to close distances rapidly. Engage foes directly with Weapon Finesse to capitalize on Dexterity for attack rolls. Dreadful Wrath can intimidate larger groups, giving tactical advantage.
Ambushes:
Utilize high Initiative to act first. A well-timed Imperious Command can panic foes, allowing sneak attacks. Transition quickly after an ambush with Sailor’s Step for strategic repositioning.
Defensive Stands:
In a hold-the-line scenario, rely on Frightening Lunge to discourage enemy approaches. Use Mobility to either retreat safely or dart to necessary positions, maintaining pressure with sneak attacks.
Urban Encounters:
Navigate through urban settings by using Elusive Target to dodge attacks in tight alleyways. Capitalize on Corsair’s Feint to bewilder opponents, ensuring that no corner restricts your tactical advantage.
Weaknesses & Counters
Weakness
Counter
Low Strength
Focus on Dexterity-based weapons like Rapier to leverage the Weapon Finesse feat.
Limited Offensive Magic
Invest in enchanted equipment like the Cloak of Charisma to increase Charisma. Consider hiring a spellcaster ally.
Vulnerability to Crowd Control
Equip the Ring of Freedom of Movement to avoid entanglement or paralysis.
Dexterous Opponents
Use the Improved Feint feat to bypass dexterity-based defenses.
Low Wisdom and Spell Resistance
Utilize items like the Mantle of Spell Resistance and invest in Wisdom boosting potions.
Roleplaying the Pirate Lord
The Pirate Lord[1]’s journey is steeped in relentless ambition. His allure lies in the thrill of the chase. Picture a noble’s fall from grace, driven by wanderlust and a thirst for the sea’s secrets. These themes drive his decisions, making each encounter a new stage in his saga.
Your opportunity is to embody a character marked by flamboyance and daring. Command the seas with intimidation that mirrors your formidable Sneak Attack capabilities. Taunt enemies into rashness through clever feints and play up the persona of a charming yet ruthless corsair, making diplomacy your blade’s shadow.
The Pirate-Lord combines the finese of a swashbuckler with a rogue’s cunning and the Scarlet Corsair’s fearsome reputation. Key abilities are Weapon Finesse for attack rolls and Dreadful Wrath to destabilize foes. The build emphasizes high Sneak Attack damage, up to +8d6, paired with bluff checks and feints for strategy.
Which classes and levels are crucial for a Pirate Lord[1]’s development?
Start as a Swashbuckler to gain benefits from Weapon Finesse and build foundation. Integrate with Rogue or Outlaw for Sneak Attack progression and charisma-based abilities. At mid-levels, Scarlet Corsair adds utility and intimidation prowess. Aim for class features like Corsair’s Feint by level 10. By level 20, capitalize on Acrobatic Charge and tactical mobility for mastery.
How can a Pirate Lord[1] effectively handle combat situations?
Sneak Attacks are vital in cluttered environments. Use Improved Feint to surprise foes. In open spaces, Acrobatic Charge lets you close distances quickly. Dreadful Wrath, paired with high Initiative, intimidates groups. For defensive stands, mobility ensures strategic repositioning. Always plan for fast escapes or advantages in tight spots.
Low Strength requires Dexterity-based weapons. Invest in enchanted gear for Charisma boosts and a spellcaster ally. Counter vulnerability to crowd control with a Ring of Freedom of Movement. Overcome low Wisdom with a Mantle of Spell Resistance. Prioritize light armor and mobility to offset lack of heavy armor proficiency.
What’s the best strategy for developing a Pirate Lord[1] character?
Maximize Dexterity early for Weapon Finesse benefits. Invest in Charisma to boost intimidation and feint tactics. As you level up, prioritize mobility and tactical adaptability. Emphasize on items enhancing these abilities, maintaining a balance between offense and defense.
Join us at Stellar Dragons with your own Pirate Lord!
Consider testing the Pirate-Lord build in your next D&D 3.5 adventure. Is the Pirate-Lord the pinnacle of swashbuckler builds? Join discussions on our Stellar Dragons Discord at https://discord.gg/uAPvgEq6Z7.
Writer, Editor, GM, Technologist – Andrew’s been playing TTRPGs since as far back as he can recall… at least sometime in the nineties… or was it the early 2000s?
The pirates ship crashed into the Dragonfly with enough force and sent both crews into the air. The young nobleman, pulled his rapier and jumped several feet above the water. He landed amidst the pirates who massed on the edges of their ship. The man was followed by the expert pirate hunting crew. The battle had been enjoined!
As the battle raged, the pirates slowly were being pushed back. The young nobleman noticed one of the pirates had mounted a rope and swung down on them. He barely avoided his head being cut off clean by the madman’s cutlass. With a twirl on his heel, he turned to face his enemy. An enemy – garbed in his blood-red coat – was the scourge of the seas: the dreaded pirate lord.
As their blades clashed, fear clasped its grip on the young man’s heart.
Race
Human
Class
Swashbuckler 7/Rogue 3/Scarlet Corsair 10
Ability Scores
Str 10/Dex 16/Con 14/Int 14/Wis 10/Cha 14
Skills
Bluff 8, Intimidate 8, Profession(Sailor) 4
Equipment
A rapier, eventually a ship.
Goal
Everything’s better with Pirates. This is just a law of reality. Turns out the Scarlet Corsair is an extremely good PrC. You can Feint to add sneak attacks, and you can reduce your Sneak Attack(which is almost as high as a monoclass rogue) to automatically apply the shaken condition on enemies you hit. Add all your intimidating feats and you are an incredible intimidancer.
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