Article-at-a-Glance
- Unveil the mystery of The Courtesan, a Battle Dancer build that’s a force to be reckoned with.
- Learn the critical milestones and abilities at each level of The Courtesan’s progression.
- Discover the optimal equipment to enhance The Courtesan’s unique combat style.
- Master combat strategies that leverage The Courtesan’s strengths.
- Understand how The Courtesan can synergize with your party for maximum effect.
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Level Distribution of The Courtesan
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At level 1, The Courtesan manifests as an elusive Battle Dancer with abilities focusing on charm and lethal unarmed combat. Known for their AC bonuses via Charisma, impressive unarmed damage, and increased agility, they embody a deadly dance of diplomacy and devastation.
Stat Block Level 1:
Battle Dancer: The Courtesan, female Changeling God-Blooded of Vecna Btl Dncr 1; CR 1; Medium Humanoid (Changeling); HD 1d8; hp 4; Init +3; Spd 30 ft.; AC 17, touch 13, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +0; Grp +0; Atk +3 melee (1d6, Unarmed Strike); Full Atk +3 melee (1d6, Unarmed Strike); SQ AC Bonus (Cha), Unarmed 1d6; AL Any; SV Fort +0, Ref +5, Will +0; Str 10, Dex 16, Con 11, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 17.
Skills and Feats:
Bluff +8, Perform (Dance) +10, Hide +5; Improved Unarmed Strike, Weapon Finesse. Unarmed Strike (Ex): Capable of dealing lethal damage with her unarmed strikes without provoking attacks of opportunity. AC Bonus (Cha) (Ex): Adds Charisma modifier (+3) to AC, more if further away from armor influences.
Possessions: Disguise Kit, various clothings of different social categories.
By level 5, The Courtesan has honed their combat skills while excelling in the art of misleading their foes with the Dance of the Vexing Snake. They are now even more agile, weaving through social and combat encounters with increased prowess in performance and deception.
Stat Block Level 5:
Battle Dancer: The Courtesan, female Changeling God-Blooded of Vecna Btl Dncr 5; CR 5; Medium Humanoid (Changeling); HD 5d8; hp 22; Init +3; Spd 40 ft.; AC 18, touch 14, flat-footed 15; Base Atk +3; Grp +3; Atk +6 melee (1d8, Unarmed Strike); Full Atk +6 melee (1d8, Unarmed Strike); SQ AC Bonus (Cha +1), Dance of the Vexing Snake, Dancer’s Strike (Magical); AL Any; SV Fort +1, Ref +8, Will +1; Str 10, Dex 16, Con 11, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 18.
Skills and Feats:
Bluff +8, Perform (Dance) +10, Hide +5, Diplomacy +4, Disguise +8; Improved Unarmed Strike, Weapon Finesse, Dodge. Dance of the Vexing Snake (Ex): Grants additional +1 to AC and the ability to provoke confusion in attackers during combat. Dancer’s Strike (Magical) (Su): Unarmed strikes are considered magical for the purpose of overcoming damage reduction. AC Bonus (Cha +1) (Ex): Adds Charisma modifier (+4) to AC, more if further away from armor influences.
Possessions: Disguise Kit, various clothings of different social categories.
Reaching level 10, The Courtesan now flawlessly merges the arts of deception and combat. The Surprise Strike ability and the Enchanting Dance from the Cloaked Dancer class dramatically enhance both their strategic combat effectiveness and their capability to manipulate social situations.
Stat Block Level 10:
Battle Dancer: The Courtesan, female Changeling God-Blooded of Vecna Btl Dncr 8/Clk Dncr 2; CR 10; Medium Humanoid (Changeling); HD 8d8+2d6; hp 45; Init +3; Spd 30 ft.; AC 19, touch 14, flat-footed 16; Base Atk +7; Grp +7; Atk +10 melee (1d10, Unarmed Strike); Full Atk +10 melee (1d10, Unarmed Strike); SQ AC Bonus (Cha), Dance of the Floating Step, Surprise Strike +1d6, Enchanting Dance (Beguiling Dance); AL Any; SV Fort +3, Ref +10, Will +3; Str 10, Dex 16, Con 11, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 17.
Skills and Feats:
Bluff +8, Perform (Dance) +10, Hide +5, Diplomacy +4, Disguise +8; Improved Unarmed Strike, Weapon Finesse, Dodge, Mobility, Improved Natural Attack. Surprise Strike (Ex): Can deal extra 1d6 damage when catching foes off-guard. Enchanting Dance (Beguiling Dance) (Su): Can daze foes with a captivating dance. Dance of the Floating Step (Ex): Increases mobility and agility, providing superior positioning in combat.
Possessions: Disguise Kit, various clothings of different social categories.
By level 15, The Courtesan is a master of espionage and deceptive combat, adept at Swift Changes and fortified with defenses against Scrying. This combination from the Spymaster class significantly boosts their tactical versatility, allowing them to manipulate and control the battlefield while remaining undetected.
Stat Block Level 15:
Battle Dancer: The Courtesan, female Changeling God-Blooded of Vecna Btl Dncr 8/Clk Dncr 5/Spy 2; CR 15; Medium Humanoid (Changeling); HD 8d8+5d6+2d6; hp 75; Init +3; Spd 30 ft.; AC 21, touch 15, flat-footed 18; Base Atk +10; Grp +10; Atk +13 melee (2d8, Unarmed Strike); Full Atk +13 melee (2d8, Unarmed Strike); SQ AC Bonus (Cha), Dance of the Floating Step, Surprise Strike +2d6, Enchanting Dance (Frightful Dance), Quick Change, Scrying Defense; AL Any; SV Fort +5, Ref +12, Will +5; Str 10, Dex 16, Con 11, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 18.
Skills and Feats:
Bluff +14, Perform (Dance) +15, Hide +10, Diplomacy +9, Disguise +13; Improved Unarmed Strike, Weapon Finesse, Dodge, Mobility, Improved Natural Attack, Spring Attack. Quick Change (Ex): Can change disguise as a full-round action. Scrying Defense (Ex): Provides defenses against magical scrying. Enchanting Dance (Frightful Dance) (Su): Can terrify enemies with an unsettling performance.
Possessions: Disguise Kit, various clothings of different social categories.
At level 20, The Courtesan is a pinnacle of infiltration and combat expertise. With full development in the Spymaster class, the ability to maintain multiple Cover Identities coupled with profound Sneak Attack enhancements makes The Courtesan nearly undetectable and lethally efficient.
Stat Block Level 20:
Battle Dancer: The Courtesan, female Changeling God-Blooded of Vecna Btl Dncr 8/Clk Dncr 5/Spy 7; CR 20; Medium Humanoid (Changeling); HD 8d8+5d6+7d6; hp 100; Init +3; Spd 30 ft.; AC 22, touch 16, flat-footed 19; Base Atk +15; Grp +15; Atk +18 melee (2d8+2d6, Unarmed Strike); Full Atk +18 melee (2d8+2d6, Unarmed Strike); SQ AC Bonus (Cha), Dance of the Floating Step, Surprise Strike +4d6, Enchanting Dance (All Types), Cover Identity, Deep Cover; AL Any; SV Fort +7, Ref +14, Will +7; Str 10, Dex 16, Con 11, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 18.
Skills and Feats:
Bluff +20, Perform (Dance) +20, Hide +15, Diplomacy +14, Disguise +18; Improved Unarmed Strike, Weapon Finesse, Dodge, Mobility, Improved Natural Attack, Spring Attack, Elusive Target. Cover Identity and Deep Cover (Ex): Can maintain multiple aliases with unique sets of documentation and histories. Surprise Strike (Ex): Deal extra 4d6 damage to unsuspecting opponents. Enchanting Dance (All Types) (Su): Utilize a versatile range of captivating dances that daze, frighten, and weary opponents at will.
Possessions: Disguise Kit, various clothings of different social categories.
Critical Milestones of Level Distribution
- Level 1: Embrace the AC bonus from Charisma and deal impressive unarmed damage.
- Level 4: Gain a speed boost and increased unarmed strike damage.
- Level 8: Unlock Dance of the Floating Step and boost Dexterity.
- Level 9: Add the beguiling Enchanting Dance to your arsenal.
- Level 14: Begin your Spymaster training with Cover Identity and Undetectable Alignment.
Equipment Progression
- Start with a Disguise Kit and various clothing for different social categories.
- As you level up, acquire tools that enhance your bluffing and disguise abilities.
- Invest in items that improve your dance performances – they’re your secret weapon.
- Ensure you have the right gear for quick escapes and sneaky maneuvers.
Combat Strategies for The Courtesan Build
Now, let’s talk tactics. The Courtesan isn’t just about looking good on the dance floor. This build is about using agility and charm to outmaneuver and outwit your foes. Whether you’re weaving through enemies with the Dance of the Floating Step or catching them off guard with a Surprise Strike, you’ll be the wildcard your opponents never see coming.
- Use your Enchanting Dance abilities to control and debilitate your enemies.
- Employ Surprise Strike for extra damage when catching foes unaware.
- Leverage your increased speed and agility to stay out of harm’s way.
- Maintain multiple Cover Identities to infiltrate and gather information.
Party Synergy
But what about your comrades-in-arms? The Courtesan doesn’t dance solo. She’s a team player, and when paired with the right allies, her talents shine even brighter. Imagine combining her distracting dances with a rogue’s sneak attack or a wizard’s spell.
- Coordinate with spellcasters to create openings for your attacks.
- Team up with other stealthy characters for devastating combo strikes.
- Use your charm to assist in diplomatic encounters, enhancing the group’s overall rapport.
- Act as a scout, using your disguises and stealth to gather vital information ahead of confrontations.
Combat Scenarios
So you’ve got the moves, but how do they play out in the heat of battle? Let’s break down some common combat scenarios and how The Courtesan can tip the scales in your favor.
- Dungeon Crawls: Use your agility to navigate traps and your charm to bypass guardians.
- Open Field: Your speed allows you to engage and disengage at will, controlling the flow of battle.
- Ambushes: Turn the tables on ambushers with your Surprise Strike and stealth abilities.
- Defensive Stands: Distract and debilitate attackers, giving your party the edge in defense.
- Urban Encounters: Blend into the crowd and strike when least expected, using your Cover Identities.
Strengths & Weaknesses of The Courtesan Build
Every rose has its thorns, and The Courtesan, while formidable, is no exception. It’s crucial to recognize where she excels and where she may require a bit more strategy to overcome her limitations.
| Weakness | Counter |
|---|---|
| Vulnerability to anti-magic fields, which can nullify her enchanting dance abilities | Carry mundane tools and weapons to remain effective when magic fails you. |
| Lower hit points compared to frontline fighters, making her less durable in prolonged combat | Use hit-and-run tactics and rely on your agility to avoid taking hits. |
| Dependence on Charisma for many abilities can leave other stats less developed | Choose magic items and gear that bolster your weaker attributes. |
| Struggles against foes that are immune to mind-affecting effects, such as many undead or constructs | Work with party members who can handle these threats while you focus on more susceptible targets. |
| Complex identity management can become a liability if cover is blown | Invest in skills like Bluff and Disguise, and always have an exit strategy. |
Roleplaying Themes for The Courtesan
As a member of the Crimson Courtesans, The Courtesan is not only a master of combat but also a weaver of stories and keeper of secrets. She dances on the fine line between truth and deception, leaving a trail of enthralled allies and vanquished foes.
Cultural Influence & Traditions
The Courtesan doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Her abilities and style are deeply rooted in the lore of the world she inhabits. To truly bring her to life, consider the cultural influences and traditions that have shaped her.
- The dance styles she employs could be inspired by the real-world traditions of flamenco or belly dancing.
- Her identity as a changeling might be tied to myths of creatures like doppelgangers or trickster spirits.
- The espionage elements of her character could draw from historical spy figures or organizations.
Cultural Influence & Traditions
Stepping into the shoes of The Courtesan means embracing a character influenced by a rich tapestry of cultural nuances. From the way she moves to the secrets she keeps, every aspect of her being is a reflection of the world around her. To play The Courtesan is to become a living piece of her culture’s art, history, and intrigue.
- Draw inspiration from historical tales of espionage and adapt these stories to your campaign’s setting.
- Infuse your character’s dance with elements from various cultures, making each performance a homage to the diverse world of D&D.
- Let the mythology of changelings guide your portrayal, shaping how you interact with other characters and the environment.
FAQ
What unique abilities does The Courtesan build bring to a party?
The Courtesan is a powerhouse of versatility. With her mix of combat prowess, social grace, and espionage skills, she brings a unique blend of abilities to any adventuring party. Her enchanting dances can turn the tide of battle, while her talent for disguise and information gathering can unlock doors that are closed to others.
How can I effectively manage equipment progression for my Courtesan character?
Equipment management for The Courtesan is all about complementing her natural talents. Focus on items that boost her Charisma and Dexterity, as well as tools that aid in disguise and stealth. And don’t forget about the little things—a well-placed hairpin or a hidden blade can be just as crucial as a magical amulet.
What are the best situations to deploy The Courtesan’s combat tactics?
The Courtesan shines in situations that require a delicate touch or a stealthy approach. Use her skills to navigate social encounters, set up ambushes, or escape from sticky situations. But most importantly, remember to adapt to the flow of combat—sometimes the best move is to dance away and live to fight another day.
And don’t forget to take advantage of her Surprise Strike in moments of distraction. Whether it’s a fellow party member casting a spell or an enemy caught off-guard, that’s your cue to strike with deadly grace.
How can The Courtesan’s roleplaying aspects enhance the gaming experience?
Playing as The Courtesan gives your game a deeper level of complexity beyond skill checks and fighting. It involves crafting a story that is just as engrossing as her dances. Accept the mystery surrounding her double life, the excitement of a brilliantly thought out scheme, and the fulfillment that comes from outwitting your opponents using only your charm and cunning.
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