This Level 1 Swashbuckler, donning the youthful guise of a Human Dragonborn, is both agile and intelligent. Blessed with Weapon Finesse and the Sacred Vow, this character excels in dexterous maneuvers with a focus on skirmishing. The starting role emphasizes quick movements and tactical strikes, a signature of the swashbuckling style.
Stat Block Level 1:
Unnamed Swashbuckler: male, Human Dragonborn Swashbuckler 1; CR 1/2; Medium Humanoid (Dragonblood); HD 1d10+0; hp 10; Init +3; Spd 30 ft.; AC 15, touch 13, flat-footed 12; Base Atk +1; Grp +1; Atk Rapier +4 melee (1d6/18-20) or Dagger +3 ranged (1d4/19-20); Full Atk Rapier +4 melee (1d6/18-20) or Dagger +3 ranged (1d4/19-20); SA none; SQ none; AL Lawful Good; SV Fort +2, Ref +5, Will +2; Str 8, Dex 16, Con 10, Int 14, Wis 14, Cha 12.
At level 5, the Platinum Knight[1] is a multifaceted fighter who thrives at missions requiring charisma and dexterity. This character, who has levels in Swashbuckler and Paladin, is skilled with a rapier and possesses heavenly powers like Lay on Hands and Smite Evil.
Stat Block Level 5:
Platinum Knight[1]: Male, Human Dragonborn Swashbuckler 3/Paladin 2; CR 5; Medium Humanoid (Dragonblood); HD 5d10; hp 32; Init +7; Spd 30 ft.; AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +5; Grp +4; Atk Rapier +8 melee (1d6+1/18-20) or Smite Evil Rapier +8 melee (1d6+1+2/18-20); Full Atk Rapier +8 melee (1d6+1/18-20); SA Smite Evil 1/day; SQ Grace +1, Divine Grace, Lay on Hands; AL Lawful Good; SV Fort +9, Ref +7, Will +7; Str 8, Dex 16, Con 10, Int 14, Wis 14, Cha 12.
Smite Evil allows adding +2 to attack and damage rolls against evil creatures.
Possessions: Rapier, chain shirt.
The Platinum Knight[1], at level 10, is a quick witted, resolute fighter who specializes in close-quarters battle. He is able to defend as well as attack because to his Swashbuckler agility and Paladin qualities. Effective skirmishing strategies, Dragon Senses, and the utilization of Sacred Vow feats are important skills.
Stat Block Level 10:
Platinum Knight[1]: male, Human Dragonborn Swashbuckler 7/Paladin 3; CR 10; Medium Humanoid (Dragonblood); HD 10d10; hp 75; Init +3; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 13, flat-footed 17; Base Atk +10; Grp +9; Atk Rapier +13 melee (1d6+3/18-20) or Paladin Smite Evil; Full Atk Rapier +13/+8 melee (1d6+3/18-20); SA Smite Evil 1/day; SQ Aura of Good, Grace +1, Divine Grace, Lay on Hands, Detect Evil, Dragon Senses; AL Lawful Good; SV Fort +9, Ref +10, Will +7; Str 8, Dex 16, Con 10, Int 14, Wis 14, Cha 12.
Aura of Courage, Divine Health, Imperious Aura, Insightful Strike.
Possessions: Rapier, Chainshirt, basic adventuring gear, 1200 gp worth from Shared Trove.
The Level 15 Swashbuckler Vassal of Bahamut Paladin build excels at swift and versatile combat maneuvers, having the needed finesse and mobility for effective skirmishing. With a natural affinity for dragonslaying and backed by minor spellcasting. Notably, it shares in Bahamut’s treasure, allowing access to superior items and gear.
Stat Block Level 15:
Unnamed: male, Human Dragonborn of Bahamut Swashbuckler 7/Vassal of Bahamut 5/Paladin 3; CR 15; Medium Humanoid (Dragonblood); HD 12d10; hp 90; Init +3; Spd 30 ft.; AC 24, touch 18, flat-footed 21; Base Atk +15; Grp +13; Atk Rapier +21/+16/+11 (1d6+3/18-20) or Rapier +21 (1d6+3/18-20); Full Atk Rapier +21/+16/+11 (1d6+3/18-20) or Rapier +21 (1d6+3/18-20); SA Smite Evil, Dragonwrack; SQ Grace, Divine Grace, Lay on Hands, Aura of Courage, Dragon Senses, Shared Trove; AL Lawful Good; SV Fort +12, Ref +13, Will +9; Str 8, Dex 16, Con 10, Int 14, Wis 14, Cha 12.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Craft (Armorsmithing) 5, Diplomacy 5; Weapon Finesse, Sacred Vow, Vow of Obedience, Dodge, Mobility, Spring Attack, Combat Reflexes, Bounding Assault.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Smite Evil once per day deals additional damage against evil creatures; Dragonwrack adds extra damage against dragons; Shared Trove grants significant gold reserves for equipment enhancement.
Possessions: Rapier, chainshirt, platinum armor made from dragon scales, magic items as per Shared Trove benefit.
This Platinum Knight[1] in its final form at level 20 excels as a versatile rapid skirmisher in many combat and social encounters. Possessing skills from both the Vassal of Bahamut and Paladin classes, it’s adept in combat with abilities such as Smite Evil and Dragonwrack. The character boasts minor spellcasting capabilities and benefits from a Shared Trove with Bahamut, offering substantial financial resources for superior gear.
Stat Block Level 20:
Platinum Knight[1]: male, Human Dragonborn of Bahamut Swashbuckler 7/Vassal of Bahamut 10/Paladin 3; CR 20; Medium Humanoid (Dragonblood); HD 20d10; hp 200; Init +3; Spd 30 ft.; AC 26, touch 13, flat-footed 23; Base Atk +20; Grp +19; Atk +24 Rapier (1d6+3/18-20) or +23 Rapid Blitz; Full Atk +24/+19/+14 Rapier (1d6+3/18-20) or Rapid Blitz; SA Smite Evil, Dragonwrack +4d6/2d6; SQ Aura of Good, Detect Evil, Divine Grace, Lay on Hands, Imperious Aura, Platinum Armor, Shared Trove (2400 gp), Acrobatic Charge; AL Lawful Good; SV Fort +18, Ref +15, Will +14; Str 8, Dex 19, Con 10, Int 14, Wis 14, Cha 12.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Craft (Armorsmithing) 5, Diplomacy 5; Weapon Finesse, Sacred Vow, Vow of Obedience, Dodge, Mobility, Spring Attack, Combat Reflexes, Bounding Assault, Iron, Rapid Blitz, Great Fortitude.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Dragonwrack delivers extra damage to dragons, Imperious Aura bolsters allies in combat, and Platinum Armor provides robust protection.
Possessions: Rapier, chain shirt, platinum armor.
Milestones Of Character Development
Levels 1-5: Master the basics of swashbuckling with Weapon Finesse for agile combat. Gain the Sacred Vow and Vow of Obedience for a strong moral foundation. Start with detecting evil and gain Lay on Hands to heal allies. Develop Grace and Insightful Strike for combat finesse.
Levels 6-10: Embrace platinum armor and gain Imperious Aura as a Vassal of Bahamut, increasing influence. Gain mobility feats like Dodge and Mobility to enhance combat agility. Use Acrobatic Charge for battlefield maneuvering.
Levels 11-15: Hone dragon-slaying skills with Dragon Senses and Dragonwrack. Access Shared Trove for extra resources. Use Spring Attack and Bounding Assault for dynamic combat tactics, enhancing battlefield versatility.
Levels 16-20: Further amplify dragon slaying abilities with increased Dragonwrack damage. Strengthen combat skills with Rapid Blitz and Great Fortitude to withstand threats. Maximize resource gain with Shared Trove to enhance equipment and strategic options.
Core Abilities & Features
The Platinum Knight[1] is a strategic masterpiece that combines the agility and grace of a swashbuckler with the superhuman tenacity of a Vassal of Bahamut. From level 1, you must have the Weapon Finesse feat, which allows you to use your Dexterity modifier instead of Strength for attack rolls with light weapons like the rapier.
As you progress to levels 2 and 3 in Swashbuckler, you’ll gain vital class features. Grace +1 provides a dodge bonus to Reflex saves, crucial for your mobility-centric playstyle. Insightful Strike then enables the addition of your Intelligence modifier to damage rolls, significantly elevating your offensive prowess.
Transitioning to the Paladin class at level 4 brings divine elements into the mix. Aura of Good and Detect Evil are readily available to support your role as a defender of virtue. Also, Smite Evil allows you to wield your charisma against evil foes, compounding with Divine Grace that leverages your charisma for all saving throws. The level adds to your well-rounded fortitude with Lay on Hands, providing a unique self-heal or ally support option.
Entering level 7 marks a crucial shift with the Vassal of Bahamut class. Imperious Aura enhances your presence on the battlefield, coupled with access to Platinum Armor, which boosts your defensive capabilities greatly, mirroring the strength of the mighty Bahamut himself. Throughout your journey, features like Dragonwrack progressively enhance your ability to smite dragons, vital for your dragon slayer missions.
Equipment Progression
Level Range
Equipment
Details
L1-5
Masterwork Rapier
Provides a bonus to attack rolls. Essential for swashbucklers using Dexterity-based attacks.
L1-5
Chain Shirt
Offers a good balance of protection and dexterity. It’s lightweight for agility.
L6-10
Cloak of Resistance +2
Improves all saving throws, enhancing survivability against magical threats.
L6-10
Platinum Armor
A unique armor from the Vassal of Bahamut class. Provides excellent AC and is prestigious.
L11-15
Ring of Protection +2
More defensive capability with a bonus to AC. Vital during tougher encounters.
L11-15
Belt of Giant Strength +2
Boosts Strength for better melee damage. Useful in overcoming Strength challenges.
L16-20
Cloak of Resistance +5
Maximized resistance bonus for best protection against spells and effects.
L16-20
Amulet of Natural Armor +3
Further increases AC. Ideal for enduring against powerful enemies.
Combat Scenarios
Dungeon Crawls:
In the claustrophobic corridors of a dungeon, take advantage of Acrobatic Charge to maneuver swiftly past traps and obstacles, striking adversaries with Insightful Strike. Utilize Detect Evil from your Paladin abilities to anticipate threats.
Open Fields:
In open terrain, your Rapid Blitz allows for dynamic movement. Use Spring Attack to dart in and out of combat, maintaining mobility. The Vassal of Bahamut prestige class adds Dragonwrack to your attacks, devastating draconic foes with precision.
Ambushes:
When caught in an ambush, the Platinum Armor provides crucial defense. Activate Imperious Aura to bolster allies. Counterattack with Dragon Senses for enhanced perception and the Vow of Obedience to resist intimidation.
Defensive Stands:
In defending a stronghold, leverage the Aura of Courage to inspire nearby allies. Execute strategic positioning with Mobility to dodge incoming strikes. Use Lay on Hands for crucial healing, sustaining defenses under pressure.
Urban Encounters:
In the urban sprawl, navigate tight alleys with Dodge and Combat Reflexes for superior evasion. Capitalize on Use Magic Devices to employ enchanted equipment or items, gaining the upper hand in unpredictable urban brawls.
Weaknesses & Counters
Weakness
Counter
Low Strength (Str 8)
Use Dexterity (Dex 16) for attack rolls with Weapon Finesse.
Vulnerable in heavy combat without heavy armor early on
Utilize high Dexterity for better armor class through chainshirt and take advantage of the Dodge feat.
Limited spellcasting abilities
Invest in Use Magic Device to access wands and scrolls for additional spell capabilities.
Precise strikes limited by lower Intelligence (Int 14)
Maximize Insightful Strike to allow precise attacks leveraging Intelligence over Strength.
Poor Constitution (Con 10)
Prioritize avoiding damage with high mobility using feats like Mobility and Spring Attack.
Roleplaying
Embody the Noble Heritage: As a human Dragonborn of Bahamut, your character carries the proud legacy of a divine lineage. Capture this essence in your roleplay by adopting a demeanor that’s graceful, yet humble. Your character could be the child of a noble family, investing earnest effort into upholding family honor and protecting the weak. Using your backstory as someone who dealt with the cult of Tiamat, pepper in moments of reflection or references to past battles, emphasizing the wisdom gained from every encounter.
Challenge the Status Quo: The Platinum Knight[1] isn’t just a knight; he’s an enigma. With this build, balancing nobility with swashbuckling agility is key. During interactions, show off quick wit and charm during negotiations or tense social encounters. Accept challenges with a laugh, displaying an unshakable confidence that stems from being a Vassal of Bahamut. Take opportunities to roleplay scenes where the character charmingly and skillfully uses diplomacy to resolve conflicts, only resorting to combat when absolutely necessary.
Live the Code of Bahamut: As a Vassal of Bahamut, your allegiance to justice can guide personal stories. Roleplay scenarios where your character is faced with ethical dilemmas, and must prioritize justice over personal gain. Encourage other players to rely on your steadfast nature in battle or planning sessions. Highlight moments where you fearlessly charge into the fray to protect allies, using your knightly prowess and Bahamut’s blessings to turn the tide of skirmishes. As you weave through combat, emphasize the sleek skirmisher dynamics provided by Swashbuckler abilities.
This build combines finesse and divine resilience. It starts as a nimble Swashbuckler, gaining Weapon Finesse early on. Then it transitions into a Vassal of Bahamut, embracing divine power. This offers both tactical mobility and substantial defense enhancements. The blend of dexterity-based combat and divine abilities creates a well-rounded character.
The build relies on high dexterity instead of strength. This allows for effective attack rolls using Weapon Finesse. To counter vulnerability against heavy combat, it uses armor and feats like Dodge. Limited spellcasting is tackled with the Use Magic Device skill. It grants access to wands and scrolls.
Roleplaying as a Vassal of Bahamut involves embodying nobility and adherence to justice. Characters display confidence and strategic wit during interactions. Their backstory can involve conflicts with the Cult of Tiamat. Upholding Bahamut’s principles and protecting allies becomes central to their narrative.
What Role Does Dexterity Play in the Platinum Knight[1]’s Combat Approach?
Dexterity is crucial as it replaces strength for attack rolls with light weapons. It contributes to avoiding damage and enhancing armor class. As characters progress, feats like Mobility further amplify this dexterity-centric playstyle. Thus, prioritizing dexterity impacts both offense and defense effectively.
Integrate them as leaders or defenders, thriving in tactical, combat-heavy adventures. Their dual nature, combining agility with divine strength, makes them versatile. They’ll excel in campaigns involving dragons or any enemies with evil intentions. Their background narratives allow exploration of family lineage and noble quests.
Join us at Stellar Dragons with the Platinum Knight?
It depends on what you seek in gameplay – finesse and strategic agility shine here. Try playing a Platinum-Knight in your next game to see its full potential. Join the community at Stellar Dragons Discord: 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?
As the ship anchored at the port, the young nobleman jumped on the dock. Away, amongst the mass of sailors and fishermen that busied themselves with their trade, a tall dragonborn, clad in an armor made of platinum, waved at him.
–“It’s been too long young lad!” the massive draconic man said in his usual decontracted voice “How’s the old man?”
-“Still kicking my ass, as usual,” answered the young man as they shook hands.
-“How are things on your end?” The young man continued.
-“Well, we have an arson problem. Thought that problem was over when the old man and I dealt with the cult of Tiamat a few years ago. But I guess things are never really over isn’t it? Come, I’ll show you around.”
Race
Human Dragonborn of Bahamut
Class
Swashbuckler 7/Vassal of Bahamut 10/Paladin 3
Ability Scores
Str 8/Dex 16/Con 10/Int 14/Wis 14/Cha 12
Skills
Craft(Armorsmithing) 5, Diplomacy 5
Equipment
A Rapier and a chainshirt. Eventually you get your platinum armor.
Goal
You are a capable dragonslayer, capable of minor spellcasting in addition to being a rapid skirmisher, despite being clad in a platinum armor made from the purified scales of a red dragon. As a direct vassal of Bahamut, he shares his hoard with you, giving you extra gold to purchase even better equipment (which is reason enough to put points in Use Magic Devices)
Level
Class
HD
Feat
Special
1
Swashbuckler
10
Weapon Finesse, Sacred Vow
–
2
Swashbuckler
1d10
–
Grace +1
3
Swashbuckler
1d10
Vow of Obedience
Insightful Strike
4
Paladin
1d10
–
Aura of Good, Detect Evil, Smite Evil 1/Day, +1 Dex
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