Pirate PREMIUM
Swashbuckler / DPS
Overview
The Pirate (Premium) is Lourdin RPG's combo-based swashbuckler, built around the unique Swagger resource system. Starting with 10 HP and light or medium armor, Pirates build Swagger stacks with each successful hit and spend them on powerful finishers: Cutlass Flurry (3-hit combo with guaranteed crit if all land), Riposte (counter-attack), and Boarding Action (high-damage finisher).
The Pirate is a cunning swashbuckler who builds momentum through combat with the unique Swagger resource system. Every successful hit builds Swagger, enabling devastating combo attacks, evasion, and powerful abilities. Pirates are designed for aggressive, momentum-driven combat where skilled play is rewarded with powerful payoffs.
This Premium class is perfect for players who want dynamic, combo-based combat with multiple damage sources. Pirates excel at hit-and-run tactics, building momentum for powerful finishing moves, similar to Rogues but with more sustainability and resource-based gameplay.
| Base HP | 10 |
|---|---|
| Starting Mana | None |
| Primary Stats | Dexterity, Charisma |
| Armor Type | Light / Medium |
| Starting AC | 11 |
| Resource System | Swagger + Cooldowns |
| Availability | Premium |
Core Strengths
- Swagger System: Build momentum with each hit, enabling powerful combos
- Swig of Rum: Bonus action healing + Dutch Courage buff for +2 attack
- Sea Legs: Dodge attacks to gain Swagger and negate damage
- Riposte: Counter-attack when enemies strike, spending Swagger for massive damage
- Cutlass Flurry: 3 rapid strikes with guaranteed crit if all hit
- Dexterity + Charisma: Perfect balance of offense (DEX) and charisma (resource/charm)
Starting Equipment
- Cutlass: 1d8 damage - Iconic pirate weapon
- Leather Coat: Light chest armor, balanced AC - Swashbuckler's favorite
- 50 Copper: Starting currency for weapon upgrades
Note: Pirates favor single-handed weapons for style and flexibility!
Swashbuckler's Finesse
AC = 10 + DEX ModifierSpecial AC Calculation: Pirates use only Dexterity for AC, making high DEX essential. Light and medium armor provide modest AC boosts, but the real defense comes from Swagger dodges and mobility.
Example: DEX 16 (+3) with leather coat (AC 11) = 14 AC (11 + 3)
Strategy: Maximize Dexterity for AC, hit chance, and initiative. Chain hits together to build Swagger, then use dodges and combos to survive tough encounters!
What Is the Swagger Resource System?
Swagger (Passive Resource)
How to Gain Swagger:
- +1 Swagger on hit with basic attacks
- +2 Swagger on critical hits
- +1 additional Swagger if Dutch Courage is active (from Swig of Rum)
- +1 additional Swagger when flanking or in advantageous positioning
- +1 Swagger when you dodge an attack with Sea Legs
How to Lose Swagger:
- -2 Swagger when you take damage
- -1 Swagger per Riposte counter-attack used
- All Swagger resets if HP drops below 25%
Swagger Scaling by Level
Level 1-11
Max 5 Swagger
Level 12-19
Max 6 Swagger
Level 20
Max 7 Swagger
Higher Swagger enables more powerful abilities and higher dodge/counter-attack chances!
What Are the Pirate's Key Abilities?
Swig of Rum (Bonus Action)
Effects:
- Heal Level x 3 HP (up to max HP)
- Gain Dutch Courage status effect for 2 turns (+2 attack rolls, +1 Swagger on hit, -1 AC)
- Does NOT consume your main action - pure bonus action
Strategy: Use during extended fights to sustain health while boosting offense.
Sea Legs (Passive Dodge)
When an enemy attacks you, you have a chance to dodge the attack entirely. If you successfully dodge, you negate all damage AND gain +1 Swagger. No action required - this happens automatically!
Unlock: Available at Level 1
Cutlass Flurry (Main Action)
Strike your enemy three times with lightning-fast attacks. Each strike rolls separately and can hit or miss. If all 3 strikes hit: You gain +2 Swagger back and your next attack is guaranteed to crit. If any strike misses: You lose all remaining Swagger.
Unlock: Level 3
Riposte (Reaction/Counter)
When an enemy strikes you with a melee attack, spend 3 Swagger to counter-attack immediately, dealing weapon damage + DEX modifier back to the attacker. Chain multiple Ripostes if enemies attack you repeatedly!
Unlock: Level 5 | Multiple Ripostes: Level 15+ (2 per turn)
Boarding Action (Main Action)
A devastating finishing move that always hits. Damage multiplier depends on enemy HP: 5x if below 50%, 3x otherwise. Guaranteed critical hit. Resets all Swagger afterward.
Unlock: Level 10 | Uses Per Turn: 1 normally, 2 at Level 20+
How Should You Play the Pirate in Combat?
Build and Spend Momentum
The key to Pirate mastery is managing Swagger. Use basic attacks to build Swagger, then spend it on powerful combos. Chain hits together and watch for the guaranteed crit bonus from Cutlass Flurry. Use Swig of Rum to sustain while boosting your attack power with Dutch Courage.
Resource Management
- Building Phase: Hit 3-4 times to build 5 Swagger
- Combo Phase: Use Cutlass Flurry (2 Swagger) → follow with guaranteed crit attacks
- Finishing Phase: Save 5 Swagger for Boarding Action against low-health targets
- Sustain Phase: Use Swig of Rum on cooldown to heal + boost attack (uses 0 Swagger)
Weapon Selection
- Cutlass (1d8): Iconic pirate weapon - perfect balance
- Rapier (1d8): Finesse weapon - uses DEX for melee attacks
- Shortsword (1d6): Lighter, faster - good for hit-and-run
Stat Priority
- Dexterity: Primary stat - increases attack, AC, and initiative
- Charisma: Secondary stat - enhances resource generation and some abilities
- Constitution: Tertiary - HP and resilience (moderate importance)
Character Progression
Level Milestones
- Level 1-2: Learn Swagger generation with basic attacks. Master Sea Legs dodging.
- Level 3-4: Cutlass Flurry unlocks - learn combo timing for guaranteed crits.
- Level 5-9: Riposte unlocks - practice counter-attacking. Swagger cap increases.
- Level 10-14: Boarding Action unlocks - execute powerful finishers on low-health targets.
- Level 15-19: Dual Ripostes available - chain counter-attacks on aggressive enemies.
- Level 20: Peak Pirate - max 7 Swagger, dual Boarding Actions, ultimate finisher potential.
Playstyle Tips
- Attack Aggressively: Build Swagger early - hit 3-4 times before using big abilities
- Chain Combos: Cutlass Flurry → guaranteed crit → more Swagger generation
- Dodge Management: Sea Legs triggers automatically - keep attacking to build Swagger
- Swig of Rum Timing: Use as bonus action when you need healing or Charisma boost
- Boarding Action Finisher: Save for low-health enemies to maximize damage
- Riposte Chaining: At high levels, counter-attack chain against melee-heavy enemies
- Avoid Taking Damage: Each hit resets Swagger - dodge first, attack second
- Positioning: Flank enemies when possible for +1 Swagger per hit
- Light/Medium Armor: Balanced between mobility and defense
- Momentum is King: Never reset to 0 Swagger - keep attacking!
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Unique Swagger momentum system - dynamic and rewarding
- Excellent sustainability with Swig of Rum bonus action healing
- Sea Legs provides automatic evasion without action cost
- Multiple damage sources - basic attacks + Flurry + Boarding Action
- Cutlass Flurry guaranteed crit on all hits keeps momentum going
- Dexterity/Charisma split gives versatility
- Riposte counter-attacks punish aggressive enemies
- No mana management - all abilities use Swagger or cooldowns
- Excellent for both solo and group content
- High mobility with light/medium armor focus
Weaknesses
- Taking damage loses Swagger quickly - must prioritize dodging
- HP below 25% completely resets Swagger - vulnerable when wounded
- Premium class - requires subscription
- Moderate HP pool (10 base) - not as tanky as Warriors/Barbarians
- Abilities locked behind level requirements (3, 5, 10)
- Swig of Rum has 3-turn cooldown - can't spam healing
- Sea Legs is probabilistic - not 100% reliable defense
- Requires skillful play to maximize combos and momentum
- Swagger system can feel unrewarding if you miss key attacks
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