Shattered Kingdoms

I suggest removing the INT and concentration req from taunt, and make it only based on CHA. Swashbucklers already need pretty much every other stat (str, dex, con, cha, hp), having a need for INT as well just sucks for them.

Something that'd also help them out a bit would be to remove the buff that taunt gives to the taunted (+ damage or w/e it is, been too long) and instead give them something like a penalty to accuracy.

Taunt is honestly the only useful ability for swashbucklers, and it's almost useless to use how it is at the moment. You aren't going to be able to concentrate on your taunt for very long, and even if you are most people you won't want to taunt because they'll just kill you quickly due to them doing more damage after you taunt them.

With the enchant changes, I don't think it being based on int is really an issue with them anymore.

Ummmm... I think it's only CHA that affects the taunt. It's INT that it lowers on the one who is being TAUNTED.

There is a concentration requirement for taunt. In order to hold the concentrated portion, you need a certain amount of int. I've seen a swashie taunt someone, and after being bashed, he lost concentration on his taunt, and the person he taunted got away.

Ah, I see. I never noticed this update...

Swashbucklers should probably not have to be stat-reliant, especially considering how weak they are right now.

I like that there is an int requirement. I remember having some narrow escapes vs taunt by lowering the enemy swashbuckler's concentration, either with frenzy, feeblemind, having melee focus on him, having the swashbuckler taunted, or hitting him with a big damage spell. I'm glad that quick thinking and a bit of luck can get a good player out of taunt.

I know that Dulrik feels that swashbucklers are supposed to be on par with the other warrior classes, but I always thought it was appropriate that they are not. I think of them as bad fighters who have taunt, which is the only skill that lets you kill certain people. Nobody wants to play a swashbuckler because they are bad warriors, but everyone wants a swashbuckler friend who can taunt that elusive enemy.

Fixing the stat reliance (really a non-issue) wouldn't help much. They need to be truly fixed as a class. I've been disappointed at all the nerfing going on (necromancers, enchant) when there are two classes badly in need of fixing (rogue, swashbuckler). In fact are rogues still having to deal with that reaching bug?

And Baldric, while their target combat potency could be debated, their utility bites. Swashies need some love.

The only nerf to rogues was that most of the SS-breaking daggers now only do half-damage through SS, right? So they are just as good as when I played Dago, except when facing people with stone skin? Actually, mood aggressive and two-handed weapon bonus got buffed since I played Dago. So, more energy daggers need to be added?

What "utility" does melee usually have? Tanking and dps for pve? I guess swashbucklers are horrible at pve. I wouldn't object to swashbucklers getting a buff. I just meant that I did not feel it was necessary for them to be as good as mercs/barbs in melee.