Duelist (Dragon Age II)

For the specialization in Dragon Age: Origins, see Duelist (Origins).

Duelist
type	Rogue
effects	+5% critical chance
description	Duelists specialize in calling out single opponents and eliminating them, quickly. While the art of dueling is less popular in Kirkwall than the more-refined cities of Orlais, there are still plenty of trainers who can teach rogues they deem sufficiently quick of wit. The rogue's preferred weapon, be it blade or bow, has little consequence on this tree. A distracted and enraged foe is an easy target at any range.

Duelist is one of the specializations available to the rogue class in Dragon Age II.

Background

The Duelist commands battle like a craftsman. Many rogues are adept at destroying enemies, but Duelists want challenge as well as victory. To them, combat is a proving ground where mettle is tested and mastery is proven. Unlike their stealthier counterparts, followers of this specialization will often announce their intent, inviting attention with bravado and insult. And while few can close as quickly or strike as decisively, Duelists can also choose to match targets parry for parry, extending or ending the battle as they see fit. To face a Duelist is to face a master of blade or bow—it's an opportunity to be grateful for, however briefly they allow it to last.

Talent tree

Talents

Throw the Gauntlet

Activated Activation: 25 Duration: 20s Cooldown: 25s Requires: Level 8

The duelist issues an irresistible challenge to a single foe. The enemy immediately abandons its other opponents to engage the rogue. Enemy will engage you

To the Death Upgrade Requires: Level 12 Requires: 2 points in Duelist

The rogue's opponent is completely absorbed in this duel. For a short time, the enemy will not seek a new target unless either combatant falls. The enraged foe also attacks carelessly, inflicting less damage against the rogue. Enemy will not seek new target Enemy damage: -25%

Cutting Barbs Upgrade Duration: 20s Requires: Level 14 Requires: 4 points in Duelist

The duelist taunts the enemy into lowering its guard. Enemy defense: -50%

Sure Strikes

Passive Requires: Level 10 Requires: 2 points in Duelist

The experienced duelist has survived many a combat and is more likely to hit foes. Attack: +20%

Parry

Sustained Upkeep: 20% Cooldown: 5s Requires: Level 7

While in this mode, the duelist's defenses are strengthened. Against an opponent that has picked up the gauntlet, the duelist's defenses are nigh impenetrable. Defense: +20% normally, +40% vs. enemies affected by Throw the Gauntlet

Riposte Upgrade Requires: Level 11 Requires: 2 points in Duelist

The duelist's counterattacks are more lethal. Attack: +20% normally, +40% vs. enemies affected by Throw the Gauntlet

En Garde Upgrade Requires: Level 13 Requires: 2 points in Duelist

The duelist attacks with increased fury. Critical chance: +10% normally, +20% vs. enemies affected by Throw the Gauntlet

Evasive Maneuvers

Passive Requires: Level 10 Requires: 3 points in Duelist

After years of extensive training, the duelist has become keenly aware of incoming attacks. Defense: +20%

Vendetta

Activated Activation: 40 Cooldown: 40s Requires: Level 11 Requires: 2 points in Duelist

Every duelist, even an archer, knows that the most memorable fights happen at close quarters... and that the first strike is the most crucial. To gain that advantage, the rogue vanishes behind a cloud of smoke, then strikes the enemy viciously from behind. This ability can be used from across the battlefield, for few rogues are as capable of moving under stealth as a duelist. Teleports you behind the target, even as an archer Physical force: 2x Physical damage: * Dual wield: 5.5x * Archery: 3.4x

Blood Feud Upgrade Requires: Level 16 Requires: 4 points in Duelist

Even foes toughened by years of experience now suffer serious harm from Vendetta, and those that a warrior has left STAGGERED fare even worse. Physical damage: 300% vs. STAGGERED targets Enemy armor: momentarily 0% Enemy damage resistance: momentarily 0% Cooldown: -10s (total: 30s)

Tactics

There isn't much to say about this class specialization... it's pretty straight forward. A few things are still worth mentioning:

First - it's important to note that Vendetta doesn't work well with archery, as it teleports the player to the target.

Second - it seems that most talents ignore a player's defense and hit automatically. Parry will therefore be useful only against normal attacks. A Duelist might still be vulnerable to mages.

Third - an enemy affected by your Throw the Gauntlet might still engage other targets as soon as you enter stealth or use threat-manipulating talents.

Last but not least - both attack and defense are significantly nerfed against elite or boss targets. You can hover over both stats to see the exact percentages.