Swashbuckler (Thief Kit)

This rogue is part acrobat, part swordsman, and part wit — the epitome of charm and grace.

Advantages

• +1 bonus to Armor Class at 1st level, plus an additional +1 every 5 levels.
• +1 to-hit and damage rolls every 5 levels.
• May Specialize (two slots) in any melee weapon available to Thieves.
• May place 3 slots into Two-Weapon Style.

Disadvantages

• May not use Backstab ability.

When to pick it

• A duelist — trades the Thief's signature backstab for sustained melee performance and a +AC bonus.
• One of the only Thief kits that scales as a frontline fighter rather than a one-shot assassin.

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Source: bgee/original_manuals/baldurs_gate_1_ee_mastering_melee_and_magic.pdf — "Swashbuckler (Thief Kit)".