Highwayman

"Elusive, evasive, persistent - righteous traits for a rogue."

- The Ancestor

The Highwayman is one of the playable Characters in Darkest Dungeon.

Class Description
"A bandit seeking redemption on an old road, the Highwayman is one of the fastest classes in the game and is able to dish out a lot of damage quickly. He can be placed in both the front ranks and rend enemies with his short sword, or he can pursue enemies from the back with his trusty pistol. He has a lower HP value than most classes, but makes up for this with high evasion. When night falls and all of his allies are settled around a campfire, the Highwayman is preparing for what dangers await. He'll spend his time performing maintenance on his weaponry, practicing his blade-work or setting up alarms to keep himself safe during the night. If he must interact with others it'll be with his dark sense of humor, which might upset some. But for what the Highwayman lacks in tact he makes up in unparalleled finesse. With a flintlock in one hand and a dirk in the other, the Highwayman is sure to make short work of his foes."

Combat Skills
"A rogue, a thug and a thief, the Highwayman has honed his skills with dirk and flintlock to devastating effect. Whether at range or in a melee, he is equally effective at dispatching his foes. Be it a grapeshot area-of-effect, or single target bleed, the Highwayman's skills focus solely on dealing damage in a variety of ways."

- Guild

Note: New Highwaymen will always come with the Pistol Shot skill.

(All buffs and debuffs last for 3 rounds unless otherwise specified.)

* Highwayman's Riposte has a base ACC of 85, and a CRIT mod of +5%."The Highwayman relishes cynical preparedness and off-color jokes around the campfire. A life spent running and hiding has taught him the tenuous benefit of perimeter alarms, and late-night investigations into the encroaching shadows."

- Survivalist

Tactical Analysis
The Highwayman is a straight-forward hero to use and understand - all his abilities deal direct damage. Between his standard Pistol Shot and Wicked Slice, he has the ability to target all ranks in the enemy formation from positions 2 or 3. He has a couple of useful movement skills at his disposal - Duelist's Advance pushes him forward from position 4 and triggers Riposte, while Point-Blank Shot offers amazing damage at position 1 while shuffling him backwards into his more favorable positions. Grapeshot Blast offers the ability to do area damage, but at the cost of reduced accuracy and damage, while Tracking Shot exchanges raw damage for breaking Stealth and applying a long-lasting buff.

Some players choose to combine both movement skills, shuffling the Highwayman back and forth between positions 1 and 2 while laying punishment to the enemy position 1. Others choose to field two Highwaymen at the same time, having them alternate Duelist's Advance to shuffle between positions 2 and 3, which maintains their Riposte status and allows for massive counterattack damage against bosses that hit the entire party at once. Regardless, the Highwayman excels in a party filled with movement attacks.

Much like the Grave Robber, the Highwayman has a below-average health pool, but an above-average DODGE stat. While he lacks the Grave Robber's ability to raise his own DODGE to incredible rates, his own trinkets and Camping skills often raise his raw damage. With enough buffing effects stacked on, the Highwayman becomes a great source of ranged damage, with or without landing critical hits. However, while he's great at dealing raw damage, it's also the only thing he can do, and he suffers against enemies with high PROT. Open Vein is his only option as it applies bleed, but it restricts itself to the front two enemy positions.

Equipment
"The highwayman's reinforced overcoat will dull a knife-strike, but he relies more on evasion than damage mitigation. His flintlock and short sword afford him great versatility; he is never out of position, or caught unawares."

- Blacksmith

Each Hero has Trinkets unique to them that only they can equip. The Highwayman has eight; 3 common, 2 Crimson Court and 1 uncommon, rare and very rare. In the base game, his trinkets are all either belt buckles, dagger sheathes or gunpowder. The Color of Madness DLC adds another gunpowder trinket, while The Crimson Court DLC adds a his neckerchief and a locket with a picture of the woman and child from his comic.


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District Bonus
The Crimson Court DLC adds Districts to the Hamlet, some of which confer passive benefits to heroes.


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Customisation
As for every hero, the Highwayman has four different colour palettes to choose from: red, green, blue and brown. These can be changed by clicking on the palette icon at the lower left of the hero's info page.

Sprites
For sprites of the other palettes, see here.

Barks
Battle =

Landing a Critical Hit

 * Didn't see that coming, did you?
 * I never miss.
 * Right where it hurts!
 * You're outmatched.
 * Ha haa!
 * Damn -- I missed your eyes!

On Death's Door
Fearful =
 * Every road ends...

Becoming Fearful

 * Caught! Trapped!
 * What foolishness brought me here?!
 * We must go for help! Err... better help than us!
 * Curses! I should have brought the blunderbuss!
 * What I would not give for a drop of liquid courage...

Stressing Party

 * I hear the hoofbeats of doom!
 * I've had enough - enough!
 * Come, let's away! We've lost this!

Switching Position to the Back

 * I'm not ready for this!
 * Discretion, valor, et cetera!
 * I am indeed many shades of fool, but I'm not stupid!

Passing Turn

 * I must flee, I must escape!
 * No!... I'm still reloading!
 * Yes, yes, I'll do it. Eventually...

Camping Stress

 * What was that, stay alert you blasted fools!
 * (sniff) Undoubtedly a corpse out there somewhere...
 * ... Bah. 'Tis merely coyotes singing at the moon. Yes.

Getting Hit by Enemy

 * UNGH! ... Drek...that does it for me.
 * HUNH! Heh... good.. very good. Can we go now?

Enemy Missed Self

 * I'm alright... (gasping)... It was just a graze!
 * (yell of fright)

Party Member Attack Misses

 * Well... I think we've gone and snuffed it now.
 * About that plan B I've heard so much about...

Party Member Getting Hit

 * Perhaps we should go? Yes, I vote for retreat.
 * Let us be off! We can catch them up later!

Party Member Missed by Enemy

 * Gods' blood! Can't you see it's useless!?
 * I've no loyalty to courage! Let us flee! NOW!

Refusing to Move

 * No. Seems I've discovered my hill to die on.
 * ...and jack fell down and broke his crown...

Refusing to Perform Camping Skills
Paranoid =
 * What?! I see eyes in the dark! Familiar eyes!
 * (grunt) My hands shake like a rudder in a storm!
 * No! We should flee, not stand about lolly-gagging!

Becoming Paranoid

 * This has all been a trap!
 * I knew I shouldn't have signed that contract...
 * I hear more behind us! Hurry!
 * Stay on the move... stay on the move...
 * Cease your prattle! Or they will find us!

Stressing Party

 * I can hear the ghosts of my victims past scream for my soul!
 * They were ready for us... it is a trap!
 * They are stalling us! More are surely on the way!

Switching Position to the Back

 * This is too easy... Some trick is afoot!
 * Watch your back! Others are certainly close!
 * They've been tracking us! We must mask our scent!

Passing Turn

 * You're all just waiting for me to turn my back!
 * I don't make rash decisions.
 * No. I'll not let my "friends" see me the fool.

Random Action

 * I'm wise to your schemes!
 * Stab me in the back?! That's my trick!
 * Oh, aye, and bend over while I'm at it?

Camping Stress

 * I know you're all plotting to steal my share...
 * Touch my pistol and your fingers are going in the stew
 * I sleep here. You sleep there. Everybody happy.

Attacking Party Member

 * Sorry, friend -- business is business.
 * Don't act surprised. I know all about your plans.

Refusing to Retreat

 * Hold fast. Plenty of time to betray us later.
 * Wouldn't survive long on the road with that attitude. Heh.

Getting Hit by Enemy

 * AAGH! Somebody fouled up! The tip was a trap!
 * Expedition my arse! More like extermination!

Enemy Missed Self

 * This is no coincidence! They have been hunting me!
 * I recognize this one! From a dark alley in town!

Party Member Attack Misses

 * ... How much are they paying you?
 * You do not trick me... You want us ALL dead!

Party Member Getting Hit

 * Well, that's it. They've sussed us.
 * Even if we win this, more will come.

Party Member Missed by Enemy

 * Huh. How deftly you dodged that blow... How deftly indeed.
 * You're working with them... Wish I'd thought of that.

Refusing to Move

 * Your strategy eludes me... perhaps intentionally.
 * Yes, this IS the best place to pilfer the loot. Heh.

Refusing to Use Item

 * Look, I am no paranoiac, but did you wash that?
 * ... I'll be just fine. Best attend to the others.

Refusing to Get Healed

 * Hands off, I'm fine.
 * Found your chance to strike, have you?
 * Sorry, friend... I know your kind of "medicine."

Refusing to Get Buffed

 * I'm fine. Leave me be.
 * Sorry... I am wise to trickery and large words.
 * Ha! What snake oil are you selling now?

Refusing to Perform Camping Skills

 * A magician never reveals his tricks.
 * Look out for yourself. That's the rule of the road.
 * Ha! They'd rather cut me open than return the favor.

Refusing to be Target of Camping Skills

 * That's about close enough, thank you.
 * I'll not be indebted to you or anyone.

Refusing to Eat while Camping
Masochistic =
 * (sniff) ... Err, no. Ha.
 * Thank you, no. I never eat poison after sunset.

Becoming Masochistic

 * Let the pain come! I will soak it in!
 * I am no shrinking violet when it comes to blood!
 * Ha! What's one more scar?
 * No less than I deserve...
 * Take aim upon me, blackguard! I defy you!

Stressing Party

 * I welcome the hangman's noose!
 * Aye, let us trade amputations like warriors of yore!
 * Cut me if you like. I'll decapitate you in turn.

Switching Position to the Front

 * I'm all in, anyway...
 * Come then. I'm already dead on the inside.
 * Time for some redemption.

Random Action

 * I'll take those odds!
 * Daft maybe, but bravery counts for something.
 * Pick on me - I can take it!

Camping Stress

 * I don't need rest, let's push on 'til we drop!
 * No. If I sleep now, I may get used to it.
 * I'll keep watch. I scream the loudest anyway.

Marking Self

 * You there! Something unsavory about your parentage!
 * An unruly lot, but a capable one? Doubtful!

Damaging Self

 * Huh. That rather does smart.
 * That's nothing. I've done worse in an opium den.

Refusing to Retreat

 * Sometimes victory costs more than one is willing to pay.
 * I'm rather enjoying myself. So feck off.

Getting Hit by Enemy

 * Couple more of those and all pain will be a memory.
 * Huh. Not bad. Not bad at all!

Enemy Missed Self

 * Come on! Just a wound or two to impress the lady-folk!
 * (growl) Try a little higher next time!

Party Member Getting Hit

 * Dear me, I rather like you all sweaty and fraught.
 * Splash of gore suits you, I dare say.

Refusing to Move

 * Mmm, no. How am I supposed to die quickly over there?
 * Honestly, I am enjoying the odd bang-up. I will hold.

Refusing to Use Item

 * Stop fiddling with that. We are too busy.
 * What, that? It's a trifle. Carry on.

Refusing to Get Healed

 * What's life without a few scars?
 * Nuh-uh... the pain keeps me moving.
 * What, and ruin this lovely ragged scar? I think not!

Refusing to Get Buffed

 * Back off - I like being the underdog.
 * No. Abject terror is motivation enough.
 * And fight with confidence?! That's suicide!

Refusing to Perform Camping Skills

 * That one? Barely a scratch on 'em!
 * Aye, and a back-rub, too? This is no steamship cruise!
 * Nonsense... fungus thrives in dung.

Refusing to be Target of Camping Skills

 * Your arts would only blunt the pain...
 * A kind gesture, but panic suits me just fine.

Refusing to Eat while Camping
Abusive =
 * Hunger is a useful motivator. Also, there's no wine.
 * An empty belly always points my nose towards victory.

Becoming Abusive

 * I will survive this expedition, no thanks to you weaklings!
 * Tread on my heels again, I'll run you through.
 * Greenhorns. Feh!
 * Gah... You reek of warm outhouse.
 * I'd rather adventure alone than with you lot. Feh.

Stressing Party

 * Step to the front, my friends! Be the first to die!
 * Faces only a mother could disown.
 * Little disfiguring might do you a spot a good.

Random Action

 * There is no justice on the road, only survival!
 * Just hand me the noose and save yourself the trouble!
 * I may be reckless, but you are all idiots!

Camping Stress

 * Shut up and go to sleep you blithering fools.
 * Don’t you blank-staring ghouls ever sleep?
 * Lucky for you, I’ve sworn never to kill children.

Attacking Party Member

 * You have much to learn if you're to survive out here...
 * Your hideous visage shall terrorize these lands no longer!

Party Member Attack Hits

 * Good. Not great. But good.
 * Your dumb luck is holding, it seems.

Party Member Attack Misses

 * ... Have you considered a career in the carpentry arts?
 * Not the BEST display I've seen. Possibly the worst.

Party Member Getting Hit

 * Aren't you dead yet?
 * You make a fine target. And little else.

Refusing to Move

 * Isn't there something useful you should be doing?
 * Oh, you want this spot? Pity.

Refusing to Perform Camping Skills

 * Shut up. You moan like a cow.
 * ... Do you weep when it rains as well?
 * I'd rather teach these layabouts to fish. Follow?

Refusing to be Target of Camping Skills
Selfish =
 * Heh, no. You can't con a con artist.
 * A fine trick for a carnie. Take your pathetic show on the road.

Becoming Selfish

 * Self above else!
 * All for one! And the one is me, naturally.
 * So long as there's gold to be had, I'll cut on command.
 * A talent as splendid as my own hardly comes cheap...
 * A penny pilfered is a penny earned!

Stressing Party

 * I wasn't meant to die here!
 * Clear a path to stage left. I may require an exit.
 * Fight I shall, but this cat is counting his lives.

Switching Position to the Front

 * I'll loot their pockets, their fillings!
 * Death only signals the battle for loot. Hence...
 * The enemy weakens! Here -- I shall finish them off!

Switching Position to the Back

 * Time to make myself scarce...
 * I need room to reload!
 * Why am I so close?! I have A GUN!

Passing Turn

 * I'm looking out for myself.
 * Ha! If I fancied blind idiocy, I'd join the army.
 * It's only a fair share if I live to share it.

Random Action

 * I'm only out for myself.
 * May I suggest a more subtle approach?
 * ... To be honest, guile is more my thing.

Camping Stress

 * What's in it for me?
 * Took this ring off the dead. You sleep, you weep.
 * Well, come now, share the pipe around! Lordy.

Getting Hit by Enemy

 * Grr! All this blood must be repaid!
 * What?! How did I get fooled into this band of greenhorns?

Party Member Attack Hits

 * Great, now step aside and let a professional in.
 * Sigh. Is it my turn yet?

Party Member Attack Misses

 * We'll be here all night at this rate...
 * Can we move things along? We're well past my bedtime.

Refusing to Perform Camping Skills
Hopeless =
 * Sorry... Keeping that one for later.
 * Pardon me, but I AM trying to make a living here.
 * Seems a mite excessive, don't it?

Becoming Hopeless

 * The dice have no more jump.
 * Go, go on! Lead me to my doom!
 * This cursed place will be my tomb.
 * The things I've done. They pale by comparison...
 * I can't get their faces out of my head...

Stressing Party

 * Even the dice and cup have lost their lustre.
 * Mother was right. Candlemaking was danger enough.
 * I've lost blood, true. But I miss the bloodlust most.

Switching Position to the Front

 * Let's get this over with.
 * Step aside. Let a true blackguard have his due.
 * If the guillotine is inevitable, let it fall here, now.

Switching Position to the Back

 * What's the point?
 * I'll not die here -- or maybe, I will. What does it matter?
 * Feh - your turn to get beat up.

Passing Turn

 * Bah - it's just not in the cards.
 * What's the point?
 * Can't you see?! WE'VE LOST!

Random Action

 * It's better this way - what do I care.
 * Flail and fight... What do I care?
 * Looks like the road's finally come to an end.

Camping Stress

 * We're going to die here, in the dark.
 * Eternal sleep sounds fair pleasant at the moment.
 * I've been saving this one bullet... just in case.

Marking Self

 * Well... it was a good run. ... HEY! UGLY! YEAH, YOU!
 * Stand and deliver, fool! Send me to my love!

Damaging Self

 * Sod it all to hell!
 * My sweetheart... I'll be with you presently.

Refusing to Retreat

 * There's nowhere to run. So sit your ass down.
 * Please, I wish to at least DIE like a man.

Refusing to Use Item

 * No. You see, it's been a long road. Too long, I fear.
 * Why bother to save me? I am just an old horse.

Refusing to Get Healed

 * Don't waste your time on me.
 * It's not worth it... Just leave me be.
 * I don't need your help. Nor do I desire it

Refusing to Get Buffed

 * Don't waste your time on me - I'm done.
 * I appreciate what you're doing... but it's futile.
 * So cruel, to let a man suffer overlong.

Refusing to Perform Camping Skills

 * Sorry, I've already given up.
 * What do you hope to gain? Certainly not victory.
 * You ask the blind to lead the blind.

Refusing to be Target of Camping Skills

 * Bugger off. I'm in no mood for mothering.
 * Nay. And if no one minds, I'll turn in.

Refusing to Eat while Camping
Irrational =
 * Not like she used to make... (sigh)
 * Seems my revelry makes a lousy dining partner.

Becoming Irrational

 * Ha ha ha ha ha ha!
 * Come, juggle these daggers with me! Hee heeee!
 * I take offense, blaggard! We shall duel at dawn!
 * Moths have been at my britches! Bring me needle and thread!
 * You know I apprenticed in candlemaking? T'is true.

Stressing Party

 * Yes, your Regency! I have collected your taxes!
 * Turn out your pockets! Yes, ALL of you!
 * May I have the first dance, m'lady?

Switching Position

 * Down the rabbit hole, Alice! Hehehe!
 * Hehehe, I must still be in solitary confinement...
 * Ticket? Lord, no, I'm a stowaway.

Passing Turn

 * She rode in an ivory stagecoach - a vision in the night...
 * Did you know the female spider eats her mate? Tis true.
 * "The hero dies in vain / a sound trade for a touch of fame."

Random Action

 * I could've run away with her. But like a fool, I chose the pit!
 * To oblivion with you! / Dagger, flintlock and brew!
 * Stop, stop! May we instead part ways peacefully?

Camping Stress

 * Wheels & potholes - hahaha - we thought we were so clever!
 * I stuck 'em all... right in their bellies....
 * You ever see a man bleed to death? It's damn pretty.

Marking Self

 * Did you know I'm immortal? Come, see for yourself.
 * Come, you filthy dog. Gain some self-respect.

Attacking Party Member

 * You... you have her face! WHY DO YOU HAVE HER FACE!?
 * Thieves! You know where my fortune is hidden! THIEVES!

Damaging Self

 * All this blood that I have spilled... Flow free once more.
 * (howling like a wolf)

Refusing to Retreat

 * No turning back. Take the road to its very end.
 * I've been down that road. Nothing but black misery...

Getting Hit by Enemy

 * I... I... (sobs)
 * Be strong! My brothers will be here by nightfall!

Enemy Missed Self

 * Shhh... I see more of 'em hiding on the brothel balcony.
 * Her form, writhing under sheets. A dark spot spreads...

Party Member Attack Hits

 * Fine work, brother. Now we drink.
 * (insane giggling)

Party Member Attack Misses

 * (muttering) Truly, I love thee, girl. I love thee, s'true.
 * (sobbing) No.... no,no,no....

Party Member Getting Hit

 * WHO ARE THESE GHOSTS? FROM WHENCE HAVE YOU COME??
 * Thank you, but no. I have already eaten this morning.

Party Member Missed by Enemy

 * (sobs uncontrollably)
 * (drinks)...Huh? You don't expect me to fight sober, do you?

Refusing to Move

 * Wh-who is she...? A phantasm, luminous in the twilight!
 * I can hear you... but your words flow together like whisky!

Refusing to Use Item

 * She has followed me on the road... A white silhouette.
 * I am no fisherman, but I believe these waters have piranha!

Refusing to Get Healed

 * You expect some kind of payment? Hands off!
 * Just a little vinegar and brown paper, please.
 * Tis of no use! The tide will wash the sandcastle away!

Refusing to Get Buffed

 * Let me alone... she was a diamond, resplendent in the moonlight.
 * Pink flesh turns yellow, then black, then grey...
 * And yet wherefore does no one sing of Wiglaf?... Why?

Refusing to Perform Camping Skills

 * I did what I had to. That jail was hellish...
 * I feel her arms around me... How did I ever leave?
 * A herd of cattle... a narrow passage...

Refusing to be Target of Camping Skills

 * ... can't think... can't see... can't breathe...
 * Come at me again and I will split your gullet.

Refusing to Eat while Camping
Stalwart =
 * No! I DIDN'T KILL HER! 'TWAS AN ACCIDENT!
 * It... is filled with maggots! Can you not see them??

Becoming Stalwart

 * Life deals harsh lessons. It affects me not!
 * Aye, the low road is fraught. But it pays better.

Reducing Own Stress
Courageous =
 * Bah. Who needs brandy when you've got false courage.
 * I feel good. Something bad will surely happen momentarily.

Becoming Courageous

 * We'll ride to hell if need be!
 * Fear not the hangman, nor the reaper!

Reducing Party Stress
Focused =
 * Drink this. Inebriation is your best ally, I always say.
 * We push on - past those fallen in their tracks!

Becoming Focused

 * No shot shall miss the mark while I aim it!
 * I am alert - like a prowling cat!

Buffing a Party Member
Powerful =
 * Now get us back alive and I'll toss in some coin.
 * Look at you, all ready to knock some skulls!

Becoming Powerful

 * Taste the sting of blade and ball, fool!
 * The shadows grow too long for fooling around.

Buffing Party
Vigorous =
 * I'll give ten percent to all of you, if we survive.
 * My finest snuff bag to the one who kills the most.

Becoming Vigorous

 * Never felt better!
 * I can handle this, I've been to prison.

Self Healing
Final_Boss(Spoiler) =
 * Hmmm... I am feeling almost confident today.
 * Disaster always strikes when things are going so well...

"No way out, hmph. Let's do this."

- Highwayman

Trivia

 * Dismas, the name of the default Highwayman, is named after the penitent thief who was crucified next to Jesus of Nazareth.
 * The Highwayman and the Grave Robber have many similarities with each other. They are also the only class that share a unique Camp Skill, that being Gallows Humor.
 * In the comic covering his introduction, it's shown that he was originally one of the many Brigands preying on the roads leading to the Hamlet. In haste to bring down what he thought was an easy mark, he accidentally killed a woman and child who were taking shelter inside the carriage. Overcome with remorse, the Highwayman left his previous path behind and now adventures to make amends.
 * Chris Bourassa has tweeted that they are not his wife and child, and that he was set up to rob the wrong coach.
 * Another theory is that the Highwayman killed the Crusader's wife and son, based on the similarities the woman and child share with the crusader's family. Chris Bourassa has tweeted that this theory is not true either.
 * The Highwayman's set of skills are unique among the other heroes for two reasons. He is the only hero whose entire moveset deals damage, and he is the only hero who has no offensive skill without damage modification. This makes The Guild's statement true.
 * Despite claiming he never misses, he actually misses enemy's eyes in another one of his lines when landing a critical.
 * This, however, could be referencing him landing a headshot (which usually lands "between the eyes", hence he "missed" the eye with it).
 * While most characters have seven trinkets, The Crusader, Highwayman, Plague Doctor, and Vestal all have the most at eight.
 * Hinted at by one of his quotes when becoming hopeless or irrational, the Highwayman may have originally been a candlemaker.
 * Hinted at by some of his quotes when becoming abusive, fearful, or hopeless, the Highwayman may speak Yiddish or the universe's co unterpart, sa ying ' drek ' upon being hi t and 'feh ' upon switching positions or becoming abusive.
 * The Highwayman makes multiple references to literature when he becomes irrational, referencing Alice from Alice's Adventures in Wo nderland and Wiglaf from Beowulf.
 * The Highwayman's mouth and chin are usually covered by his scarf in all circumstances, but his full face is revealed on promotional art for the Crimson Court DLC. His full face can also be seen in a story panel made for Darkest Dungeon II.