Heavenblade
2020-10-19, 04:39 AM
So, after a prolonged discussion about the nature of martials in 5e, I started considering what an alternate system of martial character would look like. In this alternate system, every martial gets superiority dice (Barb, Ftr, Mnk, Rng, Pld, Rog) - Barb and Fighter at level 1, the others at level 2. Each class gets a specialized maneuver that is unique to it at the first level it gets maneuvers. In addition, various combat related class features would be replaced with more maneuver options. Archetypes for these classes would also grant maneuvers related to the specific archetype abilities . Battlemaster will probably get more superiority dice, more general maneuvers, and the ability to get some from other classes lists.
What do we gain from this? Besides giving all martial more stuff to do and more fun abilities/choices, which is always great, it gives all martial classes a shared language. Just like spellcasters you the same format for spells, and have a good basis for balancing their spells and abilities against one another, now martials will have it too. The shared design mechanic will make it easier to create new material without breaking things, since we have a flexible mechanic that can go in many directions.
Also, and I cannot stress this enough, if it works itll make martials much cooler (:
So here are my general thoughts, and I'd be glad to hear your ideas/criticisms about what I have and the blank spaces I need to fill!
Premise:
Giving all martial characters (Barbarian, Fighter, Monk, Paladin, Ranger, Rogue) Superiroity dice and martial maneuvers. Each class will have many of its features (And subclass features) replaced with the specialized maneuvers (which will advance with levels).
The Basics
Superiority dice advancments:
Regualr - you get 2d4 superiority dice, increasing the number of dice by 1 each non-even level, and get a bump to the dice size every X levels (Maybe 5/9/13/17 progression).
Battlemaster advancment: You get 2d6 superiority dice, increasing every level instead of every non-even level, same tier increase (with a special capstone at 17).
Barbarian
Features replaced:
-Reckless attack
Replace it with a maneuver that lets you add the dice and add the result to attack AND damage, but you get the same penalty to your AC.
Fighter
Features replaced: None
Monk
Features replaced:
-Ki
Instead of ki, the monk gains advancment similar to that of the battlemaster instead of a regular progression, letting you use superiority dice to make more attacks, attack and disengage as a bonus, or attack and dash as a bonus. Things requiring you to spend ki will instead require you to spend superiority dice with an added appropriate roll
Paladin
Features replaced:
-Smite (And greater)
Intead of spending spell slots, you can spend superiority dice.
Ranger (revised)
Features replaced:
-Favored enemy (and greater)
You can spend a superiority dice in order to get a static bonus to damage against the enemy you chose to focus on - and probably advantage on ceratin checks against them until you choose to stop using the bonus
Rogue
Features replaced:
-Sneak attack - adds a static 1 dice for free to damage rolls (gets more with levels) and can add even more dice to damage from the regular pool, maybe gaining the ability to impose conditions by spending superiority die on a sneak attack as the levels advance?
Things that I haven't though of yet -
Unique signature abilities if they are needed, archetype abilities.
What do we gain from this? Besides giving all martial more stuff to do and more fun abilities/choices, which is always great, it gives all martial classes a shared language. Just like spellcasters you the same format for spells, and have a good basis for balancing their spells and abilities against one another, now martials will have it too. The shared design mechanic will make it easier to create new material without breaking things, since we have a flexible mechanic that can go in many directions.
Also, and I cannot stress this enough, if it works itll make martials much cooler (:
So here are my general thoughts, and I'd be glad to hear your ideas/criticisms about what I have and the blank spaces I need to fill!
Premise:
Giving all martial characters (Barbarian, Fighter, Monk, Paladin, Ranger, Rogue) Superiroity dice and martial maneuvers. Each class will have many of its features (And subclass features) replaced with the specialized maneuvers (which will advance with levels).
The Basics
Superiority dice advancments:
Regualr - you get 2d4 superiority dice, increasing the number of dice by 1 each non-even level, and get a bump to the dice size every X levels (Maybe 5/9/13/17 progression).
Battlemaster advancment: You get 2d6 superiority dice, increasing every level instead of every non-even level, same tier increase (with a special capstone at 17).
Barbarian
Features replaced:
-Reckless attack
Replace it with a maneuver that lets you add the dice and add the result to attack AND damage, but you get the same penalty to your AC.
Fighter
Features replaced: None
Monk
Features replaced:
-Ki
Instead of ki, the monk gains advancment similar to that of the battlemaster instead of a regular progression, letting you use superiority dice to make more attacks, attack and disengage as a bonus, or attack and dash as a bonus. Things requiring you to spend ki will instead require you to spend superiority dice with an added appropriate roll
Paladin
Features replaced:
-Smite (And greater)
Intead of spending spell slots, you can spend superiority dice.
Ranger (revised)
Features replaced:
-Favored enemy (and greater)
You can spend a superiority dice in order to get a static bonus to damage against the enemy you chose to focus on - and probably advantage on ceratin checks against them until you choose to stop using the bonus
Rogue
Features replaced:
-Sneak attack - adds a static 1 dice for free to damage rolls (gets more with levels) and can add even more dice to damage from the regular pool, maybe gaining the ability to impose conditions by spending superiority die on a sneak attack as the levels advance?
Things that I haven't though of yet -
Unique signature abilities if they are needed, archetype abilities.