Toptomcat
2021-08-17, 02:51 PM
There are a number of popular classes/styles of fighting that liberate themselves from the tyranny of the static, stationary full attack by focusing on what they can do by attacking as a standard action: martial initiators and their strikes, Vital Strikers and their more interesting and varied cousins the Spheres of Might special-attack-action dudes, etc.
It occurs to me that it might be useful to compile a list of resources that are useful to such characters in circumstances where they are in the kind of toe-to-toe slugfest where they have a move action to burn. I'm interested in 3.5, Pathfinder, 3rd party, homebrew, pretty much anything, so long as it's clearly attributed. I'll kick us off.
3.5
Acrobatic Backstab skill trick to flat-foot an opponent on a successful Tumble
Sheathe a weapon so it can be drawn and benefit from Iaijutsu Focus. Requires some way to make them flat-footed for it on a continuing basis.
Move to benefit from the Skirmish class ability of a Scout
Pathfinder
Drink a held potion with the Accelerated Drinker (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/traits/combat-traits/accelerated-drinker/) trait
Grant soft cover to an ally with the Self-Sacrifice (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/traits/religion-traits/self-sacrifice/) trait
Blinding Flash (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/combat-feats/blinding-flash-combat) feat to dazzle an opponent for one round (:-|)
Bullseye Shot (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/combat-feats/bullseye-shot-combat) to add +4 to your next ranged attack (not much use for classic melee people with this schtick, but Solar Wind or Tempest Gale stylists, or Sniper/Barrage sphere-users, might appreciate it)
Greater Grapple (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/combat-feats/greater-grapple-combat) to maintain a grapple
Mobile Bulwark Style (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/combat-feats/mobile-bulwark-style-combat-style) to get total cover from one direction only
Reverse-Feint (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/racial-feats/reverse-feint-combat-orc) for a bad pseudo-Karmic Strike
Spring-Heeled Style (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/combat-feats/spring-heeled-style-combat-style) to get +2 to attack rolls if you move at least 10'
Team Up (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/combat-feats/team-up-combat) to Aid Another as a move...if two other allies are already adjacent. OK in melee-only parties, I guess.
Walking Sleight (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/general-feats/walking-sleight) to make a Sleight of Hand check as a move action
Apply poison to a weapon with the Alchemist's Swift Alchemy (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/Alchemist/#TOC-Swift-Alchemy-Ex-) class feature, or the Swift Poison (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/rogue/rogue-talents/paizo-rogue-talents/swift-poison-ex) rogue talent
Create and apply an Arcanotoxin to a weapon with the Eldritch Poisoner's (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/alchemist/archetypes/paizo-alchemist-archetypes/eldritch-poisoner-alchemist-archetype) Envenom alchemist discovery
Use a Slayer's Studied Target (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/hybrid-classes/SLAYER/#TOC-Studied-Target-Ex-) class feature, or an Investigator's very similar Studied Combat (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Hybrid-Classes/Investigator/#TOC-Studied-Combat-Ex-)
Use the barbarian rage power Inspire Ferocity to share the benefits of Reckless Abandon with allies
Use the barbarian rage power Intimidating Glare (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/barbarian/rage-powers/paizo-rage-powers/intimidating-glare-ex) to make a demoralize attempt
Start a bardic performance (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/Bard/#TOC-Bardic-Performance) as a 7th-level or higher bard. Ditto a 7th-level or higher skald's Raging Song. (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/hybrid-classes/Skald/#TOC-Raging-Song-Su-)
Use https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/hybrid-classes/BRAWLER/#TOC-Martial-Flexibility-Ex- Martial Flexibility as a brawler, or anyone else who gets it like a Martial Master fighter (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/fighter/archetypes/paizo-fighter-archetypes/martial-master/), Warsighted Oracle (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/oracle/archetypes/paizo-oracle-archetypes/warsighted/) or Eldritch Scrapper sorcerer (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/sorcerer/archetypes/paizo-sorcerer-archetypes/eldritch-scrapper/)
Both 3.5 and Pathfinder
Improved Feint (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/combat-feats/improved-feint-combat) to flat-foot a foe as a move
Make a Handle Animal (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/handle-animal/) check to direct an animal companion or other trained beast
Make a Sleight of Hand check (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/sleight-of-hand) at -20 to try to steal something from a foe
Cloak Dance feat to get concealment as a move action
3.5 Psionics/Pathfinder DSP Psionics
Psionic Meditation (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/psionics-unleashed/feats/psionic-meditation-psionic/) plus anything that involves expending psionic focus for an attack: Psionic Weapon (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/psionics-unleashed/feats/psionic-weapon-psionic/), Deep Impact (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/psionics-unleashed/feats/deep-impact-psionic/), Wounding Attack (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/psionics-unleashed/feats/wounding-attack-psionic/), Etc.
The metapsionic feat Hustle Power (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/psionics-unleashed/feats/hustle-power-metapsionic/), letting you get off a buff or attack power plus an attack action
Spheres of Might
(motion) talents from the Athletics sphere (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/athletics)
Create an Alchemy sphere (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/alchemy) poison (so long as you have a kit on you)
Apply a poison, oil or other substance to a weapon with the Chemical Coating (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/alchemy#toc6) Alchemy sphere talent
Draw and drink a potion that regains martial focus with the Focusing Formula (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/alchemy#toc38) Alchemy sphere talent
Regain martial focus by moving with the Mobile Focus (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/barrage#toc10) Barrage sphere talent
Use the Hard Drinker feature of the Barroom sphere (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/barroom) and all that comes with it: do that and drink a potion with Double Chug (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/barroom#toc8), use this action to also regain martial focus with Focusing Buzz (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/barroom#toc11)
Grant yourself a new save against an ingested toxin and create a square of pseudo-Grease with the Barroom sphere's Purge (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/barroom#toc30) talent
Touch an adjacent animal ally, give them a save bonus, and regain martial focus with the Beastmastery sphere's Focusing Connection (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/beastmastery#toc15) talent
Take cover behind a mount with the Beastmastery sphere talent Meat Shield (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/beastmastery#toc38)
Gain a bonus to opposed skill checks against a targeted opponent with the Boxing sphere talent Read the Rhythm (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/boxing#toc20)
Use Shove from the Brute Sphere (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/brute) to deal a modest amount of damage
Use the Brute sphere talent Quick Force (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/brute#toc20) to make a bull rush, drag, or reposition attack
Use the legendary Brute sphere talent Terrain Thrasher (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/brute#toc37) to make a break-object attempt on something nearby
Use the Dual Welding sphere talent Focusing Defense (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/dual-wielding#toc14) for a pseudo-Total Defense while regaining martial focus
Use the Duelist sphere talent Defiant Focus (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/duelist#toc7) to sheathe a weapon and regain martial focus
Use the Fencing sphere talent Fast Feint (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/fencing#toc6) to feint as a move action
Use the Guardian sphere's (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/guardian) Challenge ability
Use the Swift Guardian (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/guardian#toc20) Guardian sphere talent to use patrol as a move action
Remove a weapon from an impaled creature, or move an impaled creature, with the Lancer sphere (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/lancer)
Use the Painful Twist (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/lancer#toc19) Lancer sphere talent to perform a Dirty Trick on an impaled creature
Use Sweep from the Open Hand sphere (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/open-hand) to make a lightly-penalized Trip check
Use the Focusing Breath talent (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/open-hand#toc11) from the Open Hand sphere to regain martial focus and remove the battered condition
Use the Palm Block (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/open-hand#toc24) talent from the Open Hand sphere to reduce incoming damage by your unarmed strike damage
Use the Yoga Strikes talent (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/open-hand#toc48) from the Open Hand sphere to increase your reach (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJ91PVV_GLM)
Path of War
Use the maneuver-recovery/Aid Another (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/path-of-war/classes/zealot/#TOC-Maneuvers-Readied) thing built into the Zealot's maneuvers
Use the Zealot's Path of Dedication (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/path-of-war/classes/zealot/#TOC-Conviction) conviction to give them an extra move action
Use the Tactical Assistance (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/path-of-war/classes/Warlord/#TOC-Tactical-Assistance-Ex-) or Improved Warleader (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/path-of-war/classes/Warlord/#TOC-Improved-Warleader) class features of the Warlord. The former can be made much better with Aid Another optimization.
Use the Warder's 20th-level capstone (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/path-of-war/classes/Warder/#TOC-Deathless-Defenses-Ex-) to dramatically expand their threatened area
Use the Mystic's Elemental Glyph (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/path-of-war/classes/mystic/#TOC-Elemental-Glyph-Su-), Font of Animus (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/path-of-war/classes/mystic/#TOC-Font-of-Animus-Su-), or Glyph Mastery (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/path-of-war/classes/mystic/#TOC-Glyph-Mastery-Su-) class features
Drop Dead Studios
Activate a wand with the Wand Rogue (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/rogue/rogue-talents/drop-dead-studios-advanced-rogue-talents/wand-rogue) advanced rogue talent
Not yet scoured: Scoundrel, Scout, Sniper, Shield, Trap, Warleader, Wrestling spheres. Anything homebrew. Most classes and class abilities, particularly Spheres stuff. Most uses of skills. Anything to do with Spherecasting. Most 3.5 feats. Akasha stuff. Almost anything 3rd-party that isn't Dreamscarred or Spheres. Anything homebrew. Spells, psionic powers, mundane equipment, and magic items that innately take a move action to use. Any prestige class whatsoever.
It occurs to me that it might be useful to compile a list of resources that are useful to such characters in circumstances where they are in the kind of toe-to-toe slugfest where they have a move action to burn. I'm interested in 3.5, Pathfinder, 3rd party, homebrew, pretty much anything, so long as it's clearly attributed. I'll kick us off.
3.5
Acrobatic Backstab skill trick to flat-foot an opponent on a successful Tumble
Sheathe a weapon so it can be drawn and benefit from Iaijutsu Focus. Requires some way to make them flat-footed for it on a continuing basis.
Move to benefit from the Skirmish class ability of a Scout
Pathfinder
Drink a held potion with the Accelerated Drinker (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/traits/combat-traits/accelerated-drinker/) trait
Grant soft cover to an ally with the Self-Sacrifice (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/traits/religion-traits/self-sacrifice/) trait
Blinding Flash (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/combat-feats/blinding-flash-combat) feat to dazzle an opponent for one round (:-|)
Bullseye Shot (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/combat-feats/bullseye-shot-combat) to add +4 to your next ranged attack (not much use for classic melee people with this schtick, but Solar Wind or Tempest Gale stylists, or Sniper/Barrage sphere-users, might appreciate it)
Greater Grapple (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/combat-feats/greater-grapple-combat) to maintain a grapple
Mobile Bulwark Style (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/combat-feats/mobile-bulwark-style-combat-style) to get total cover from one direction only
Reverse-Feint (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/racial-feats/reverse-feint-combat-orc) for a bad pseudo-Karmic Strike
Spring-Heeled Style (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/combat-feats/spring-heeled-style-combat-style) to get +2 to attack rolls if you move at least 10'
Team Up (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/combat-feats/team-up-combat) to Aid Another as a move...if two other allies are already adjacent. OK in melee-only parties, I guess.
Walking Sleight (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/general-feats/walking-sleight) to make a Sleight of Hand check as a move action
Apply poison to a weapon with the Alchemist's Swift Alchemy (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/Alchemist/#TOC-Swift-Alchemy-Ex-) class feature, or the Swift Poison (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/rogue/rogue-talents/paizo-rogue-talents/swift-poison-ex) rogue talent
Create and apply an Arcanotoxin to a weapon with the Eldritch Poisoner's (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/alchemist/archetypes/paizo-alchemist-archetypes/eldritch-poisoner-alchemist-archetype) Envenom alchemist discovery
Use a Slayer's Studied Target (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/hybrid-classes/SLAYER/#TOC-Studied-Target-Ex-) class feature, or an Investigator's very similar Studied Combat (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Hybrid-Classes/Investigator/#TOC-Studied-Combat-Ex-)
Use the barbarian rage power Inspire Ferocity to share the benefits of Reckless Abandon with allies
Use the barbarian rage power Intimidating Glare (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/barbarian/rage-powers/paizo-rage-powers/intimidating-glare-ex) to make a demoralize attempt
Start a bardic performance (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/Bard/#TOC-Bardic-Performance) as a 7th-level or higher bard. Ditto a 7th-level or higher skald's Raging Song. (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/hybrid-classes/Skald/#TOC-Raging-Song-Su-)
Use https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/hybrid-classes/BRAWLER/#TOC-Martial-Flexibility-Ex- Martial Flexibility as a brawler, or anyone else who gets it like a Martial Master fighter (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/fighter/archetypes/paizo-fighter-archetypes/martial-master/), Warsighted Oracle (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/oracle/archetypes/paizo-oracle-archetypes/warsighted/) or Eldritch Scrapper sorcerer (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/sorcerer/archetypes/paizo-sorcerer-archetypes/eldritch-scrapper/)
Both 3.5 and Pathfinder
Improved Feint (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/combat-feats/improved-feint-combat) to flat-foot a foe as a move
Make a Handle Animal (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/handle-animal/) check to direct an animal companion or other trained beast
Make a Sleight of Hand check (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/sleight-of-hand) at -20 to try to steal something from a foe
Cloak Dance feat to get concealment as a move action
3.5 Psionics/Pathfinder DSP Psionics
Psionic Meditation (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/psionics-unleashed/feats/psionic-meditation-psionic/) plus anything that involves expending psionic focus for an attack: Psionic Weapon (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/psionics-unleashed/feats/psionic-weapon-psionic/), Deep Impact (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/psionics-unleashed/feats/deep-impact-psionic/), Wounding Attack (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/psionics-unleashed/feats/wounding-attack-psionic/), Etc.
The metapsionic feat Hustle Power (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/psionics-unleashed/feats/hustle-power-metapsionic/), letting you get off a buff or attack power plus an attack action
Spheres of Might
(motion) talents from the Athletics sphere (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/athletics)
Create an Alchemy sphere (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/alchemy) poison (so long as you have a kit on you)
Apply a poison, oil or other substance to a weapon with the Chemical Coating (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/alchemy#toc6) Alchemy sphere talent
Draw and drink a potion that regains martial focus with the Focusing Formula (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/alchemy#toc38) Alchemy sphere talent
Regain martial focus by moving with the Mobile Focus (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/barrage#toc10) Barrage sphere talent
Use the Hard Drinker feature of the Barroom sphere (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/barroom) and all that comes with it: do that and drink a potion with Double Chug (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/barroom#toc8), use this action to also regain martial focus with Focusing Buzz (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/barroom#toc11)
Grant yourself a new save against an ingested toxin and create a square of pseudo-Grease with the Barroom sphere's Purge (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/barroom#toc30) talent
Touch an adjacent animal ally, give them a save bonus, and regain martial focus with the Beastmastery sphere's Focusing Connection (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/beastmastery#toc15) talent
Take cover behind a mount with the Beastmastery sphere talent Meat Shield (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/beastmastery#toc38)
Gain a bonus to opposed skill checks against a targeted opponent with the Boxing sphere talent Read the Rhythm (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/boxing#toc20)
Use Shove from the Brute Sphere (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/brute) to deal a modest amount of damage
Use the Brute sphere talent Quick Force (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/brute#toc20) to make a bull rush, drag, or reposition attack
Use the legendary Brute sphere talent Terrain Thrasher (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/brute#toc37) to make a break-object attempt on something nearby
Use the Dual Welding sphere talent Focusing Defense (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/dual-wielding#toc14) for a pseudo-Total Defense while regaining martial focus
Use the Duelist sphere talent Defiant Focus (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/duelist#toc7) to sheathe a weapon and regain martial focus
Use the Fencing sphere talent Fast Feint (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/fencing#toc6) to feint as a move action
Use the Guardian sphere's (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/guardian) Challenge ability
Use the Swift Guardian (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/guardian#toc20) Guardian sphere talent to use patrol as a move action
Remove a weapon from an impaled creature, or move an impaled creature, with the Lancer sphere (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/lancer)
Use the Painful Twist (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/lancer#toc19) Lancer sphere talent to perform a Dirty Trick on an impaled creature
Use Sweep from the Open Hand sphere (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/open-hand) to make a lightly-penalized Trip check
Use the Focusing Breath talent (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/open-hand#toc11) from the Open Hand sphere to regain martial focus and remove the battered condition
Use the Palm Block (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/open-hand#toc24) talent from the Open Hand sphere to reduce incoming damage by your unarmed strike damage
Use the Yoga Strikes talent (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/open-hand#toc48) from the Open Hand sphere to increase your reach (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJ91PVV_GLM)
Path of War
Use the maneuver-recovery/Aid Another (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/path-of-war/classes/zealot/#TOC-Maneuvers-Readied) thing built into the Zealot's maneuvers
Use the Zealot's Path of Dedication (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/path-of-war/classes/zealot/#TOC-Conviction) conviction to give them an extra move action
Use the Tactical Assistance (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/path-of-war/classes/Warlord/#TOC-Tactical-Assistance-Ex-) or Improved Warleader (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/path-of-war/classes/Warlord/#TOC-Improved-Warleader) class features of the Warlord. The former can be made much better with Aid Another optimization.
Use the Warder's 20th-level capstone (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/path-of-war/classes/Warder/#TOC-Deathless-Defenses-Ex-) to dramatically expand their threatened area
Use the Mystic's Elemental Glyph (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/path-of-war/classes/mystic/#TOC-Elemental-Glyph-Su-), Font of Animus (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/path-of-war/classes/mystic/#TOC-Font-of-Animus-Su-), or Glyph Mastery (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/path-of-war/classes/mystic/#TOC-Glyph-Mastery-Su-) class features
Drop Dead Studios
Activate a wand with the Wand Rogue (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/rogue/rogue-talents/drop-dead-studios-advanced-rogue-talents/wand-rogue) advanced rogue talent
Not yet scoured: Scoundrel, Scout, Sniper, Shield, Trap, Warleader, Wrestling spheres. Anything homebrew. Most classes and class abilities, particularly Spheres stuff. Most uses of skills. Anything to do with Spherecasting. Most 3.5 feats. Akasha stuff. Almost anything 3rd-party that isn't Dreamscarred or Spheres. Anything homebrew. Spells, psionic powers, mundane equipment, and magic items that innately take a move action to use. Any prestige class whatsoever.