[5e] How do you feel about the battle master fighter? Is it fun? Is it deep enough?

TrippyHippy · June 10, 2016, 04:27:56 AM

I like the idea, although the execution could be improved. The idea being a strategic and tactical fighter, that uses intelligence and technique rather than brute force. Kinda like Bronn in Game of Thrones, but there are many examples.

In fact, I'm not really sold on the 'Superiority Dice' element - I'd prefer more set bonuses, to be honest. More feats, I suppose. Also, I felt the Purple Knight in the Sword Coast book was a bit more polished and, if it had been made more generic, would have been a better choice for the core book.

Exploderwizard · June 10, 2016, 07:15:02 AM

I am enjoying playing a battle master. There are different types of maneuvers to choose from and you don't have to pick ones that give a warlord feel if you don't want.

My fighter uses a mix of archery and two weapon combat so I chose some maneuvers that could be used both with a bow and in melee combat.

I'm quite good on my BMX.

Enlightened · June 10, 2016, 08:04:02 AM

What are Superiority Dice supposed to be from the point of veiw of the character?

I can't wrap my head around what they are in-world.

They seem as dissociated as Martial Dailies and Encounters. They just seem like a meta-resource that the player (not the character) uses.

Shipyard Locked · June 10, 2016, 01:47:06 PM

Quote from: Enlightened;902942What are Superiority Dice supposed to be from the point of veiw of the character?

I can't wrap my head around what they are in-world.

I always view them as those limited opportunities when the dude is standing just right and you've got just the right momentum to pull off a difficult move.

Enlightened · June 10, 2016, 02:01:11 PM

Quote from: Shipyard Locked;902963I always view them as those limited opportunities when the dude is standing just right and you've got just the right momentum to pull off a difficult move.

Why would the character/player get to decide something like that?

It seems strange that someone can volitionally choose when someone else is standing just right or choose when you have particularly good momentum, etc.

Being able to choose something about opponents or the world using a meta resource is pretty full-on dissociated.

Shipyard Locked · June 10, 2016, 03:34:49 PM

Quote from: Enlightened;902964Being able to choose something about opponents or the world using a meta resource is pretty full-on dissociated.

You have a point, but decades of playing video games where fighter types get "action point" mechanics have taught me not to care.

Skywalker · June 10, 2016, 05:02:58 PM

Quote from: Enlightened;902942What are Superiority Dice supposed to be from the point of veiw of the character?

I see them as battle focus, much like a Monk's Ki, a Barbarian's capacity to Rage, or a Wizard's Spell Slots all measure the PC's ability to perform a certain strenous activity before they become exhausted and can't focus anymore.

Shipyard Locked · June 10, 2016, 05:30:04 PM

Quote from: Skywalker;902986I see them as battle focus, much like a Monk's Ki, a Barbarian's capacity to Rage, or a Wizard's Spell Slots all measure the PC's ability to perform a certain strenous activity before they become exhausted and can't focus anymore.

That's a much better rationale, but I keep forgetting it.

In fact, as I recall it's pretty much how 4e stated the functioning of its fighter powers.

Christopher Brady · June 11, 2016, 01:39:38 AM

Quote from: Shipyard Locked;902963I always view them as those limited opportunities when the dude is standing just right and you've got just the right momentum to pull off a difficult move.

Like a Rogue's Sneak Attack.

Enlightened · June 11, 2016, 01:48:12 AM

Quote from: Christopher Brady;903020Like a Rogue's Sneak Attack.

The way a rogue gets sneak attack is different though.

A rogue can't spend a limited resource to declare that a guy is open for a sneak attack.

It's determined by the situation and/or a skill roll. And the rogue could potentially get sneak attack an unlimited amount of times, each time the situation presents itself.

Enlightened · June 11, 2016, 01:50:34 AM

Quote from: Skywalker;902986I see them as battle focus, much like a Monk's Ki, a Barbarian's capacity to Rage, or a Wizard's Spell Slots all measure the PC's ability to perform a certain strenous activity before they become exhausted and can't focus anymore.

That doesn't show that this isn't dissociated. It just shows that the game has other dissociated mechanics (some mechanics more than others).

Batman · June 11, 2016, 03:11:33 AM

It's about as dissociative as spell levels, hit points, rage, hit die healing, etc.

Skywalker · June 11, 2016, 03:21:51 AM

Quote from: Enlightened;903023That doesn't show that this isn't dissociated. It just shows that the game has other dissociated mechanics (some mechanics more than others).

It's comparably dissociative as a number of other D&D mechanics, yes.

crkrueger · June 11, 2016, 03:28:05 AM

I'll take Distinction Denial for $500 Alex...

Quote from: Batman;903031It's about as dissociative as spell levels, hit points, rage, hit die healing, etc.

What is "Disingenuous 4venger Fuckery conflating Abstraction and Dissociation?"

crkrueger · June 11, 2016, 03:29:03 AM

Quote from: Skywalker;903032It's comparably dissociative as a number of other D&D mechanics, which exist only in certain versions of the game, yes.

Fixed that for you, bro.