This fix worked for me (for advantages of this solution, see below):
1. Head to www.paizo.com and grab Pahtfinder BETA rules.
In addition to providing you with entertaining read and mechanic improvements, you will also benefit from the list of streamlined combat maneuver mechanics.
2. Introduce CMB into your games. To summarize:
- CMB stands for Combat Maneuver Bonus (see 3. below for specifics)
- whenever you're supposed to resolve any maneuver in combat, instead of 3.5 resolution, just roll d20, add CMB and compare to target number
3. Apply my own fix to CMB formula:
Pathfinder CMB version, not recommended due to high level issues (at higher levels difference between CMBs is still too big):
Code:
CMB = BAB + STR + positive SIZE modifier
(Large Fighter 6 with 18 Strength: 6 + 4 + 1 = 11)
My fix:
Code:
CMB = 1/2*BAB + STR + positive SIZE modifier
(Large Fighter 6 with 18 Strength: 3 + 4 + 1 = 8)
4. Apply my own fix to Combat Maneuver DC:
Pathfinder Combat Maneuver DC version, not recommended due to high level issues (at higher levels difference between CMBs is still too big):
Code:
Combat Maneuver DC = 15 + CMB
(Large Fighter 6 with 18 Strength: 15 + 11 = 26)
My fix:
Code:
Combat Maneuver DC = 10 + CMB
(Large Fighter 6 with 18 Strength: 10 + 8 = 18)
5. Consequences.
All combat maneuvers work with a single roll and use unified mechanic - this is particularly noticeable during grapples and trips.
Fighters finally find their niche of expertise due to high BAB and primary Strength.
Thanks to my fix, at higher levels Fighters, while being noticeably better, do not render other classes irrelevant during Combat Maneuvers.
Thanks to my fix, at higher levels, Fighters themselves stand a chance against equal CR opponents (Pathfinder BETA rules render them ineffective due to high Strength and size difference).
regards,
Ruemere