Blue
Ravenous Bugblatter Beast of Traal
One of the differences between fighter subclasses and subclasses for other classes is that fighter subclasses tend more to favor mechanical rather then thematic interpretations. I'm not saying this to judge, but rather as an introduction that I was thinking about a mechanical set of melee fighter subclasses - one for each ability score. And I'd love to hear your thoughts on interesting play goals and mechanics for them.
Just for now, think about these in a vacuum. No other fighter subclasses, heck no other classes. So it's okay if there's overlap with rogue or whatever.
Right now, I'm focusing on the martial (non-casting) and melee.
Here's a partial list of names and ideas, but feel free to override them with your own ideas.
Brute [STR]
Exactly what it says on the package. Non-finesse weapons, big damage. Might steal from the actual Brute subclas or take some inspiration from the Barbarian. Fairly close to existing, but still feel free to suggest.
Skirmisher[DEX]
Ability to get into engagement and out. Finesse tricks, maybe inspired by battlemasters with increased focus. What types of features would encourage medium and light armor use? Or even unarmored.
Tank [CON]
Okay, needs a better name. But the unmovable object, good at taking hits and staying up. Maybe throw in some defender-y features.
Tactical Fighter [INT]
Okay, the smart fighter. One who has knowledge, and quickness of wits, and out-plays foes.Ability to use INT instead of DEX for Init and AC. What types of features for tricking opponents?
?? [WIS]
Not sure about this. One is the aware fighter - one who can read their opponent and use it. Other is more of a determinator - one who's willpower lets them just power through things that would bring lesser men to their knees. Like Batman. (Batman is, of course, used as both an example of The Determinator and an example of a thing that can bring men to their knees.) What are your thoughts on the thematic design for WIS - feel free to come up with something else.
Leader [CHR]
Okay, someone who wins their own fights through the force of their personality - causing foes to flinch, misread, dooubt themselves, whatever - and winning battles by leading men. I hesitate to even mention "warlord" in conjunction for the second part because I know a subclass won't satisfy the long-suffering true believers, but instead saying that we can take some inspiration from the warlord for features for this subclass.
So, what mechanically and thematically belongs in these? Feel free to contradict my ideas, just trying to get a brainstorm going.
Just for now, think about these in a vacuum. No other fighter subclasses, heck no other classes. So it's okay if there's overlap with rogue or whatever.
Right now, I'm focusing on the martial (non-casting) and melee.
Here's a partial list of names and ideas, but feel free to override them with your own ideas.
Brute [STR]
Exactly what it says on the package. Non-finesse weapons, big damage. Might steal from the actual Brute subclas or take some inspiration from the Barbarian. Fairly close to existing, but still feel free to suggest.
Skirmisher[DEX]
Ability to get into engagement and out. Finesse tricks, maybe inspired by battlemasters with increased focus. What types of features would encourage medium and light armor use? Or even unarmored.
Tank [CON]
Okay, needs a better name. But the unmovable object, good at taking hits and staying up. Maybe throw in some defender-y features.
Tactical Fighter [INT]
Okay, the smart fighter. One who has knowledge, and quickness of wits, and out-plays foes.Ability to use INT instead of DEX for Init and AC. What types of features for tricking opponents?
?? [WIS]
Not sure about this. One is the aware fighter - one who can read their opponent and use it. Other is more of a determinator - one who's willpower lets them just power through things that would bring lesser men to their knees. Like Batman. (Batman is, of course, used as both an example of The Determinator and an example of a thing that can bring men to their knees.) What are your thoughts on the thematic design for WIS - feel free to come up with something else.
Leader [CHR]
Okay, someone who wins their own fights through the force of their personality - causing foes to flinch, misread, dooubt themselves, whatever - and winning battles by leading men. I hesitate to even mention "warlord" in conjunction for the second part because I know a subclass won't satisfy the long-suffering true believers, but instead saying that we can take some inspiration from the warlord for features for this subclass.
So, what mechanically and thematically belongs in these? Feel free to contradict my ideas, just trying to get a brainstorm going.
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