D&D 5E Defensive Duelist fix?

[doctorbadwolf]

Consider that the Fighter Battlemaster has a repost ability, and also has push and other things that could be done with basic actions. The Battlemaster uses a limited resources, but gets a damage boost.

So, there's a feat that lets you push as a bonus action (shield master). I think a feat that lets you repost or parry as a reaction is fine.

The question is, if a rogue already landed a sneak attack on their turn, can they get a second sneak attack via a repost? It's risky, since they could use their reaction to take half damage already.

I’m cool with Rogues getting fairly regular reaction Sneak Attacks, since like you pointed out they are weighing this against Uncanny Dodge.

Would it be simple and balanced to make it work like the monk’s Deflect Arrow ability but for melee? Although then we would have to figure out the limiter on the attack, since we don’t have Ki to work with.

It means I think you've made it too strong.

If you think the phb feat isn’t weak, then I can’t imagine any other conclusion to a straight up upgrade to it. I see DD as one of the weakest combat feats, and largely a waste of ASI. I’d rather take Linguist or something that at least rounds out the character concept, never mind comparison against other combat feats.

 

[doctorbadwolf]

I think this is too strong. If you get hit, you can react to try to make it a miss. If you are missed, you can react to get in a free attack. Either way, you get to use your reaction every round (hit or miss).

I could see just about every rogue taking your version. "What? He missed me? Cool! Sneak Attack time b'atch!"

Now, I agree completely the RAW feat is very but I don't know if the Riposte is the answer.

IMO some sort of riposte is the only good, flavorful, interesting, and thematically appropriate addition to the feat.
If it has to be two separate abilities that’s fine, but tbh I don’t think the version I typed out is too powerful.

 

[FrogReaver]

Then this thread won’t be of much use to you, I imagine.

Don’t start the thread saying it’s weak sauce and you won’t have comments saying no it isn’t.

 

[DND_Reborn]

IMO some sort of riposte is the only good, flavorful, interesting, and thematically appropriate addition to the feat.
If it has to be two separate abilities that’s fine, but tbh I don’t think the version I typed out is too powerful.

I suppose it depends on how easily SA is accomplished at your table. At ours, it is pretty easy since the rogue either engages with an ally also attacking that target. If the opportunity for SA is not common, then this won't be too strong. But YMMV of course.

 

[doctorbadwolf]

Maybe restrict Riposte to only occurring if the Parry causes the attack to miss? Not just any miss? Still has the defensive benefits, but a decent offensive upgrade instead of an overwhelming one.

I think that is a great balance point.

Works for me, I guess. A more general riposte to any missed attack could be worked into a different feat, I suppose.

I just don’t think it matters if every time the rogue gets attacked and missed, they get a reaction SA.

IME, that will not be every round, by any means. I see Rogues using Uncanny Dodge quite a lot, and adding +2 to AC isn’t making a huge difference to that.

 

[doctorbadwolf]

Don’t start the thread saying it’s weak sauce and you won’t have comments saying no it isn’t.

I’ll do as I please, thanks.

 

[doctorbadwolf]

I suppose it depends on how easily SA is accomplished at your table. At ours, it is pretty easy since the rogue either engages with an ally also attacking that target. If the opportunity for SA is not common, then this won't be too strong. But YMMV of course.

I’ve got Rogues with Sentinel in my games who get 2 SA attacks per round quite often, and it’s not at all too powerful.

 

[FrogReaver]

Let it give you advantage when it causes their attack to miss.

 

[FrogReaver]

I’ll do as I please, thanks.

Was just a suggestion. But since you want to be that way about it...

Then I will do what I want too. Defensive duelist is not weak sauce.

 

[doctorbadwolf]

Was just a suggestion. But since you want to be that way about it...

Then I will do what I want too. Defensive duelist is not weak sauce.

Okay.