D&D 5E How to "fix" (or at least help) the fighter/wizard dynamic. (+)

[DND_Reborn]

I would leave Extra Attack at 11th (because by that point the fighter can use the boost) and swap Improved Crit with Heroic Surge, if you're inclined to go that route.

I would be fine with putting Extra Attack (2) back at 11th and moving Heroic Surge to replace Improved Critical.

IMO, the fighter still needs more at 11+ to give them impact (that isn't reliant on DM generosity). One option would be to give them followers like they used to get. The real trick there is to do so without making it a management nightmare. If organizing your troops is more complicated than organizing a spell book, it's more complicated than it ought to be, IMO. If followers were as easy to use and manage as spells, I don't think that would have fallen out of favor.

Well, trying to come up with features that are universally applicable to generic fighters while not being OP or boring ( ) is the challenge. I don't think followers would have universal appeal and might be better suited towards a Warlord subclass.

Even in AD&D I rarely bothered with such things for my fighters after name level...

 

[Remathilis]

Thanks for the feedback!


Personally, I find tracking dice to fiddly so prefer a static bonus that is based on level. Hunter's Mark is only when cast, Smites are spell slots which are tracked anyway. But if more feedback supports your design choice, I have no problem updating the design to the preferred choice.

Tracking dice has a kinda neat built in feature for training new players: they are concrete and tangible. A brand new player can have a pool of d6's to start and they can see how many uses of that ability they have left. When they use that ability, they remove a dice from the pool. When they rest, reset the dice. Eventually when they grok to it, they won't need the physical token anymore, but it's a neat teaching tool to start out with.

I think I'll try my hand at a design later. Just an alternative take. You're on to something, but let's see what else.

 

[Yaarel]

Based on the Wizard vs Fighter comparison thread,

The Fighter might need a significant feature around level 8.

 

[Yaarel]

Consider how the Fighter Action Surge feature is even more powerful than the Wizard slot 9 Time Stop spell.

The extra action − especially an extra combat action − is enormous within the 5e gaming engine.

 

[Yaarel]

I wish every class schedules as follows. But maybe the Fighter can.


Level: Feature

Level 1: Archetype specialization
Level 2: Base class
Level 3: Social or exploration or background
Level 4: Feat

Level 5: Archetype specialization
Level 6: Base class
Level 7: Social or exploration or background
Level 8: Feat

Level 9: Archetype specialization
Level 10: Base class
Level 11: Social or exploration or background
Level 12: Feat

Level 13: Archetype specialization
Level 14: Base class
Level 15: Social or exploration or background
Level 16: Feat

Level 17: Archetype specialization, method of immortality
Level 18: Base class
Level 19: Social or exploration or background or race
Level 20: Epic boon

 

[DND_Reborn]

I think I'll try my hand at a design later. Just an alternative take. You're on to something, but let's see what else.

Awesome, I can't wait to see what you come up with!

 

[DND_Reborn]

Based on the Wizard vs Fighter comparison thread,

The Fighter might need a significant feature around level 8.

Do you think Indomitable at level 9 isn't significant enough?

 

[Vaalingrade]

Oh, got it! Thanks for the clarification. So you don't think any really fit for the core class?

More like I think it's more interesting as something provided by the subclass

Ok that's fair, but what would "Super Aid Another" do?

Again, just a flavor change, but the idea is that they are personally giving aid rather than inspiring people.

 

[Yaarel]

Do you think Indomitable at level 9 isn't significant enough?

I do think − and have been saying − the Fighter is balanced in the combat pillar, as a class ... overall.

That said.

Your other thread comparing Wizard vs Fighter at each level, at least raises the concern that certain Fighter levels might need boost. At least some pollsters said their level 10 Fighter seems more comparable to a Wizard level 7 or 8.

So, if the Fighter at level 8 (or somewhere around there) gets a boost to feel more clearly comparable to a Wizard around level 8, it might help the perception of the class overall.

 

[DND_Reborn]

Again, just a flavor change, but the idea is that they are personally giving aid rather than inspiring people.

Got it. I'll work on that and I have a couple ideas already.

I do think − and have been saying − the Fighter is balanced in the combat pillar, as a class ... overall.

That said.

Your other thread comparing Wizard vs Fighter at each level, at least raises the concern that certain Fighter levels might need boost. At least some pollsters said their level 10 Fighter seems more comparable to a Wizard level 7 or 8.

So, if the Fighter at level 8 (or somewhere around there) gets a boost to feel more clearly comparable to a Wizard around level 8, it might help the perception of the class overall.

Well, there are saves made out side of combat, so Indomitable can help with those, but I see your point.