D&D (2024) Do you actually like weapon masteries?

[Stalker0]

The last time I actually flexed with a weapon was my Paladin in 1e pathfinder. While I used sword and board most kd the time, against certain foes it was worth dropping the shield, going two handed, and getting the improved power attack damage.

But in 5e…nah would never use it

 

[Stalker0]

Yup, this is the one that I think is likely overpowered. I won't know until it's in use but it sure feels roughly equivalent to a key power of a class, like Reckless Attack for a barbarian. Would a barbarian trade no advantage on the first attack in a round but advantage on the rest of their attacks that round for not granting foes advantage to attack them? Seems like a pretty fair trade, in which case that makes Vex roughly the same power level of Reckless Attack. That feels like too much.

I also wonder if this is a hint at the future true strike, changing it to a bonus action to grant advantage. Which would still be slightly weaker than Vex I think.

If by “rest of your attacks” you mean “one attack”. Let’s keep in mind if your not TWF, only fighters ever really get more than 2 attacks a round.

 

[Incenjucar]

And it's generally considered to be desirable to continue with the tradition for magic items unless something says otherwise?

It's a tradition that should be dropped like THAC0 was.

 

[Gorck]

First 2d6 averages 7, 1d12 averages 6.5. Why wouldn't they take the greatsword other than in very situational cases? Half a point of damage per hit is better than nothing. (And the difference extends further if you're a Paladin with Great Weapon Fighter). Versatile is a ribbon ability.

So, people should take the Greatsword (or Maul) over the Greataxe because it averages +0.5 more damage, but Flex is useless because it only averages +1 extra damage?

 

[GMforPowergamers]

So flex isn't great, but it also is a little more then 1 average damage...

If I gave you a magic longsword or rapier that did d10 instead of d8 it would FEEL right and good.

Back in 2e weapon GRAND mastery that took prfo, spec mast high mast then grand mastery 5 weapon slots over 12 levels upgraded the die code of the weapon by 1.

there is a psychological thing that goes with "No I get to use the d10 not the D8" that matters too.

 

[Incenjucar]

Flex isn't useless, it's just extremely mediocre and self-defeating of the design space, in the same way that a single walnut is not a satisfying meal but is still food.

 

[OldSchoolGamerGirl]

So flex isn't great, but it also is a little more then 1 average damage...

If I gave you a magic longsword or rapier that did d10 instead of d8 it would FEEL right and good.

Back in 2e weapon GRAND mastery that took prfo, spec mast high mast then grand mastery 5 weapon slots over 12 levels upgraded the die code of the weapon by 1.

there is a psychological thing that goes with "No I get to use the d10 not the D8" that matters too.

you understand thats worse right?

making it FEEL good but not be good is like the definition of a trap.

 

[Incenjucar]

Flex should really just be part of a feat like two-weapon fighting etc. as a way to emphasize the hand-switching playstyle.

 

[Neonchameleon]

So, people should take the Greatsword (or Maul) over the Greataxe because it averages +0.5 more damage, but Flex is useless because it only averages +1 extra damage?

Two words: Opportunity Cost

People should take the Greatsword over the Greataxe because +0.5 > Basically nothing

Flex is bad because it only averages +1 extra damage and competes with e.g. Vex, Cleave, or Topple.

 

[Mistwell]

If by “rest of your attacks” you mean “one attack”. Let’s keep in mind if your not TWF, only fighters ever really get more than 2 attacks a round.

It's not the next attack you make during that immediate series of attacks but is "Advantage on your next attack roll against that creature before the end of your next turn." Which means even a reaction opportunity attack benefits from it, in addition to a bonus action attack and a second attack. Melee fighting classes often find ways to have multiple attacks in a round. Polearm Master, for instance, was a popular one. Great Weapon Master is another. Sentinel another.

Obviously some of these change with the new rules, but I expect we will still see Melee fighting classes finding ways to make several attacks a round.