So most fans are familiar with Wizard, Cleric, and Druid spells lists and the concepts of them being the basis of the types of magic: Arcane, Divine, and Primal unofficial.
Many group weapon and skill classes together into the same group called Martials based on the Martial Power source of 4th edition.
However 5e isn't 4e. In story and mechanics, many of these classes aren't extremely similar. A fighter, a barbarian, a rogue, and a monk don't exactly have the same image nor the same themes, And they don't play the same. So one could make the argument that they actually aren't "Martial". Or that "Martial" really isn't a thing even unofficially. And even the 2024 version of 5e leaned into that separation.
If I were to break it up, if go.
Martial- The Style of traditional weapon training and physical and mental fitness associated with it. Martial characters practice battle tested forms and movements in vigorous exercises. They learn traditional fighting styles and master a wide range of weapons to copy and perfect already proven ways to fight, move, and think.
Used by: Fighters, Rangers, some Paladins.
Raw- The Style of inner talent and pure physicality. Rather than stressing knowledge of proven forms, Raw characters rely on natural strength, speed, and toughness to hit harder, swing faster, and jump further. Raw characters lean harder on their ability scores.
Used by: Barbarians, some Paladins,
Discipline- The Style or inner focus and body perfection. Discipline characters focus their minds to retrain their bodies. They might used an exotic martial arts or a lesser weapon to force themselves to upgrade themselves and exceed their normal limit.
Used by: Monks, some Paladins, Blade using Warlocks
Shadow- The Style of trickery and subterfuge. Why learn to make an opening with a strike when you can just hit them when your open. Shadow characters hit from the shadows or the flanks where targets are more vulnerable. Speed and Accuracy are both trained heavily to able to strike when the openings reveal themselves. Even in the mental realm, Shadow characters hide their intentions and try to fool others.
Used by; Rogues
But how could this matter?
Well you could display it in enemies. You could make one group of enemies fight one way while another group relies on another style. And sprinkle in a third that melts 2 others.
Or you could create custom feats or magic items that are better if you lean into one style over another. My home has magic belts that empower and lean you to certain styles of martial?
But what do you think?
Are all D&D characters who focus of the nonmagical physical aspects the same in "source"?
Are there different styles or traditions of Martials? What are they to you? Something different like Strength, Agility, and Toughness? Power, Speed, Tech, Size, and Style?
How would you use them?
Many group weapon and skill classes together into the same group called Martials based on the Martial Power source of 4th edition.
However 5e isn't 4e. In story and mechanics, many of these classes aren't extremely similar. A fighter, a barbarian, a rogue, and a monk don't exactly have the same image nor the same themes, And they don't play the same. So one could make the argument that they actually aren't "Martial". Or that "Martial" really isn't a thing even unofficially. And even the 2024 version of 5e leaned into that separation.
If I were to break it up, if go.
Martial- The Style of traditional weapon training and physical and mental fitness associated with it. Martial characters practice battle tested forms and movements in vigorous exercises. They learn traditional fighting styles and master a wide range of weapons to copy and perfect already proven ways to fight, move, and think.
Used by: Fighters, Rangers, some Paladins.
Raw- The Style of inner talent and pure physicality. Rather than stressing knowledge of proven forms, Raw characters rely on natural strength, speed, and toughness to hit harder, swing faster, and jump further. Raw characters lean harder on their ability scores.
Used by: Barbarians, some Paladins,
Discipline- The Style or inner focus and body perfection. Discipline characters focus their minds to retrain their bodies. They might used an exotic martial arts or a lesser weapon to force themselves to upgrade themselves and exceed their normal limit.
Used by: Monks, some Paladins, Blade using Warlocks
Shadow- The Style of trickery and subterfuge. Why learn to make an opening with a strike when you can just hit them when your open. Shadow characters hit from the shadows or the flanks where targets are more vulnerable. Speed and Accuracy are both trained heavily to able to strike when the openings reveal themselves. Even in the mental realm, Shadow characters hide their intentions and try to fool others.
Used by; Rogues
But how could this matter?
Well you could display it in enemies. You could make one group of enemies fight one way while another group relies on another style. And sprinkle in a third that melts 2 others.
Or you could create custom feats or magic items that are better if you lean into one style over another. My home has magic belts that empower and lean you to certain styles of martial?
But what do you think?
Are all D&D characters who focus of the nonmagical physical aspects the same in "source"?
Are there different styles or traditions of Martials? What are they to you? Something different like Strength, Agility, and Toughness? Power, Speed, Tech, Size, and Style?
How would you use them?
