D&D 3E/3.5 3.5 sohei balance?

[jasin]

I think you're underestimating the Weapon Focus feat they get at 1st level. That basically means they're on par with a fighter type until 4th, and only 1 behind until 8th.

Eh. Doesn't that just mean that you have one feat more than the fighter guy to spend on something else? Because IME, a fighter type will take Weapon Focus.

At high levels, the greater frenzy is pretty kickbutt. +4 on Str and Dex, plus a reduced flurry penalty, means an 11th level sohei's attack bonus is effectively equal to a single-classed barb with the UA frenzy ability when flurrying. The sohei's damage bonus and AC/Ref save bonus are lower, but they also get to move faster.

That's true. It actually seems OK at 10th level and beyond. That's one of the things that bugs me, the jarring jump at 10th where you suddenly get +3 to attacks when frenzying, compared to 9th. I'd like it much more if the goodness was spread out somewhat more towards the lower levels.

 

[hong]

Eh. Doesn't that just mean that you have one feat more than the fighter guy to spend on something else? Because IME, a fighter type will take Weapon Focus.

Yes; and there's more to being effective than just maxing out your attack bonus. Just ask the barbs in my group....