5E Fighter Variant - Light Fighter (experiment)

[Sadrik]

@ Sadrik:
I guess this could work. Uncanny defense is a 1st level feature, as is Fighting Style. If you do however, I'd say that you need to offer an optional variant to replace the ability for the barbarian. Something that works for an armored barbarian concept (like a dwarven berserker) since that archetype "loses" their primary first level feature. The concept doesn't so much fit the monk thematically or mechanically as it is really the Defining class for unarmored fighting (which is why I think the Fighter archetype needs a brawler subclass to fill that niche).

For the monk, I agree it is a pitfall for them. They need at least light armor proficiency to be competent. Though, perhaps just give it to them. Barbarians have armor proficiency and unarmed defense. If the Monk selects unarmed defense, then they simply do not use the light armor proficiency. Otherwise they have something. I actually like this a lot and opens up the class to more niches.

 

[Connorsrpg]

I would NOT recommend making the Uncanny Defense (or whatever you call it) a Fighting Style. I have been over and over the combo possibilities in my head and felt this would be a very poor choice, as it then eliminates the very appropriate fighting styles that go with light fighters, namely Two-Weapon Fighting and Dueling. You would have to choose it over those, when it should really be used WITH those. And it does not address the initial problem of building form the core fighter.

Now, not only are you going to ignore those armor proficiencies that you get anyway, you are choosing something to replace them AND losing your fighting style.

Makes no sense to me. Which is why I went with the Unfettered option replacing heavy armor (and swapping 1 save) and then doing the actual archetypes, as well, archetypes (subclasses).

 

[Sadrik]

I would NOT recommend making the Uncanny Defense (or whatever you call it) a Fighting Style. I have been over and over the combo possibilities in my head and felt this would be a very poor choice, as it then eliminates the very appropriate fighting styles that go with light fighters, namely Two-Weapon Fighting and Dueling. You would have to choose it over those, when it should really be used WITH those. And it does not address the initial problem of building form the core fighter.

I don't see an issue. Using Khaalis's suggestion:

Swashbuckler (Fighter)
Level 3 - Additional Fighting Style (Fighter Champion p73)
Level 7 - Choose either: Evasion (Monk p181) OR Uncanny Dodge (Rogue p96)
Level 10 - With Daring & Panache (Light Fighter Swashbuckler or Unearthed Arcana Swashbuckler's "Elegant Maneuver")
Level 15 - Swashbuckling Deeds (Light Fighter Swashbuckler)
Level 18 - Master Duelist (Unearthed Arcana Rogue Swashbuckler)

In this way, you wind up with two. And you can do whatever strategy you want. I think this works best.

 

[Connorsrpg]

[MENTION=14506]Sadrik[/MENTION]. Sorry, using [MENTION=2167]Khaalis[/MENTION]'s class you are right, as you get 2 early on. That should not be a problem, if getting 2 fighting styles so early is not a problem. (I was talking about the average fighter with one).