Allowing Non-fighters to specialize?

[FreeTheSlaves]

Whenever I play a barbarian or paladin, I note the consistent extra damage the fighter does with their specialized weapon and I wish I could use a general feat to take it too.

Well now I'm a dm and I still think so, but before any rash decisions what about the fighter and balance?

Would allowing other warrior types to specialize, typically at level 6 with a general feat (or level 5 if they are part fighter) be too much?

 

[Hollywood]

Would allowing other warrior types to specialize, typically at level 6 with a general feat (or level 5 if they are part fighter) be too much?

Sure, both the Barbarian and Paladin have other ways of generating even more excess damage, although not as often so it sorta flushes out.

If they really want to specialize, they should take 4 levels of Fighter.

 

[Jeph]

I usually allow ranger/paladin/barbarian/monk to take it at level 6.

 

[Khaalis]

I think it is too unbalancing to give specialization to any but the fighter. It is the ONLY thing a fighter gets that is unique.

Besides it doesnt add that much damage (at 20th max = 4pts per round). Get a +2 STR item and you have the same bonus.

 

[SylverFlame]

As far as other warrior types getting the ability, I don't think it is too unbalancing. However, I don't know about a feat being the answer.

I think a fighter should get the ability for free at 4th level (if the requirements are met) and then the other warrior classes (Barbarian, Ranger, Paladin, and Psychic Warrior) can pick it up at level six with a feat choice. That takes care of balance and doesn't lessen the fighter (since they get it for free).

 

[FreeTheSlaves]

Thanks all. I think I will trial it with a the barbarian archer (yes I know! ) and see how it goes. It may turn out that he is the only specialized barbarian ever.

BTW the rapid shooting archer won't take precise shot

 

[Mordane76]

Sorry I got to this thread so late...

I have to side with Hollywood on this one -- if someone wants Weapon Specialization so badly as a standard member of a class other than Fighter, they should take four levels of fighter. If they want the option to take it, then maybe they should trade in an ability for it -- for example, do a customized barbarian where they trade in something like their fast movement or one of their advances in Uncanny Dodge for the option to take Weapon Specialization.

 

[hong]

Whenever I play a barbarian or paladin, I note the consistent extra damage the fighter does with their specialized weapon and I wish I could use a general feat to take it too.

And you can, by simply taking 4 levels of fighter to go with your barb or paladin levels.

 

[da chicken]

Is it unbalancing? Probably not. The worst that might happen is if your players qualify for Prestige Classes they normally shouldn't be able to qualify for. A Rogue 10/Order of the Bow Initiate 10 sounds pretty scary.

I'd still restrict Specialization to a few select classes just to be cautious.

 

[thalmin]

Will you allow your fighters to take rage, 40-ft speed, virtual ambidex/two-weapon fighting, sneak attack, etc. as feats (but not until maybe 3rd level) to even things out?