D&D 5E Battle Master Superiority dice options

[GreyLord]

In 5e, the Battlemaster gets superiority dice where they roll for whatever the amount they are adding to their maneuver. So, a player doesn't like the randomness of this and wants it to be more predictable than how it works via the book. I can understand that as it can be extremely swingy. I can also understand someone wanting a more standard bonus than something as random as it can get.

In that light, I had some ideas. I'm listing them from what I think is the most plausible and most likely I would employ to the least likely.

1. If one doesn't want to roll their superiority dice but want a set bonus, instead of rolling they can opt for a straight up +5 (or should it be a +4). This is a set number. this means they never have to worry about rolling a 1 or 2 (which seems to upset people a LOT in that regard for some reason), but they also will never roll the maximum. I derived these numbers from other numbers which could be random but you can optionally use a set number instead (for example, classes that roll for hitpoints, you have the option of using a set number. For a d8, this is normally 5 HP per level instead of rolling if you use that option).

This would increase to +6 at 10th level, and a +7 at 18th.


2. Grant them the ability to roll two dice when they roll a superiority die. They can choose which result of which die they want to apply as their superiority die/dice

3. As above, but they ONLY get to roll two dice for superiority dice when they have advantage.

4. Say screw it...I'll let them abuse the system. Give them the maximum bonus and forgo rolling superiority dice (so that would be a +8, then a +10 at 10th level and a +12 at 18th level). I think I might get complaints from other players that this allows the Battlemaster to be overpowered?

5. Be the exact opposite and say they only get the minimum and hence only a +1 if they choose not to roll. This means they can choose just to go as if they rolled the minimum any time they don't want to roll instead (but seeing most of the complaints have been when they roll low, I think this one would go over as well as a bunch of rocks being dropped on their heads).


Which of those ideas do you think is the most workable? The most fair? The best one to implement?

Or is there some other idea that I could use that may work better that I haven't thought of (very possible).

Some players REALLY seem to hate the randomness of the rolls, but want the maneuvers. Others seem to just want to be granted the maximum each time and seem to throw a fit unless it is a higher roll. Looking for the best solution, not just for them, but for me as DM and the other players who are NOT playing that Battlemasters.

 

[Sunseeker]

Let them add proficiency. There's already a chart for it. It's the same for every class. It levels up nicely.

 

[The Myopic Sniper]

+12 damage and a situational rider isn't going to break anything, +12 AC for running around and not stopping probably means Battlemasters will all pick that maneuver and use it in every combat.

 

[Horwath]

As a middle ground you could use 1d6+prof bonus. starts at 3-8 and ends at 7-12. little stronger and less swingy. but on crits you get to double just d6 not the fixed bonus.

 

[GreyLord]

The biggest thing I think is that they don't want a random bonus, but something more static and more predictable.

On the other side of the coin, they seem to be upset everytime they roll low (like a 1 or 2...which of course is where my evil DM side comes out in proposing that they can always take a 1 [or I suppose a 2] on the roll by default...).

 

[Lanliss]

You can just make it the same as a Casters spell bonus. Prof+ STR or DEX (players choice)

 

[Hathorym]

Let them add proficiency. There's already a chart for it. It's the same for every class. It levels up nicely.

I believe this is an excellent and elegant solution. Thank you for suggesting it.

 

[guachi]

Whatever the die for a Battlemaster maneuver is you can take the next smaller die size and add a +1. Or two sizes lower and add a +2.

So a d8 is a d6+1 or a d4+2. A d10 is a d8+1, a d6+2, or a d4+3.

 

[Satyrn]

I would just go with the average result rounded up. So +5. It's the simplest option and the math stays the same over time. Plus, its one of the ways monster damage can be handled, so it fits snugly in the system

 

[The Myopic Sniper]

I am not sure why any player would prefer a +2 over a D8 at low levels (or even a +6 over a D12 at high levels.) They probably need to be playing a different class if they are that risk adverse. On the other hand, if that sounds appealing to them, I would definitely let them do it. But you might want to look at homebrewing a new fighter subclass that caters to what they are looking for rather than a nerfed Battlemaster.