Dodge, why is it still crappy?

[GreatLemur]

My biggest problem with Dodge isn't that it only gives an AC bonus against one opponent, but that the AC bonus it gives is so inconsequential. I actually really like the mechanic of having to choose a primary opponent to focus on; it's a lot more interesting than a flat bonus. I'd just rather bump that bonus up to +2.

 

[kaomera]

In Malls & Morons, I've toyed around with the idea of Dodge granting a +1 bonus versus adjacent opponents. I'm not sure if this is a good comprimise between +1 versus everyone and +1 versus one opponent. But I am generally a supporter of improving the baseline Dodge feat.

The "only one opponent" rule is meant to represent the character focusing on that opponent, in the absence of a system of facing. I would say +1 vs. any opponent that is not currently flanking you, but frankly +1 AC flat isn't unbalanced at all.

 

[Moon-Lancer]

I think dodge makes up for its weakness with elusive target, one of the better feats.

Taking dodge alone however, it is too weak.

 

[Arkhandus]

What's Elusive Target? Is it something from a supplement?

I only know of it in d20 Modern, where it's prerequisite is the better Defensive Martial Arts (+1 AC against all melee attacks). Agile Riposte (attack of opportunity against Dodge target if they miss you in melee) is the D20 Modern feat that requires Dodge and gives some extra usefulness, but that's not really present in D&D so far as I know.

 

[I'm A Banana]

It's a feat for duelists!

It's about that one-on-one combat that gives you the edge over the target, a sort of narrow focus. It keeps it balanced with weapon focus (which only gives you +1 with certain weapons).

It's a neat little flavor thing. I mean, it's not unbalanced to not have it be that way, but it's fun, and, yeah, I like the feats that build off the "Dodge Partner" that it sets up.

Simple is boring, sometimes.

 

[Moon-Lancer]

Arkhandus,

elusive target, in d&d allows for 3 things (its in complete warrior. Its a tactical feat)

1: whoever you dodge, their power attack doesen't work on you but the attacker still takes the power attack penalty.

2: if your being flanked, and one of the flankers is one you selected with dodge, their first attack of every round (thus the first iterative and the most likely to hit) automatically misses you, and instead attacks the other flanker. the dodged flanker doesn't even need reach to the other flanker. basically you deflect their blow into the other opponent's.

3, if you move through a threatened square, and the attack of opertunity misses, you get a trip attempt against your opponent. This does not prevoke, nor may you be counter tripped.

elusive targets other prerequisite feat is mobility, so most of the time the enemy will miss with number 3.

Their is some debate on how number 3 works. The flavor suggests that you go straight to opposed strength checks. Also its not clear if you have improved trip if you get an extra attack because you have made no initial attack.

 

[Arkhandus]

Dang, that is powerful.


(...obviously I don't have Complete Warrior)

 

[Moon-Lancer]

oh, and on number 2, the guy who takes the hit is flat footed. theirs also debate if sneak attack is applied if your dodging a rogue

but yeah, its a pretty strong feat.

dm doesn't let in tome of battle? no problem!!!!

elusive target and dervish prc are the perfect combo for flashy heroics.