Excerpts: PHB2 - Heric Tier Feats

[Anguirus]

Why not simply errata a +1 hit bonus to everyone at levels 5, 15, 25 instead of forcing us to take a feat to make up for the math issue found by the number crunchers?

Because most people don't read errata.

That goliath two-hander feat is just another example: there, now you've limited the goliath down two more feats, since they have to take Weapon Expertise as well.

My goliath warlock doesn't care about Greatweapon Training.

Just like my dwarf wizard didn't care about Dwarven Weapon Training.

At what point was it decided that "feats should provide a small, static bonus" translated to "feats should not adjust the power level of your character?" Because that's awfully close to "there should be no optimal feat choices," and that, for me, pretty much translates to "feats aren't interesting."

As for "accidentally sucking..."

Player: Hey, my character isn't hitting as often as I'd like.
DM: I suggest acquiring this feat here.

Guys, I sympathize with everyone whose soul hurts a little because of this feat, but some of the doomsaying is quite off-the-wall.

 

[Runestar]

You will eventually want to take the feat at paragon level, even if you think that you can live without it at heroic. +2 to +3 to-hit is simply to tempting to give up - no other feat even comes close to replicating such a benefit!

I wonder if there will come a day when PCs find themselves missing only on a natural 1...

 

[I'm A Banana]

As for "accidentally sucking..."

Player: Hey, my character isn't hitting as often as I'd like.
DM: I suggest acquiring this feat here.

That's kind of a strawman, though. The situation rarely plays out like that, and even if it did, asking the player to spend resources to patch a problem with the game's math is pretty much how 3e ALSO solved the problem of accidental suck -- and it was as unsatisfying then as it is now.

 

[TarionzCousin]

Weapon Expertise would only apply to powers with the Weapon keyword, and Implement Expertise would only apply to powers with the Implement keyword.

So, yes, a Swordmage would need to get both if he wants the advantage of both.

Well, crap dang!

Gramma, my Swordmage needs all the help he can get!

 

[Rechan]

My 10th level feat is definitely coming from the PHB2; my character is an artificer, who regularly drops burst powers on top of my allies, so its Coordinated Explosion for the win!

I noticed that little trick, yes. Any class with "All enemies" in an area, or powers that hurt enemies/help allies (Cleric, Invoker) are going to enjoy that.

I do like the feat that lets you effect monsters with fire resistance. That makes the Infernal warlock almost useful, imho.

 

[Mr. Wilson]

Because that flat +1 hit would apply to all attacks (including stuff like Bull Rush, which does not factor in weapons but would factor in the flat +1 bonus), and it seems the intent is to provide more focus on a single weapon/implement type.

I fall into the camp that finds this feat is errata disguised as crunch, so I disagree with your explanation. Obviously, YMMV.

Because most people don't read errata.

This is an interesting explanation as to why it was made a feat. I don't agree with WoTC taking that stance, but I can understand why they would feel that way, if indeed this is why the feat was made.

 

[Zsig]

Yeah, Weapon/Implement Expertise is not what I'd call a smart decision.

There were other ways they could have used to patch the math.

I posted one possible idea on the house-rules forum, but I guess it wouldn't hurt if I posted it here...

Basicly, since they added the Masterwork Armors from AV into the PHB2, it wouldn't be a problem to also introduce Masterowrk Weapons/Implements along with them. They'd work exaclty the same way Masterwork Armors do, which means, adding a bonus to hit as long as the weapon/implement meets the minimum enhancement bonus requirement.

Something like this:

[B][B][B]Weapon[/B][/B][/B]/Implement........[B][B][B]Masterwork Bonus[/B][/B][/B]..........[B][B][B]Minimum Enhancement Bonus[/B][/B][/B]
Ordinary.......................--............................+0
"Superior".....................+1............................+2
"Masterwork"...................+2............................+4
"Made by the Gods".............+3............................+6

Alternatively, they could simply make them add bonus to the Proficiency bonus from weapons, then there wouldn't be a need to create yet another bonus type, though then they'd firstly need to rule that Implements have an effective Proficiency bonus equal to zero.

It's easier to place the patch where the players can manage without having to sacrifice an already very limited resource.


I like some if not most of the feats from PHB2 (specially Versatile Master), but I feel sorry for now, Str Paladins are standing way below the curve... at least until Divine Power...

 

[I'm A Banana]

Basicly, since they added the Masterwork Armors from AV into the PHB2, it wouldn't be a problem to also introduce Masterowrk Weapons/Implements along with them.

Woah.

This idea makes so much bleedin' sense that I'm boggled as to why it wasn't done.

I mean, they've gotta give us Masterwork Weapons sooner or later, no? Why not with the masterwork armor?

 

[catsclaw227]

The problem is.... if they introduce the Masterwork weapons now, then the new feats become way too powerful.

I agree, it should have been done as Masterwork weapons. I might house rule this and ban those two feats.

 

[blargney the second]

I wonder if there will come a day when PCs find themselves missing only on a natural 1...

Our party's dagger rogue has been doing that since first level.
-blarg