Fighter subclass Brute: a play report - it's for DMs!!

Ancalagon

Dusty Dragon
Hello

So this isn't a play report as a player. Rather it's as a GM. The Brute sublcass (from unearthed arcana, see https://media.wizards.com/2018/dnd/downloads/UA-3Subclasses0108.pdf ), has been described by many as the "Champion 2.0" and I agree with that assessment. It's a basic, no frills fighter for people who want a simple, straightforward class. I think there is a need for such a class, but clearly not for everyone.

But I realized, it's an *excellent* DM tool. I converted a 2nd ed adventure to 5e. There was a high-level fighter, a dwarven king. The simplest way to convert that to me seemed to just make it a fighter with the brute subclass, so I did. It also fitted the character's nature - he was a brutal tyrant.

Sadly, the battle didn't last long (see http://www.enworld.org/forum/showth...-single-healing-spell-gates-of-firestorm-peak), BUT those few short rounds were enough to convince me that this sub-class is a god-sent to DMs!

1: It's very easy to design.

2: It's very easy to run: No fiddly spells, special dice or maneuvers - just pound on things. While this may not be a great thing for a player, for a GM, in the middle of a large battle... the cognitive load is already pretty high. Simplicity is nice, it allows you to focus on the battle as a whole.

3: It hits like a ton of brick. GM: "you'll take an AOP" Paladin: "I can take it" GM: *rolls* "... you take 19 points of damage". Paladin: *gasps*

4: The bonus to all saves is great. No more "oh evil fighter, cast hold person lol".

Of course, as a "solo-monster" it would get focused fired upon and die quick, but as the leader of a bunch of minions, or the "general" of the leader, it's *fantastic*.
 

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I still like the Champion more.

It just needs a little buff.

My take is +1HP per champion level and extra +1 per level for second wind healing.
 

That's interesting to hear. I like to give character levels to monsters, and the brute fighter seems to be great in this regard. Thanks for sharing!
 

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