doctorbadwolf
Heretic of The Seventh Circle
So, I don't think that allowing a character to use Intelligence for attack and damage is a balance issue, especially in an edition where charisma as an attack stat is one to three levels of warlock away, and only 2 classes use Int as a main stat.
That being said, I don't think I'm going to finish my Swordmage or Marshal class anytime soon, after having lost nearly all information I had on them because homebrewery won't load them up...
In which case, I am instead looking to subclass options! So, firstly, I think that a Swordmage themed subclass for fighter or rogue or monk could work, though the monk one would possible require replacing wisdom with int? Anyway, here are my basic ideas, and what I see as the pros and cons. I'd love some feedback before I start actually trying to hammer out details.
Fighter:
That being said, I don't think I'm going to finish my Swordmage or Marshal class anytime soon, after having lost nearly all information I had on them because homebrewery won't load them up...
In which case, I am instead looking to subclass options! So, firstly, I think that a Swordmage themed subclass for fighter or rogue or monk could work, though the monk one would possible require replacing wisdom with int? Anyway, here are my basic ideas, and what I see as the pros and cons. I'd love some feedback before I start actually trying to hammer out details.
Fighter:
- Swordmage Fighter - Gains 13+Int mod AC, can use shields, no armor. I'd also add a fighting style that simply allows you to change the damage type of your weapon attacks with a bonded weapon to an elemental damage type, and use a bonus action to add 1d4 of that damage to your next weapon damage roll that turn. Subclass would gain curated spells with a limited /SR cooldown, limited very tightly to spells that either improve your physical abilities or are combined with a weapon attack. You can use your weapon as a spellcasting focus. Subclass built to not need a "cast a spell and make an attack" feature, but instead add magic to the attack action.
- Smarty-Pants Duelist Rogue - Don't have a good name off the top of my head. Use Int for attack with finesse weapons? Like, I know the Inquisitive is there, but...it's not good. I'd rather my "examine the target for sneak attack" rogue be a duelist, anyway. The idea would be to be the non-magical foil to the swordmage, using anatomy, geometry, and esoteric knowledge, to defeat foes.
- Monk, Way of The Swordsage/Sword Saint/Sohei - Replace Int for Dex for the entire build. Use Dex for attack, damage, and AC. Maybe even for Dex saves, IDK. Can exceed movement when using Step of The Wind. Can reposte when attacked while benefiting from the Dodge Action. Expanded Monk Weapon list, to include rapier and glaive, or just rapier and also a feature that makes spears gain reach with some wording that prevents PAM if we really feel that is necessary. (i don't)