D&D 5E Kensai weapon expansion thoughts

[DND_Reborn]

I know, I was just pointing out that by level 12, low to mid ACs don't come up that often.

And the point of the level is material when many games don't reach that point. Interest wanes, the game becomes more "super-hero"-like anyway, and such things are often expected in those games.

And I think the kensai is a perfect subclass to benefit in doing more damage with any weapon they chose as a kensai weapon. If monks benefit any where from damage, it should be to their martial arts die (which is why we bumped it up one stage as a house-rule).

Also, the barbarian still has many ways it can outshine a monk--this isn't a competition between classes, especially when you are considering the subclass of one (the kensai) and not a subclass of the other. As @TwoSix pointed out, the barbarian can reckless attack and completely mitigate (more or less) the -5 GWM penalty. The barbarian can also use a magic weapon, offsetting his own penalties as well. Sure, it might not be +3 but it will still help. Frankly, if the kensai is willing to spend 3 ki points I am okay with that personally.

All in all, I simply don't see it as being such a major concern as you do. Which is fine, as I said before it is a perfectly valid point, just not one I completely agree with.

 

[Helldritch]

I know, I was just pointing out that by level 12, low to mid ACs don't come up that often.

And the point of the level is material when many games don't reach that point. Interest wanes, the game becomes more "super-hero"-like anyway, and such things are often expected in those games.

And I think the kensai is a perfect subclass to benefit in doing more damage with any weapon they chose as a kensai weapon. If monks benefit any where from damage, it should be to their martial arts die (which is why we bumped it up one stage as a house-rule).

Also, the barbarian still has many ways it can outshine a monk--this isn't a competition between classes, especially when you are considering the subclass of one (the kensai) and not a subclass of the other. As @TwoSix pointed out, the barbarian can reckless attack and completely mitigate (more or less) the -5 GWM penalty. The barbarian can also use a magic weapon, offsetting his own penalties as well. Sure, it might not be +3 but it will still help. Frankly, if the kensai is willing to spend 3 ki points I am okay with that personally.

All in all, I simply don't see it as being such a major concern as you do. Which is fine, as I said before it is a perfectly valid point, just not one I completely agree with.

Mmm... It depends on the kind of fights and the type of encounter you have. I tend to make fights with low level mobs as bounded accuracy with a nice bless spell makes them relevant all the way up to level 20 and it makes for varied encounters. Ho! See! Hobgoblins! It's gonna be easy. Until the fireball is countered by the mage with the hobgoblins, that they start to hit with bless spells cast by 2 clerics and that these hobgoblins are in fact veterans under the command of a warlord. If hobgoblins does not suit, put orcs, kobolds or whatever.

And adding low (relatively) level mob, makes that GWM feature of cleaving a bit more relevant and makes players happy!

 

[DND_Reborn]

If it works for you, cool. We've only have one PC, ever, with GWM and only one ever with SS. They aren't commonly taken feats at our table, obviously. But like I said, if you feel it could break something at your games, don't allow it.

 

[ZeshinX]

I already allow it in my games. The kensei is a weapon master, operative word being weapon. They aren't a most weapons master, or only one-handed weapons master....they are a weapon master. Period. That's just my own interpretation, and others are naturally free to view it however they wish.

Yep, it can create situations of wildly satisfying damage output, but that's part of the fun. My players know that "what's good for the goose, is good for the gander" in my games, so they know if they can do things, so can certain baddies they may encounter on their adventures.