New Martial Base Class: Precisionist

[Misty]

As we all know 5e is a little short on purely martial classes. To combat this My friends and I have created the Precisionist. A class that devotes their training to focus their skill and aim on a bullseye. Unlike most warriors: they disregard raw strength in favor of swift strikes that have been carefully aimed. Their senses have also been honed, especially their vision, so that they don't miss anything in their surroundings. Though their arsenal is limited to a few weapons they learn to master the blowgun unlike any other warrior. Few have even delved into the arcane, embracing the versatility it offers, while still always hitting the bullseye.

Here's the link:

http://1drv.ms/1WilMyv

 

[transcendantviewer]

First issue, you mention that it's proficient in only the use of Blowguns, Daggers, and Darts in its proficiencies section, but then give it a Rapier or two Shortswords as its starting equipment. You forgot to write in "Simple Weapons" didn't you?
Well, I didn't see too many other problems with the base class features, but they seem a bit silly. I'd expect this to be something like a Monk Archetype, not a full class. Particularly since they already deal more damage than blowguns with their Unarmed Strikes and are usually exceptional marksmen with Darts due to fantastic Dexterity Scores. Some of these features are actually superhuman, which while isn't exactly stretching the meta in a fantasy game, they certainly feel a bit ridiculous. Monks are able to supplement their physical prowess with their Ki, making their feats of inhuman dexterity and attentiveness feel believable. Some of these features don't have that leeway and sound a little too silly for my tastes.
One last thing, I don't mean to nitpick, but when it comes to their keen eyesight, you don't have to write in that they don't have disadvantage or advantage. Advantage and Disadvantage cancel each other out, resulting in just a regular roll.
Above all else, it seems like it'd make a much more relevant monk subclass than a full character class. Monks could use the power boost, actually. I remember hearing that one of the new monk archetypes in the new supplement book for Sword Coast did something similar to that; perhaps that would be good inspiration if you're willing to change this into an archetype. Aside from that, this isn't bad. I'd probably not say no to it being used in a game, but the rule of superfluity does come to mind; monks do this already, and quite well.

 

[Jediking]

First thoughts:

​Overview
Saving throws: Should have one of common Dex, Wis, or Con, and one of uncommon Int, Str, or Cha. You have Dex and Wis, both common saves.

Weapons: You start with a rapier or shortswords, but aren't proficient in them until level 3. You should start with prof in them, and let the subclass optimize the player's choice. Also, for a marksman, not having access to other thrown weapons seem off (handaxes, javelins, etc).

Bullseye: Normally saving DCs are based on the primary spellcasting ability, but there are exceptions, such as Pounce (and being knocked prone) as a Strength saving throw. As you are throwing, shooting, or being Precise, maybe change this from Wisdom to Dex. This may cause this class to be completely SAD in Dex though unless they are a Bone Reader...

Deny the Shot: A mix of Dodge (action) and Monk's Deflect Missile (reaction). It may be a bit too situational to use instead of Dodge. +4 AC is very similar to disadvantage on attacks, which could be easier to word.

Eagle Eye: As a Surgeon it may be more Thematic to give Advantage on Investigation over Perception, but that's just me.

Bloodletter: Creatures with Int 12 are not always common in every setting. Even base humanoids have an average of 10. Taking an action to stop the bleed damage could be enough, stopping creatures from doing so or requiring a check may run into problems (shoot a few guys then run off while they bleed).

Blowgun Master: Increasing the damage by one die at this point doesn't do much. Seems like you are trying to shoehorn the blowgun into the class, and a d6 isn't going to do it.

Lethargic Perforation/Vivacious Touch 11th Level: I like the idea of using Pressure Points as a class feature. But level 11 is a huge milestone for most classes and increased damage. Precisionists only get to use Haste (I don't see Slow being used over it much) once a day.

Surgeon:
Quick Stitch Up: This should be Medicine skill and Healer's kit

Hemorrhage/Dueling: Give Dueling at lvl 3. Hemorrhage seems like a good bump to damage.

Hindering Incision: I like the theme of this. If a target uses Dex for attack, maybe they halve their damage for that as well.

Blood transfusion: Now I just think of Dexter

Swift Blade:
Prof: again, give Shortswords as class prof.

Crippling Prick: 1/2 speed may be easier to remember, but I like the theme of this.

Two-Weapon Fighting: Maybe at 3rd level? Seems to get it late.

Fall From Grace: Pretty powerful to reduce flying speed to 0. Maybe now when you use Crippling Prick all speed (flying, etc) is reduced by half, and walking speed to 0.

Speed Stealer: Seems to change the class suddenly from being precise and quick to mystical (again, this is just me). Also may run into issues if you are flying around and your party wants to kill the dragon, like right now!

Somewhere in this subclass there might be room for a basic walking speed bump for 5-10ft? Maybe change theme from Swift Stroke to Pressure Points (with Chi and flow and etc, but that's pure fluff)


Bone Reader:
Spellcasting: 1/3 spellcasting fits well, and I like how this class is available. But is the Wizard spell list (aka the complete spell list) the best choice? Studying from bones gives me an image of memories and lives lived, not tomes of knowledge. Instinctual learning, like the Warlock, Sorcerer, or Druid list (even Cleric) seem a little more thematic (again, I like themes, and this is just me)

Study the Bones: The time, material limit (100 year old bones are always around) and the limited vision seem weak, even for a ribbon feature. Talking to the spirit may help. Also, the other subclasses get significant damage increase at this level. Regaining spells is useful, but with only two level 2 spells at lvl 7, and the need to have 100 year old bones to get two slots back, it will take a while for this feature to be helpful.

The Third Eye: If you have Darkvision maybe make it Superior (to 120 ft)

Festering Wound: Other than getting past non-magical/necrotic resistances, this doesn't do all that much until lvl 17. The Precisionist could gain necrotic resistance himself, immune to disease, etc as well.

Wither the Soul: Imposing vulnerability to one target for your attacks (and not all of your spells) for 4-5 rounds may work against a BBEG, but isn't great for a level 17 ability.

One other thing about the Bone Reader is the player will need to keep track of both his spellcasting and his Bullseye Charges, leading to lots of bookkeeping.

Thoughts:
Overall I really enjoy the theme, and everything listed is my own brief thoughts looking over it. The best way to balance it is to look at other classes, but I am AFB. The class seems built around DEX, with Wisdom being available for some abilities or Bone Reader. There is no support for using Strength (or thrown weapons) and there are already several classes and builds that utilize DEX/WIS combos in 5e. Replacing Wisdom with Int may separate this class from looking just like a specialized Monk, Ranger, or Rogue. But I think you are able to give enough depth and identity (especially within the subclasses) to have a good class on it's own, so good job!

 

[Misty]

Thanks for the comments, my friends and I are already taking them into account. We should have a patched version up in a day or so. Also they aren't proficient in all simple weapons, just to clarify.

 

[transcendantviewer]

If they aren't proficient in something, they shouldn't start with it.

 

[Misty]

Here's the patched version:

http://1drv.ms/1WilMyv

 

[transcendantviewer]

I'll go over it with a fine-toothed comb another time, but my preliminary findings are that this class feels needlessly complicated.

 

[the Jester]

As we all know 5e is a little short on purely martial classes. To combat this My friends and I have created the Precisionist.

I'm going to start here. I think "more classes" as a design goal kind of stinks. What's the archetype here? Why can't this be covered by a ranger, rogue, or fighter?

Moreover, why on earth would a "purely martial" class add to your spellcasting progression? Do not like.

I don't think "we need more martial classes" is really a thing, at least not in any of my groups. YMMV.

A class that devotes their training to focus their skill and aim on a bullseye. Unlike most warriors: they disregard raw strength in favor of swift strikes that have been carefully aimed.

That sounds, as I said, like a rogue, ranger, or Dex-based fighter.

Their senses have also been honed, especially their vision, so that they don't miss anything in their surroundings. Though their arsenal is limited to a few weapons they learn to master the blowgun unlike any other warrior.

This is so not sounding like a major warrior type to me. More and more like a rogue.

A couple of specific things as I skim over the link: The Bulleye bloodletter ability is too fiddly. 1 round/level is a pain in the ass to track. That's why literally nothing in 5e uses it. Cunning action gives my "this sounds like a rogue" position far more bite. Evasion and the missile deflection ability make it smell like a monk. I mean, there's just not much here that justifies it being a full class in my opinion. Instead, I'd make it a rogue subclass.

That said, play what you like! If you and your players feel the need for more martial pcs, go for it! But even then, I don't think this guy qualifies with that "1/3 caster level" approach- you should absolutely get rid of it IMHO.

 

[transcendantviewer]

I have to agree with the Jester. This sounds like an overly complex multiclass, rather than a class. Classes are meant to be the framework for interesting characters. They aren't quite as unique as the subclasses, but they each feel different and intriguing. This class doesn't have that feeling. It feels like a Shadow Monk with some Rogue levels mixed in and just put into a class. I'm all for the damage over time abilities, but they should probably be a bonus. As I've said in my posts, I'd advise turning this into a Monk or Rogue Subclass. See what that looks like.