Odd levels for fighters

[Beholder Bob]

I am of the opinion that all classes should have something to look forward to gaining each level or two (averaging 2 'things' per 3 levels).

Now - to balance that out, say, for the wizard, is limiting the class to 3 schools of magic, allowing them to learn an additional school every 6 levels - note - all wizards are required to be specialized in my game. To augment them (that above cost is very high!), includes such things as additional stages of power gained by/through the familiar, extra spells learned at various levels in your specialty, and I give them bonus feats every 4 levels, not every 5.

I've weakened the more powerful classes to balance this, but the result was to make every level in a base class worth the taking.

BB

 

[Joker]

How are these for abilities gained at 9th and 13th level?

Multiple Weapon Focus

Prerequisites: Weapon Proficiency, Weapon Focus (Weapon X), Weapon Specialization (Weapon X), Greater Weapon Focus (Weapon X), Fighter Level 9th, Int 13

Benefit: Gain Weapon Focus with an number of weapons of your choosing equal to your Int modifier +1 (Minimum 1)

This is not a feat but an ability gained at 9th fighter level.

Multiple Weapon Specialization

Prerequisites: Same as above but Fighter Level 13th and Greater Weapon Specialization (Weapon X)

Benefit: Gain Weapon Specialization with the weapons you have chosen with the Multiple Weapon Focus ability.


Whatcha think?

 

[The Serge]

I think the original idea is to introduce new ideas for fighters because they had dead levels.

Due to the posts of some who had different opinions on the subject (basically not in favor of any changes or tweaks), some have felt (including myself) to justify or explain the rationale we held.

If you have ideas on this subject to tweak the fighter (fairly w/o breaking balance), please feel free to share.

Thanks.

I'll keep out of this one since I don't think the fighter needs tweaking in its build, but that he needs access to better, more diverse feats.

 

[CR2000]

Reading this thread you guys have convinced me how utterly unbalanced the fighter is. I'm going to start letting my players have a bonus fighter feat every level. It will really help the lackness of a bland fighter class.

 

[smootrk]

I certainly think that an expanded feat selection is a much welcome addition to the fighter class.

I am still in the mode of thought that says give them a few skill points to spend in areas that help to flesh them out in their particular culture or profession. Seems to be the least balance threatening and helps to give them individual character options.

 

[FreeTheSlaves]

I don't think that the odd level is actually a bad design. It gives an extra 4 sessions to explore and master the previously gained power, and provides an (arguably) optimal cut off point for the multi-classers. For a class that is all about constant combat effectiveness and mastering customizable styles it fits quite nicely. With the character benefit kicking in every 3rd & 4th levels, and iterative attacks every 5 levels past 1st, there are seldom 'dead' levels - 5th, 7th*, 13th, 17th, 19th or 5 out of 20.

What is feeding this desire for goodies for every class level is the rampant PrC that is going on, something I think is leading to an undesirable powercreep.

* I just remembered the optional rule for critical skill success in skills with 10+ ranks that kick in earliest at 7th level. If we also take the Leadership feat into account then the cohort at -2 levels (assuming a decent leadership score) is also gaining goodies during some of these levels.

 

[CR2000]

No, No, guys. A feat every level is perfect. You can take all the skills feats which help in that area, and you'd be able to take the save feats.