Removing Race Prerequisites, Case-by-case Basis

[LightPhoenix]

The issue: Thus far, in Martial Power and Arcane Power, there have been a good number of feats with racial prerequisites that don't require racial abilities.

The solution: I've gone through MP and AP with an eye towards removing racial prerequisites for feats. This should increase the number of options for each class. The guidelines I used are -

1. A feat should only have a racial prerequisite if it relies on a racial power.
2. Exceptions will be made for style reasons, but alternatives will be given that do not rely on that style.
3. Since Humans and Half-Elves don't have racial powers, feats with those prerequisites will generally be left alone.
4. However, Dwarven feats will be considered – except if the feat involves one of their traits
5. Feats with special consideration will be listed separately and explained.

Martial Power

Remove the racial prerequisites from the following feats (asterisk indicates special notes):

Heroic Tier
Bloodied Invigoration
Devoted Challenge
Fey Blades
Halfling Stalwart *
Fiendish Companion *
Lucky Skirmisher
Thundertusk Companion *
Ankle Cutter *
Brutal Teamwork
Dwarf Trapsmith
Longsword Finesse *
Tunnel Stalker*
Bold Action
Bolstering Inspiration
Bravura Spirit
Fey Command *
Leading Fire
Tactical Inspiration

Halfling Stalwart
Change “Halfling” to “Small” - my preferred change, for style or
Change “Large or larger creatures” to “creatures two or more size categories larger.”

Fiendish Companion
Feyborn Companion and Nimble Companion utilize Fey Step and Second Chance, respectively. You may wish to keep the racial prerequisite for consistency in style.

Thundertusk Companion
Feyborn Companion and Nimble Companion utilize fey step and second chance, respectively. You may wish to keep the racial prerequisite for consistency in style.

Ankle Cutter
Change “Halfling” to “Small” - my preferred change, for style or
Change “Large or larger enemy” to “an enemy two or more size categories larger.”

Longsword Finesse
Change “Eladrin” to “Proficiency with longsword.”
Add to prerequisites: “Sneak Attack” - in case you have one of the alternative multi-class feats.

Tunnel Stalker
Change “Dwarf” to “Proficiency with axes, hammers, or picks.”
Add to prerequisites: “Sneak Attack” - in case you have one of the alternative multi-class feats.

Fey Command
Since this causes a teleport effect, you may wish to keep the Eladrin prerequisite for style, even if the feat doesn't use fey step. Alternatively, change “Eladrin” to “Fey Origin.”


Paragon Tier
Draconic Arrogance
Enduring Wallop
Opportunistic Archer *
Hunter's Advantage
Prime Slayer
Bloody Inspiration

Opportunistic Archer
Change “Elf” to “Proficiency with shortbow or longbow.”


Epic Tier
Feywild Warrior *

Fey Warrior
Since this causes a teleport effect, you may wish to keep the Eladrin prerequisite for style, even if the feat doesn't use fey step. Alternatively, change “Eladrin” to “Fey Origin.”

 

[LightPhoenix]

Arcane Power



Heroic Tier
Cursed Advantage
Curse of Io's Blood
Eladrin Sword Wizardry *
Elemental Blade Attunement *
Elemental Empowerment *
Feyborn Charm *
Gnome Phantasmist
Nimble Spellcaster *
Remembered Spellcasting *
Sorcerous Assassin
Vengeful Curse


Eladrin Sword Wizardry
Change “Eladrin” to “Proficient with longswords.”


Elemental Blade Attunement
In my opinion, this is a little too powerful if allowed for every race. Heck, I'm not convinced it's balanced for just Genasi. How is this not better than Burning Blizzard? I'd strongly recommend not removing the racial prerequisite.


Elemental Empowerment
This may be overpowered if allowed for every race. However, Strength is often a dump stat for Wizards, so it may be okay. Your call.


Feyborn Charm
Since this causes a teleport effect, you may wish to keep the Eladrin prerequisite for style, even if the feat doesn't use fey step. Change “Eladrin or Gnome” to “Fey Origin.”


Nimble Spellcaster
This is a significant tactical advantage for a Wizard, and allowing it for every race is incredibly overpowered, in my opinion. Heck, I play a Halfling Wizard, and I deliberately didn't take it. Part of playing a wizard is having to deal with gaining and maintaining distance. However...
Remove “Halfling.”
Alternatively, change “Dex 13” to “Dex 15.” This makes taking it more costly defensively, especially for non-Wand Wizards. I think this makes up for its vast utility.


Remembered Spellcasting
You may want to keep the prerequisite for style reasons, since it is implied this plays off of the Deva's past lives.


Paragon Tier
(none)


Epic Tier
(none)

 

[Sadrik]

I like your work on this. As a standard I really dislike prerequisites for feats. In my HRs I have removed all ability requirement from feats. I think I will adopt your rules and open up even more cool options for PCs.

 

[LightPhoenix]

Thanks!

I had a longer reply, but the summary is I don't think all thematic prerequisites should be dumped. However, I do think the ones where it makes little sense (things like Nimble Caster, Astral Fire, etc) should be.