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<blockquote data-quote="spinozajack" data-source="post: 6628163" data-attributes="member: 6794198">Polearm master would still be strictly superior to Dual Wielder even in the absence of GWM AND the OA reaction attack, because of the free attack with ability modifier. That gives you 3 attacks at level 5 with reach. Reach &gt; no reach.Once you hit level 11, it's also higher base damage too, since you have 3 d10 attacks and one d4, instead of 4 d8 attacks. (34 vs 32 max damage from the weapon alone).I personally love the OA component, that's good enough on its own. I would make GWM not work with reach weapons, plus remove the free attack. That would balance it with both dual wielder and leave greatswords and greataxes their niche for high damage at close range. Maybe let the reach weapon go up one damage die to make up for losing both GWM and the bonus attack, make it a little juicier. Threatening reach is still very powerful. Very, very powerful. Even without the +10 to damage and the extra attack latched on. I have no idea why they did that. Polearms are 5th edition's spiked chains, mechanically. Mike Mearls even asked people on twitter, when he was finishing up the PHB and looking for min max exploits, what to avoid, and several people told him to avoid repeating the spiked chain debacle for three editions in a row (the 4e spiked chain was seriously overpowered, 2d4 light weapon with reach that's twin strikable? insane. all the best feats were for light weapons in that edition). I guess he totally ignored that warning and ploughed it out anyway. Maybe this is Gygax's revenge, since he loved polearms so much.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="spinozajack, post: 6628163, member: 6794198"] Polearm master would still be strictly superior to Dual Wielder even in the absence of GWM AND the OA reaction attack, because of the free attack with ability modifier. That gives you 3 attacks at level 5 with reach. Reach > no reach. Once you hit level 11, it's also higher base damage too, since you have 3 d10 attacks and one d4, instead of 4 d8 attacks. (34 vs 32 max damage from the weapon alone). I personally love the OA component, that's good enough on its own. I would make GWM not work with reach weapons, plus remove the free attack. That would balance it with both dual wielder and leave greatswords and greataxes their niche for high damage at close range. Maybe let the reach weapon go up one damage die to make up for losing both GWM and the bonus attack, make it a little juicier. Threatening reach is still very powerful. Very, very powerful. Even without the +10 to damage and the extra attack latched on. I have no idea why they did that. Polearms are 5th edition's spiked chains, mechanically. Mike Mearls even asked people on twitter, when he was finishing up the PHB and looking for min max exploits, what to avoid, and several people told him to avoid repeating the spiked chain debacle for three editions in a row (the 4e spiked chain was seriously overpowered, 2d4 light weapon with reach that's twin strikable? insane. all the best feats were for light weapons in that edition). I guess he totally ignored that warning and ploughed it out anyway. Maybe this is Gygax's revenge, since he loved polearms so much. [/QUOTE]

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