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<blockquote data-quote="FrogReaver" data-source="post: 7039086" data-attributes="member: 6795602">Generally the optimal tactic in D&amp;D is to focus fire each enemy down 1 at a time.&nbsp; That being the case, giving disadvantage to ranged characters will have the party focusing on 2 enemies instead of 1.&nbsp; That's likely a win for the enemies even if the net damage output of TEAM HERO is higher because of the advantage granted by the shield master feat to the Melee Characters.&nbsp; So, in a vacuum with just your character and all other melee characters it sounds amazing.&nbsp; In the actual game it is usually nearly as detrimental as it is beneficial (at least in terms of damage).&nbsp; However, a bonus to knock an enemy prone has a few other useful benefits.1.&nbsp; Lowers the enemies movement.&nbsp; (Helps ranged characters stay way and makes it hard for the enemy to run from you)2.&nbsp; Gives disadvantage on some OA's.&nbsp; (it's a lot safer to run away from a prone enemy)Basically it makes you stickier.&nbsp; Also shield master feat gives some nice defensive benefits as well not tied to the extra attack.That said in the right party it may could be the best feat ever to take but that situation is likely rare...</blockquote>

[QUOTE="FrogReaver, post: 7039086, member: 6795602"] Generally the optimal tactic in D&D is to focus fire each enemy down 1 at a time. That being the case, giving disadvantage to ranged characters will have the party focusing on 2 enemies instead of 1. That's likely a win for the enemies even if the net damage output of TEAM HERO is higher because of the advantage granted by the shield master feat to the Melee Characters. So, in a vacuum with just your character and all other melee characters it sounds amazing. In the actual game it is usually nearly as detrimental as it is beneficial (at least in terms of damage). However, a bonus to knock an enemy prone has a few other useful benefits. 1. Lowers the enemies movement. (Helps ranged characters stay way and makes it hard for the enemy to run from you) 2. Gives disadvantage on some OA's. (it's a lot safer to run away from a prone enemy) Basically it makes you stickier. Also shield master feat gives some nice defensive benefits as well not tied to the extra attack. That said in the right party it may could be the best feat ever to take but that situation is likely rare... [/QUOTE]

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