D&D (2024) "Sword" and Board Build?

[Zardnaar]

I am talking about the new Shield Master, not the old one. I don't think it got nerfed, I think it is actually better now because it does not use a Bonus Action (and gives a +1 strength).

If you consider Topple, this lets you do essentially the same thing once a turn on a strength save instead of a Constitution save, while using any mastery with the weapon you hit with (or try again if he saves against Topple). Also you can alternatively push him back 5 feet which is great when combined with topple - now he is toppled and prone 5 feet away from you giving you the option to move without an AOO.

If you are dedicated to being a sword and board fighter, this is the best feat to take IMO.

Hmmn maybe. Tgat and Sentinel I liked the old one.

 

[UngeheuerLich]

Shield master got nerfed.

Not really. It bow gives you evasion and the ability to either push or topple. And it gives +1 str on top.

So it effectively gives you 3 masteries at the same time.

And the old reflex save bonus was worded terribly.

 

[UngeheuerLich]

That will work, but I think it is far from ideal.

I think if you are going Sword and Board over level 1-20 the best Fighter play is Eldritch Knight for the Cantrip Damage bonus. Also Sentinel works, but on a sword and board I think Shield master is better as your first feat for just about any build and Warcaster is better if you go Eldritch Knight. Then take Sentinel as your second feat.

I think battle master is even nicer.

I'd probably take mage slayer before sentinel though.
I really like the 1/short rest legendary save.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

Problem is it feels line you're being punished for not using dual wielder or GWM.

Of course. You have a higher defence so your damage output is less, by design.

So you have to say "why do I want more defence?" There are basically two reasons. One is so you can defend the rest of the party. In which case you need to worry about how you can make hostiles attack you and not someone else. Damage doesn't really matter. Or, you just want to Leroy into dangerous situations and not get hammered. This largely applies to barbarians (and clerics/rogues who pick up shield prof, etc).

 

[Horwath]

I have simple houserule feat for S&B style, that gives you extra damage and it's a no brainer.

Shield basher.
requires proficiency with shields
+1 STR or CON

As a Bonus action you can make one melee attack with your shield.
attack deals 1d6 damage,
you add STR to attack roll and damage
you can apply Sap, Push, Topple or Graze mastery to attack.
any +X bonus to AC from shield applies to attack and damage bonus.

 

[Zardnaar]

Of course. You have a higher defence so your damage output is less, by design.

So you have to say "why do I want more defence?" There are basically two reasons. One is so you can defend the rest of the party. In which case you need to worry about how you can make hostiles attack you and not someone else. Damage doesn't really matter. Or, you just want to Leroy into dangerous situations and not get hammered. This largely applies to barbarians (and clerics/rogues who pick up shield prof, etc).

It's the difference between the numbers that's annoying.

 

[Shadowdweller00]

You might try Polearm Master and Dueling fighting style and spear or quarterstaff (which, though it hurts my head is STILL a one-handed weapon). Worked in 2014, still works fine. Piercer is NOT a good feat, unless maybe you need the stat point.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

It's the difference between the numbers that's annoying.

It’s less different for barbarians, paladins, rangers and fighter/rogues. But the fighter gets good control tools.

 

[fluffybunbunkittens]

And the old reflex save bonus was worded terribly.

Yeah, it applied to like... uh... Sacred Flame, Disintegrate, Hellish Rebuke...

They could've literally listed the few things it applies to in the feat description.

 

[fluffybunbunkittens]

the fighter gets good control tools.

I'm not seeing any AoE spells in their repertoire... so unless you always have a conveniently placed one-square doorframe around, if you are a 300hp tank with AC25+, and facing non-zombie enemies, they can just go past you at someone squishier.