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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Ashkelon" data-source="post: 6366386" data-attributes="member: 6774887">So my very first iteration of the class (from early 2013) actually used Ki as a resource (before the monk even existed mind you). Testing led to some problems though that I feel are shared by classes like the monk, battlemaster, and warlock. Abilities based on limited use resources don't lead to interesting gameplay IMHO. Basically, the class would always use up its ki for maneuvers, then be stuck with basic attacks. It made the first few rounds of combat interesting, but the last few rounds become too repetitive. At least the spellcasters have a variety of at-will cantrips to fall back on when they are out of resources. Martial PCs aren't so lucky.The initial drafts had ki recover with a 5 minute rest, so it was usable every combat. This at least ensured that some maneuvers were usable each combat. Having a resource recover with a 1 hour rest would make it too infrequent (like the battlemaster) or effectively at-will (like the level 20 monk). I want maneuver usage to be more frequent than battlemaster 12 maneuvers per day, and less frequent than the monk 40 maneuvers per day.The resource mechanic went through a number of iterations between then and now, but ultimately, I like the "combat focus" the best. I was turned onto it by seeing the 13th Age rogue in action with their "momentum" powers. You are right though, the resource tracking is actually very limited, almost nonexistent. I like the simplicity of that method though. Having less to keep track of is a good thing for the most part, especially when you already have to keep track of things like boosts and counters.The tactical depth and complexity of the swordsage comes not from keeping track of limited resources, but for how to spend your combat focus and what maneuver to spend it on. Do you use a boost now, then take the Attack action hoping to hit so you can use a counter later on? Do you initiate a strike now even though you might lose your focus and not be able to counter? If you just hit with a strike, do you save your focus or initiate a boost? If you are going to use a strike, do you want to hinder your targets movements, leap into a better position, prevent the target from taking reactions, or something else entirely?</blockquote>

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