D&D 5E (2024) Variant True Strike

[Silam]

Sounds too much like old True Strike and giving up two attacks vs 1. You lose out on +x weapon damage and on Cleric Empowered strikes, and you have to wait a round to kill.

Old True Strike (from 3e!) was a straight up +20 bonus to the next attack roll! And it cost a 1st level spell slot, it was not at will. It was meant for these really dramatic moments like, the princess has an apple on her head and if you miss your shot you are going to be hanged. Or… you did miss that trick shot and you are indeed about to get hanged, but just as the executioner opens the trap under your feet, the arcane archer in your party shoots an arrow that cuts the noose around your neck. You didn’t mind taking an extra round when your whole destiny (or that of the entire kingdom!) hung in the balance.

5e 2014 cheapened it by making it "only" give advantage but also made it a cantrip. Then 2024 changed it completely. Should probably have rebaptized it too. Flashy Strike or something.

 

[doctorbadwolf]

Another way to design cantrip scaling would be that it affects more than one subsequent attack rolls. A single one initially, then a 2nd attack at 5th, then 3rd, then 4th. Maybe with a time limit of the end of your next round (or even the start of your next round) no matter the scaling. The idea basically is that your 1 bonus action carries a little further, though in practice most builds would not be able to take full advantage of it. But EKs and BS could benefit, and some spells like Scorching Ray or Steel Wind Strike could stretch into the scaling also. I am wary of making it too good compared to Steady Aim, however.

Why? Steady Aim isnt a tentpole class feature, it is a "make sure the class works reliably" patch. It isnt a big deal if it isnt as good as a cantrip.

 

[mellored]

How about crit range?

Make a weapon attack with Advantage.
You can score a critical hit on a 19 or 20.
At level 5, you can score a critical hit on ability 17 to 20.
At level 11, it's a 15 to 20
At level 17, it's a 13 to 20.

Alternatively
Attack with a to-hit bonus equal to half your level.