Which would be the best way for 5e to handle situational bonuses to weapon based on groups? Should they all be feat instead of basic bonuses? What groups should there be?
Attack eoth weapons of the pick group deal +5 damage to enemies holding shields
OR
Attacks with a weapon of the pick group have advantage if the enemy is holding a shield.
Fear the golfbag.
Simple, Martial, Blunt, Piercing, Slashing.
In my opinion, the best way to handle situational bonuses to weapons based on groups is to simple not have situational bonuses based on weapon groups.
I would imagine it in 2 layers.
- Passive benefits should be Group-based. They best represent an inherent quality of the weapon type/form.
- Maneuvers should be Feat-based. They best represent exceptional training.
A couple examples might be:
Shield
Passive Benefit: Advantage on Shove attempts (you push enemies away with the shield)
Maneuver: Bash attack that deals 1d6 Bludgeoning damage.
Whip
Passive Benefit: Finesse, Reach (I still think it should be Light as well, but oh well)
Maneuver: May attempt a trip attempt on a successful hit as a Bonus Action
Picks
Passive Benefit: Ignore AC granted by shields
Maneuver: May attempt to disarm a shield on a successful hit as a Bonus Action
Maces
Passive Benefit: Advantage on STR checks to bash down doors, break locks and STR contests that use your weapon
Maneuver: Something I can't think of at the moment
This would be added as an optional weapon add-on for people who want that extra bit of complexity/uniqueness
AaronOfBarbaria wrote:
We all know that Sword + Board is going to get the best situational bonus because I said so.
Let's stop pretending.
#paladin_shield
#never_retreat
#never_surrender
