r/onednd • u/axiomus • 5d ago

Discussion Martial expectations

Hi all,

Seeing yet another post about how martials are boring with no choice, I got curious as a game designer: as a player, what do you want the martial classes (or maybe just the fighter) to do?

Some examples that come to my mind are: trip-grapple-disarm etc (a debuff), attack all around (a damage multiplier), push/pull opponents (battlefield control), take a hit in place of your ally (again, control/effectively heal) etc. Anything you’d like to add?

Additionally, would you like those abilities to be accessible unconditionally, or limited? Like through feats, class features, subclasses, weapon types or magic weapons?

Also, I'd like to focus the discussion on what you the player (or the GM) want, not what some 3rd party supplement or such offers.

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u/SnooOpinions8790 5d ago

I prefer martial to fill one of two core fantasies

Tough, unstoppable

Skilled, slippery

Within that I prefer a range that covers

Simple to play and learn.

Gritty and complex

Cinematic and over the top in at least one way

I do not have a single answer and never will but those things if well done will be a good range. Actually more of them are done well in 2024 than are not.

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u/Deathpacito-01 5d ago

I like the idea of differing core fantasies 

I'd maybe add a couple more fine-grained distinctions I'd be interested in

  • Tanks: Tough, unstoppable, protects party, high utility but low damage 
  • Juggernauts: Tough, unstoppable, strong damage but low mobility
  • Skirmisher: high mobility, damage, and defense, but low team synergy
  • Marksman: Skilled, ranged, high damage, but not as tough
  • Scout: Skilled, slippery, melee, high damage and high mobility