Note, the current version is moreorless the same as as the original post, but repackages as:
Force Armor Fighting Style • Swap out proficiency with Medium and Heavy armors. • Instead, you know the Mage Armor spell, and can cast and dispel it at will as a reaction, as an innate spell without spell components. • While using Mage Armor, you can use Intelligence instead of Dexterity for your AC bonus. • You know the Elf Sword cantrip [equivalent to the Shillelach cantrip but with longsword slashing instead of the d8 versatile quarterstaff bludgeoning] and one other cantrip of your choice, such as Eldritch Blast, Mage Hand, or Resistance. You can cast the cantrips as innate spells without spell components.
Thus ranged weapons remain subpar, reflex save remains subpar, heavy weapon remains subpar.
I would make this a 1st level feat instead of a fighting style and offer up a 1st level feat to others and I would say its about even.
I moreorless agree that it is worth a feat.
I suggest that a Fighting Style *should* be worth a feat, and Archery and maybe situational Blind Fighting are worth feats.
The Fighter class delays the choice of Archetype subclass until level 3. The delay is especially problematic for the character concept of magical warrior trained since childhood, when inexplicably there is no magic at level 1. Consider the high elven armies who train in magical warfare since birth. What is true for the Eldritch Knight is also true for the Psi Warrior.
Fighting Styles are available to the Fighter at level 1, and can easily offer magical features that represent a warrior of magic. The following is my creation that I originally intended for the Eldritch Knight, but it is equally suitable for the Psi Warrior in Tashas as well. I originally called it the Elven Chain Fighting Style, but rename it with the PsiWar in mind.
Mage Armor Fighting Style You swap out proficiency with Medium and Heavy armors. Instead, you know the Mage Armor spell, and can cast and dispel it at will as a reaction, as an innate spell without spell components. The armor appears in any style you wish, or as an invisible force around your body. According to high elf decorum, the Mage Armor appears as a fine-mesh chain shirt, worn over or under a fabric tunic of a solid bold color and intricate embroidery. In addition, you can use Intelligence instead of Dexterity for your AC bonus, and can use Intelligence instead for weapon attacks that rely on Strength or Dexterity. You know one cantrip of your choice, such as Eldritch Blast, Mage Hand, or Resistance. You can the cantrip at will as an innate spell without spell components.
Very interesting and playable, it's a bit overpowered, IMO. You take away armor proficiency, but make up for it with at-will Mage Armor, and only having one primary ASI stat to worry about is really powerful on an EK fighter. All those extra ASI bumps can go to weapons feats, defensive feats, tough, lucky, etc.
At level 6 you can have 20 in Intelligence, which would be the equivalent of having 20 into STR, DEX, and INT when it comes to weapons and spells, and you have the same AC as plate mail but without disadvantage.
The funny thing is this already exists.....just take Defensive fighting style and studded leather suddenly becomes mage armor.
The part that really makes it crazy is the ability to get Eldritch blast or another cantrip from seemingly any class. Would you be able to cast it with INT? If so its just Defensive fighting style+
It's a very minor thing, but you still need to be wearing armour for Defensive to work. In some situations you won't be, not even light armour. The really big deal is changing out the ability used. Studded leather + Defensive as well as Mage Armor still rely on a high ability to get that AC to where a (melee) fighter like an Eldritch Knight wants it to be. If that's Dex, Int or Con suffers comparatively. If it's Int, the math on abilities changes dramatically.
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Want to start playing but don't have anyone to play with? You can try these options: [link].
The Fighter class delays the choice of Archetype subclass until level 3. The delay is especially problematic for the character concept of magical warrior trained since childhood, when inexplicably there is no magic at level 1. Consider the high elven armies who train in magical warfare since birth. What is true for the Eldritch Knight is also true for the Psi Warrior.
Fighting Styles are available to the Fighter at level 1, and can easily offer magical features that represent a warrior of magic. The following is my creation that I originally intended for the Eldritch Knight, but it is equally suitable for the Psi Warrior in Tashas as well. I originally called it the Elven Chain Fighting Style, but rename it with the PsiWar in mind.
Mage Armor Fighting Style You swap out proficiency with Medium and Heavy armors. Instead, you know the Mage Armor spell, and can cast and dispel it at will as a reaction, as an innate spell without spell components. The armor appears in any style you wish, or as an invisible force around your body. According to high elf decorum, the Mage Armor appears as a fine-mesh chain shirt, worn over or under a fabric tunic of a solid bold color and intricate embroidery. In addition, you can use Intelligence instead of Dexterity for your AC bonus, and can use Intelligence instead for weapon attacks that rely on Strength or Dexterity. You know one cantrip of your choice, such as Eldritch Blast, Mage Hand, or Resistance. You can the cantrip at will as an innate spell without spell components.
Very interesting and playable, it's a bit overpowered, IMO. You take away armor proficiency, but make up for it with at-will Mage Armor, and only having one primary ASI stat to worry about is really powerful on an EK fighter. All those extra ASI bumps can go to weapons feats, defensive feats, tough, lucky, etc.
At level 6 you can have 20 in Intelligence, which would be the equivalent of having 20 into STR, DEX, and INT when it comes to weapons and spells, and you have the same AC as plate mail but without disadvantage.
The funny thing is this already exists.....just take Defensive fighting style and studded leather suddenly becomes mage armor.
The part that really makes it crazy is the ability to get Eldritch blast or another cantrip from seemingly any class. Would you be able to cast it with INT? If so its just Defensive fighting style+
It's a very minor thing, but you still need to be wearing armour for Defensive to work. In some situations you won't be, not even light armour. The really big deal is changing out the ability used. Studded leather + Defensive as well as Mage Armor still rely on a high ability to get that AC to where a (melee) fighter like an Eldritch Knight wants it to be. If that's Dex, Int or Con suffers comparatively. If it's Int, the math on abilities changes dramatically.
Yeah fair enough. I mostly see it as a feat rather than a fighting style overall. I think that I would at least play it out that way and see how it plays.
Yeah fair enough. I mostly see it as a feat rather than a fighting style overall. I think that I would at least play it out that way and see how it plays.
The main reason why it is a Fighting Style, is so that magical flavor for the Eldritch Knight and Psi Warrior is available at character creation.
If 5e allowed Fighters to choose their subclass at level 1, that would be better. But at least the Fighter has a choice of Fighting Styles at level 1. A Fighting Style that attends to magic armor instead of mundane armor, and cantrips instead of mundane weapons, helps.
Yeah fair enough. I mostly see it as a feat rather than a fighting style overall. I think that I would at least play it out that way and see how it plays.
The main reason why it is a Fighting Style, is so that magical flavor for the Eldritch Knight and Psi Warrior is available at character creation.
If 5e allowed Fighters to choose their subclass at level 1, that would be better. But at least the Fighter has a choice of Fighting Styles at level 1. A Fighting Style that attends to magic armor instead of mundane armor, and cantrips instead of mundane weapons, helps.
TBH I never start a game before level 3 anyway so this is not an issue for me. Honestly most class that have subclass past 1 suffer from this.
If Tasha's had not added a similar but much weaker and more limited version of what you're suggesting for your fighting style, you'd be getting less push back. However, the designers of the game literally created a fighting style that gives 2 druid cantrips. That's a more limited feature that is just a small part of your proposed fighting style and the reason you will never convince me and likely anyone else that this is even remotely balanced. Your only argument is that fighting styles are weighted similarly to feats and the only evidence you have of that is based on your opinion that Archery is as good as a feat. You ignore the fact that feats vary wildly in terms of usefulness and most fighting styles are not as good as most combat feats. (Fighting Initiate might be worth taking to pick up Archery, but it's not as good as sharpshooter, an actual feat). Given the weight of evidence and the overwhelming consensus of the people in this thread, the only conclusion I can come to is you're unwilling to accept criticism on your Fighting Style. I don't see anything being sufficient to convince you that your homebrew is OP. Don't feel bad though. 95% of homebrew is OP but people still enjoy it.
The Fighter class delays the choice of Archetype subclass until level 3. The delay is especially problematic for the character concept of magical warrior trained since childhood, when inexplicably there is no magic at level 1. Consider the high elven armies who train in magical warfare since birth. What is true for the Eldritch Knight is also true for the Psi Warrior.
Fighting Styles are available to the Fighter at level 1, and can easily offer magical features that represent a warrior of magic. The following is my creation that I originally intended for the Eldritch Knight, but it is equally suitable for the Psi Warrior in Tashas as well. I originally called it the Elven Chain Fighting Style, but rename it with the PsiWar in mind.
Mage Armor Fighting Style You swap out proficiency with Medium and Heavy armors. Instead, you know the Mage Armor spell, and can cast and dispel it at will as a reaction, as an innate spell without spell components. The armor appears in any style you wish, or as an invisible force around your body. According to high elf decorum, the Mage Armor appears as a fine-mesh chain shirt, worn over or under a fabric tunic of a solid bold color and intricate embroidery. In addition, you can use Intelligence instead of Dexterity for your AC bonus, and can use Intelligence instead for weapon attacks that rely on Strength or Dexterity. You know one cantrip of your choice, such as Eldritch Blast, Mage Hand, or Resistance. You can the cantrip at will as an innate spell without spell components.
Very interesting and playable, it's a bit overpowered, IMO. You take away armor proficiency, but make up for it with at-will Mage Armor, and only having one primary ASI stat to worry about is really powerful on an EK fighter. All those extra ASI bumps can go to weapons feats, defensive feats, tough, lucky, etc.
At level 6 you can have 20 in Intelligence, which would be the equivalent of having 20 into STR, DEX, and INT when it comes to weapons and spells, and you have the same AC as plate mail but without disadvantage.
The funny thing is this already exists.....just take Defensive fighting style and studded leather suddenly becomes mage armor.
The part that really makes it crazy is the ability to get Eldritch blast or another cantrip from seemingly any class. Would you be able to cast it with INT? If so its just Defensive fighting style+
Not quite. That does nothing for weapon use or spell casting. With his homebrew once you get your INT to 20:
Spellcasting is +5
Your armor bonus is 13 + 5
All STR based weapons are +5
All ranged weapons are +5
This is all from a single ASI stat (intelligence). I like the idea, and the reasons behind it. But it is super strong.
Fair...you would get the same benefits from Hexblade with CHA sans the Dexterity but with medium armor thats hardly an issue as you can cap at 14.
Battlesmith also gets close as they can start with medium armor and 14 Dex and have INT for all their weapons.
But I agree you are basically making a fighting style that mirrors a 1 level dip in Warlock or a 3 level dip in Artificer lol.
The highest you can go with medium armor while avoiding disadvantage to stealth is 16, this one is at 18. But the Fighter also gets its entire base class catered to being a martial class, including d10 hit die, gaining even more attacks, action surge, etc.
But YES, the Hexblade + Pact of the Blade is really strong. This is even stronger, and it's just a fighting style.
The Fighter class delays the choice of Archetype subclass until level 3. The delay is especially problematic for the character concept of magical warrior trained since childhood, when inexplicably there is no magic at level 1. Consider the high elven armies who train in magical warfare since birth. What is true for the Eldritch Knight is also true for the Psi Warrior.
Fighting Styles are available to the Fighter at level 1, and can easily offer magical features that represent a warrior of magic. The following is my creation that I originally intended for the Eldritch Knight, but it is equally suitable for the Psi Warrior in Tashas as well. I originally called it the Elven Chain Fighting Style, but rename it with the PsiWar in mind.
Mage Armor Fighting Style You swap out proficiency with Medium and Heavy armors. Instead, you know the Mage Armor spell, and can cast and dispel it at will as a reaction, as an innate spell without spell components. The armor appears in any style you wish, or as an invisible force around your body. According to high elf decorum, the Mage Armor appears as a fine-mesh chain shirt, worn over or under a fabric tunic of a solid bold color and intricate embroidery. In addition, you can use Intelligence instead of Dexterity for your AC bonus, and can use Intelligence instead for weapon attacks that rely on Strength or Dexterity. You know one cantrip of your choice, such as Eldritch Blast, Mage Hand, or Resistance. You can the cantrip at will as an innate spell without spell components.
Very interesting and playable, it's a bit overpowered, IMO. You take away armor proficiency, but make up for it with at-will Mage Armor, and only having one primary ASI stat to worry about is really powerful on an EK fighter. All those extra ASI bumps can go to weapons feats, defensive feats, tough, lucky, etc.
At level 6 you can have 20 in Intelligence, which would be the equivalent of having 20 into STR, DEX, and INT when it comes to weapons and spells, and you have the same AC as plate mail but without disadvantage.
The funny thing is this already exists.....just take Defensive fighting style and studded leather suddenly becomes mage armor.
The part that really makes it crazy is the ability to get Eldritch blast or another cantrip from seemingly any class. Would you be able to cast it with INT? If so its just Defensive fighting style+
Not quite. That does nothing for weapon use or spell casting. With his homebrew once you get your INT to 20:
Spellcasting is +5
Your armor bonus is 13 + 5
All STR based weapons are +5
All ranged weapons are +5
This is all from a single ASI stat (intelligence). I like the idea, and the reasons behind it. But it is super strong.
Fair...you would get the same benefits from Hexblade with CHA sans the Dexterity but with medium armor thats hardly an issue as you can cap at 14.
Battlesmith also gets close as they can start with medium armor and 14 Dex and have INT for all their weapons.
But I agree you are basically making a fighting style that mirrors a 1 level dip in Warlock or a 3 level dip in Artificer lol.
The highest you can go with medium armor while avoiding disadvantage to stealth is 16, this one is at 18. But the Fighter also gets its entire base class catered to being a martial class, including d10 hit die, gaining even more attacks, action surge, etc.
But YES, the Hexblade + Pact of the Blade is really strong. This is even stronger, and it's just a fighting style.
I was thinking half-plate so 17 vs 18. I full agree this is too much overall. Hexblade dip gives you: Medium Armor, Hexblade Curse, Hex, Eldtrich Blast, and Shield spell. This is on top of converting any weapon over to CHA.
Overall Hexblade was bit of a mistake IMO as you get far too much for a single level dip but this "fighting style" approximates about 90% of likely the most powerful 1 level dip in the game.
Make this fighting style just give them two wizard cantrips, and nothing else.
If they want Mage Armor at will, they can take the Armor of Shadows Eldritch Invocation using a feat.
If they want Intelligence modifier for attack and damage rolls, they can take the "Elf Sword" cantrip (rename this to something else, maybe "Elven Blade" or "Swift Sword"), but you need to rebalance this cantrip. I would specify that you must attack with one hand with this weapon, to make it not better than Shillelagh.
If they want Intelligence in place of Dexterity for their AC, you could make that be a feat that requires this fighting style that allows them to do this. That is definitely a powerful feat, and would be worth taking.
I hope this helps.
I'm just going to quote this, as no one commented on it, and head out of the thread.
This is the balanced version of the fighting style.
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Please check out my homebrew, I would appreciate feedback:
Make this fighting style just give them two wizard cantrips, and nothing else.
If they want Mage Armor at will, they can take the Armor of Shadows Eldritch Invocation using a feat.
If they want Intelligence modifier for attack and damage rolls, they can take the "Elf Sword" cantrip (rename this to something else, maybe "Elven Blade" or "Swift Sword"), but you need to rebalance this cantrip. I would specify that you must attack with one hand with this weapon, to make it not better than Shillelagh.
If they want Intelligence in place of Dexterity for their AC, you could make that be a feat that requires this fighting style that allows them to do this. That is definitely a powerful feat, and would be worth taking.
I hope this helps.
I'm just going to quote this, as no one commented on it, and head out of the thread.
This is the balanced version of the fighting style.
I have some additional concerns about the Swift Sword cantrip, saying it’s just like Shillelagh is disregarding context a bit too much in my book, but on the whole this would be generally acceptable at least.
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Oh, yeah, there are definitely issues with just copying shillelagh and giving it to wizards, but at least it's better balance-wise than having it be a fighting style.
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Please check out my homebrew, I would appreciate feedback:
Oh, yeah, there are definitely issues with just copying shillelagh and giving it to wizards, but at least it's better balance-wise than having it be a fighting style.
Jock wizards, with action surges and extra attacks. Just had to mention it because I’m expecting more “it’s just a cantrip for a cantrip” type arguments next.
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A main concern of mine is to avoid the 3e difficulty with regard to the Finesse feat. This feat failed the "feats should be nice not required" test. The game must not force the expenditure of a feat merely to achieve a flavor.
Here in the case of the 5e Eldritch Knight, the same test applies.
Mage Armor only allows average AC, ranging between 13 and 18. And the Elf Sword cantrip supplies average d8 damage. For the Fighter class these stats are the minimum that is expected to function as a class. For a Strength build, it would offer zero improvement to the AC number, and a two-handed heavy weapon using Strength would exceed the damage output. For the Dex build, there is a +1 AC benefit, while the two-weapon attack using Dex would exceed the damage.
If only Mage Armor and a longsword are available, the Fighting Style would be worthless. It would achieve a flavor only, at the price of little or no statistical benefit. There would even be a statistical loss in damage effectiveness.
The extra cantrip is a minor benefit.
The value of this fighting style feat is the ability to swap from a Str-Con or a Dex-Con build to an Int-Con build. This swap is nice, but like finesse is nice, must not require the burning of a feat or a fighting style for the sake of Intelligence flavor.
At this point, clarifying and QUANTIFYING the value of an Intelligence swap, would help.
Mostly I think as a fighting style its overtuned compared to the other benefits inferred from the other fighting styles.
The main issue with most classes that pick a subclass at 3rd level is that they lack identity at 1st and 2nd level. This is not an issue with just EK but with all these classes.
I think the consensus seems to be that this would be better served as a feat given at 1st level instead. If your DM and you cannot agree o this route then maybe think about taking a level in a caster for first level and MC after that.
Mostly I think as a fighting style its overtuned compared to the other benefits inferred from the other fighting styles.
The main issue with most classes that pick a subclass at 3rd level is that they lack identity at 1st and 2nd level. This is not an issue with just EK but with all these classes.
I think the consensus seems to be that this would be better served as a feat given at 1st level instead. If your DM and you cannot agree o this route then maybe think about taking a level in a caster for first level and MC after that.
Other classes with their later subclasses, mainly relate to generalization versus specialization. So there is normally a hint of the upcoming subclass already present at level 1.
By contrast, the flavor of nonexistence of magic versus existence of magic, is enormous and abnormal.
Also note, Tashas offers the Superior Technique Fighting Style. Thus, the mechanics and flavor of the maneuvers of the Battle Master subclass are already available at level 1.
The dearth of the level 1 Eldritch Knight is abnormal.
Mostly I think as a fighting style its overtuned compared to the other benefits inferred from the other fighting styles.
The main issue with most classes that pick a subclass at 3rd level is that they lack identity at 1st and 2nd level. This is not an issue with just EK but with all these classes.
I think the consensus seems to be that this would be better served as a feat given at 1st level instead. If your DM and you cannot agree o this route then maybe think about taking a level in a caster for first level and MC after that.
Altho other classes with later subclasses, mainly relate to generalization versus specialization. So there is normally a hint of the upcoming subclass already present at level 1.
By contrast, the flavor of the nonexistence of magic versus the upcoming existence of magic, is enormous and abnormal.
Note also, Tashas offers the Superior Technique Fighting Style. Thus, the mechanics and flavor of the Battle Master maneuvers are already available at level 1.
The dearth of the level 1 Eldritch Knight is abnormal.
The maneuvers make sense for any fighter as they are mostly generic. EK is not unique in this regard. Psi Knight is in the same boat as is Arcane Archer.
Rogue has the same issues with Arcane Trickster.
Monk has the same issue with Shadow Monk, 4 elements etc....
Indeed the Force Armor Fighting Style, works well to foreshadow Eldritch Knight, Psi Warrior, or Arcane Archer.
I would also want level 1 magical options for an Arcane Trickster in training, options that are appropriate for a Rogue concept. Probably a feature swap, perhaps trading martial weapons for cantrips.
I moreorless agree that it is worth a feat.
I suggest that a Fighting Style *should* be worth a feat, and Archery and maybe situational Blind Fighting are worth feats.
he / him
It's a very minor thing, but you still need to be wearing armour for Defensive to work. In some situations you won't be, not even light armour. The really big deal is changing out the ability used. Studded leather + Defensive as well as Mage Armor still rely on a high ability to get that AC to where a (melee) fighter like an Eldritch Knight wants it to be. If that's Dex, Int or Con suffers comparatively. If it's Int, the math on abilities changes dramatically.
Want to start playing but don't have anyone to play with? You can try these options: [link].
Yeah fair enough. I mostly see it as a feat rather than a fighting style overall. I think that I would at least play it out that way and see how it plays.
The main reason why it is a Fighting Style, is so that magical flavor for the Eldritch Knight and Psi Warrior is available at character creation.
If 5e allowed Fighters to choose their subclass at level 1, that would be better. But at least the Fighter has a choice of Fighting Styles at level 1. A Fighting Style that attends to magic armor instead of mundane armor, and cantrips instead of mundane weapons, helps.
he / him
Magic Initiate is an actual feat, and seems less powerful to me. Getting closer at least.
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TBH I never start a game before level 3 anyway so this is not an issue for me. Honestly most class that have subclass past 1 suffer from this.
If Tasha's had not added a similar but much weaker and more limited version of what you're suggesting for your fighting style, you'd be getting less push back. However, the designers of the game literally created a fighting style that gives 2 druid cantrips. That's a more limited feature that is just a small part of your proposed fighting style and the reason you will never convince me and likely anyone else that this is even remotely balanced. Your only argument is that fighting styles are weighted similarly to feats and the only evidence you have of that is based on your opinion that Archery is as good as a feat. You ignore the fact that feats vary wildly in terms of usefulness and most fighting styles are not as good as most combat feats. (Fighting Initiate might be worth taking to pick up Archery, but it's not as good as sharpshooter, an actual feat). Given the weight of evidence and the overwhelming consensus of the people in this thread, the only conclusion I can come to is you're unwilling to accept criticism on your Fighting Style. I don't see anything being sufficient to convince you that your homebrew is OP. Don't feel bad though. 95% of homebrew is OP but people still enjoy it.
The highest you can go with medium armor while avoiding disadvantage to stealth is 16, this one is at 18. But the Fighter also gets its entire base class catered to being a martial class, including d10 hit die, gaining even more attacks, action surge, etc.
But YES, the Hexblade + Pact of the Blade is really strong. This is even stronger, and it's just a fighting style.
I was thinking half-plate so 17 vs 18. I full agree this is too much overall. Hexblade dip gives you: Medium Armor, Hexblade Curse, Hex, Eldtrich Blast, and Shield spell. This is on top of converting any weapon over to CHA.
Overall Hexblade was bit of a mistake IMO as you get far too much for a single level dip but this "fighting style" approximates about 90% of likely the most powerful 1 level dip in the game.
I'm just going to quote this, as no one commented on it, and head out of the thread.
This is the balanced version of the fighting style.
Please check out my homebrew, I would appreciate feedback:
Spells, Monsters, Subclasses, Races, Arcknight Class, Occultist Class, World, Enigmatic Esoterica forms
I have some additional concerns about the Swift Sword cantrip, saying it’s just like Shillelagh is disregarding context a bit too much in my book, but on the whole this would be generally acceptable at least.
Want to start playing but don't have anyone to play with? You can try these options: [link].
Oh, yeah, there are definitely issues with just copying shillelagh and giving it to wizards, but at least it's better balance-wise than having it be a fighting style.
Please check out my homebrew, I would appreciate feedback:
Spells, Monsters, Subclasses, Races, Arcknight Class, Occultist Class, World, Enigmatic Esoterica forms
Jock wizards, with action surges and extra attacks. Just had to mention it because I’m expecting more “it’s just a cantrip for a cantrip” type arguments next.
Want to start playing but don't have anyone to play with? You can try these options: [link].
A main concern of mine is to avoid the 3e difficulty with regard to the Finesse feat. This feat failed the "feats should be nice not required" test. The game must not force the expenditure of a feat merely to achieve a flavor.
Here in the case of the 5e Eldritch Knight, the same test applies.
Mage Armor only allows average AC, ranging between 13 and 18. And the Elf Sword cantrip supplies average d8 damage. For the Fighter class these stats are the minimum that is expected to function as a class. For a Strength build, it would offer zero improvement to the AC number, and a two-handed heavy weapon using Strength would exceed the damage output. For the Dex build, there is a +1 AC benefit, while the two-weapon attack using Dex would exceed the damage.
If only Mage Armor and a longsword are available, the Fighting Style would be worthless. It would achieve a flavor only, at the price of little or no statistical benefit. There would even be a statistical loss in damage effectiveness.
The extra cantrip is a minor benefit.
The value of this fighting style feat is the ability to swap from a Str-Con or a Dex-Con build to an Int-Con build. This swap is nice, but like finesse is nice, must not require the burning of a feat or a fighting style for the sake of Intelligence flavor.
At this point, clarifying and QUANTIFYING the value of an Intelligence swap, would help.
he / him
For the purposes of comparing Str, Dex, and Int Fighter builds, at different levels, assume the following abilities during character creation.
High Elf: 16 16 13 12 10 8
Human with feat: 16 14 14 12 10 8
The Eldritch Knight lacks spells until level 3. Thus Intelligence is otherwise nearly worthless at the lowest levels.
he / him
Mostly I think as a fighting style its overtuned compared to the other benefits inferred from the other fighting styles.
The main issue with most classes that pick a subclass at 3rd level is that they lack identity at 1st and 2nd level. This is not an issue with just EK but with all these classes.
I think the consensus seems to be that this would be better served as a feat given at 1st level instead. If your DM and you cannot agree o this route then maybe think about taking a level in a caster for first level and MC after that.
Lets focus on character creation.
Dexterity:
Level 1 human Fighter
Dex 16, Con 14, Int 14
Wis 12, Str 10, Cha 8
Skills: Stealth +5, Acrobatics +5, Perception +3, Insight +3
Background:
Feat: Crossbow Expert (ranged weapon in melee, bonus action hand crossbow attack that presumably adds Dex damage)
Fighting Style: Archery (+2 ranged-weapon attack)
Two-Hand Weapon, heavy crossbow (100 feet): 1d10 +3
Mainhand Weapon, hand crossbow (30 feet): 1d6 +3
Offhand Weapon, hand crossbow (30 feet): 1d6
Damage per round
• Melee or 30 feet (6.5 and 6.5): +5 attack 1d6+3, +5 attack 1d6+3
• Melee or 100 feet (8.5): +5 attack 1d10+3
AC: 15
• Dex +3
• studded leather
HP: 12
he / him
Other classes with their later subclasses, mainly relate to generalization versus specialization. So there is normally a hint of the upcoming subclass already present at level 1.
By contrast, the flavor of nonexistence of magic versus existence of magic, is enormous and abnormal.
Also note, Tashas offers the Superior Technique Fighting Style. Thus, the mechanics and flavor of the maneuvers of the Battle Master subclass are already available at level 1.
The dearth of the level 1 Eldritch Knight is abnormal.
he / him
The maneuvers make sense for any fighter as they are mostly generic. EK is not unique in this regard. Psi Knight is in the same boat as is Arcane Archer.
Rogue has the same issues with Arcane Trickster.
Monk has the same issue with Shadow Monk, 4 elements etc....
Indeed the Force Armor Fighting Style, works well to foreshadow Eldritch Knight, Psi Warrior, or Arcane Archer.
I would also want level 1 magical options for an Arcane Trickster in training, options that are appropriate for a Rogue concept. Probably a feature swap, perhaps trading martial weapons for cantrips.
he / him