Since two-weapon fighting is useable by multiple classes, should the Archetype have a different name. I got very confused.
I talked to my DM today and we made a deal that should bring some balance to the Fighter class. These have been discussed on forums before so I don't think any of this is new.
We changed the two-weapon fighting archetype to allow two attacks w/o using a bonus action. (Should have been done on day one)
I'm allowed to draw both weapons w/o using an action. I think a great weapon, or a weapon and shield, can be drawn without using an action. The great would come off your back or backpack, as well as a stowed shield. I'd argue it would take longer for those motions than 2 weapons on the belt. (Also a day one change) A friend said something interesting. If I use an action to draw 2 weapons, it's not an attack action. Which means I can't use a bonus action. So, if I'm surprised or forget to draw before initiative is rolled. I do nothing with my opening attack.
We agreed to make a change to the dual wielder feat. We eliminated the +1 AC and added a d4 for extra damage. So many other melee classes have extra damage. Skills, feats, spells. I'd still get massacred by a rage barbarian, a paladin w/ smite, etc. Some have a condition for the damage, usually resting.
Question: Do you think I gave up too much, the DM did, or it's a good compromise?
Off topic: Does an attack normally mean 2 actions for a two-weapon class? Is an action a single move that is made within your attack? Would a bonus attack, granted at certain levels, mean 2 actions? Action surge would mean 1 action with 1 weapon or maybe a heal? Second wind?
I'm not even sure what you give up for what you gain in return.
There is no Two-Weapon Fighting Archetype. There is a Fighting Style with that name but it's seperate and Fighter select both a Martial Archetype and a Fighting Style.
You normally draw one weapon in tandem with your movement and action. You normally interact with an object while doing something else, such as when you draw a sword as part of an attack but it's the feature of the Dual Welder feat that specifically allow you to draw or stow two one-handed weapons when you would normally be able to draw or stow only one.
When you take the Attack action you normally make one melee or ranged attack.
When you take the Attack action and attack with a light melee weapon that you're holding in one hand, you can use a bonus action to attack with a different light melee weapon that you're holding in the other hand.
So if the houserule is to let your Fighter select the Two-Weapon Fighting Style, no Martial Archetype, and with the Dual Welder feat when using Two-Weapon Fighting you can draw 2 non-light weapons, add your modifier to both attacks, add 1d4 extra damage, loose +1 AC and also attack an additional time while saving your bonus action for something else or for an additional attack? Seems like you'd miss on many features that Martial Archetype gets at Level 3, 7, 10, 15 and 18. Am i missing anything?
The simple rule we have done in my table to slightly balance TWF was to make Dual Wielder a half-feat. It keeps all current benefits, plus +1 in STR or DEX. Being able to get 18 in your main stat and attack 3 times at level 5 is quite good.
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Since two-weapon fighting is useable by multiple classes, should the Archetype have a different name. I got very confused.
I talked to my DM today and we made a deal that should bring some balance to the Fighter class. These have been discussed on forums before so I don't think any of this is new.
We changed the two-weapon fighting archetype to allow two attacks w/o using a bonus action. (Should have been done on day one)
I'm allowed to draw both weapons w/o using an action. I think a great weapon, or a weapon and shield, can be drawn without using an action. The great would come off your back or backpack, as well as a stowed shield. I'd argue it would take longer for those motions than 2 weapons on the belt. (Also a day one change) A friend said something interesting. If I use an action to draw 2 weapons, it's not an attack action. Which means I can't use a bonus action. So, if I'm surprised or forget to draw before initiative is rolled. I do nothing with my opening attack.
We agreed to make a change to the dual wielder feat. We eliminated the +1 AC and added a d4 for extra damage. So many other melee classes have extra damage. Skills, feats, spells. I'd still get massacred by a rage barbarian, a paladin w/ smite, etc. Some have a condition for the damage, usually resting.
Question: Do you think I gave up too much, the DM did, or it's a good compromise?
Off topic: Does an attack normally mean 2 actions for a two-weapon class? Is an action a single move that is made within your attack? Would a bonus attack, granted at certain levels, mean 2 actions? Action surge would mean 1 action with 1 weapon or maybe a heal? Second wind?
Thanks for any clarification.
We are all in danger!
I'm not even sure what you give up for what you gain in return.
There is no Two-Weapon Fighting Archetype. There is a Fighting Style with that name but it's seperate and Fighter select both a Martial Archetype and a Fighting Style.
You normally draw one weapon in tandem with your movement and action. You normally interact with an object while doing something else, such as when you draw a sword as part of an attack but it's the feature of the Dual Welder feat that specifically allow you to draw or stow two one-handed weapons when you would normally be able to draw or stow only one.
When you take the Attack action you normally make one melee or ranged attack.
When you take the Attack action and attack with a light melee weapon that you're holding in one hand, you can use a bonus action to attack with a different light melee weapon that you're holding in the other hand.
So if the houserule is to let your Fighter select the Two-Weapon Fighting Style, no Martial Archetype, and with the Dual Welder feat when using Two-Weapon Fighting you can draw 2 non-light weapons, add your modifier to both attacks, add 1d4 extra damage, loose +1 AC and also attack an additional time while saving your bonus action for something else or for an additional attack? Seems like you'd miss on many features that Martial Archetype gets at Level 3, 7, 10, 15 and 18. Am i missing anything?
The simple rule we have done in my table to slightly balance TWF was to make Dual Wielder a half-feat. It keeps all current benefits, plus +1 in STR or DEX. Being able to get 18 in your main stat and attack 3 times at level 5 is quite good.