GWM at 4 is your best use of the ASI if you start with PAM. There's a website i saw, thinkdm? something like that? showed the chart and math behind it. just get GWM at 4, then max out at 8.
GWM at 4 is a great choice, especially if battlemaster with precision strike to offset -5 penalty. But even at 4 possibly have a +1 weapon helping offset the penalty of an epic attack. But even ignoring the -5 +10, the ability to make a bonus attack with the weapon again when you drop a foe is pretty much worth it. Sentinel would be a good choice if situation allowed it. Sentinel is moderately niche and makes a great third option choice after GWM and ASI.
GWM at 4 is your best use of the ASI if you start with PAM. There's a website i saw, thinkdm? something like that? showed the chart and math behind it. just get GWM at 4, then max out at 8.
You should keep in mind a couple variables that make GWM a superior option-- namely, situations where advantage occurs. There is also a mathemtical formula for determining when is the best AC to use GWM or not which is "Target AC= Hit Bonus-(damage/2)+16," in which case if you have 16 STR, a +1 glaive at lvl 5, you'd end up with a target AC of 18, so if a monsters' AC is 18 or lower, always GWM.
You should keep in mind a couple variables that make GWM a superior option-- namely, situations where advantage occurs. There is also a mathemtical formula for determining when is the best AC to use GWM or not which is "Target AC= Hit Bonus-(damage/2)+16," in which case if you have 16 STR, a +1 glaive at lvl 5, you'd end up with a target AC of 18, so if a monsters' AC is 18 or lower, always GWM.
Interesting formula. Where does it come from? And how does the “-(damage/2)” work? Is that weapon dmg? ie. The 1d10+10+6 (assuming GWM and +1 glaive)?
You should keep in mind a couple variables that make GWM a superior option-- namely, situations where advantage occurs. There is also a mathemtical formula for determining when is the best AC to use GWM or not which is "Target AC= Hit Bonus-(damage/2)+16," in which case if you have 16 STR, a +1 glaive at lvl 5, you'd end up with a target AC of 18, so if a monsters' AC is 18 or lower, always GWM.
Interesting formula. Where does it come from? And how does the “-(damage/2)” work? Is that weapon dmg? ie. The 1d10+10+6 (assuming GWM and +1 glaive)?
The damage works based on averages, and does not factor GWM's accuracy penalty or damage bonus. For example, the average roll on a d10 is 5.5, so with a +3 STR modifier, you'd do 8.5 damage on average per hit, or 9.3 if you factor in Great Weapon Fighting style. So, going back to the previous example of a +1 glaive and a 3 mod, that's 9.5 (10.3 w/GWF.) You then divide that by 2, end up with 4.75. at lvl 5, you'd have a 3 prof mod, so your to hit is 3 (prof)+3 (str)+1 (magic weapon bonus) for 7 as your To Hit Bonus.
7- 4.75 +16 2.25+16 18= target AC
All in all, unless you're using something like an ild rune polearm (increased damage and lower to hit bonus significantly lower target AC), you'll find that you're better off leaving GWM in capslock, active at all times, since few are the targets that exceed 18 AC at lvl 4-6. Use common knowledge, as turning off GWM when a target has few HP, or you're relying to hit for an effect like sentinel in disengaging opponents.
What about if you add in the new 'Slasher' feat from Tasha's?
I currently have a level 3, V. human, Rune Knight started with PAM. I'm debating GWM or the Slasher feat at level 4. Leaning towards slasher as my STR is at 19, and taking it would max me at 20 as well as the other features it grants.
What about if you add in the new 'Slasher' feat from Tasha's?
I currently have a level 3, V. human, Rune Knight started with PAM. I'm debating GWM or the Slasher feat at level 4. Leaning towards slasher as my STR is at 19, and taking it would max me at 20 as well as the other features it grants.
Good call. That’s actually a pretty interesting one as well! And since it adds str/dex it might work better depending on your stats.
What about if you add in the new 'Slasher' feat from Tasha's?
I currently have a level 3, V. human, Rune Knight started with PAM. I'm debating GWM or the Slasher feat at level 4. Leaning towards slasher as my STR is at 19, and taking it would max me at 20 as well as the other features it grants.
Good call. That’s actually a pretty interesting one as well! And since it adds str/dex it might work better depending on your stats.
I'd like to see the math with the Slasher and Piercer feats now compared to taking GWM. anyone think it would be a big difference?
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Amongst these:
In which order should these be prioritized? I definitely plan to start as v human with PAM at 1. But after that I’m not sure.
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
GWM at 4 is your best use of the ASI if you start with PAM. There's a website i saw, thinkdm? something like that? showed the chart and math behind it. just get GWM at 4, then max out at 8.
GWM at 4 is a great choice, especially if battlemaster with precision strike to offset -5 penalty. But even at 4 possibly have a +1 weapon helping offset the penalty of an epic attack. But even ignoring the -5 +10, the ability to make a bonus attack with the weapon again when you drop a foe is pretty much worth it. Sentinel would be a good choice if situation allowed it. Sentinel is moderately niche and makes a great third option choice after GWM and ASI.
Thanks for the info about the link. I looked it up and found it here: https://thinkdm.org/2019/04/13/polearm/
Looks like GWM does overall lead over ASIs, but it’s a pretty damn small margin. And it does also depend on the average AC of the mobs.
Here is the most important chart:
Summary. PAM > ASI is quite good for dmg, but PAM > GWM just slightly out performs it at mobs with 16 AC
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
I usually go PAM > STR 18 > Sentinel > GWM > STR 20 > Res CON.
You should keep in mind a couple variables that make GWM a superior option-- namely, situations where advantage occurs. There is also a mathemtical formula for determining when is the best AC to use GWM or not which is "Target AC= Hit Bonus-(damage/2)+16," in which case if you have 16 STR, a +1 glaive at lvl 5, you'd end up with a target AC of 18, so if a monsters' AC is 18 or lower, always GWM.
Interesting formula. Where does it come from? And how does the “-(damage/2)” work? Is that weapon dmg? ie. The 1d10+10+6 (assuming GWM and +1 glaive)?
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
I wouldn't get Martial Adept as a battlemaster. Get something that you can use outside fo combat instead. Or something like Alert, Mobile or Tough.
Some guy who's far more tech and numbers savvy than me came up with it
The damage works based on averages, and does not factor GWM's accuracy penalty or damage bonus. For example, the average roll on a d10 is 5.5, so with a +3 STR modifier, you'd do 8.5 damage on average per hit, or 9.3 if you factor in Great Weapon Fighting style. So, going back to the previous example of a +1 glaive and a 3 mod, that's 9.5 (10.3 w/GWF.) You then divide that by 2, end up with 4.75. at lvl 5, you'd have a 3 prof mod, so your to hit is 3 (prof)+3 (str)+1 (magic weapon bonus) for 7 as your To Hit Bonus.
7- 4.75 +16
2.25+16
18= target AC
All in all, unless you're using something like an ild rune polearm (increased damage and lower to hit bonus significantly lower target AC), you'll find that you're better off leaving GWM in capslock, active at all times, since few are the targets that exceed 18 AC at lvl 4-6. Use common knowledge, as turning off GWM when a target has few HP, or you're relying to hit for an effect like sentinel in disengaging opponents.
Thanks for explaining, and the link. Glad some people are good at maths~
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
What about if you add in the new 'Slasher' feat from Tasha's?
I currently have a level 3, V. human, Rune Knight started with PAM. I'm debating GWM or the Slasher feat at level 4. Leaning towards slasher as my STR is at 19, and taking it would max me at 20 as well as the other features it grants.
Good call. That’s actually a pretty interesting one as well! And since it adds str/dex it might work better depending on your stats.
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
I'd like to see the math with the Slasher and Piercer feats now compared to taking GWM. anyone think it would be a big difference?