Would Rogues be too powerful if they were the only class allowed to get Advantage through flanking? It would be a bit like the old "backstab" feature that Rogues got back in 3e, except that instead of increased damage, you get a greater chance of doing increased damage. Let the other classes get a flat +1 if they flank.
I'm guessing you think that flank attacking doesn't gain a Rogue enough because they get Sneak Attack from an adjacent ally anyway, but advantage still effectively doubles your chance of getting a critical hit on that Sneak Attack, so I don't know if it's really important to buff them/nerf everyone else.
Also I would say that Rogues are already better equipped than most to take advantage of flank attacks thanks to Cunning Action Dash giving you the speed to get into position a lot more easily. It's also worth keeping in mind that 5e does have an equivalent of "backstab" it's just quite complex in terms of how the rules are set out; basically if you are hidden from an enemy (thanks to Cunning Action Hide) then you are eligible for the unseen attackers and targets rule, and approaching from behind is an ideal way to remain unseen as you attack, meaning a Rogue with a combination of stealth and speed is well placed to gain advantage without requiring an ally to be in position.
I'd also be wary of nerfing flank attacks for everyone else, and turning it to +1 might actually make it stronger for some; for example, a Barbarian who can give themselves advantage anyway (using Reckless Attack) would now have advantage and +1 to hit, whereas the Rogue is "only" getting advantage. Monks have the speed for flank attacking to be a key strategy for them, so taking it away from them would be a significant nerf that I don't think is warranted, especially when they're one of the best classes for partnering with a Rogue (to trigger Sneak Attack).
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Actually, I think flanking makes getting Advantage too easy in any party that isn't made up mostly of squishies. I think a +1 is fair as it does encourage the melee players to think about positioning. Perhaps there should be an addendum: If you already get Advantage on your melee attack roll, you disregard this bonus.
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Would Rogues be too powerful if they were the only class allowed to get Advantage through flanking? It would be a bit like the old "backstab" feature that Rogues got back in 3e, except that instead of increased damage, you get a greater chance of doing increased damage. Let the other classes get a flat +1 if they flank.
Please discuss.
I'm guessing you think that flank attacking doesn't gain a Rogue enough because they get Sneak Attack from an adjacent ally anyway, but advantage still effectively doubles your chance of getting a critical hit on that Sneak Attack, so I don't know if it's really important to buff them/nerf everyone else.
Also I would say that Rogues are already better equipped than most to take advantage of flank attacks thanks to Cunning Action Dash giving you the speed to get into position a lot more easily. It's also worth keeping in mind that 5e does have an equivalent of "backstab" it's just quite complex in terms of how the rules are set out; basically if you are hidden from an enemy (thanks to Cunning Action Hide) then you are eligible for the unseen attackers and targets rule, and approaching from behind is an ideal way to remain unseen as you attack, meaning a Rogue with a combination of stealth and speed is well placed to gain advantage without requiring an ally to be in position.
I'd also be wary of nerfing flank attacks for everyone else, and turning it to +1 might actually make it stronger for some; for example, a Barbarian who can give themselves advantage anyway (using Reckless Attack) would now have advantage and +1 to hit, whereas the Rogue is "only" getting advantage. Monks have the speed for flank attacking to be a key strategy for them, so taking it away from them would be a significant nerf that I don't think is warranted, especially when they're one of the best classes for partnering with a Rogue (to trigger Sneak Attack).
Former D&D Beyond Customer of six years: With the axing of piecemeal purchasing, lack of meaningful development, and toxic moderation the site isn't worth paying for anymore. I remain a free user only until my groups are done migrating from DDB, and if necessary D&D, after which I'm done. There are better systems owned by better companies out there.
I have unsubscribed from all topics and will not reply to messages. My homebrew is now 100% unsupported.
Actually, I think flanking makes getting Advantage too easy in any party that isn't made up mostly of squishies. I think a +1 is fair as it does encourage the melee players to think about positioning. Perhaps there should be an addendum: If you already get Advantage on your melee attack roll, you disregard this bonus.