I have searched these forums and several others and there are many questions like this, but none really answered my particular questions. Any insight provided is appreciated.
We are starting an adventure that will take our PC levels 1-5. Please keep this in mind as I ask the questions below. I will be playing a fighter/battle master/polearm-human variant or half-orc. I want the character to control the front line of combat.
What feats should I take? I am planning on taking polearm master first and then great weapon master or sentinel second
I see the character using a glaive
Since the character is only going to the fifth level, should I choose heavy armor master before or after polearm master?
Human Variant or Half-Orc
I like the human variant here as it gives the first level feat. In my situation, do you think human variant is greater or lesser for my character race
As a fellow player character at the table, would you rather have a control, big damage, or tank character in your party? I know that the types will overlap a bit.
I plan with going strength, but something in the back of my mind says a dex polearm fighter may have advantages. What do you think?
Thank you for your time and consideration. I know there are a million of these type of threads out there, and I appreciate your wisdom.
If you are only going to level 5, you will only get 1 feat (or 2 if you are variant human) by that point. Is your DM alright with you taking such a strong feat at level 1? Do they even allow variant humans? If allowed, polearm master and sentinel are fantastic feats.
I think human variant is considered the most powerful race due to the possibility of starting with a feat, but both are good races for front line fighter types.
If you plan to go dex fighter while using a polearm, you are going to nerf yourself. Polearms are not finesse weapons, and thus, use your strength for attack and damage rolls.
Thank you sir. The rules stated that I can take a feat instead of an ability bump and the fighter gets one at 4th level. If my understanding is wrong, I thank you for the correction as I am new to 5e.
The DM will allow human variant, and I will talk to him about the feats I am thinking of taking. I never thought about him disallowing specific feats, but that makes sense so thank you for that advise.
Variant human is probably the more powerful choice for polearm master + Sentinel. You can use the 2-handed glaive, halberd, or pike for reach, or you can use the spear or quarterstaff 1 handed to wield a shield for extra AC.
Half-orcs have some very useful traits too. +2 to STR. Darkvision to not have to worry as much about light. Relentless endurance to keep fighting 1 more turn. And savage attacks making crits hurt even more. Can still get Sentinel at level 4 (still good without PAM, but less OP). Probably the "beefier" of the 2 builds, but slightly less battlefield control.
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Hello,
I have searched these forums and several others and there are many questions like this, but none really answered my particular questions. Any insight provided is appreciated.
We are starting an adventure that will take our PC levels 1-5. Please keep this in mind as I ask the questions below. I will be playing a fighter/battle master/polearm-human variant or half-orc. I want the character to control the front line of combat.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I know there are a million of these type of threads out there, and I appreciate your wisdom.
If you are only going to level 5, you will only get 1 feat (or 2 if you are variant human) by that point. Is your DM alright with you taking such a strong feat at level 1? Do they even allow variant humans? If allowed, polearm master and sentinel are fantastic feats.
I think human variant is considered the most powerful race due to the possibility of starting with a feat, but both are good races for front line fighter types.
If you plan to go dex fighter while using a polearm, you are going to nerf yourself. Polearms are not finesse weapons, and thus, use your strength for attack and damage rolls.
Thank you sir. The rules stated that I can take a feat instead of an ability bump and the fighter gets one at 4th level. If my understanding is wrong, I thank you for the correction as I am new to 5e.
The DM will allow human variant, and I will talk to him about the feats I am thinking of taking. I never thought about him disallowing specific feats, but that makes sense so thank you for that advise.
STR vs Dex - That makes perfect sense.
Variant human is probably the more powerful choice for polearm master + Sentinel. You can use the 2-handed glaive, halberd, or pike for reach, or you can use the spear or quarterstaff 1 handed to wield a shield for extra AC.
Half-orcs have some very useful traits too. +2 to STR. Darkvision to not have to worry as much about light. Relentless endurance to keep fighting 1 more turn. And savage attacks making crits hurt even more. Can still get Sentinel at level 4 (still good without PAM, but less OP). Probably the "beefier" of the 2 builds, but slightly less battlefield control.