In an old campaign I played in, the DM gave us weapons that scaled with us and he added on features inspired by our actions. My absolute favorite weapon enchantment ever was removing the bonus action requirement from Commander’s Strike. It became limited to my superiority die and the reactions of the party. It did two things, the other players always payed attention to my rounds and created this interesting style of Battlemaster that felt more like a General. I could setup advantage for the rogue and then with one of my attacks trigger Commander’s strike. We ended up naming this weapon “The Royal Decree”.
Bait & Switch is my most used maneuver as a BM Fighter. Its great for role-playing and describing how i shift and move companions around and either giving them a bonus AC or myself for helping trigger Riposte is fantastic
tripping attack also makes flying creatures fall from the sky if they fail the check, adding in fall damage and leaving them prone on the ground as well.
Bait and Switch is kind of niche but can be really helpful swapping places with someone while giving someone a sizeable AC boost until your next turn and it doesn't cost any action, bonus action, or reaction just a die. Grappling Strike is another one that is niche but strong. Being able to grapple as a bonus action and have a bonus to the roll is great for certain builds.
Menacing Attack is strictly better than Goading Attack. Goading Attack gives the target disadvantage on everyone but you. Menacing Attack gives the target disadvantage on everyone INCLUDING you.
Immunity to frightened is not uncommon. Also goading is supposed to affect enemy tactics, which should be taken into account. I agree menacing is better most the time, but its not a straight buff.
it amazes me always seeing precision attack so low. you got it right. i use it every single encounter, no questions asked. its very good and very useful
As someone DMing for and about to play as a Battle Master Fighter, I have learned that the most important thing about Maneuvers is that even if you don't have a tactical need for the effect itself, they still function perfectly well as mini-smites that come back every Short Rest. The entire mechanic is more often than not just a straight damage upgrade over a Fighter with no subclass (read: Champion Fighter). However, I'm not much of a powerbuilder, so I'll be having things like Lunging/Sweeping Attack and saving them for instances that will be useful.
Commander’s Strike will always be my favorite, not only because it thematically fit because I was playing the captain of the party’s mercenary company, but also our rogue literally never missed his reaction snipe whenever I used it on him, so I was never punished for doing so.
Riposte has been my primary maneuver in BG3. Because Lae'zel is armored to the gills, so I can choose when to punish my enemies' inability to hit me. Which is usually shortly after I end my turn of wailing on them.
I feel like Rally can work wonders with a fitting multiclass, It worked really well for my sorcerer-fighter, since I had more levels in sorc I was going for charisma anyway which made the bonus from your charisma much more meaningful and gave me a good bonus action to go to whenever I had nothing else to do after an action.
hard to argue the overall universal use of precision strike, but I recommend swapping it out at later levels. Once you max out STR, get +4 proficiency bonus, perhaps a +2 to hit weapon...you're going to have a pretty good chance to hit. I think there's much better maneuver options at higher levels for that reason
I ran a crossbow-based battle master, Clint Eastwood inspired, and used the maneuvers like trick shots (precision, trip, disarm). Paired with Crossbow Expert, I used an action surge and shot out both of a t-rex's eyes in a single round with a pair of precision shots.
OOOH OOHH... You should retread some of your topics whilst under the Baldur's gate 3 scope. Like, this list might actually see change under the limitations of BG3. The game is currently going really strong and advice/opinions could be really interesting.
As a BG3 player, I think Disarming is BY FAR the best. But in regular DnD, you can't pick up items off the ground for no action cost, can you? Plus, most of your enemies might not even have weapons while half of the BG3 enemies do
Hello Very nice Video. I m going for an half orc Battle Master (lvl 2 at the Moment). It is my first charakter, so i have a question about the maneuvers. It is possible to use 2 different maneuvers in one Attack? First precision attack (if you know your attack ist to low) then for example Trip Attack (If the attack hits)
surprised to not see menacing attack, sure many creatures may be immuned to frightened, but doing alot of damage to a creature and potencialy lock them down from approaching you or the party is great. works well with polearm master if you din't get sentinel yet. and if you are stuck with a bunch of enemies want want to try and stall them, you may swing all around and bring them fear, giving youa big chance to survive provided that they fail their wis save which most big and ugly creatures aren't high on those
I'll disagree about Rally. Inspiring Leader can be used during short restssnd be a higher flat temp HP and you can inspire yourself. Commander Strike would be best used on an ally that goes next in turn order so they get thier reaction back.
I'm starting a new character, a goblin finesse battlemaster fighter. Rapier and shield. Short bow. He's got pretty good stats other than strength (9). Precision, definitely. Riposte, maybe. Would the top 3 on the list be good? I was thinking Quick Toss so he could have a bonus attack every now and then. However, up to 4 damage plus superiority die wouldn't amount to much and I'm not sure how often it would be used. Any suggestions?
Rally is still better at short rest Temp HP than Inspiring Leader because you don't need to waste an entire level getting a feat for a few more temp hp.
Cant say i agree with this list. The first two are dependent on stats fighters typically dont have, and temp htpts are likely not to factor at all in combat.
Brace not on here!? being able to attack a creature entering your melee range (that u can see) at the expense of a superiority die and reaction is amazing, how is pushing attack here and brace isn't?
It would be good if not for the fact that no matter what, attack with nets are with disadvantage. 10-15 feet is long range but short range is only 5 feet and being that close to an enemy gives you disadvantage too. Sadly net is bad.
So on precision attack let’s say a creature AC is 17, and I get a 16, does that mean I can decide to add a precision attack if I miss and add a d8 or??
certainly interesting, a good alternative to "Steady Aim" at level 3, if you don't reach that level of rogue, or your DM doesn't use Tasha's Optional Features. Using up a Superiority die instead of... y'know, sacrificing all your movement. Tangentially, if you do plan to get to level 3, I would be interested in what subclass you plan on going, as I feel I've got an interesting combo with a certain rogue and a maneuver not mentioned here. Of course, only as a suggestion and you wish to hear it, in case it suits your build.
@@lenni-hazels Well then, that's... actually the subclass this idea works best with. It isn't much, but it's what I plan on doing when I get my hands on maneuvers. Brace. When a creature enters your range, you can use your reaction to attack. paired with Fancy Footwork to leave their range - forcing them to come to you - and Rakish Audacity - meaning you get sneak attack as long as it's just you and them - you get to pull of sneak attack twice per round, just as long as the fight isn't too huddled together. (In short, a more Consistent Riposte, not relying on an opponent missing you) Also to note, Arcane Tricksters and Inquisitive Rogues can also pull this off pretty consistently, but they need to Cunning disengage or pick up Mobile to do so.
Also, I guess it goes without saying, but if you go to level 9 Swashbuckler, Commanding Presence will apply to Panache, which'll be a little longer lasting than Goading Attack if it lands, but sacrifices an action.
What? No Bait and Switch!? Do you realise you can stack that broken manoeuvre rules as written. Yeah i can not say i agree with this list. Riposte is not as good as people think it is, Commander's strike is not worthy to be on this list, Parry is not all that good. Ambush could be broken on certain builds, Menacing attack? No Precision attack?? Have you been smoking dude?
They put precision attack at no. 1 though... 18:20 As for Riposte and Parry, I'm using a Battle Master and they are easily the most useful maneuvers aside from Precision in my opinion for those who want to reduce damage or take advantage of a miss (I have very good AC). While they may not work on every build, they have been essential to my character's success. Not every character has the same needs, and I admit that Riposte would be less useful if my AC were lower, but we don't have a healer in our party so minimizing damage has been our best tactic and one that Parry and Riposte have been crucial for. I have not used Bait and Switch but considering the support it has gotten I am considering it for 7th level, and I also don't see a lot of use in Commander's Strike for my character because we often are in small fights with a lot of terrain, so it isn't suitable. That doesn't make it a bad maneuver, just one that doesn't work for my character's needs. Ambush and Menacing are also promising but they are niche and this list appears to go for more generalized builds. Of course, these are all just my opinion, and you are free to agree or disagree as you like. You do not need to be hostile in a debate or accuse someone of being of a compromised mental state. I hope your day is going well!
In an old campaign I played in, the DM gave us weapons that scaled with us and he added on features inspired by our actions. My absolute favorite weapon enchantment ever was removing the bonus action requirement from Commander’s Strike. It became limited to my superiority die and the reactions of the party. It did two things, the other players always payed attention to my rounds and created this interesting style of Battlemaster that felt more like a General. I could setup advantage for the rogue and then with one of my attacks trigger Commander’s strike. We ended up naming this weapon “The Royal Decree”.
The cost was 1 attack, 1 superiority die, 1 reaction. Leaving my bonus action open for other actions like Second Wind.
Bait & Switch is my most used maneuver as a BM Fighter.
Its great for role-playing and describing how i shift and move companions around and either giving them a bonus AC or myself for helping trigger Riposte is fantastic
tripping attack also makes flying creatures fall from the sky if they fail the check, adding in fall damage and leaving them prone on the ground as well.
Bait and Switch is kind of niche but can be really helpful swapping places with someone while giving someone a sizeable AC boost until your next turn and it doesn't cost any action, bonus action, or reaction just a die. Grappling Strike is another one that is niche but strong. Being able to grapple as a bonus action and have a bonus to the roll is great for certain builds.
Bait and with is not so niche at all. It comes up quite often.
Menacing Attack is strictly better than Goading Attack. Goading Attack gives the target disadvantage on everyone but you. Menacing Attack gives the target disadvantage on everyone INCLUDING you.
Immunity to frightened is not uncommon. Also goading is supposed to affect enemy tactics, which should be taken into account. I agree menacing is better most the time, but its not a straight buff.
@@TheDisplacerBeast Fair point
@@Ghost8935 oh. Thanks for taking it so courteously. On the internet, its always appreciated.
When a creature has disadvantage in all players but one, the dm usually has the creature attack the one who they don’t have disadvantage on
it amazes me always seeing precision attack so low. you got it right. i use it every single encounter, no questions asked. its very good and very useful
As someone DMing for and about to play as a Battle Master Fighter, I have learned that the most important thing about Maneuvers is that even if you don't have a tactical need for the effect itself, they still function perfectly well as mini-smites that come back every Short Rest. The entire mechanic is more often than not just a straight damage upgrade over a Fighter with no subclass (read: Champion Fighter).
However, I'm not much of a powerbuilder, so I'll be having things like Lunging/Sweeping Attack and saving them for instances that will be useful.
These videos are great keep doing them
Battlemaster maneuvers and superiority dice should be baseline Fighter feats, its ludicrous to have such cool stuff stuck behind a subclass
Perfect timing, as I'm rolling up a fighter now! 😊
Very useful video, thanks
Commander’s Strike will always be my favorite, not only because it thematically fit because I was playing the captain of the party’s mercenary company, but also our rogue literally never missed his reaction snipe whenever I used it on him, so I was never punished for doing so.
Riposte has been my primary maneuver in BG3. Because Lae'zel is armored to the gills, so I can choose when to punish my enemies' inability to hit me. Which is usually shortly after I end my turn of wailing on them.
Bait & switch favorite one, love to use that one the most
I feel like Rally can work wonders with a fitting multiclass, It worked really well for my sorcerer-fighter, since I had more levels in sorc I was going for charisma anyway which made the bonus from your charisma much more meaningful and gave me a good bonus action to go to whenever I had nothing else to do after an action.
I have been requesting this for a long time now. Thanks Mr.Logs
hard to argue the overall universal use of precision strike, but I recommend swapping it out at later levels. Once you max out STR, get +4 proficiency bonus, perhaps a +2 to hit weapon...you're going to have a pretty good chance to hit. I think there's much better maneuver options at higher levels for that reason
I don't see any maneuvers from Tasha's, is this intentional? I can see Grappler's Strike for a grappling build.
Just about to make a battle master
Great timing !
I ran a crossbow-based battle master, Clint Eastwood inspired, and used the maneuvers like trick shots (precision, trip, disarm). Paired with Crossbow Expert, I used an action surge and shot out both of a t-rex's eyes in a single round with a pair of precision shots.
My top 3 favorite has got to be Commander's Strike, Disarming Attack, & Tripping Attack.
No Bait and Switch? Seriously underrated.
i'd love a top 10 flying race just to see if how many there are.
OOOH OOHH... You should retread some of your topics whilst under the Baldur's gate 3 scope. Like, this list might actually see change under the limitations of BG3.
The game is currently going really strong and advice/opinions could be really interesting.
trip, menace, riposte are my bread and butter.
As a BG3 player, I think Disarming is BY FAR the best. But in regular DnD, you can't pick up items off the ground for no action cost, can you? Plus, most of your enemies might not even have weapons while half of the BG3 enemies do
Hello
Very nice Video. I m going for an half orc Battle Master (lvl 2 at the Moment). It is my first charakter, so i have a question about the maneuvers.
It is possible to use 2 different maneuvers in one Attack?
First precision attack (if you know your attack ist to low) then for example Trip Attack (If the attack hits)
surprised to not see menacing attack, sure many creatures may be immuned to frightened, but doing alot of damage to a creature and potencialy lock them down from approaching you or the party is great. works well with polearm master if you din't get sentinel yet. and if you are stuck with a bunch of enemies want want to try and stall them, you may swing all around and bring them fear, giving youa big chance to survive provided that they fail their wis save which most big and ugly creatures aren't high on those
I'll disagree about Rally. Inspiring Leader can be used during short restssnd be a higher flat temp HP and you can inspire yourself.
Commander Strike would be best used on an ally that goes next in turn order so they get thier reaction back.
I'm starting a new character, a goblin finesse battlemaster fighter. Rapier and shield. Short bow. He's got pretty good stats other than strength (9). Precision, definitely. Riposte, maybe. Would the top 3 on the list be good? I was thinking Quick Toss so he could have a bonus attack every now and then. However, up to 4 damage plus superiority die wouldn't amount to much and I'm not sure how often it would be used. Any suggestions?
Rally is still better at short rest Temp HP than Inspiring Leader because you don't need to waste an entire level getting a feat for a few more temp hp.
Cant say i agree with this list. The first two are dependent on stats fighters typically dont have, and temp htpts are likely not to factor at all in combat.
Top 10 spells for wizards?😃
Fainting attack and quick toss should have made this list.
Brace not on here!? being able to attack a creature entering your melee range (that u can see) at the expense of a superiority die and reaction is amazing, how is pushing attack here and brace isn't?
(I'm a barbarian multi class with fighter that has martial adept and great weapon master, so it's likely due to that)
Im using quick toss on a bow build. It gives a short range 15ft net attack as a bonus action rendering the target restrained.
It would be good if not for the fact that no matter what, attack with nets are with disadvantage. 10-15 feet is long range but short range is only 5 feet and being that close to an enemy gives you disadvantage too. Sadly net is bad.
Top 10 Eldritch Invocations that require a specific Pact (Pact of the Blade/Tome/Chain).
So on precision attack let’s say a creature AC is 17, and I get a 16, does that mean I can decide to add a precision attack if I miss and add a d8 or??
yes
Inspiring leader has a prerequisite. Rally does not.
What about Feinting Attack? Gives you advantage on your next attack. My char is lvl 5 BM and 1 level in rogue, so he can do sneak attack dmg that way.
certainly interesting, a good alternative to "Steady Aim" at level 3, if you don't reach that level of rogue, or your DM doesn't use Tasha's Optional Features. Using up a Superiority die instead of... y'know, sacrificing all your movement.
Tangentially, if you do plan to get to level 3, I would be interested in what subclass you plan on going, as I feel I've got an interesting combo with a certain rogue and a maneuver not mentioned here. Of course, only as a suggestion and you wish to hear it, in case it suits your build.
@@aidanmonaghan5494 Sure I'm all ears for build ideas. I was thinking about taking Swashbuckler subclass, made the most sense to me.
@@lenni-hazels Well then, that's... actually the subclass this idea works best with. It isn't much, but it's what I plan on doing when I get my hands on maneuvers.
Brace. When a creature enters your range, you can use your reaction to attack. paired with Fancy Footwork to leave their range - forcing them to come to you - and Rakish Audacity - meaning you get sneak attack as long as it's just you and them - you get to pull of sneak attack twice per round, just as long as the fight isn't too huddled together. (In short, a more Consistent Riposte, not relying on an opponent missing you)
Also to note, Arcane Tricksters and Inquisitive Rogues can also pull this off pretty consistently, but they need to Cunning disengage or pick up Mobile to do so.
Also, I guess it goes without saying, but if you go to level 9 Swashbuckler, Commanding Presence will apply to Panache, which'll be a little longer lasting than Goading Attack if it lands, but sacrifices an action.
You should change the name of this video to Top 10 Reasons Not To Play Champion.
Number 1: Butcher's Bib
2/10 video, not enough controversy spawned over ai. In all seriousness, hope you're feeling better now!
What? No Bait and Switch!? Do you realise you can stack that broken manoeuvre rules as written. Yeah i can not say i agree with this list. Riposte is not as good as people think it is, Commander's strike is not worthy to be on this list, Parry is not all that good.
Ambush could be broken on certain builds, Menacing attack? No Precision attack?? Have you been smoking dude?
They put precision attack at no. 1 though... 18:20 As for Riposte and Parry, I'm using a Battle Master and they are easily the most useful maneuvers aside from Precision in my opinion for those who want to reduce damage or take advantage of a miss (I have very good AC). While they may not work on every build, they have been essential to my character's success. Not every character has the same needs, and I admit that Riposte would be less useful if my AC were lower, but we don't have a healer in our party so minimizing damage has been our best tactic and one that Parry and Riposte have been crucial for. I have not used Bait and Switch but considering the support it has gotten I am considering it for 7th level, and I also don't see a lot of use in Commander's Strike for my character because we often are in small fights with a lot of terrain, so it isn't suitable. That doesn't make it a bad maneuver, just one that doesn't work for my character's needs. Ambush and Menacing are also promising but they are niche and this list appears to go for more generalized builds. Of course, these are all just my opinion, and you are free to agree or disagree as you like. You do not need to be hostile in a debate or accuse someone of being of a compromised mental state. I hope your day is going well!
These videos have become so lazy. Im out.
This is not an airport, you don't have to announce your departure
dont let the door mimic eat you on your way out