I've found that my table doesn't make use of combat maneuvers in almost any context. Now, my party is much more the type to run through whatever problems they come across. But, I'd like to encourage their use, and, bluntly, I like a little more swashbuckling and a little less hacking and slashing. Additionally, the multiple feat investment to gain the Greater [combat maneuver], or to gain multiple Improved [combat maneuver] feats strikes me as markedly steep investments for characters other than straight fighters.
In response, I have been considering modifying the Improved and Greater combat maneuver feats such that, with "Improved..." the character is granted a single attack and with "Greater..." a full-attack can be taken in addition to the maneuver.
I'm aware that this is may be going to far, which is why I'm looking for help. Any comments or suggestions are appreciated.
Your idea basicly means they get to do the CM attempt for free, which might be overpowered.
Some of the CM can be done as part of a full-attack action already, trip for example.
What I read somewhere was that some people merge the Improved and Greater version into one feat, starting with the effect of the Improved feat, and gaining the benefit of the Greater once they reach the pre-reqs (usually BAB +6).
You might also consider dropping some or all of the pre-reqs for the Improved version, making it easier to get those feats.
A previous discussion of the concept, plus a snappy title: Brutal Maneuvers
It actually works pretty well in practice. The version I have been testing is this:
You are unwavering in your drive to crush the enemy, even while maneuvering for a tactical advantage.Prerequisite: Base Attack Bonus +1
Benefit: You may combine any maneuver with a standard attack as a standard action. Maneuvers that are normally executed in place of a single melee attack become standard actions as brutal maneuvers. Executing a brutal maneuver does not incur an attack of opportunity.
Make an attack roll that includes any bonuses you have to CMB for the chosen maneuver, and also any modifiers that would apply to your normal attacks for the round (such as a power attack penalty to hit). If the attack roll result was higher than the target's AC and CMD, you deal damage as a standard attack, plus the effect of the maneuver. If your check is below either AC or CMD, the brutal maneuver has no effect.
Special: Creatures of a size other than Medium get a special modifier when executing brutal maneuver. Small creatures have a -2 penalty, and Large creatures have a +2 bonus. For other sizes, simply add twice the creature's special size modifier for CMB.
This version includes a sort of "trade-off" in that you take a risk when choosing to use the feat. Well, sort of. In the case of smaller creatures, you're actually at an advantage. I don't actually think it needs a trade-off for balance reasons, but it seemed wise to start small and build from there.
In the end, I don't find it to be over-powered to allow maneuvers to cause damage. If anything, it was the boost that maneuvers needed to become more appealing general options in combat.