So I was curious about 5 foot steps today, and came to read this thread: http://forum.rpg.net/archive/index.php/t-481551.html
It got me thinking, and I agree: the five foot step is kind of a cheesy spellcasting maneuver. However, it is critical that spellcasters have some manner of escape so they can do what they were built to.
My solution: Essentially, every character receives "Step Up" as a basic character function. Codify a "Pursuit" mechanic, and build it into the basic rules of combat.
Essentially, any character can initiate a 5 foot step as an Immediate Action on their turn, assuming they have not moved at all in that round. Any movement in that round is instantly forfeited. Any character adjacent to that character may then use *their* Immediate Action to pursue the target, assuming they have NOT MOVED in that round, however they will grant AOO's to any creatures that threaten them. The Pursuing character also forfeits their movement for that round.
This creates an escape for spellcasters/ranged attackers, while creating a sense of risk to the maneuver, and balancing the auto-spell. Both sides must weigh the consequences for their movement. There is a give and take in both instances, as they must give up their movements, and pay heed to the Economy of Action that I so love Pathfinder for.
As an interesting aside, this could be applied to Reflex saves, to provide an opportunity for an Immediate Action 5 foot step(again, assuming they have not moved), allowing a character to step out of areas of effect, but sacrifice their movement for the round. Limitations should apply, such as only for characters with Evasion, or who have taken certain feats such as Lightning Reflexes.
I am considering playtesting this, please provide feedback!
A melee character threatening a spellcaster can ready an action to "attack the spellcaster as soon as he starts casting". This would include a 5-ft-step in response to the caster's 5-ft-step, provided that the melee fighter did not move during his/hers turn, before readying the action. I believe that this tactic does introduce a measure of risk for the spellcaster and that it doesn't violate any rules, right?
As for the Reflex save: it doesn't nessessarily include movement. It's more like how lucky you are at avoiding danger, as well as how quickly you can respond to a treat. So a Reflex save to entirely avoid say a flaming sphere does not mean that you stepped into an adjacing space. It merely means that you are just at the spot where the flaming sphere can't touch you, that you can keep yourself away from it just enough for you not to catch on fire. Or a save to take half damage from a fireball could mean that you managed to bring your arms over your head just in time and so didn't take the damage full in the face. At least that's my interpretation.
Yes but a combatant would have to recognize that the enemy was a caster, and predict that they will cast a spell and plan to do ONLY that instead of doing anything else. If the caster decides not to cast a spell, the turn is more or less wasted. This is to provide a reaction defense against a spellcaster that is NOT a readied action, but requires some sacrifice.
As for the Reflex save, you misunderstand. I understand a Reflex save does not allow movement, but wish to look at modifying Reflex saves for certain characters to allow a 5 foot step according to the above tenets, i.e. sacrifice movement and immediate action for the turn.
Making a 5 foot step action SWIFT can be quite a good idea, but you might have to look at other swift/immediate actions.
It can severly nerf some feats and abilities, but implemented well it can give a boost to martial characters.
Making a 5 foot step action SWIFT can be quite a good idea, but you might have to look at other swift/immediate actions.
It can severly nerf some feats and abilities, but implemented well it can give a boost to martial characters.
I think making it a Swift would be really detrimental to the person using it, as a 5 ft is a free action atm. I think an Immediate is just right, because there aren't that many Immediate action abilities, and this is similar to what an Immediate action is intended for. Also, you can't take swift actions outside your turn, which means the Pursuit mechanic is immediately broked, and that is the entire intention of this change.
@Lanassa: So the unbalancing circumstances was exactly my primary concern :D! What instancdes can you think of where this would be too powerful? I think the idea that it must be an immediate as a pursuit, a reaction to the first movement just like step up, controls the power of it. You can only make the initial action on your turn; this is not a free 5 ft step outside of your turn. And it costs your movement and your immediate reaction for the round. Please let me know where this could be abused :)
Well the issue I have is that casters can escape very easily, to devestatng effect. It's not "needed" but I would like to look at how a check to this action might help to balance casters out. I'm not looking for an argument, but a discussion on the merits and issues with such a change. I would also recommend reading the thread linked in the OP, to get an idea of where these thoughts began.
I agree that Step Up is a pretty powerful ability, but so is a free 5 foot escape. This mechanic is not as powerful as Step Up, as it provokes AoO's. Step Up could be changed to allow the character to pursue without provoking AoO's, retain their movement at -5 for their turn, and remain the prereq for the Step Up line of abilities.
An Escape mechanic...I have issues with. The idea with Pursuit is this person is adjacent to you, and considered part of your 'threatened' area. That means you are aware of them. If they moved, you would be able to attack them instantly. If they move away with a 5 foot step, it doesn't seem much of a stretch for you to take a hop after them and continue pursuing them in melee. Granted, you suddenly ignore the other combatants that threaten you, provoking AoO's. Now with an Escape...there is no threat, and no implied high level of awareness. Pursuit is working off the Threatened Area mechanic, and is sort of an extension of an AoO, Escape is really not(please provide precedent, if I am missing it). Additionally, from a simple balance perspective, Step Up has a requirement of BAB+1, while the ability Sidestep has Dex 13, Dodge/Mobility, and an opponent attacking and missing you as prereqs for activation. Clearly, a 5 foot step to avoid an attacker has a much higher cost than pursuing a character taking a 5 foot movement.