Goblin Squad Member
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In POL there will not be classes but archetypes. To me this means that we will be able to build multivariate characters from skills of many of the traditional Pathfinder classes (alignment permitting). I have in mind a monk who also has some rouge archetype options, namely "sneak attack", but I have a problem with that label. I would prefer that skill be reclassified as "precision damage". It can have all the same restrictions, like only when flatfooted, but I thing precision damage is more alignment neutral.
For characters who want to focus on feats and skills that are based more on dexterity than strength, I think precision damage is a better fit.
If there have already been threads on this, please quote them. But time has passed and revisiting this discussion in light of what we know now may not be a bad idea.
Thoughts?
I have in mind a monk who also has some rouge archetype options, namely "sneak attack", but I have a problem with that label. I would prefer that skill be reclassified as "precision damage". It can have all the same restrictions, like only when flatfooted, but I thing precision damage is more alignment neutral.
From a purely game mechanics standpoint can you explain how precision damage differs from backstab (sneak attack)?
Just curious really.
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Goblin Squad Member
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From a purely game mechanics standpoint can you explain how precision damage differs from backstab (sneak attack)?
Sneak attack damage is precision damage. AFAIK duelist precise strike is also precision damage. They are 'mechanically identical' in that immunity to precision damage means immunity to both sources. However there are plenty of situations where one source applied and not the other (duelists can precision attack an aware unflanked enemy in low light, rogues can sneak attack undead with 2h mauls).
The only 'problems' I think the OP may run into are:
-slotting monk and rogue abilities together gives no focus bonus
-highest level sneak attack trainers may require chaotic settlement while highest level monk trainers may require lawful settlement. (But I expect rogues will accept paying students).
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Goblin Squad Member
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Sounds like he just wants to rename the ability to something less despicable :)
Labels should be descriptive, not just flattering euphemisms.
But if he wants a precision attack that does not require sneaking/flanking, then the duelist ability "precise strike" seems more appropriate anyway.|
Goblin Squad Member
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This is mostly a case of us not having a clear idea of how different class abilities can be trained (pre-reqs and the like) and how they overlap, interact and synergise. As with so much else, well have to wait and see how this unfolds. We may find that there is a place for both Sneak Attack and Precise Strike.
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Goblin Squad Member
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Since "Sneak Attack" or "Precise Strike" will be linked to weapons, and can only be linked to weapons of the appropriate type, you may be loosing out on a Monks Unarmed Strike damage or Flurry of blows if those abilities can only be used with non-monk weapons. I remember reading in a dev blog or post somewhere that sneak attack can only be linked with rogue weapons.
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Goblin Squad Member
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@Tuoweit, my intent was partially about name. I was thinking more about a character build that focused more on the dexterity than strength.
@Valandur, I have looking at precision damage as a considered attack, possibly a full round action. The point of using things like the weapon finesse feat is to apply a dexterity bonus as a melee attack bonus in place of a strength bonus. In many ways this could be a back-stab as studying the target briefly while the target is unaware gives the attacker an insight into where best to strike. I think looking at it from that angle could make precision damage a viable monk skill.
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Goblin Squad Member
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@Valandur, I have looking at precision damage as a considered attack, possibly a full round action. The point of using things like the weapon finesse feat is to apply a dexterity bonus as a melee attack bonus in place of a strength bonus. In many ways this could be a back-stab as studying the target briefly while the target is unaware gives the attacker an insight into where best to strike. I think looking at it from that angle could make precision damage a viable monk skill.
From that point of view, Monk Unarmed Damage can be assumed to be precision damage. Their knowledge of ki is moving them to hit in the most vulnerable spot to maximize open-hand damage.