It's me again, with my dreamy (he has nice charisma score after all) Barbarian.
Riding through high CR bestiary I couldn't help but notice that a lot of creatures are huge+, which means 15+ reach.
I can pounce right into them and if it won't kill them outright - I do the whole CaGM thingy. But they can use 5-foot step before full attacking me and avoid it completely.
And what if baddies will actually come for me, like engaging me first? I mean, with 15+ ft reach they can maul me from a safe distance without getting those counterattacks.
I saw the suggestion of using a reach weapon - but I don't think it will help at all. If I pounce them - they still can 5-foot step back if I don't pounce with claws (horrible idea, since way less bonuses and no DR penetration). You can go full stand still and unexpected strike, yet it will burn all those more useful powers and feats and nerf my DPR. And even then - enemies still will be unharmed if they'll engage first.
Summing everything up - should I pursue CaGM on high levels at all? Most of creatures will die in one pounce anyway.
In addition to a reach weapon, you can always also Enlarge Person (with a potion) if necessary.
Depending on the enemy, they may not know that 'Come and Get Me' is a Rage Power, or that you use it. If every enemy steps out of your reach before attacking, that's a bit metagamey on the part of the GM. Though if an enemy with superior reach hits you on the first attack, then 5' steps back before the rest of its attacks because you damaged them . . . that's totally legit.
snowstride regional trait lets you trip/bullrush 2 sizes larger than you. step up feat lets you move with 5ft steppers. use drag reposistion manuevers to keep the enemy where you want them. overrun them maybe knocking them prone and set up a nice flank on them with your frontline ally.
In addition to a reach weapon, you can always also Enlarge Person (with a potion) if necessary.
It is a hit to my action economy.
If every enemy steps out of your reach before attacking, that's a bit metagamey on the part of the GM.
The first baddie may not realize that, but when he goes down in his own turn - his friends will take notice.
Though if an enemy with superior reach hits you on the first attack, then 5' steps back before the rest of its attacks because you damaged them . . . that's totally legit.
Yes! Never thought about that - another issue.
snowstride regional trait lets you trip/bullrush 2 sizes larger than you. step up feat lets you move with 5ft steppers. use drag reposistion manuevers to keep the enemy where you want them. overrun them maybe knocking them prone and set up a nice flank on them with your frontline ally.
Spending another featslot and traitslot. Also reliance on combat maneuvers will force me to use ragecyclicng more often for strength surge - and this is dangerous. I'm not saying you can't work around the reach issue - I just don't think it is cost-effective at high levels.
It is a hit to my action economy.
Only if you quaff the potion during the first round of combat. Many classes pre-buff before Combat when given the chance, and even a potion of Enlarge Person lasts for 1 min.
The first baddie may not realize that, but when he goes down in his own turn - his friends will take notice.
If you're enlarged, there's not too much they can do about it. You have two threatened squares. They'll need more than a 5' step to get out of it (assuming you're smart enough to also have Close weapon). Or just don't blow CaGM on every opponent.
It also *heavily* depends on the types of enemies you fight. If you're always fighting monsters with superior reach, it's not as useful, for the reasons you've listed, as when you're fighting humanoids.
That being said, every Rage Power has an opportunity cost, and CaGM, while generally a strong one, does have its downsides. What Rage Power(s) do you want to pick up instead, and why do you think they're stronger than CaGM?
I think I played a MUD for about 2 days in the mid 90s . . . not really long enough to call myself an 'ex MUD player' by any reasonable definition. TBH, can't remember where I picked up the term 'quaff' for a potion. It's just the word that comes to mind, and one that I've used for years. :)