# The Art of Battle

Martial combat is as much an art of precision and timing as it is of brute force. This variant rule allows all martial classes to access basic tactical combat techniques, introducing a **universal system of combat maneuvers** fueled by superiority dice.

These techniques are grounded in a character’s experience, discipline, and training, enhancing both flair and function on the battlefield. It does not replace the Battle Master archetype; rather, it offers a simplified foundation of martial technique for all martial classes.

# The Martial Superiority Feature

The following classes gain the **Martial Superiority** feature at **1st level**: Barbarian, Fighter, Monk, Paladin, Ranger, and Rogue. Characters gain superiority dice and maneuvers based on their total level in martial classes according to the table below:

|**Martial Class Levels**|**Maneuvers Known**|**Superiority Dice (d6)**|
|:-|:-|:-|
||
|**1–4**|2|2|
|**5–8**|3|3|
|**9–12**|4|4|
|**13–16**|5|5|
|**17–20**|6|6|

* **Limitations:** You can use only one maneuver per attack or triggering action unless otherwise specified.
* **Swapping:** When you gain a level in a class that grants this feature, you can replace one maneuver you know with another from your class list.
* **Recovery:** You regain all expended superiority dice when you finish a short or long rest.

# Maneuver Save DC

Some maneuvers require your target to make a saving throw.

**Maneuver save DC** = 8 + your proficiency bonus + the ability modifier you use for weapon attacks.

# Battle Master Compatibility

Fighters who choose the Battle Master archetype are true masters of this system.

1. **Full Progression:** They retain their full superiority dice progression from the *Player’s Handbook*.
2. **Bonus Dice:** They gain **half** the number of superiority dice granted by the Martial Superiority table (rounded down).
3. **Die Upgrade:** All of a Battle Master’s superiority dice are upgraded to the highest die size they would have access to at their current Fighter level.

# Class Maneuver Lists

Each class gains access only to maneuvers fitting their thematic style.

* **Barbarian:** *Raw aggression and intimidation.* \* Brace, Feinting Attack, Goading Attack, Grappling Strike, Menacing Attack, Pushing Attack, Quick Toss, Rally, Sweeping Attack, Trip Attack.
* **Fighter:** *Masters of tactics.* **Full access to the entire maneuver list.**
* **Monk:** *Mystical discipline and precision.* Bait and Switch, Disarming Attack, Evasive Footwork, Feinting Attack, Grappling Strike, Lunging Attack, Parry, Pushing Attack, Riposte, Sweeping Attack, Trip Attack.
* **Paladin:** *Defense and presence.* Bait and Switch, Commander’s Strike, Commanding Presence, Disarming Attack, Goading Attack, Maneuvering Attack, Menacing Attack, Parry, Rally, Trip Attack.
* **Ranger:** *Speed and positioning.* Ambush, Brace, Disarming Attack, Evasive Footwork, Lunging Attack, Maneuvering Attack, Precision Attack, Quick Toss, Sweeping Attack, Tactical Assessment.
* **Rogue:** *Deception and agility.* Ambush, Commanding Presence, Disarming Attack, Distracting Strike, Evasive Footwork, Feinting Attack, Parry, Precision Attack, Riposte, Tactical Assessment, Trip Attack.

# Maneuver Descriptions

* **Ambush:** Add the die to a Dexterity (Stealth) check or initiative roll.
* **Bait and Switch:** Switch places with a willing creature; roll the die and add it to the AC of one of you until your next turn.
* **Brace:** Use a reaction to attack a creature entering your reach; add the die to damage.
* **Commander’s Strike:** Forgo an attack/use bonus action to let an ally use their reaction to attack; add the die to their damage.
* **Commanding Presence:** Add the die to a Charisma (Intimidation, Performance, or Persuasion) check.
* **Disarming Attack:** On a hit, add the die to damage; target must make a STR save or drop an item.
* **Distracting Strike:** On a hit, add the die to damage; next ally attack against the target has advantage.
* **Evasive Footwork:** Add the die to your AC while moving.
* **Feinting Attack:** Bonus action to gain advantage on your next attack roll; add the die to damage.
* **Goading Attack:** On a hit, add the die to damage; target must make a WIS save or have disadvantage against others.
* **Grappling Strike:** After a hit, use a bonus action to grapple; add the die to your Athletics check.
* **Lunging Attack:** Increase melee reach by 5 feet; add the die to damage.
* **Maneuvering Attack:** On a hit, add the die to damage; an ally can use their reaction to move half speed without provoking opportunity attacks from the target.
* **Menacing Attack:** On a hit, add the die to damage; target must make a WIS save or be frightened.
* **Parry:** Reaction to reduce incoming melee damage by the die roll + DEX modifier.
* **Precision Attack:** Add the die to an attack roll (can be used after the roll).
* **Pushing Attack:** On a hit, add the die to damage; Large or smaller targets must make a STR save or be pushed 15ft.
* **Quick Toss:** Bonus action to make a ranged attack with a thrown weapon; add the die to damage.
* **Rally:** Bonus action to give a companion temporary HP equal to the die roll + CHA modifier.
* **Riposte:** If a creature misses you, reaction to attack; add the die to damage.
* **Sweeping Attack:** On a hit, roll the die and apply that damage to another creature within 5ft if the original roll hits them too.
* **Tactical Assessment:** Add the die to an Intelligence (History/Investigation) or Wisdom (Insight) check.
* **Trip Attack:** On a hit, add the die to damage; Large or smaller targets must make a STR save or fall prone.

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What do you think of this system? Does it give martials the boost they need for the 2024 rules? Let me know!

Martial Superiority: A Universal Maneuver System for D&D [Variant Rule] [D&D 5e 2014/2024] [OC]