Staff Expert (5e Subclass)
Staff Expert[edit]
The staff expert is a fighter subclass.
The Way of the Staff[edit]
The staff is a wonderful weapon. It is simple to construct, easy to use, and cheap but dependable. Despite its qualities, many warriors look down on staff wielders, due to the weapon's perceived low status and lack of proper military uses. On the other hand, the staff expert has nothing but praise for the simple staff, as in the right hands its tactical flexibility and broad surface make it a fearsome weapon.
- Staff Expertise
Beginning when you choose this subclass at 3rd level, your tireless training with staves grants you the following benefits:
- As you can use a quarterstaff's parrying surface to maximum effect, you gain a +2 bonus to AC as long as you are using a quarterstaff with two hands, just as if you were using a shield.
- When you take the Attack action and attack with only a quarterstaff you can use a bonus action to make a melee attack with the same weapon using the opposite end of it.
- While you are wielding a quarterstaff, other creatures provoke an opportunity attack from you when they enter your reach.
- Quarterstaff Critical
A well-placed blow with a staff can knock the stoutest opponent off balance. Beginning at 3rd level, whenever you critically hit a creature with a quarterstaff, the creature is knocked prone.
- Deflection
Starting at 7th level, when you are wielding a quarterstaff and you are hit by a melee weapon attack you can use your reaction to deflect the blow. When you do so, the damage you take from the attack is reduced by 1d10 + your Dexterity modifier + your fighter level.
- Tactical Flexibility
A quarterstaff allows you to take advantage of openings more easily than any other weapon. Once you reach 7th level, you gain an additional reaction which you can only use to take an opportunity attack with a quarterstaff.
- Whirlwind Attack
At 10th level, your training teaches you how to sweep your staff through multiple enemies. While you are wielding a quarterstaff, you can use your action to make a single quarterstaff attack against any number of creatures within 5 feet of you. Make a single attack and damage roll, and apply the results to all targets. If you score a critical hit, choose one creature to critically hit. All other creatures are only normally hit. At 18th level, the number of quarterstaff attacks you may make against each target increases to two.
- Quarterstaff Mastery
Once you reach 15th level, your quarterstaff attacks become very lethal, shattering bones and shields alike with ease. A quarterstaff deals 1d10 bludgeoning damage when you hit with it, or 2d6 bludgeoning damage if you are using it with two hands. Additionally, your AC bonus from using a quarterstaff with two hands increases to +4.
- Superior Deflection
At 18th level, your defenses become nearly unbreakable. You gain resistance to damage from melee attacks with weapons while you are wielding a quarterstaff.
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