Martial Controller (4E)

4th Edition Dungeons & Dragons

Based on talk at EN World, this is a sketch for a martial controller class based on gadgets and repartee. It might end up as nothing or several different classes. The working name is Mastermind.

CLASS TRAITS

Role: Controller. You control the battlefield by preventing enemies from acting, blocking their movement, or smacking down on them. You always have a contingency plan in case things go wrong.

Power Source: Martial. You have trained and fought long and heard to achieve the powers you have.

Key Abilities: Dexterity, Intelligence, Strength, Charisma

Armor Proficiencies: Cloth, leather

Weapon Proficiencies: Light blades, simple ranged

Implement: Weapons.

Bonus to Defense: +1 Fortitude, Reflex, Will

Hit Points at 1st Level: 12 + Constitution score

Hit Points per Level Gained: 5

Healing Surges per Day: 6 + Constitution modifier

Trained Skills: Depending on your class feature you gain one trained skill. From the class skills list below, choose four trained skills at 1st level.
Class Skills: Acrobatics (Dex), Arcana (Int), Athletics (Str), Bluff (Cha), Dungeoneering (Wis), Endurance (Con), Heal (Wis), History (Int), Insight (Wis), Intimidate (Cha), Nature (Wis), Perception (Wis), Religion (Int), Stealth (Dex), Streetwise (Cha), Theivery (Dex).

Build Options: Forceful mastermind, inventive mastermind, scary mastermind.

Class Features: Insight, Invention, Signature Weapon

Mastermind Builds

Impressive Mastermind

You can see deep into the souls of others, see the fear there, and use this knowledge to your advantage. Your primary attribute is Dexterity, because you use it to attack and do damage. Charisma is a close second and determines the secondary effects of your powers.

Smart Mastermind

You understand gadgets and technology to a degree unique even among masterminds. When you craft, devices dance. Your primary attribute is Dexterity, which your attacks is based on. Your secondary attribute is Intelligence, used to determine the utility of your tricks and devices.

Strong Mastermind

You concentrate on physical power. Trickery and psychology is good for setting up, but in the end it always comes down to brawn. Your primary attribute is Dexterity. Your secondary attribute is Strength, determining how well you can throw and manhandle your opponents.

Class Features

Mastermind Insight

You have had an epiphany into how the world works, a genius quality that sets you apart from other people. This is not about intelligence, it is about an deeper understanding about how the world works.

Choose one of these options. Your choice provides bonuses to certain mastermind powers, as detailed in those powers.

Insight of Force : At the start of your turn, you get to make a melee basic attack on each enemy adjacent to you. You are trained in Athletics.

Insight of Psyche : When you hit a target with an attack, that target takes a -2 penalty on attack rolls until the end of your next turn. You are trained in Intimidate.

Insight of Tools: When you use a close blast, you can place it up to your Intelligence modifier squares away from you. You are trained in Thievery.

Signature Weapon

Each mastermind specializes in a weapon, often a distinctive and unusual weapon such as the spiked chain or repeating crossbow. Choose any one weapon to gain proficiency in. You can use any weapon you are proficient in as an implement, but most masterminds prefer to use their signature weapon.

Masterminds do not get a proficiency bonus to attack rolls when using a weapon as an implement.

Invention

As a mastermind, you must constantly stay one step ahead, reinventing yourself. You can retrain three facets of your character each level rather than the normal one. See Player's Handbook 1, chapter 2, for rules on retraining.

Mastermind Powers

Level 1 At-Will Exploits

Caltrops Mastermind Attack 1

You spread small sharp objects on the floor, creating a hazard.

At-Will ✦ Martial, Implement, Zone

Standard Action      Close blast 3

Requirement: You must use a packet of caltrops. Target: Each creature in zone. Attack: Dexterity vs. Reflex Hit: 1d6 damage. If it is the target’s turn, that turn ends. A running target hit is knocked prone. Level 21: 2[W] damage. Effect: You create a zone of difficult ground in the area until the end of the encounter. A creature in or adjacent to the area can destroy the zone as a standard action or you can do it as a minor action. Anyone charging, walking or running in the zone is attacked. Insight of tools: Add your Intelligence modifier to damage.

Dramatic Strike Mastermind Attack 1

You hit your enemy in a gruesome manner, making his allies lose their determination.

At-Will ✦ Martial, Weapon, Fear

Standard Action      Melee or Ranged weapon

Target: One creature. Attack: Dexterity vs. AC Hit: [W] + Dexterity damage and all enemies adjacent to target are slowed. Level 21: 2[W] + Dexterity damage.

Signature Flourish Mastermind Attack 1

You have a signature move; a distinctive pose, stunt, or taunt that makes your enemies quail before you.

At-Will ✦ Martial, Implement, Psychic

Standard Action      Close burst 2

Target: Two enemies in burst. Attack: Dexterity vs. Will Hit: Target is dazed until the end of your next turn. Insight of psyche: Target all enemies in burst. Level 21: Increase to close burst 3 at level 21.

Sudden Lunge Mastermind Attack 1

You make a sudden lunge, attacking an opponent who thought itself out of reach.

At-Will ✦ Martial, Weapon

Standard Action      Melee 2

Target: One creature. Attack: Dexterity vs. AC Hit: [W] + Dexterity damage. Level 21: 2[W] + Dexterity damage. Special: You can use this attack in place of a basic attack when you are allowed to make an opportunity attack, doing so with threatening reach 2.

Sweeping Kick Mastermind Attack 1

You kick an opponent's feet out from under them.

At-Will ✦ Martial, Implement

Standard Action      Melee 1

Target: One creature. Attack: Dexterity vs. Reflex Hit: 1d6 + Dexterity modifier damage and target is knocked prone. If it is the target’s turn, its turn ends. Level 21: 2d6 + Dexterity damage. Special: This power counts as a melee basic attack. When a situation allows you to make a melee basic attack, you can use this power. Insight of force: Add your Strength modifier to damage.

Further Power Ideas

• Amazing Feint

Utility

• Quick Tunnel
• Contingency plans

Power Sketches

Daily

Anchored Shackles Mastermind Attack 1

You leash the target to the ground.

Daily ✦ Martial, Weapon

Standard Action      Melee weapon

Requirement: You must be using a flail or holding a chain or shackles. Target: One creature. Attack: Dexterity vs. Fortitude Hit: 2[W] + Dexterity damage Effect: The target is restrained until the end of the encounter. If the target teleports, the effect is negated. The target can attempt a Strength vs Fortitude attack as a standard action to negate the power.

Shackles Mastermind Attack 1

You leash yourself to the target with a stout iron chain!

Daily ✦ Martial, Weapon

Standard Action      Melee weapon

Requirement: You must be using a flail or holding a chain or shackles. Target: One creature. Attack: Dexterity vs. Fortitude Hit: 2[W] + Dexterity damage Effect: Until the end of the encounter you and the target cannot move except to squares adjacent to each other. You can end this effect as a minor action and if you or the target teleports, the effect is negated. Special: If the target is larger than you, it is instead slowed and whenever it moves you can shift to move adjacent to it, using the shortest path.

Lodestone Shackles Mastermind Attack 1

You know tricks to hold any monster leashed.

Daily ✦ Martial, Weapon

Standard Action      Melee weapon

Requirement: You must be using a flail or holding a chain or shackles. Target: One creature. Attack: Dexterity vs. Fortitude Hit: 3[W] + Dexterity damage Effect: Until the end of the encounter you and the target cannot move or teleport except to squares adjacent to each other. You can end this effect as a minor action.

Pressing Attack Mastermind Attack 1

You put pressure on your foe, not allowing them a moment to regroup.

Daily ✦ Martial, Weapon

Standard Action      Melee or Ranged weapon

Target: One creature. Attack: Dexterity vs. AC Hit: [3W] + Dexterity damage and until the end of the encounter when the target begins its turn adjacent to you it cannot shift, regenerate, heal, or gain temporary hit points until the beginning of its next turn.

Warding Pose Mastermind Attack ?

Ready yourself to lash out at a foe that gets too close.

Daily ✦ Martial, Weapon

Immediate Interrupt      Melee weapon

Trigger: An enemy starts its turn or moves adjacent to you. Target: The triggering creature. Attack: Dexterity vs. AC. Hit: 2[W] + Dexterity damage and the target's turn ends. Effect: Until the beginning of your next turn you can repeat this attack at any enemy that start their turn or moves adjacent to you.

Shock and Awe Mastermind Attack ?

Your appearance triggers a wave of shock and awe among your opponents.

Daily ✦ Martial, Implement, Fear

Standard Action      Close burst 5

Special: This power can only be used as your first attack in an encounter. Target: Each enemy in burst. Attack: Charisma -2 vs. Will Hit: Target is dazed (save ends). Insight of psyche: Target takes psychic damage equal to your Charisma modifier.

Ragdoll Mastermind Attack ?

You throw an opponent at your other opponents, creasing pain, chaos, and confusion.

Daily ✦ Martial, Implement, Reliable

Standard Action      Melee 1

Target: One adjacent creature. Effect: Push target a number of squares equal to your Strength modifier and trigger a secondary attack. Secondary Target: Primary target and each enemy in or adjacent to a square the primary target is pushed into. Attack: Dexterity vs. Fortitude Hit: 2d6 + Dexterity damage and target is knocked prone.

Foe Sweep Mastermind Attack ?

You grab an opponent and whirl about, using him to attack his comrades.

Daily ✦ Martial, Implement, Reliable

Standard Action      Melee 1

Target: One of your category or smaller. Attack: Dexterity vs Fortitude. Hit: 2d6 + Dexterity damage. Make a secondary attack on each adjacent enemy, then slide the target into any square adjacent to you. Secondary Attack: Strength vs Fortitude. Hit: 1d6 damage to both the primary and secondary target. Insight of Power: Shift a number of squares equal to half your Strength modifier, making a secondary attack against all adjacent enemies during the shift.

Reckless Pursuit Mastermind Attack ?

You withdraw, pulling enemies along, only to turn around and face them when they are in position.

Daily ✦ Martial

Move Action      Close blast 4

Target: Each enemy in blast. Effect: Slide a number of squares equal to your speed. Attack: Dexterity vs Will Hit: Pull the target five squares. This movement triggers opportunity attacks. Secondary Attack: Make a basic attack against each of the original targets that is now in range of a basic attack. If this is a melee attack and hits, the target is knocked down. Notes: Remember that each of your allies can only make one opportunity attack during your turn.

Throw Sand Mastermind Attack ?

You blind an opponent by throwing sand in their eyes.

Daily ✦ Martial

Standard Action      Melee 2

Target: One creature. Effect: Target is blinded and slowed (save ends).

Encounter

Restraining Shot Mastermind Attack ?

Your attack nails the target in place, piercing either flesh or clothes.

Encounter ✦ Martial, Weapon

Standard Action      Ranged weapon

Target: One creature. Attack: Dexterity vs. AC. Hit: 2[W] + Dexterity damage. Effect: The target is restrained until the beginning of your next turn.

Warding Strike Mastermind Attack ?

You instinctively lash out at a foe that gets too close.

Encounter ✦ Martial, Weapon

Immediate Interrupt      Melee weapon

Trigger: An enemy moves adjacent to you. Target: The triggering creature. Attack: Dexterity vs. AC. Hit: 2[W] + Dexterity damage and the target's turn ends. Insight of Force: Shift the target your Strength modifier squares.

Shot Trough Mastermind Attack ?

You take a shot at a fleshy part of the foe before you, sending the bolt through the creature and striking the surprised enemies behind.

Encounter ✦ Martial, Weapon

Standard Action      Ranged weapon

Target: One creature. Attack: Dexterity vs. AC. Hit: 2[W] + Dexterity damage. Effect: Make a Piercing Attack Piercing Target: One creature adjacent to and further away from you than the last target. Piercing Attack: Repeat the primary attack, including a possible piercing attack.

Blinding Shot Mastermind Attack ?

A jarring blow momentarily blinds your opponent.

Encounter ✦ Martial, Weapon

Standard Action      Melee or Ranged weapon

Target: One creature. Attack: Dexterity vs. Fortitude. Hit: 2[W] + Dexterity damage. Target is blinded and slowed until the end of your next turn.

Irritating Cloud Mastermind Attack ?

You hurl a handful of stingy, smelly stuff at your opponents, then use the opening to follow up with a series of quick attacks.

Encounter ✦ Martial, Implement

Standard Action      Close blast 3

Target: Each creature in blast. Hit: Target is blinded and slowed until the end of your next turn. Make a basic attack against the target.

Arterial Shot Mastermind Attack ?

A careful aim you strike a foe’s artery sends a blinding spray of blood amidst its allies.

Encounter ✦ Martial, Weapon

Standard Action      Melee or Ranged weapon

Target: One creature. Hit: 2[W] + Dexterity damage. All enemies adjacent to target are blinded until the end of your next turn.

Trigger Trap Mastermind Attack (Utility?) ?

Using your understanding of traps and mechanisms, you use your enemies devices against them.

Encounter ✦ Martial, Implement

Standard Action      Ranged 15

You cause one trap or hazard to trigger, attacking normally. If the trap or hazard normally only attacks enemies, it now only attacks your enemies, otherwise it attacks everyone it normally would. Insight of Tools: Add your Intelligence modifier to each attack and damage roll the trap makes against your enemies. Subtract your Intelligence from the attack and damage rolls the trap makes against your allies.

Skeleton Trick Mastermind Attack ?

You duck and cover, causing opponents to strike one another.

Encounter ✦ Martial, Implement

Standard Action      Close burst 1

Special: There must be at least two enemies in burst. Target: Each enemy in burst. Attack: Charisma vs. Reflex Hit: Target suffers the effect of a hit by a basic melee attack from another creature of your choice in the burst.

Jarring Blow Mastermind Attack ?

You strike hard and fast, shocking your opponent with the force of the blow.

Encounter ✦ Martial, Weapon

Standard Action      Melee or Ranged weapon

Target: One creature. Attack: Dexterity vs. AC Hit: 2[W] damage and target is stunned until the beginning of your next turn.

Oil Slick Mastermind Attack 1

You spread oil on the floor, creating a dangerous puddle.

Encounter ✦ Martial, Implement, Zone

Standard Action      Close blast 3

'Requirement: You must use a flask of oil. Target: Each creature in zone. Attack: Dexterity vs. Reflex Hit: Target is knocked down. Effect: You create a zone of hazardous ground in the area until the end of the encounter. Anyone entering the zone must make a DC 15 Acrobatics check or stop moving, falling prone on a result of 10 or lower. In addition, anyone who ends their movement in the zone is attacked. Insight of tools: The attack roll gains your Intelligence modifier as a bonus to attack rolls against enemies and as a penalty against allies.

Utility

Lethal Dodge Mastermind Utility ?

You dodge behind a foe, who takes the attack for you.

Encounter ✦ Martial

Immediate Interrupt      Melee 1

Trigger: You attacked while adjacent to an enemy other than the one attacking you. Target: One enemy other than the one attacking you. Effect: You gain a +4 bonus to AC and Reflex against this attack. If the attack misses you it instead hits the target.

Eagle Eye Mastermind Utility ?

You see trough the opposition's plan!

Daily ✦ Martial, Zone

Minor Action      Close burst 5

Effect: The burst creates a zone that lasts until the end of your next turn. When you move, the zone moves with you, remaining centered on you. While within the zone, enemies cannot benefit from concealment or flanking. Sustain Minor: The zone persists.

Even the Field Mastermind Utility ?

You can use the terrain to your advantage.

Daily ✦ Martial, Zone

Minor Action      Close burst 5

Effect: The burst creates a zone that lasts until the end of your next turn. When you move, the zone moves with you, remaining centered on you. While within the zone, allies can ignore difficult ground. Sustain Minor: The zone persists.

Superior Ground Mastermind Utility ?

Perfect understanding of the terrain is all you need to slow the enemy down.

Daily ✦ Martial, Zone

Minor Action      Close burst 5

Effect: The burst creates a zone that lasts until the end of your next turn. When you move, the zone moves with you, remaining centered on you. Enemies threat the area inside the zone as difficult ground. Sustain Minor: The zone persists.

Playing Possum Mastermind Utility ?

Nobody could have survived that!

Daily ✦ Martial

Immediate Interrupt      Personal

Trigger: You are hit by an attack while bloodied. Effect: You take half damage from that attack and fall prone. Until you attack, move, or stand up, you have total concealment.

Get It Together Mastermind Utility ?

You bring an ally back to reality.

Daily ✦ Martial

Minor Action      Close burst 3

One ally in burst gets a saving throw against one effect that a saving throw can break. Insight of psyche: This is an encounter power.

All In The Mind Mastermind Utility ?

You bring allies back to reality.

Daily ✦ Martial

Minor      Close burst 3

Allies ally in range gets a saving throw against one effect that a saving throw can break. Insight of psyche: This is an encounter power.

Break Object Mastermind Utility ?

You make short work of an obstacle.

Daily ✦ Martial

Minor      Close blast 2

One object or door which is entirely within the area is reduced to rubble. Does not work against an object carried or worn by another creature or that is part of a wall or other permanent fixture. Insight of power: This is an encounter power.

Break Contraption Mastermind Utility ?

You make short work of a contraption.

Daily ✦ Martial

Minor      Close blast 5

One trap, conjuration, or zone in the area is destroyed. Insight of tools: This is an encounter power.

Clear the Ground Mastermind Utility ?

You make short work of contraptions.

Daily ✦ Martial

Minor      Close blast 5

All traps, conjurations, and zones in the area are destroyed. Insight of tools: This is an encounter power.

Break Wall Mastermind Utility ?

You make short work of a wall.

Daily ✦ Martial

Minor      Close blast 2

Walls in the area are reduced to rubble. Insight of power: This is an encounter power.

Contingency Plans Mastermind Utility ?

Time to fall back on plan two.

Daily ✦ Martial

Minor      Personal

Recover all your spent encounter powers.

Disappearing Act Mastermind Utility ?

You make a distraction and use the opportunity to hide.

Daily ✦ Martial

Move      Personal

Shift up to your speed. If you have concealment or cover at the end of the move, you can make a Stealth roll to hide as if you had full cover to total concealment.

External links

• Class Community designed martial controller (En World)