Orc Battle Master Fighter Build Guide
The Orc's relentless physical power and swift battlefield mobility perfectly complement the tactical martial maneuvers of a versatile Battle Master Fighter.
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Why Battle Master?
The Battle Master is the ultimate tactical fighter, utilizing a resource called Combat Superiority dice to perform clever maneuvers. Instead of just swinging a weapon, you can trip, disarm, or push your foes. This turns you into an amazing battlefield controller, directing where and how the fight takes place.
The Orc's physical gifts perfectly enhance these martial techniques. With the Adrenaline Rush trait, you can sprint across the battlefield as a quick bonus action while gaining temporary hit points. This allows you to quickly close the gap on dangerous enemy spellcasters or archers, instantly putting them in range of your disabling maneuvers.
Furthermore, fighting on the front lines is risky, but the Orc's Relentless Endurance ensures you stay standing. If an enemy's attack would knock you unconscious, you can drop to 1 hit point instead once per day, giving you one more crucial turn to turn the tide of battle with your tactical genius.
Battle Master Features
Combat Superiority
Level 3You have honed your martial techniques through extensive training. You learn special techniques called maneuvers that are powered by dice called Superiority Dice. Maneuvers: You learn three maneuvers of your choice from the Maneuver Options section below. Many maneuvers enhance an attack. You can use only one maneuver per attack. You learn two additional maneuvers of your choice at 7th, 10th, and 15th level. Whenever you learn new maneuvers, you can also replace one maneuver you know with another. Superiority Dice: You have 4 Superiority Dice, which are d8s. A Superiority Die is expended when you use it. You regain all expended Superiority Dice when you finish a Short or Long Rest. You gain additional Superiority Dice as you gain fighter levels, as shown in the Superiority Dice column of the Fighter table. Over 7th level (5 dice) and 15th level (6 dice). Saving Throws: If a maneuver requires a saving throw, the DC equals 8 + your Strength or Dexterity modifier (your choice) + your Proficiency Bonus.
Student of War
Level 3You gain proficiency with one artisan's tool of your choice, and you gain proficiency with one skill of your choice that is available to fighters at 1st level.
Know Your Enemy
Level 7As a Bonus Action, you can discern certain strengths and weaknesses of a creature you can see within 30 feet of yourself. If the creature has levels in the Fighter class, you learn nothing from this ability. For 1 minute, you have advantage on attack rolls against the creature, and you gain the following benefits: You have advantage on Wisdom (Insight) checks to discern the creature's alignment and state of mind. You discern if the creature is a spell caster.
Improved Combat Superiority
Level 10Your Superiority Dice increase in size from d8s to d10s.
Relentless
Level 15When you roll initiative and have no Superiority Dice remaining, you regain 1 Superiority Die.
Ultimate Combat Superiority
Level 18Your Superiority Dice increase in size from d10s to d12s.
Recommended Ability Scores
Orc Traits That Benefit Battle Master Fighter
Adrenaline Rush
Bonus action Dash with temp HP gives the Fighter both mobility and survivability.
Relentless Endurance
Dropping to 1 HP instead of 0 once per rest is a powerful survival tool for frontline Fighters.
Darkvision
Orc Darkvision helps Fighters scout ahead and fight in darkness without needing a torch.
Combat Effectiveness
| Level | HP | Melee DPR | Ranged DPR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 | 39 | 7.8 | 7.8 |
| Level 11 | 81 | 10.73 | 10.73 |
| Level 17 | 123 | 10.73 | 10.73 |
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Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ♦ Battle Master grants Combat Superiority at level 3
- ♦ High hit points for frontline durability
- ♦ Strong species-class synergy enhances core abilities
- ♦ Darkvision for dungeon exploration
- ♦ Strong melee damage output
Weaknesses
- ♦ Low Wisdom — vulnerable to common saving throws
- ♦ Limited ranged and magical options without multiclassing
Pro Tips
Use Adrenaline Rush to charge deep into enemy lines, then spend Combat Superiority dice on maneuvers that knock enemies prone for your allies.
When Relentless Endurance keeps you at 1 hit point, use defensive maneuvers to protect yourself while your allies finish off the threats.
Use your high Strength with maneuvers like Trip Attack to knock foes down, securing easy advantage on your subsequent melee attacks.
Leverage Know Your Enemy out of combat to analyze a boss's defenses before initiating a high-mobility tactical strike.
Other Fighter Subclasses for Orc
Other Races for Battle Master Fighter
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Battle Master a good subclass for Orc Fighter?
What makes Battle Master different from other Fighter subclasses?
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