Today's topic is Leadership.
As has been pointed out before, the feat is currently only functional as a tax for a rather niche class (no offence meant, AsuraKing). However, this feat is a mainstay for those seeking to command or coordinate.
I would like to propose an increase in utility to the feat to be beyond just a tax, which could be implemented in a few ways:
- An RP summon in the cohort slot. This is closest to P&P, and would be unlikely to grant mechanical power, but also takes a lot of work to implement. Attempting to calculate Leadership Score (with penalties for Companions, Familiars, and such), would require templates for cohorts up to level 17, potentially in multiple archetypes (such as Warrior, Priest, Mage, etc). The feat doesn't grant over 17th-level Cohorts (and I do not suggest including Epic Leadership), so the cohort would be "rarely effective in combat". If a dynamic "Same race + alignment" could be implemented with the appropriate levels, some ability to rename and equip (similar to Gondsman) would provide a lot of RP utility.
- A selectable version of Natural Leader, with a fixed bonus (AB/AC/Skill) to all allies within range. Natural Leader could provide an increase to that range, or a stacking bonus. This is perhaps less a desirable implementation, as it overlaps with the role and mechanics of a Bard dip, without needing any special progression beyond raw level. This is an implementation I have seen in other servers, but with more limited bonuses (+1 AB for allies within 15 ft.; +1 AB in 30 with Natural Leader).
- A modification to the Aid Another actions, perhaps either increasing the range to 15ft. and/or applying the bonuses to nearby party members beyond just one, as you spend your action coordinating other people. These actions do not appear to see frequent use, and taking a feat for "Improved Aid Another" could make them a distinct choice for support characters.
Other options like some temporary party buff with a per-day or cooldown could be considered, but seem rather excessive for the investment.
In either regard, touching on this topic is worth bringing Natural Leader in as well. The background feat imparts a substantial constant penalty in exchange for a party buff, but is unlisted in-game that it does not affect other PCs. It would be my further suggestion for consideration that this buff be extended to PCs (as they are usually considered Allies for any other effect), and to have some synergy with the Leadership feat in whatever incarnation it might have.
As ever, commentary, concerns, and query is welcome.
Cheers,
Kit.