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community.wizards.com/go/thread/view/758...

Defender is nice ability.

Defender: While you are using a shield, when a creature within 5 feet of you is attacked, as a reaction you can give the attacker disadvantage on the attack. 

Reactions: Some actions allow you to act when it isn't your turn, usually in response to a trigger...  When you take a reaction, you can't take another one until the start of your next turn.  Also, any effect that denies you the ability to take actions also prohibits you from taking a reaction.

As a Knight, the Cleric of Moradin is going to be on the front line attacking with the Fighter (or the Rogue) and each round, as a reaction, he can make the monsters roll twice and take the lower result on an ally.  This promotes team play and staying close to the cleric.

Two PCs with the Defender ability, using it on each other might resemble phalanx soldiers.

I loved playing my 4e Avenger.  She rolled twice against her Oath. 

Here are some Stats for 5e Advantage.


Regular Roll
1d20 average is 10.5

Advantage Roll
2d20 take the highest is 5530/400 = 13.825

13.825 = 10.5 +3 +13/40

Disadvantage Roll
2d20 take the lowest is 2870/400 = 7.175

7.175 = 10.5 -3 -13/40

Advantage/Disadvantage is around +3/-3 on average.

2e had Vancian
3e introduced attacks of opportunity, prestige classes
4e added powers, surges, bloodied

I'd like to see something new in 5th edition that makes gameplay better and more fun.

I finally downloaded the playtest, I was unable to download before.  I read over the letter and skimmed all the rest.  My overall first impression is that the new edition is similar to 4e with returning elements from previous editions, possibly 3.5 and 3e, possibly earlier.  I have yet to notice any unique or new rules.