whitepanther0712 wrote:
i don't think there should be this requirement, for many reasons. this may force pcs to have to take abilities that they would not normally do. as well as not being able to take a certain lvl at all. look at the tier 3 and 4 abilities. if i were a crossbow, flintlock or thrower user there is no way what so ever that i could ever take tier 4 abilities, since any ranged abilities in tier 3 pertain only to bows.
Martial Archetype characters are already at a mechanical disadvantage compared to casters and Experts. Martial Techniques were what was supposed to help set them apart from the rest. The principle of building off of previous tiers applies everywhere *except* Martial Techniques. Why should this be the exception? Bloodline abilities, spellcasting, tiered talents etc. all require the lower levels to proceed.
Users of crossbows, flintlocks and thrown weapons from the ranged table would need to take Blinding Strike at the moment. I agree this is fairly limited and argues for additional Martial Techniques in the next few supplements to round out that gap. Flintlocks are reinforced for use as melee weapons as well, so there's more flexibility in what could be taken, but from a usefulness standpoint, blinding shot is it for the moment.
whitepanther0712 wrote:
it also seems to me that few if any abilities actually build off of an ability from a tier one lvl lower
The same could be said for much of the spells and bloodline abilities as well. In the case of Martial Techniques you're developing greater skill and ability to pull off difficult maneuvers. The higher level abilities simply reflect that need for mastering the nuances of combat.
Respectfully and with a sweep of his hat,
Paul