This post is more about what power level do you like in your games for martials and what do you do to make the feel the way taht feels good according to that.
In my case my biggest problem is how unidimensional they are, so advanced 5e has done the thing for me. I think that if we play at level 20 i would do some hombrew to push them even further but i like how many options they have.
I of the opinion that low level martials are cool but lacking in options and level 9+ martial characters are underpowered AF. That has to do tht as I subjectively understand dnd everything is made by magic, so the limit of physical feats should be as magic, like lifting tons or demolishing buildings with blows.
So, do you like martials in 5e or would you rather them to fulfill a different fantasy?
I dont like martials in 5th. I like having options. I do t care which class or combo or multiclass has the best power levels or damage outputs. What I like is having fun with 15 different choices I can pick from every round.
Here is also a little story. You know how you kill a demiliche easily ? Telekinesis to immobilize them. They have -5 strenght. And it doesnt do a single point of damage. But once they are immobilised, they are fucked since they have almost nothing long range.
Sometimes power level is small talk when you accidently jam your finger right into a boss’s weakness and exploit it.
And the best part ? One time, a martial did something like that to a boss.
Damage dice are small. Weaknesses are all the rage.