A Balanced Question - 2[W] At-Will?

Post/Author/DateTimePost
#1

greatfrito

Oct 20, 2008 19:42:37		I'm working on the Soulknife again, and attempting to craft a design that is a bit more distinct from the other strikers. Suffice to say, early redevelopment stages.

One thing I want to keep is the two mind-blade fighting style. However, I want to keep it distinct from the Ranger (and now the Fighter) versions. It will already be a bit unique, in that it will be Dex-primary instead of Str-primary - but I want powers that reward use of multiple weapons, without multiple attacks.

My current "what if?" thought is going more along the lines of what the Two-Weapon Fighting feat does - a benefit for using two weapons, but the same number of actual attacks.

In this case, I'm looking at something like the following:










#2

pigknight

Oct 20, 2008 20:29:48 		Get rid of the +Ability.
#3

Crimson_Concerto

Oct 20, 2008 22:45:52 		The name of the power is Paired Strike?
Why not just make it mechanically identical to Twin Strike? Kind of like Careful Strike and Sure Strike are mechanically identical (or close enough). Then, there would be no issue with balance. :P I mean, the issue seem almost identically flavored...
#4

greatfrito

Oct 21, 2008 1:29:48
The name of the power is Paired Strike?
Why not just make it mechanically identical to Twin Strike? Kind of like Careful Strike and Sure Strike are mechanically identical (or close enough). Then, there would be no issue with balance. :P I mean, the issue seem almost identically flavored...

Eh, mostly just to be different.

I may still just go with the reflavor anyways, but... I'd like to not have to (it wouldn't be exactly the same anyways, as this will key off of Dex). I want to at least explore non-core options.

That said, some average damages (if I'm doing this right)

Assumptions:
  • First level.
  • +3 Modifier on Primary score (+2 on Secondary, if applicable).
  • 60% (roll of 9+) chance to hit AC.
  • Quarry = SA = Curse = Psychic Strike.


Paired-Strike
As-Written (w/1d6 blades): 6 / round + Psychic Strike
As-Written (w/1d4 blades): 4.8 / round + Psychic Strike
No Mod (w/1d6 blades: 4.2 / round + Psychic Strike
(Specialization adds +.6 / round; Two-Weapon Fighting adds +.6 / round)
(Augmented Weapon adds +1.2 / round)

Twin Strike
As-Written (w/longsword): 5.4 / round + Hunter's Quarry
As-Written (w/longbow): 6.05 / round + Hunter's Quarry
(Specialization adds +1.2 / round; Two-Weapon Fighting adds +.6 / round)
(Superior Weapon adds +1.2 / round)

Sly Flourish
As-Written (w/dagger): 5.75 / round + Sneak Attack
As-Written (w/shuriken): 6.5 / round + Sneak Attack
(w/Dagger, Specialization adds +.65 / round; Two-Weapon Fighting adds +.6 / round)

Differences
Paired-Strike >(.25/round)> Sly Flourish >(.35/round)> Twin Strike

Assumptions:
  • Eleventh level.
  • +4 Modifier on Primary score (+3 on Secondary, if applicable).
  • +3 Magic Weapon.
  • Superior Weapon Prof (where applicable).
  • 55% (roll of 10+) chance to hit AC.
  • Quarry = SA = Curse = Psychic Strike.


Paired-Strike
As-Written (w/1d8 augmented blades): 8.8 / round + Psychic Strike
As-Written (w/1d6 augmented blades): 7.7 / round + Psychic Strike
No Mod (w/1d8 augmented blades: 6.6 / round + Psychic Strike

Twin Strike
As-Written (w/bastard sword): 9.35 / round + Hunter's Quarry
As-Written (w/greatbow): 8.5 / round + Hunter's Quarry

Sly Flourish
As-Written (w/dagger): 7.5 / round + Sneak Attack
As-Written (w/rapier): 7.975 / round + Sneak Attack
As-Written (w/superior crossbow): 8.525 / round + Sneak Attack

Assumptions:
  • Twenty-First level.
  • +6 Modifier on Primary score (+5 on Secondary, if applicable).
  • +5 Magic Weapon.
  • Superior Weapon Prof (where applicable).
  • Weapon Focus (+3 damage).
  • 50% (roll of 11+) chance to hit AC.
  • Quarry = SA = Curse = Psychic Strike.


Paired-Strike
As-Written (w/1d8 augmented blades): 13.75 / round + Psychic Strike
As-Written (w/1d6 augmented blades): 12.25 / round + Psychic Strike
No Mod (w/1d8 augmented blades: 10.75 / round + Psychic Strike

Twin Strike
As-Written (w/bastard sword): 19 / round + Hunter's Quarry
As-Written (w/greatbow): 18.9 / round + Hunter's Quarry

Sly Flourish
As-Written (w/dagger): 13.2 / round + Sneak Attack
As-Written (w/rapier): 14 / round + Sneak Attack
As-Written (w/superior crossbow): 15 / round + Sneak Attack
#5

szatany_dup

Oct 21, 2008 7:33:18 		One way to make soulknife more distinct could be making powers that attack mind/soul as well as deal damage. Such powers could bestow effects that make retaliation more difficult, but only against the Soulknife. For example:

Slice Mind
At will 1 - Psionic - Standard action
Melee weapon
Attack: Dex vs. Will
Hit: 1[W] + Dex modifier damage.
Effect: Until the beginning of your next turn, first attack against you made by target has a penalty to attack roll equal to your Wis modifier.