I love alignment mechanics, but this power sticks out like a sore thumb as the only printed mechanic that has an effect dependent upon alignment. So this is what I'm thinking to change it:
--Increase Astral Whirlwind’s damage to 3[W] + Strength modifier damage. (from 2[W] + Str)
--Add “Saving throws against this effect take a -2 penalty.” to Astral Whirlwind’s hit entry. (effect is -2 to all defenses)
--Remove Astral Whirlwind’s special entry.
Does that look too good, too bad or just right?
TS
I love alignment mechanics, but this power sticks out like a sore thumb as the only printed mechanic that has an effect dependent upon alignment. So this is what I'm thinking to change it:
--Increase Astral Whirlwind’s damage to 3[W] + Strength modifier damage. (from 2[W] + Str)
--Add “Saving throws against this effect take a -2 penalty.” to Astral Whirlwind’s hit entry. (effect is -2 to all defenses)
--Remove Astral Whirlwind’s special entry.Does that look too good, too bad or just right?
TS
The mechanics you suggest would work just fine but, for me, you've taken away the power's flavour and purpose. A paladin following the Astral Weapon paragon path is an enforcer for his god. He should have powers that reflect this role. Simply upping the damage and imposing a penalty on the saving throw, doesn't tell me that this is the power of an Astral Weapon. It's generic enough to be the power of any spellcaster.
If it was me (and now you've pointed this out, I'll be changing the power as well) I would leave everything unchanged except the first line of the Special entry. It would instead read: "If this attack kills one or more creatures who serve a power antithetical to your god, roll 1d20."
I don't know what pantheon you use in your own campaign, but all gods tend to have mortal enemies. This power should be more effective against the followers of enemies of your god. An example from the standard 4e pantheon would be a paladin of the Raven Queen using this power against followers of Orcus. If she kills any then she rolls to see if she can use this power again.
My advice would be dispense with the reference to alignment, and instead think in terms of the driving goals and hatreds of the god that grants the paladin these power.
Hope that helps,
Neil.
You do make a good point. The problem is that I'd like to remove that extra die roll and remove the alignment/antithesis part of the power, because that sort of DM judgment call seems to be contrary to 4e's design philosophy. Hm...
TS