Power Attack for Fighter

[Crexis]

I'm not exactly sure how power attack works. If I have a weapon that does 1D10 damage, and I use power attack that means I will do 2D10 damage correct?

It says this counts as two attacks when calculating your multiple attack penalty. So for that attack I'd take a -5 to attack?

If that is how it works, what do you recommend between power attack and sudden charge?

thanks!

[Ranishe]

Quote:

It says this counts as two attacks when calculating your multiple attack penalty. So for that attack I'd take a -5 to attack?

This is the mistaken part. The attack is made at your current MAP (so, if your first attack in the round, at -0). It counts as 2 attacks for determining future attacks (so your next attack would be at -10, aka 2x-5).

I'd recommend sudden charge as the extra die of damage from power attack does not make up for the loss of a second attack...ever really. Things that improve action economy (2 moves + strike for the cost of 1 move + strike) are always fantastic.

[Crexis]

Are you saying my 1 attack in a round with power attack would be at a -10 attack penalty?

Sounded like it would be -5 since it's the first attack which takes up 2 actions.

I don't know why anyone would take this feat if it was at a -10 attack penalty.

[nick1wasd]

Crexis wrote:

Are you saying my 1 attack in a round with power attack would be at a -10 attack penalty?

Sounded like it would be -5 since it's the first attack which takes up 2 actions.

I don't know why anyone would take this feat if it was at a -10 attack penalty.

Okay, let's say you have a big ol' axe, and you swing so hard you might throw out your back. That attack is made at full bonus and takes 2 Actions. The attack made AFTER that is at -10 because you used SO much force that you're now off balance and it'll be real hard to hit the dude again. That's what Power Attack does, -0 (2AP; double dmg die) -> -10 (1AP; normal dmg die).

[Crexis]

So the 1 power attack at no negative actually sounds more than viable.

You may not generally even do a second attack at -5. And you get the bonus damage die on the first attack.

But I'm reading many people sayings its not worth it. Conflicting info!

[Vidmaster7]

So I power attack and get +1 dice (or plus 2 at a later level) and I make that attack at my full bonuses. then if I wanted to attack again the 2nd attack would be at -10 because using power attack counted as 2 attacks. As far as if it is worth it that is gonna vary greatly. I do expect to see it get buffed a bit.

[RazarTuk]

nick1wasd wrote:

Okay, let's say you have a big ol' axe, and you swing so hard you might throw out your back. That attack is made at full bonus and takes 2 Actions. The attack made AFTER that is at -10 because you used SO much force that you're now off balance and it'll be real hard to hit the dude again. That's what Power Attack does, -0 (2AP; double dmg die) -> -10 (1AP; normal dmg die).

No, with 1 extra damage die, or 2 once you hit level 10. In other words, double/triple damage before looking at potency runes. This matters, because it's the caveat that makes PA a trap option. A second attack with all your damage dice, including the once from potency runes, but at a -5 penalty is more useful than a single extra die.

For example, if you have a +2 greatsword (3d12+Str damage) and are below level 10, your options are (2 AP, -0 MAP, 4d12+Str) or (1 AP, -0 MAP, 3d12+Str)+(1 AP, -5 MAP, 3d12+Str)

[Captain Morgan]

Power Attack at least seems to be good for punching through Resistance, FWIW.

[RazarTuk]

Actually, for certain cases like +2 greatsword vs resistance slashing 10, PA is still a numerical downgrade.

[shroudb]

The only instance were maths was slightly in favor/on par with just making 2 attacks for me was with:
Pick+magical striker, usually procced by true strike.

This was because all the buffs (magical striker, true strike) only apply to the 1 strike, and because pick also gains static damage from dices and because crit damage multiplication of the extra power attack dices of picks.

So, a build solely specialised in this one strike, was still just barely on par with using 2 attacks.

Power attack really needs a boost.

Imo, since it's still OK on early levels, I think it's only the scaling that needs a look at.

Something like getting the 2nd die at 6,and a 3rd at 11 and a 4th on 16 would probably make it a strong, but not overpowered feat.

[Vidmaster7]

I think i saw suggestions for buffing it. I think someone said that adding the dice from potency would be to much. how about +1 die every 5 levels so at level 6 2 dice and 11 3 dice etc. to little still? *looking for someone good at running DPR*

[Draco18s]

Vidmaster7 wrote:

*looking for someone good at running DPR*

https://topps.diku.dk/torbenm/troll.msp

https://pastebin.com/9itBXB0D

You'll have to tweak things to get the numbers you want, but the syntax should be easy enough (crit damage is in twice because I couldn't figure out how to do "OR").