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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Spatzimaus" data-source="post: 958037" data-attributes="member: 3051">Not only do people not gain much by Power Attacking, it's practically impossible to get a LARGE gain.Do the following math:A = (number of sides of a d20 resulting in a hit, i.e. 21 + AttackBonus - ArmorClass).  If you need a 10 to hit, A=11.B = average damage you do to the target on a successful hit.  That is, average weapon damage + STR damage + flaming/icy/whatever + 5-15% for critical hits, minus any DR you can't penetrate.  If I have a nonmagical greatsword and STR 14, that's B=11 (7 weapon + 3 STR + 10% crit).The only ways Power Attack gives you additional damage, on average:1> A>20.  Power Attack for (A-20) points and continue.  This is never really going to be much of an issue, EXCEPT for monsters without an iterative progression.2> A>B.  A shouldn't increase too quickly since AC for most enemies raises with level.  B, on the other hand, can raise VERY quickly.  Once B>20, you gain nothing for Power Attacking unless A>20 above.So, if A>B, Power Attack for (A-B)/2.The thing is, 2-handers are far more likely to hit that B=20 cap than anyone else, since their base damage is higher.  If my 8th-level Fighter has a +1 Flaming greatsword and a STR of 20, B=((7+1+7)*1.1 + 3.5) = 20.0, right at the cap.So right now, 3E Power Attack is a bad choice for that 2-handed weapon fighter (which is not an uncommon weapon choice) UNLESS the target has fire resistance or DR that I can't penetrate, or if my hits are automatic (A>20).What this change does is effectively divide B by 2 for two-handers.  Now, Power Attack is EXACTLY as useful for the guy with a 2d6 greatsword as it is for the guy with a 1d6 shortsword.</blockquote>

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