A new fighter at-will for marking multiple targets

[Stalker0]

In the eternal search for a better "sure strike" power I was thinking of an at-will that would exchange damage for the ability of a fighter to do more tanking and defending. So I took a page from a paladin encounter power and this is what I got.

Sweeping Assault (at-will)
Melee * Weapon
You use quicker less powerful strikes to keep multiple enemies at bay.
Target: 1 creature
Attack: Str vs AC
Hit: 1[w], your target and a number of creatures adjacent to you equal to your wisdom modifier are marked until the end of your next turn.

 

[generalhenry]

nice

 

[comrade raoul]

Looks good to me!

For an alternative, what about a power that did 1[W] damage but could be used against two targets within melee reach, possibly with a -2 attack penalty? (You'd pretty much be looking at a weaker Twin Strike.)

 

[generalhenry]

cleave already does two targets

 

[comrade raoul]

cleave already does two targets

But it only marks one.

 

[generalhenry]

true.

 

[Khaalis]

I have to pipe up and add that I'm not sure I like the idea of the Fighter having to rely on Wis for added targets.

1) If I am remembering correctly the only abilities a fighter uses WIS for are Combat Superiority (a +ATK = Wis Mod) and Dirty Fighting (16th level Paragon ability that is +DAM = Wis mod). Oh and also polearms, but there are no powers for them.

2) The bonuses gained from Wis mod are +ATK / +DAM. Adding an ability to mark +Wis Mod in creatures is actually pretty big.

3) I think I would almost prefer an ability that lets you strike 2 foes. Either straight up two attacks, or a more "Cleave-like" power that allows you make an attack on the second target if you hit the first target, but only for 1[W] damage (rather than 1[W]+STR.

 

[Stalker0]

1) If I am remembering correctly the only abilities a fighter uses WIS for are Combat Superiority (a +ATK = Wis Mod) and Dirty Fighting (16th level Paragon ability that is +DAM = Wis mod). Oh and also polearms, but there are no powers for them.

Just like sly flourish is a crappy at will for a low charisma rogue, this at-will is designed for a fighter who wants to really make use of his marking ability. He gets a high wisdom so his OA's hit, and uses this at will with his high wisdom so he can generate more OA's. Seems like a good balance to me.

Either straight up two attacks, or a more "Cleave-like" power that allows you make an attack on the second target if you hit the first target, but only for 1[W] damage (rather than 1[W]+STR.

The second you create an at-will power that hits multiple targets you step on cleave's toes. Cleave is designed to hit one guy and then another, that's its niche and I didn't want a power replicating that...even if its in a very different way.

With this you have cleave for multiple target damage, reaping strike for solid single target damage, tide of iron for area control, and sweeping assault for battlefield marking. All are distinct in their own way.

 

[Destil]

Just about perfect, really. Excellent, Stalker0...

EDIT: I wonder how it would work if the ranger could quarry up to Wis creatures until the end of their next turn as an At-Will...

Positioning Strike (at-will)
Melee/Ranged * Weapon
You make an attack while setting up several foes for the follow up.
Target: 1 creature
Attack: Str vs AC(melee) or Dex vs AC (ranged)
Hit: 1[w], the target and a number of adjacent creatures up to your wisdom modifier gain the effects of Hunter's Quarry until the end of your next turn.

 

[Perko]

I think doing 1[W] damage while marking 2-3 opponents even at first level At-Will is too powerful. Keep in mind that Wisdom will go up, too, this will allow tanking 3-5 opponents someday, At Will. Not that I don't want a fighter capable of doing just that, but it should come with much more of a damage sacrifice.

I suggest 2 possible adjustments: either
a) reduce the damage to only Str modifier, no 1[W]. This may not seem like that much different if the Fighter is strong, but it cuts out feat damage bonuses that apply to the die roll, etc.

OR

b) change it to require more wisdom, as in (Wis modifier -1) additional targets. This makes it totally useless however with Wisdom < 14, which is clunky. But the original version is also useless with Wisdom < 12. If you go with this version, I can imagine a new related Fighter only feat that increases the # of adjacent opponents back to (Wis modifier).

Then again, comparing it to the very similar Paladin Attack 1 "Piercing Smite", it doesn't seem that overpowered - that one attacks Reflex and does 2[W] dmg! However, Encounter vs. At-Will is a big difference, IMHO.

You also need to clarify the wording: "enemies adjacent to you", otherwise it sounds like it's enemies adjacent to the target!