Adding another log. Lightning Panther Strike.

[Simplicity]

Grog the barbarian like Lightning Panther Strike. He also like Dragon Tail Cut and Golden Wyvern Adept. Sometime Grog like Sunset Beach Walk and Candle Dinner Eat. Particularly with a nice Emerald Frost.

Goddamn it. Someone stop this madness. Sometimes a ham sandwich is a friggen ham sandwich. Not a Black Forest Ham On a Whole Wheat Roll. Time for an open letter.

Dear Wizards,

I hope those names are placeholders. Stop sucking.

Sincerely,
Concerned Golden Dragon Azure Power Super Puma Reader

 

[Elphilm]

Well, I laughed. I'm not that bothered by these overly florid names myself, but I can see how they could bug the living hell out of someone.

 

[Kid Charlemagne]

A Lightning Panther Strike might actually mean something, though. I don't mind florid names if they're relevant florid names.

 

[Zweischneid]

He, liked your post.

On the other hand, it ain't much different than naming magic after things like "Tenser's floating disk", labeling mind powers with pseudo-science like "Psychokinesis", etc...

And besides, since I've met far too many players who are to lazy to "name" and personalize/setting-alize their spells and generally stick with the generic "Magic Missle", I'd rather see WotC add some flavor for all those witless people unable to make their own.
Creative folk can still change it to their likeness.

The "generic fantasy" thing IMO has all to often failed. People just don't go the extra mile to put personal fluff back in after official fluff was taken out. So pre-made fluff is step forward.

 

[Rechan]

A Lightning Panther Strike might actually mean something, though. I don't mind florid names if they're relevant florid names.

Especially given how barbarians are supposedly feral and get natural attacks, it could literally mean "You get claws or bite and you just bite that sucka really hard."

Anyone remember Pounce? Just hearing the name Pounce doesn't tell you "Oh you get your move action AND a full attack". Why have I never heard "Wait, this assumes you have to jump to attack! Because that's what Pouncing is: jumping. My character hates jumping - that's an implied action! Why didn't they just call it 'Fast Movement and Attack'?"

Just like Pounce, Lightning Panther Strike: It's a fast claw or bite attack.

 

[pawsplay]

Giant Mutant Fire Clam Super Saiyan Attack!

 

[Cadfan]

I think you're missing the point.

This preview suggests that you will be able to play a barbarian who... leaps on his enemies with his bare hands and bites them in the face!

That's much more important to me than an ability name.

 

[resistor]

Ugh.

 

[Garnfellow]

Wow.

There is a part of me that thinks we could be being put on. You have to admit, that would be a pretty funny gag. Could WotC be screwing with us?

If one were to intentionally try to make up a ridiculously cheesy ability name, I'm not sure most people could come up with an entry as good as "Lightning Panther Strike."

 

[HeavenShallBurn]

If one were to intentionally try to make up a ridiculously cheesy ability name, I'm not sure most people could come up with an entry as good as "Lightning Panther Strike."

Or maybe they're naming things with a random generator they've preloaded with words they think are appropriately kewl.