basic attack replacement & charge

[Droogie128]

"In place of" a basic attack indicates that it is not a basic attack, but replaces one for that situation. "As a" basic attack is just that, it becomes a basic attack.

 

[Ryujin]

A suggestion: Can posters post up their favourite examples of powers that make the statement, in either fashion regarding 'replacing' or 'acting as' a melee basic attack, for comparison purposes? I put forth that if they have effects in the same basic range, then RAI would dictate that they should all be considered as MBAs for purpose of a charge.

 

[Mengu]

Here's my interpretation, fwiw...

Normally when you charge, you must make a melee basic attack. A number of powers can replace this basic attack, such as Howling Strike, Knockdown Assault, Threatening Rush, Ardent Strike, Pounce, Marauder's Rush, Inevitable Wave, Storm Hammer, etc. These are in no means basic attacks. They are simply powers that can be used at the end of a charge.

Other powers such as Eldritch Strike, Grasping Claws, Virtuous Strike, Sonnlinor's Hammer, etc. are actually melee basic attacks, and benefit from everything a basic attack would benefit from (including items such as Bracers of Mighty Striking, and feats such as Impaling Spear).

Having said that, I do wish an item named "Avalanche Hammer" would work for a Barbarian's Howling Strike.

 

[Prestidigitalis]

The reason 'use in place of' is different than 'counts as a' is because they... well... mean different things.

...or because the writer of the feat/power/feature/item description didn't follow their guidelines and the editors didn't catch it. I think you are right in this case, but there are plenty of places in 4e where stylistic form doesn't follow function as strictly as one might like. They do seem to be getting better about it though.

And obviously the above is just a quibble. Overall your comment was very good.