Basic Ranged Attack

[samursus]

Whats this used for?? In the PHB, it says that OA's only use a melee basic attack...but in the recent (2nd) Penny Arcade podcast, Chris Perkins explains that Magic Missle can be used for OA's...


I am so confused...

 

[small pumpkin man]

He's wrong. The book clearly states that only melee basic attacks can be used for OAs on page 290. He also completely forgets the Fighter's Combat Challenge ability. I found this very confusing.

 

[Lurker37]

Don't some powers have 'Basic Attack' as a property?

I assume this means that any such power can be used in situations that trigger a basic attack.

 

[VannATLC]

There are powers (Lots of the Warlords) that allow basic attacks, including ranged attacks, against enemies, from the rest of the group.

So thats one use.

I'm not sure when you'd use it as an OA.

 

[samursus]

This does not bode well if someone from WOTC's R&D screws up basic combat rules

 

[samursus]

Thanks Vann, that explains it... haven't looked at the Warlord too much yet.

 

[small pumpkin man]

Don't some powers have 'Basic Attack' as a property?

I assume this means that any such power can be used in situations that trigger a basic attack.

Things like Suprise Attack allow characters to use "a basic attack" yes. As far as I know this is the only time the MMs "is a ranged basic attack" make any difference.

 

[kerbarian]

Once nice thing about Magic Missile being a basic ranged attack is that you can boost its damage with Bracers of the Perfect Shot.

Sadly, it still can't be used for opportunity attacks. However, if a wizard uses a staff as his implement, he gets its enhancement bonus on opportunity attacks and damage because it's also a melee weapon. That's about the only way I can think of for a wizard to not have a completely ignorable OA, and it still doesn't help much. With that and the low hp, it's almost like wizards aren't cut out to be defenders

 

[samursus]

it's almost like wizards aren't cut out to be defenders

Smart ass

 

[Spatula]

Once nice thing about Magic Missile being a basic ranged attack is that you can boost its damage with Bracers of the Perfect Shot.

Yeah, I was noticing that. +2 dmg to your go-to ranged attack, that targets Reflex, for a lvl 3 item...

Sadly, it still can't be used for opportunity attacks. However, if a wizard uses a staff as his implement, he gets its enhancement bonus on opportunity attacks and damage because it's also a melee weapon. That's about the only way I can think of for a wizard to not have a completely ignorable OA, and it still doesn't help much. With that and the low hp, it's almost like wizards aren't cut out to be defenders

The Battlemage paragon path gets a melee OA attack, although it's Dex vs AC and wouldn't seem to get your implement bonus.