Close Burst / Ranged

[DEFCON 1]

I've been thinking about this for a while now, and I really cannot come up with an answer. If anyone knows the answer to this, please post it here, because it's bugging the crap out of me.

Is there any actual difference between a non-weapon Ranged power and a Close burst power that only targets one creature? I thought for the longest time that the difference was that Ranged powers caused damage, whereas Close burst powers affecting one target only applied certain statuses (like Divine Challenge for example). But now I see that's not the case in PHII, so I'm wondering what exactly is the reason/difference for not remaining consistant?

Looking at the Avenger for example... the Channel Divinity: Abjure Undead prayer is a Close burst 5 that targets a single undead in the burst, and causes Wisdom damage. Is there any reason at all why this shouldn't just be a Ranged 5 prayer, rather than a Close burst 5 single-target one? The 3rd level encounter Enmity's Reach, same thing (one creature in a Close burst 5 takes damage, rather than just using Ranged 5).

I've thought that perhaps the rules adjudicating Close attacks were different than Ranged ones, but I haven't been able to figure any out. So I really don't know why damaging a single-target attack power isn't just always Ranged, rather than one target in a burst. Please help.

 

[hong]

Ranged attacks provoke OAs, while close attacks don't.

 

[Skallgrim]

Concealment is also ineffective against Close Burst Powers, so they are ideal for targeting invisible enemies (note that most Fighter Close Bursts are limited to visible enemies only).

 

[the Jester]

Ranged attacks provoke OAs, while close attacks don't.

This is the biggest difference imho. If it were ranged rather than close, a paladin's divine challenge would let his enemies whack him whenever he used it.

 

[DracoSuave]

The above posters are correct. OAs and Concealment are the major concerns. There's other minor cases as well: swarms will take less damage from Ranged and more damage from Close attacks, but that's more of a corner case.

 

[DEFCON 1]

Gah! I THOUGHT it had to be something that I was just plain missing! Thank you! The OA and concealment rules make absolute sense.

Ugh... it's been nagging me so long and now I'm annoyed it took me this long to actually ask the question.

Thanx guys! Load off my mind.