Concerning Power Attack

[Elethiomel]

You're probably right. I haven't had a DM who really enjoyed using mobs over big guys, but in that case Great Cleave would be much more useful. Still, even then you have to take Power Attack in order to get to Cleave and Great Cleave.

But that's when Power Attack really shines! If you have mobs of lower-CR monsters, they probably have low AC. Power Attack makes it more likely that you are able to drop each monster on the first hit, thus getting use out of Cleave and Great Cleave. Power Attack isn't merely a roadblock on the way to the Cleave feats - it has great synergy with them, too.

 

[jasin]

Actually, why not make PA 2-for-1 for all weapons? That makes it useful for every melee person, whether they use light weapons, 2-handed, sword+board, 1-handed, 2 weapons, or whatever.

The position appears worth of consideration.

Or: why not make Power Attack follow the same pattern as Str? If you get x1 Str, you get -1/+1. If you get x1.5 Str, you get -2/+3, if you get x0.5 Str, you get -2/+1. Advantages: it's a bit less uber for two-handed folks, adds up so that two short swords equal a greatsword, still works better for barbarians with greataxes than rogues with daggers (thematically appropriate), but can also be useful for rogues with daggers is you really have huge attack bonuses and crap damage. The only disadvantage is that it nerfs the melee heavy hitters...

 

[cignus_pfaccari]

But that's when Power Attack really shines! If you have mobs of lower-CR monsters, they probably have low AC. Power Attack makes it more likely that you are able to drop each monster on the first hit, thus getting use out of Cleave and Great Cleave. Power Attack isn't merely a roadblock on the way to the Cleave feats - it has great synergy with them, too.

One of the few really satisfying instances in our last Birthright game was when I cleaved through three frost giants in a single round...*after* the mage had worked them over with a fireball or two and *after* they'd been beating on my poor low-AC goliath barbarian.

But, yes, hacking your way through a mob of lower-CR monsters is great fun.

Brad