Fighter Encounter 1 - Rain of Blows

[keterys]

The compendium doesn't have indentations.

Nor are the indentations in the PHB good indications of rules.

 

[keterys]

Comparing Sweeping Blow to Rain of Blows isn't particularly helpful since they serve entirely different purposes. One hits a close burst, the other completely thrashes a single target.

Compare Rain of Blows to other single target damage effects. For example, the level 29 daily "No Mercy" which is less effective

 

[GorTeX]

I have always felt the indentation in this power is a mis-print. Level 3 encounter ability with the possiblity of doing 4[W] damage is over the top, IMO.

for me, it's 2 attacks, 3 if you have the right stats/weapon equipped (still not a bad 3rd level power)

 

[Bond James Bond]

I totally agree with the reading of maximum 3 attacks.

Though the wording isnt clear, 4 attacks are just way to much balance wise - allowing 4 attacks would makr Rain of Blows the most damaging fighter power out there, outdamaging even lvl 29 dailies.

A level 3 encounter power should do that.

 

[Zsig]

I saw a combo earlier that used Warlord's Powers to boost a Fighter and use Rain of Blows. Too much damage to let it pass.

I'd appreciate an answer.

I guess you're talking about this: http://www.enworld.org/forum/4480547-post18.html

Since apparently no official response has been given about the power, general consensus has it that the indentention makes it so. As with most powers with an indentation, if the "Hit" clause is true and you meet the requirements then indentation happens, since there's no distinction (for example: "Hit: 1[W]+ str modifier damage per attack."), if "Hit" clause happens twice, then indentation also happens twice.

Yes, it's pretty broken, even more when you consider that when the time to replace Powers come (where you can replace a lvl 3 encounter with a lvl 13, for example) and it's just not worth to replace it...and when you realise, it's lvl 29 and it's still not worth to replace it.

A level 3 encounter power shouldn't be more powerful than a lvl 29 daily (or really, more powerful than ANY other fighter power, in terms of single target damage at least).

On this thread Fighter Level 3 Power Rain of Blows - Wizards Community it's been suggested an errata for it (where it's due).

Now, IMO, even if it was "just" 3 attacks, it would still be too powerful for its level. I mean, I'm not that familiar with ranger powers, but if you take a look, compare Rain of Blows with Triple Shot (a lvl 17 encounter power).

 

[Starbuck_II]

I guess you're talking about this: http://www.enworld.org/forum/4480547-post18.html

Since apparently no official response has been given about the power, general consensus has it that the indentention makes it so. As with most powers with an indentation, if the "Hit" clause is true and you meet the requirements then indentation happens, since there's no distinction (for example: "Hit: 1[W]+ str modifier damage per attack."), if "Hit" clause happens twice, then indentation also happens twice.

Yes, it's pretty broken, even more when you consider that when the time to replace Powers come (where you can replace a lvl 3 encounter with a lvl 13, for example) and it's just not worth to replace it...and when you realise, it's lvl 29 and it's still not worth to replace it.

A level 3 encounter power shouldn't be more powerful than a lvl 29 daily (or really, more powerful than ANY other fighter power, in terms of single target damage at least).

On this thread Fighter Level 3 Power Rain of Blows - Wizards Community it's been suggested an errata for it (where it's due).

Now, IMO, even if it was "just" 3 attacks, it would still be too powerful for its level. I mean, I'm not that familiar with ranger powers, but if you take a look, compare Rain of Blows with Triple Shot (a lvl 17 encounter power).

I think the weapon type restriction is a good balance. No longswords or anything.

 

[eamon]

I think it's not as good as it looks because of the circumstances. The limitations on weapon type and stat are a real problem, and the lack of synergy with fighter class abilities is as well.

 

[keterys]

I think it's not as good as it looks because of the circumstances. The limitations on weapon type and stat are a real problem, and the lack of synergy with fighter class abilities is as well.

Why are the limitations on weapon stat and type a problem? That level of Dex is unusual at low levels, but common after that, and spears and flails are quite respectable weapons. Especially with Adventurer's Vault.

I'm also dubious about the lack of synergy with fighter class abilities. I'm pretty sure destroying your opponent is an effective worse of defense. It's better at multimarking than, say, Crushing Blow or anything other than Sweeping Blow at that level.

Elf fighters love Rain of Blows...

 

[Runestar]

It is however, an excellent power to have for a brutal scoundrel rogue or ranger to have via multiclassing.

Funny when an ability benefits another class more than its original class...

 

[Zsig]

It is however, an excellent power to have for a brutal scoundrel rogue or ranger to have via multiclassing.

Funny when an ability benefits another class more than its original class...

I wouldn't say more than it's original class, mostly due to the fact that you can only apply sneak attack/quarry once per turn.

Otherwise, it's just as good for both (or for anyone that can afford to get it).

Also, it synergizes pretty well with Villain's Menace.