Multiple Attacks for Multiclass

[Runesong42]

I need help determining how many attacks I receive at my current character level. I am playing a Ftr4/Rog3. According to the PHB, I receive a second attack when I reach +6 BAB. I am also a two-hander/ambidex using a two-bladed sword, which also give me an extra attack. I have 17 STR (+3). How do I determine how many attacks I receive, and at what bonuses? From my understanding, I receive three attacks.

Also, continuing up the charts, do non-warriors get more attacks every BAB of +6?

And, do the charts as described in the PHB for BAB per level take the +6 BAB in account when determining when they get a 2nd attack?

 

[Dr_Rictus]

Whenever you can make an attack at +6 BAB or more, you can make another attack at 5 fewer BAB than that. So, once your second attack hits +6 BAB (due to your first one having reached +11 BAB), you qualify for a third attack at +1 BAB. The limit to this is that BAB can only provide a total of 4 attacks. This is true regardless of class.

The charts in the PHB simply list the multiple attacks that a single-classed character would get. The multiple attacks so listed should be ignored for multi-classed characters, since they'll give the wrong results. Always calculate multiple attacks based on the character's total BAB from all classes. (There's an unfortunate exception here for monks, but let's ignore that right now).

Note that BAB (to which modifiers are applied, and which determines multiple attacks) is not the same as attack bonus (the number after the modifiers are applied). Keeping them distinct helps avoid confusion as to the number of attacks a character receives.

In your example, the character has a +6 BAB and can therefore make two attacks at BAB +6/+1 (and a total attack bonus of +9/+4 once you count the +3 for Strength). Using Ambidexterity and Two-Weapon Fighting (one extra attack at the highest BAB, but a -2 penalty to all attacks) and taking into account his +3 to his for Strength, he gets three attacks at BAB +6/+6/+1 and a total attack bonus of +7/+7/+2.

 

[Runesong42]

Also, what about wizards?

Do wizards with multpile attacks also cast multiple spells?

 

[hong]

As a ftr4/rog3, you get a +4 base attack bonus from 4 fighter levels, and another +2 from 3 rogue levels. Add these up to get +6 total.

Everyone, regardless of class, gets extra "iterative" attacks when their total base attack bonus reaches +6, +11, and +16. The iterative attacks are at a cumulative -5 penalty. So in your case, if you don't use both ends of your two-bladed sword, you get two attacks as a full attack action: +6, and +1. If/when your base attack bonus reaches +11, you would get three attacks, at +11, +6 and +1.

Having figured out how many attacks you get, your +3 Strength mod is then tacked on as a bonus, to get +9 and +4. Note that it doesn't add to your _base_ attack bonus, so you never get any extra attacks just because of high Strength.

If you decide to use your two-bladed sword as a double weapon, you get one extra attack at your highest bonus, but you also take a -2 penalty to all your attacks (including the extra one). So that's +7, +7 and +2.

 

[hong]

Re: Also, what about wizards?

Do wizards with multpile attacks also cast multiple spells?

No. In general terms, you can only cast one spell per round regardless of your level. (There are ways to increase this, but let's not worry about that right now.)

 

[hammymchamham]

Re: Also, what about wizards?

Do wizards with multpile attacks also cast multiple spells?

No, casting a spell is a standard action at the least (unless you ues the quicken spell metamagic feat). A wizard with multiple attacks can attack... multiple times.

 

[Gaiden]

Runesong42,

Welcome to the boards.

 

[Dr_Rictus]

Re: Also, what about wizards?

Do wizards with multpile attacks also cast multiple spells?

No. Casting a spell is not an attack from a turn order point of view (though spells which require a touch attack to hit include an attack, and many spells are considered to constitute attacking for purposes of breaking invisibility). A spell takes as long as its casting time indicates, generally a standard action, and barring magical effects to the contrary you only get one standard action per round.

 

[Runesong42]

Thanks.

Runesong42,

Welcome to the boards.

Thank you. I've been poking about rec.games.frp.dnd forever now, and thought about coming on here for some quick answers. I never realized HOW quick until I posted today.

 

[Darklone]

Looks strange... Dr. Rictus and hong, you guys posted twice nearly the same?

Reminds me of an old couple that does not talk with each other