N00b question about basic attack

[ExploderWizard]

We have only played a few sessions of 4E so far and are still finding stuff out. I checked the errata document first and I may just be missing something in the rules.

Can a basic attack target an object? The DMG provides defenses for objects but the basic attacks says " one creature". I see that there are powers that may target one creature or object specifically.

Should the basic attack read: Target: One creature or object?

If not then a fighter couldn't bash down a door or an archer couldn't hit a static target

 

[Hypersmurf]

Check the PHB errata; there's a note that at the DM's discretion, powers that target creatures can also be used on objects.

-Hyp.

 

[ExploderWizard]

Check the PHB errata; there's a note that at the DM's discretion, powers that target creatures can also be used on objects.

-Hyp.

Ok just found it. Thanks. I was looking in the basic attack section.

 

[DracoSuave]

Not to mention, there are some traps that specifically permit attacks against them.

 

[ExploderWizard]

Not to mention, there are some traps that specifically permit attacks against them.

I was talking mainly about everyday things like doors, furniture, trees, buildings, ect. This makes magic missile one of the most powerful spells in the game. Anyone who thinks the 4E Wizard is overly weak should give it another look.

Huge swaths of forest can be decimated by a single 1st level wizard with magic missile. Logging camps will hire only wizards putting many out of work. At least there are no druids around to complain.

Mining is a snap. In a single 8 hour work day a 1st level wizard can obliterate 91.2 blocks of stone each 20'x20'. At the same time he can be using mage hand as a minor action to remove debris. After working out the numbers it does take much longer to clear the rubble like this than create it. Extra labor is needed to keep up with damage output.

An environmental impact study is needed to determine if wizards should be allowed to exist.

 

[cmbarona]

I was talking mainly about everyday things like doors, furniture, trees, buildings, ect. This makes magic missile one of the most powerful spells in the game. Anyone who thinks the 4E Wizard is overly weak should give it another look.

Huge swaths of forest can be decimated by a single 1st level wizard with magic missile. Logging camps will hire only wizards putting many out of work. At least there are no druids around to complain.

Mining is a snap. In a single 8 hour work day a 1st level wizard can obliterate 91.2 blocks of stone each 20'x20'. At the same time he can be using mage hand as a minor action to remove debris. After working out the numbers it does take much longer to clear the rubble like this than create it. Extra labor is needed to keep up with damage output.

An environmental impact study is needed to determine if wizards should be allowed to exist.

Sounds like an interesting plot hook for a campaign: some evil magic company is strip-mining a country into ecological death. Time for rangers to step in (since there aren't any druids yet).

 

[Danceofmasks]

Eh?
Just 'cos an attack is basic doesn't mean it's not tiring.
Since deforestation is grossly inefficient when done by an Orc with a greataxe, it isn't going to be any easier with magic missile.

 

[ExploderWizard]

Eh?
Just 'cos an attack is basic doesn't mean it's not tiring.
Since deforestation is grossly inefficient when done by an Orc with a greataxe, it isn't going to be any easier with magic missile.

Why not? Don't have the rules handy but I believe that activity that doesn't push beyond a regular day is particularly tiring in the RAW. All day combat would exhaust resources, surges, ect. Attacking an object isn't quite the same, unless boards really do hit back.

Common sense says swinging an axe all day is tiring, combat or not. In theory a character could stay in combat all day without ill effect as long as only At-will attacks are used and no damage is taken. An archer would run out of ammunition eventually but Magic Missile doesn't have this problem.

We have real world points of reference for fatigue from muscle powered weapon use but not magic. There is no in game representation for "magic fatigue" effects from at will powers. Encounter and daily yes, at-will, no.

If such limitations were introduced then the powers would become something other than " at-will".

 

[-Avalon-]

OR...

Could have regular human fighters wielding greataxes who use cleave and mow down TWO trees at a time! =)

 

[Wepwawet]

If such limitations were introduced then the powers would become something other than " at-will".

You know that a basic attack with an axe is also an at-will. So by the same thought there's no problems with chopping wood with an greataxe all day long.

Anyway, I believe that if someone studies and practices to be a good fighter or mage, he won't be using all that hard work to chop around wood. He would go for higher flights searching for treasures or... taking a kingdom (or two).
That setting just assumes that powerful heroes are as common as kitten.

Edit: anyway, i believe doing magic should be as tiring as fighting, just for the sake of common sense