Power Attack

[GakToid]

All power attack, all the time is a fun tactic. But studies have shown that power attack provides its benefit (increased average damage) when used conservatively in small increments.

I'm trying to collect a list of things that increase the rate of return for power attack. This way when I boldly declare, "I'll power attack for 10." I'll know my damage isn't going down as much as it could be.

PrCs
Frenzied Berserker - Improved Power Attack

Feats
Combat Brute (Momentum Swing)

Are there others?

A slightly related question...
When building a melee character, what types of trade offs do people consider when examining templates? The half-ogre for +2LA and/or the half-dragon for +3LA are appealing for their strength bonuses, but the cost in HD and BAB may not be worth it.

-Gak Toid

 

[Darkness]

The half-ogre is Large. That's a pretty nice bonus for a lot of combat maneuvers (including defending against them) and also means he has reach. He also has +4 natural armor.

Power Attack (CAd) increases PA too.

 

[Jdvn1]

All power attack, all the time is a fun tactic. But studies have shown that power attack provides its benefit (increased average damage) when used conservatively in small increments.

... Studies? What studies? Could you point us towards some?

On a different note, there's a tactical feat in CW that negates Power Attack.

 

[Crothian]

... Studies? What studies? Could you point us towards some?

On a different note, there's a tactical feat in CW that negates Power Attack.

THe 3.0 supplent Sword and Fist had info on this as does the 3.5 Powergamers Guide to Warriors I think it is called by Goodman games.

 

[Jdvn1]

So they mean running numbers, basically? Hm, okay.

 

[Darkness]

THe 3.0 supplent Sword and Fist had info on this as does the 3.5 Powergamers Guide to Warriors I think it is called by Goodman games.

*nods*

There are also independent studies out there. It doesn't take any more than a spreadsheet and some math knowledge. I've done some myself, though the most complete I've seen were SpikeyFreak's, back in 3.0.

 

[Crothian]

*nods*

There are also independent studies out there. It doesn't take any more than a spreadsheet and some math knowledge. I've done some myself, though the most complete I've seen were SpikeyFreak's, back in 3.0.

right, but I figure why do it that way when I can plug a few books I had absolutely nothing to do with.

 

[Plane Sailing]

I find the best rate of return is using it to take advantage of circumstance bonuses. Charge attack? Turn the +2 into power attack. Higher ground? Turn the +1 into power attack.

 

[Pinotage]

On a different note, there's a tactical feat in CW that negates Power Attack.

To be clearer, it's called Elusive Target, and I believe it only negates the Power Attack from a creature you've decided to Dodge, i.e. one you've assigned your Dodge Bonus to.

Pinotage

 

[FreeTheSlaves]

I use it when denied a full attack such as on a charge or after rising from prone. I seldom use more than 3 pts, it depends on how hard it is to hit. If the chance to hit approaches 75% I'll use a 1-2 pts and take the risk. Sometimes you know that one good hit will finish 'em so you take a risk to do that within the space of one round rather than the guaranteed 2 rounds. Can depend on how confident or desperate you are.