Ray of Frost

[Falling Icicle]

Why is Magic Missile allowed to function as a ranged basic attack, but Ray of Frost isn't? Since you only get to pick two at-will spells, this could be a problem for those who take RoF over MM.

 

[Stalker0]

Why is Magic Missile allowed to function as a ranged basic attack, but Ray of Frost isn't? Since you only get to pick two at-will spells, this could be a problem for those who take RoF over MM.

What I don't get is what's the difference? Both require standard action, both provoke OA's. What is the advantage of MM being a ranged basic attack?

 

[That One Guy]

What I don't get is what's the difference? Both require standard action, both provoke OA's. What is the advantage of MM being a ranged basic attack?

I think Warlords get an attack where allies(or an ally) can make a ranged basic attack against a target. So, MM, Eldritch Blast, and stuff would work... but RoF(ls!) wouldn't. I also imagine that weapon focus (and possibly other similar feats) can be applied to ranged basic attacks, but not to other @will powers.

 

[Falling Icicle]

What I don't get is what's the difference? Both require standard action, both provoke OA's. What is the advantage of MM being a ranged basic attack?

We don't exactly know yet. But it obviously does something, or they wouldn't have bothered to specify it. I imagine it will interact with other powers. I could picture a Warlord power that lets his allies make an immediate, free ranged basic attack, for example.

 

[FunkBGR]

Maybe because Magic Missile just does damage?

That'd be my guess, since Ray of Frost has a rider effect

 

[Spatula]

Assuming that you can't simply pick one of your at-will powers as your basic attack, I would imagine Ray of Frost is disqualified as such because of the rider effect. I think that basic attacks would deal damage and do nothing else.

 

[Falling Icicle]

As for its secondary slowing effect, ROF is already balanced with MM because it does less damage.

 

[ncc4781]

maybe it has something to do with the fact that it was the half elf racial ability? ROF could be a basic atttack if a wizard takes it?

 

[Ulthwithian]

Icicle: That is arguable, but not certain. Whether or not they are balanced vs. each other is a bigger question than a simple comparison.

Personally, I wouldn't be surprised if it isn't just a choice of powers at 1st level, or some such. An alternative is that all Wizards get Magic Missile at first level, similar to a Warlock's Eldritch Blast. I rather doubt that alternative, but it probably should be mentioned.

ncc: Well, I'm sure that they wouldn't want Encounter powers to be a basic attack.

 

[VannATLC]

...

Except MM is useable for OAs (I think? I've seen nothing to indicate otherwise. (Can you not use a ranged attack as an OA against an adjacent enemy?)

Slow on an OA is brokenly good.

Otherwise, I'm sure its got something similiar to do with stacking of abilities.