tempest dance

[tgwg]

me and my friend have a disagreement over tempest dance (MP9). I say that all the attacks can be used on the same person because it doesn't specify any requirements for it's targets. (just a primary target, second target, third target). My arguement is that there is no reason why all these targets can't be the same. My friend thinks that each target has to be different because it says "second target," not the same target.
we tried to ratify this by looking at passing attack (PHB78). but there was still disagreement. tell me how should we interpret Tempest dance?

 

[aurance]

Because "Secondary Target: same or a different target" is a specific targeting condition, I would assume that unless the power has that clause, that they cannot be used on the same target.

EDIT: Oops. "Secondary Target: One creature other than the primary target" is also a specified condition (PHB p. 78). Devastation's Wake (PHB p. 84) strongly implies that the Secondary Target can be the Primary Target. Now I've got the same question as the OP.

 

[Mengu]

3 different targets.

Otherwise the power would be worded like other multiple attack powers. In the target line it would say one to three creatures, in the attack line it would say make three attacks, and in the hit line it would say you may shift 1 square after the first and second attacks.

With the current wording, while it's not obvious, second target, and third target are referring to different targets.

 

[Mort_Q]

With the current wording, while it's not obvious, second target, and third target are referring to different targets.

That's how I read it.

 

[Tremorsense]

This was covered in Sage Advice a while back:

1. When using tempest dance (Martial Power, page 9) do I need to pick a different target for each attack?

Yes (that’s what “against a second target” means).