The mystery of SHADOW WASP STRIKE, Ranger3 Encounter Power

[Seolfor]

I am certain i read a thread about this before - but since i dont have access to the search function ....

Its clear that 'SHADOW WASP STRIKE' (SWS), Ranger3 Encounter Power, is inferior to 'EVASIVE STRIKE', a Ranger1 Encounter power. Tha latter does everything that SWS does AND allows significant movement without opportunity attacks across the battlefield.

Did they intend SWS to be:

1. A 'Reliable' power
2. A 'Minor action' power
3. Strength v/s Reflex or
4. Strength v/s Lowest of FORT/REFLEX/AC?

In any of the above 4 cases, the power description would then make sense at least - "You strike quickly like a shadow wasp flying out of the darkness, hitting where your foe is most vulnerable"

 

[Branduil]

That is an excellent question.

 

[bardolph]

I think the intention is for the player who wants to play a Ranger, and also wants to wield a big 2-handed weapon. Bastard Sword or Spiked Chain, anyone?

Shadow Wasp Strike gives them one more [2W] attack per encounter.

 

[Seolfor]

Shadow Wasp Strike gives them one more [2W] attack per encounter.

Got it ... but that ONE more 3rd level encounter [2W], is worse than the 1st level encounter ... WHY? Whats the benefit, thats the question?

- Does it hit more often? (It would, if it were STR v/s Ref or Fort)
- Is it quicker to use? (Minor v/s Standard action)
- Is it reliable i.e. if you miss once, try again!

It HAS to gain SOMETHING for being a level 3 encounter power of a striker class, right?

I have to believe its an errata ...

 

[Goolpsy]

Maybe the powers should have been swapped? Shadow Wasp strike looks more like a level 1 power to me, and evasive strike like a level 3...

Intesional or mistake? Only the *higher powers* know

 

[bardolph]

There's no rule that says that higher-level powers must be superior to lower-level ones. The Wizard Daily 1, Sleep, is arguably better than the level 5 dailies.

I actually think that many level 1 powers are a tad bit "overpowered" for their level, so that 1st level characters can have some cool stuff coming out the gate.

 

[Fredrik Svanberg]

It's not just that it's weaker than a lower-level power but it's also incredibly boring. The only reason I can see for anyone to take it is if you didn't take Evasive Strike at level 1 and suddenly decide that you want a power that does 2[w] when you hit level 3.

 

[bardolph]

It's not just that it's weaker than a lower-level power but it's also incredibly boring. The only reason I can see for anyone to take it is if you didn't take Evasive Strike at level 1 and suddenly decide that you want a power that does 2[w] when you hit level 3.

How about this? I make a Spiked Chain ranger, take Evasive Strike at level 1, and when I hit level 3, it turns out that Shadow Wasp Strike is the only power I can use with my chain, so I take that, too.

 

[Revinor]

How about this? I make a Spiked Chain ranger, take Evasive Strike at level 1, and when I hit level 3, it turns out that Shadow Wasp Strike is the only power I can use with my chain, so I take that, too.

I think that you can select second low level power instead of higher level one.

 

[Gloombunny]

Maybe the powers should have been swapped? Shadow Wasp strike looks more like a level 1 power to me, and evasive strike like a level 3...

Intesional or mistake? Only the *higher powers* know

It's actually pretty weak for an encounter power of any level. Most encounter powers do 2[W] + attribute with a cookie of some sort, or 1[W] + attribute if the cookie is really good. Shadow Wasp is 2[W] + attribute with no cookie and even a slight targeting restriction! Wtf?