|
3 years ago ::
Nov 13, 2010 - 9:33PM
#41
|
Date Joined:
Feb 20, 2007
|
Basic Attacks
I'm really not at all concerned about that. The game at large should deal with it, yes (I know I'll be adding a feat similar to Melee Weapon Training with my Firearms article), but I'm not going to make a special point of it here.
Actually, (and I realize this isn't exactly the right thread for it) I'd recommend putting them all into one feat. What I do is nix Melee Training, and instead use a homebrew feat called Exotic Training. Its benefit is that you can apply an ability score modifier of your choice to attack rolls (and if applicable, damage rolls) for the Melee Basic Attack, Ranged Basic Attack, the Grab Action (since its biggest selling point is that it's available to anyone, except that not having Strength as an attack stat means that it's really not) and the Bull Rush Action (see last).
At the very least, those actions need Melee Training equivalent feats of their own, and since we're looking at such a large disparity (Bards and so forth need four feats just to use combat actions that are theoretically there for them to use anyway), it might as well be a single feat.
Ki Focus
Wait, why would the Assassin not list the implement proficiency? The point was: you can attune a ki focus, but without proficiency you don't get anything for it. So yeah, the assassin has to list proficiency, or he's not going to get any benefit from using a ki focus (such as being able to use the bonuses with any weapons - that's a "proficient with ki focus" specific benefit). I think you should re-read the ki focus section of PH3.
I might have misunderstood you.
My impression: you were saying that you must be actually proficient with the ki focus to gain all the benefits (use special properties if superior implement, use bonuses for implement attacks, use magic enhancement effects, etc.). You were also saying that a Soulknife-themed character is able to attune to a ki focus, even without being proficient with it, and therefore can gain the enhancement bonus even if he isn't able to gain the other stuff.
I took this to mean that you thought anyone (including the Essassin) could attune to a Ki Focus even if nonproficient and gain the enhancement bonuses.
...
So are you actually saying that the Soulknife specifically allows you to take an enchanted Ki Focus, attune to it, apply the enhancement bonus to attack rolls, etc. with weapon attacks, and that's it? That this is a unique exception to the normal functioning of the Ki Focus?
I.e., I can take a non-Monk-or-Assassin character (and thus not proficient with the Ki Focus), take the Soulknife theme, not take any MC feats that grant me proficiency in the Ki Focus, find an enchanted Ki Focus (that I'm not proficient in), and (solely through the Soulknife's Shape Mind Blade power) attune to it and gain the enhancement bonus to your Mind Blade's attacks, etc. Is that correct (not trying to be obtuse, but I'm just not quite seeing how this is supposed to work)?
I've finally figured out how to put in a sig. Yes, I'm including this here for no other reason than to express how happy I am that I could finally do this. For goodness' sake, change these forums back (or just change, I don't care).
|
|
|
|
3 years ago ::
Nov 13, 2010 - 10:43PM
#42
|
Date Joined:
Oct 16, 2009
|
Actually, given that it's a random weapon created by a power, there would be no other way to enchant it. I take that "Special" line to read as follows:
IF you are able to use a ki focus, THEN you may apply its properties to attacks you make with your mind blade.
The theme itself grants you no proficiency with implements, ki focus or otherwise. If you want to make use of that line, you have to be a member of a class that has that proficiency, which you can then use to "coat" your mind blade.
|
|
|
|
3 years ago ::
Nov 13, 2010 - 11:14PM
#43
|
Date Joined:
Jun 27, 2004
|
I.e., I can take a non-Monk-or-Assassin character (and thus not proficient with the Ki Focus), take the Soulknife theme, not take any MC feats that grant me proficiency in the Ki Focus, find an enchanted Ki Focus (that I'm not proficient in), and (solely through the Soulknife's Shape Mind Blade power) attune to it and gain the enhancement bonus to your Mind Blade's attacks, etc. Is that correct (not trying to be obtuse, but I'm just not quite seeing how this is supposed to work)?
Yeah, that's the intent.
But, since folks seem to be getting caught up on it, and because I've never been really attached to being more limited than most other themes, I think I'm going to change it up. You finally broke me. 
So, something like this, though the wording probably needs to be cleaned up at the very least:
Special: When you use this power, choose a single weapon in your possession (you do not have to be holding or wielding the weapon) that shares one or more weapon groups with the type of mind blade you create. So long as the weapon remains in your possession, your mind blade shares the chosen weapon's enhancement bonus, critical hit effect, properties, and powers.
There. That should, in one fell swoop: Remove the Ki Focus as any point of consideration / rules interpretation (and any character proficient with the Ki Focus can still use its magic properties with the mind blade, just like he can with any weapon); and open the Theme up to function better with any weapon-using class, without a need for Inherent Bonuses or special equipment considerations.
Really it's just a pseudo-ki focus.
Feedback Disclaimer
Show
Yes, I am expressing my opinions (even complaints - le gasp!) about the current iteration of the play-test that we actually have in front of us.
No, I'm not going to wait for you to tell me when it's okay to start expressing my concerns (unless you are WotC).
(And no, my comments on this forum are not of the same tone or quality as my actual survey feedback.)
A Psion for Next (Playable Draft)A Barbarian for Next (Brainstorming Still)My 4e Projects
Show
|
|
|
|
3 years ago ::
Nov 14, 2010 - 12:10AM
#44
|
Date Joined:
Oct 26, 2004
|
HOwever that clips one of the great social advantages of the Soulknife. The ability to sneak a weapon in almost anywhere.
What if you just give them the ability to use any implement with which they are proficient?
|
|
|
|
3 years ago ::
Nov 14, 2010 - 12:20AM
#45
|
Date Joined:
Jun 27, 2004
|
HOwever that clips one of the great social advantages of the Soulknife. The ability to sneak a weapon in almost anywhere.
What if you just give them the ability to use any implement with which they are proficient?
Swapping it to implement really won't change it up. Then you're just smuggling in a wand instead of a blade or a ki focus. The class is far-and-away more suited to weapon-using classes anyways - tying it to implements takes it in a rather inconsistent direction.
You're still armed anywhere. That you can lose the enhancement bonus if someone takes your toys away is just a part of the system (except in a few places, like the Gnoll's claws) - unless you're using the Inherent Bonuses option (which fixes that problem, like it fixes so many others - maybe it should be a mandatory rule).
Feedback Disclaimer
Show
Yes, I am expressing my opinions (even complaints - le gasp!) about the current iteration of the play-test that we actually have in front of us.
No, I'm not going to wait for you to tell me when it's okay to start expressing my concerns (unless you are WotC).
(And no, my comments on this forum are not of the same tone or quality as my actual survey feedback.)
A Psion for Next (Playable Draft)A Barbarian for Next (Brainstorming Still)My 4e Projects
Show
|
|
|
|
2 years ago ::
Sep 28, 2011 - 4:05PM
#46
|
|
|
Shape Mind Blade Soulknife Feature
You focus your thoughts into a physical weapon.
At-Will ♦ Psionic
Minor Action Personal
Requirement: You must have a hand free.
Effect: You create a mind blade in one free hand. When you create a mind blade, you can choose to form either a light mind blade or a heavy mind blade.
The light mind blade is a one-handed light blade with the light thrown and off-hand weapon properties, a +3 proficiency bonus, 1d6 damage, and a range of 5/10.
The heavy mind blade is a one-handed heavy blade with the high crit and versatile properties, a +3 proficiency bonus, and 1d8 damage.
You are proficient with your mind blade. Your mind blade can't be turned into a magic weapon, but it can benefit from a magic ki focus if you have one (see below). The mind blade disappears if you are not touching it at the end of your turn.
Special: When you use this power, choose a single weapon in your possession that shares one or more weapon groups with the type of mind blade you create (you do not have to be holding or wielding the weapon). So long as the weapon remains in your possession, your mind blade shares the chosen weapon's enhancement bonus, critical hit effect, properties, and powers.
I have a slight problem with the special attribute for this ability, that being "choose a single weapon in your possession that shares one or more weapon groups with the type of mind blace you create". This prompts the question, what's the point of having the mind blade? If it's a dagger, your mind blade will do more damage, if it's a short sword you can throw the mind blade instead. But overall, this basically requires you to carry the weapon you want to use so you can use a copy of it it, that may be better or worse, depending (for instance, if you have a greatsword, the heavy mind blade will do less damage).
Ultimately, I think it would be better overall to have the theme grant proficiency with an implement (or several if that's more convenient), and let you attune that implement's enhancement bonus. You'll get less variety of mind blades, admittedly, but you won't be carrying around a weapon you choose not to use for the purpose of flavor.
In fact, the only situation I can see that property of the mind blade being non-redundant is if you're playing a character that fights with multiple weapons, like a tempest fighter, or a two-blade ranger. In that case, this feature amounts to a free weapon (and the weapon's gold value in your pocket).
It's a slight problem, but one I feel the need to voice in any case.
|
|
|
