The Kensei is one of the best Paragon Paths for weapon users out there. So good indeed that it is rated sky blue not only at home, in the Fighter guide, but also in the guide for avengers and barbarians, and blue for clerics, paladins, rangers, rogues and wardens. It is a solid choice for primary and secondary strikers, and borderline overpowered.At the same time it is one of the most mind numbingly, utterly boring PPs.
What it does now
Features: Action Point: Reroll instead of gaining an action extremely situational,
mostly useless. Purple. 11: +1 to all weapon attacks, the
main selling point, solid gold. 16: +4 to all weapon damage rolls, some PP have it higher, still
sky blue. Powers: Encounter: Plain boring, accurate but with the right feat support even some at-wills are better. It would not rate higher than
black even among 7th level Fighter powers.
Utility: by the time the amount reduced becomes meaningful, the status effects are much more threatening. It also costs you the precious Immediate. It may not reach
black on any level.
Daily: This has character, mobility, control, flavor, perfect
blue for a strikery fighter. The power level I am aiming for.
What it should do
It seems to me based on the name and the Daily attack, that the Kensei intended to be a mobile, slightly monk-like striker. I will try to build it that way.
Features: Action Point: When you spend an action point to take an extra action, you also gain a +4 bonus to damage rolls with weapon attacks until the start of your next turn. (Reusing the original 16th level feature)
11: You gain +1 bonus to weapon attacks against targets granting combat advantage to you. (Now it requires some effort to get the bonus)
16: Whenever you shift, you can shift 1 additional square. (A nice epic feat, not too powerful)
Powers:
Distracting Strike Kensei Attack 11
|
| You harass the enemy when your allie is just about to miss |
Encounter  Martial, Weapon |
| Immediate Interrupt Melee Weapon |
| Trigger: An enemy within reach is missed by an ally |
| Target: The triggering enemy |
| Attack: Strength vs. AC |
Hit: 1[W]+Strength and the target grants combat advantage until
the end of its next turn. |
(Bit Leadery, but it helps you as well)
Frightening Prowess Kensei Utility 12
|
| Your attacks are your defense |
| Encounter Martial |
| Minor Action Personal |
Effect: Until the end of your next turn, if you have combat
advantage, your attacks gain the rattling keyword. |
Daily: unchanged
Question
My goal was to create a Kensei that is a bit weaker and a bit more flexible and interesting.
Did I succeed?
