5
\$\begingroup\$

I have a scenario that occurred in our recent game. The Cleric used the 17th level encounter power Enthrall which states on hit:

Until the end of your next turn, the target is immobilized and cannot attack you.

The Cleric then moved into close quarters to effectively stop the creature from making burst attacks affecting other party members.

On the next turn the party rogue dealt a killing blow which is where the issue occurs.

As a free action when reduced to zero hp the creature makes a close burst 20 attack.

So, has the Cleric made a tactical masterstroke stopping the creatures "death throes attack"? The Enthrall effect only lasts a turn so arguably it's good fortune for the group. However, is it a little overpowered to stop an effect from the death of an enemy?

Improve this question
\$\endgroup\$
1
  • \$\begingroup\$ It would help to see the exact text of the death throes power. I'm assuming it targeted all enemies or creatures in the burst, but the correct answer depends on exactly what it says. \$\endgroup\$
    – Glazius
    Nov 7, 2018 at 19:24

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
7
\$\begingroup\$

Overpowered or not, it was stopped correctly.

Choosing Targets, PHB 272

Many powers allow you to target multiple enemies. Each of these enemies must be an eligible target.

Using its death rattle power would require the creature to attack the cleric, but it cannot attack the cleric, so it cannot use the power.

Improve this answer
\$\endgroup\$
3
\$\begingroup\$

It is probably not prevented.

It may depend on the monster, but the text of the monster/ability will state what the target is. For example, infernal wrath:

Infernal Wrath

Close burst 10
Trigger: An enemy within 10 squares of you hits you
Target: The triggering enemy in burst
Effect: The target takes 1d6 + Intelligence or Charisma modifier fire damage.

In the above instance the target is the enemy that triggered the burst. In your case, the rogue is likely the one that triggered it. Therefore, if the power is as above, the rogue would be the target, not the cleric, which is valid It would also mean it's possible for the cleric to be included in the blast, even though it isn't the target.

If the wording of the close burst is that it targets all enemies, and the cleric is included in that list, then it cannot activate.

Improve this answer
\$\endgroup\$
2
  • \$\begingroup\$ Are there burst powers that do not have a specific target? It could be useful to have a comparison between the two. So as to highlight the difference in the way the abilities work. \$\endgroup\$
    – 3C273
    Nov 7, 2018 at 12:50
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ I can't find a definitive list but you can see many of them here goo.gl/zs4S88 \$\endgroup\$
    – NibblyPig
    Nov 7, 2018 at 16:03

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .