Power Attack

[danfitchie]

Im just wondering when people actually use this feat im just not sure when to and when not to use it, i know the manual and tips say to use it only on weak or unarmoured foes. But how do you decided or know whether your foe is weak or lightly armoured etc. Im on chapter 1 at the mo and know to use it on goblins for instance but not whether to use it on worg riders or bugbears or harpies etc. any tips?

[mr_sir]

The reason you should use it on weak or unarmoured targets is due to the penalty on attack rolls, so the higher your attack rolls the stronger the enemies you can use it on (i.e. as you advance in level). I use the basic rule of thumb is that if I notice I am able to hit an enemy race quite often then I will switch to power attack when fighting that race from now on. If I miss an enemy a lot then basically I don't even try power attack.

Saying that, the most useful thing about power attack in my view is to gain access to the cleave feat

[AvatarOfLight]

It's also great for those enemies who have several points of damage reduction, which you can't ignore with your current weapon enhancement. This goes for some doors and chests as well. Not just talking IWD 2 there, but D&D in general.

[Aerich]

There are some weak foes that IMO you should not attack while using the feat. Goblins are so weak that you're better off making sure you hit, since any hit with a character strong enough to access the feat is most likely going to kill them anyway.

I use the feat most often on helpless enemies, e.g. orcs that have been hit with a Sleep spell or Hold Person, or something tougher that you've stunned with a Chromatic Orb etc. The problem with using the feat in general combat is that while an experienced warrior character is extremely likely to hit on their first attack, subsequent attacks may miss where they otherwise wouldn't because of the attack penalty.

[Crucis]

The one great time to use Power Attack is against stunned/held/paralyzed foes who cannot fight back.

[Klorox]

Eventually, you hit a high enough level where you can just keep it on and you'll be okay.

Barbarians usually have a lot of HP, but a bad AC. They're good targets.

[danfitchie]

thanks for the info appreciate it