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Please see above.

I'd like to make a Rogue encounter power akin to "One Two Punch" but for ranged attacks. This will be for those Two Fisted shooters and thrown weapons savants. Basically I made this this and I'd like some feed back on it.

Double Tap or Twin Knock: Rogue Attack (1 or maybe 3)
Those unaware will soon get the point.
Encounter: Martial, Weapon
Standard Action, Ranged Weapon
Requirements: ranged weapons
Target: 1 or 2 creature with range
Attack: Dex vs AC
Hit: 1[W] in damage. If both targets are hit apply Sneak Attack damage to each target instead of just one.
Special: if user has the Backstab Utility, than extra damage is applied to both targets as well.

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4  
No, there are no guidelines for making custom powers. And I think you're still confused about the types of rogues; thieves get backstab, scoundrels get encounter powers, and never the twain shall meet. – Oblivious Sage Apr 29 at 20:57
2  
Yes, it's a rogue utility, but it doesn't have a level. At level 2 you can only take a "Rogue Utility 2" power, not any "Rogue Utility" power. Since it doesn't have a level, it is never an option when selecting level 2/6/10/16/22 utility powers. If your DM wants to allow it that's his call, but he should understand that it's 1) not supported by the rules, and 2) way more awesome than any other level 2 rogue utility. It's meant to be for thieves only; it says utility only because the system is designed such that every power is either a utility power or an attack power. – Oblivious Sage Apr 29 at 22:58
Note that Backstab is strictly better than Sneak in the Attack, which is already considered one of the best level 2 rogue utilities, if not the best. – Oblivious Sage Apr 29 at 23:08
@ObliviousSage there is a feat that allows for a rogue to swap a regular encounter power slot for backstab. – wax eagle Apr 30 at 0:11
Powers without level are class features. See: community.wizards.com/go/thread/view/75882/26090581/… and page 57 of HotFL – Brian Ballsun-Stanton♦ Apr 30 at 2:01

2 Answers

up vote 2 down vote

There are no rules for creating homebrew powers. However, what your proposing, though niche isn't bad for an encounter power.

  1. The comparable power one-two punch makes this an equivalent power, you just don't get the light blade support. The only thing I can see here is the potential abuse of crossbow support, but that's only a factor in heroic (it's equaled by two weapon support in paragon and beyond). One-two punch is a fairly weak encounter for a rogue at L1. It's graded out at black by the char-op folks.

  2. Thieves don't get at-wills (unless they are human) and Scoundrel rogues don't get Backstab (unless they take the feat Thief's backstab which swaps an encounter power for it). That makes this power incredibly niche, but that's fine for you if you're building it just for your purposes.

Counter to my previous thoughts, this is not overpowered, if it's anything it's under powered. Typically rogue encounter powers are about two things. Big single target damage and inflicting debilitating status effects that cause the target to grant combat advantage. This does neither of these things so it really doesn't fit the typical rogue ideal, but if it fits your theme, go for it.

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up vote 2 down vote

No, there are no guidelines to create custom powers.

However, there is a way to achieve the flavor of your power using RAW as early as Rogue level 9, against a single target at least. I'm sure there are other combos but this is the one I'm familiar with.

  • The level 9 Rogue daily power Knockout knocks a creature unconscious (save ends) or until it takes damage.
  • The heroic tier feat Two-Fisted Shooter allows you to make a free attack with your offhand crossbow on a crit.
  • Either Slaying Action (heroic tier feat) or the Sniper Action feature of the Cloaked Sniper paragon path allow you to deal sneak attack damage again on an action point.

Now with a melee weapon in the mainhand and a hand crossbow in the offhand, do this:

  1. Attack with knockout, dealing sneak attack damage (you do have CA, right?)
  2. Action point to coup de grace the sleeping target with a power of your choice (dealing sneak attack damage again).
  3. Your hit turns into a crit automatically, and you get a second attack with your offhand hand crossbow.

And there you have it, the RAW one-two punch or double-tap.

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Good answer, and good to see you around the site again :-) – C. Ross♦ Apr 30 at 12:39
@C.Ross I'm always lurking, occasionally answering :) – dpatchery Apr 30 at 13:57
Nice! I really like that combo. However, does "Knockout" take size to account. I mean can you really shot a big bad like a dragon with that combo. – Jhyarelle Silver Apr 30 at 16:12
It can work on any target unless it's immune to being knocked unconscious. It's not all that powerful, though. You're not going to kill an appropriate level solo in one round. As a reasonably-well-optimized striker, my experience is that this combo might deal a maximum of 30% of the total hp of a same-level solo. It's strong, but it's also expensive - it costs you a daily power and an action point. – dpatchery Apr 30 at 17:00

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