Is this a valid construct?

[Gary Ciaramella]

Shockwave Clap: Strength, AOE Cone (+1), only to strike (-1)

 

I figured a -1 for Only to Strike due to the fact that strength either allows you to lift or to strike, so that would eliminate half of its utility. What do you all think of this?

[Lupus]

As a GM, I wouldn't agree. Most of the utility of strength comes from its damage. At best, it's -1/2, like Hand Attack. On the other hand, it's a legal construct if your GM feels the limitation is a valid level. There's nothing that absolutely contradicts it in the rules.

 

On the other hand, you can buy the Cone AOE as a naked advantage on your strength. That should work out to the same cost.

[Ndreare]

I would allow -1/2 because STR and HTH Attack are so close that would also make it pretty cheep to purchase the power you want for a STR 60 character it is only 40 points.

 

As for utilaty of STR The two biggest uses players seem to get out of it is Stats, Damage and sence you already have the stats I would say damage is the primary thing here.

[Gary Ciaramella]

well the -1 vs. -1/2 question is a small thing, I mostly was looking for comments on if the power itself was a "good" power, as opposed to abusive. So far it seems like other than the adjustment in the limitation, that you both see little wrong with it.

*rubbing hands together like Mr. Burns* Excellent!

[Talon]

The problem is that "only to strike" is also partially a benefit; otherwise, the AOE would always be applicable, making it hard to pick stuff up or scratch your back.

 

I would require it to be bought as a Naked Advantage, and give -1/4 or -1/2 for Strike only.

[Zed-F]

I would not buy it as STR. I would buy it as a straight AOE Cone HA. That is, to my mind, the most natural way to buy that within the existing rules system.

[Lightray]

For the limitation, compare the recommended limitations under Stretching in FREd.

 

Only To Cause Damage = -1/2.

 

Naked Advantage is a good suggestion, but you should also think ahead to what STR maneuvers could be used with this -- can the character AoE Move By? AoE Move Through? AoE Haymaker?

 

And make note of any Martial Arts maneuvers the character may have. Naked Advantage on STR can be tricky; I've remade one of our group's characters several times (Dragon Lady has Armor Piercing naked advantage on STR), as some of these things have come up in play.