Lightning Attack specifically rules out combining it with Dual Strike. I was wondering why this was so. Considering the considerable talent investment to get both, it doesn't strike me as that overpowered, especially since Lightning Attack doesn't rule out using it in combination with Two-Handed weapons, which tend to do almost as much damage as two-weapon fighting, if not more.

For example:

With Two Weapon Wielder (Melee), and Dual Strike with two chainswords, you make one WS test to deal 1d10 +2 + STR at pen 2 twice.

With Swift Attack and Lightning Attack and an Eviscerator, you can make three separate attacks each of which deals 2d10 + 3 +STR at pen 5.

The second option should yield far more damage on average, it seems, while if you were hypothetically to allow the TWF character to use Lightning Attack they would gain a couple more times their STR bonus at the cost of a bit of penetration. That hardly seems like a huge benefit in light of the high talent cost.

Anyone have thoughts?

One of the Paragon Talents in Ascension does allow you to combine Lightning Attack and dual strike.

I think it is fine as is. Having both talents gives a character options which they can bring to a combat situation.

Swift/Lightning attack allows you to strike a target multiple times or alternatively to strike multiple targets.

Dual strike allows two weapons to strike a target for more damage than they could achieve individually (the TB is only applied once) making it good for taking down tough opponents.

If you were to allow the two to be used together only one attack should be considered to benefit from the Dual Strike talent as the off-hand is only used once when swift/lightning attack is combined with TWF. Think what such a character would be dishing out if armed with a pair or power fists.

Oh, you're quite right, Khouri. I had forgotten that there is a one handed weapon that deals 2d10 + 2(STR).

Bilateralrope said:

This.

So in effect: "Yes, characters in the game can do that, but you are not yet that awesome. Patience, Grasshopper."

Before you can be Legolas you need to start off as "another elf with a bow" and work your way up.

Not to worry. Once you ascend you can casually kick the crap out of the Emperor's foes while dual wielding a butter knife and a coffee mug. At least against the mooks...

ZillaPrime said:

Slam Guard: You'll kill us... with a soup cup?
Richard B. Riddick: Tea, actually.
Slam Guard: What's that?
Richard B. Riddick: I'll kill you with my teacup.

- The Chronicles of Riddick (2004)

-=Brother Praetus=-